Erasmus Experience in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Timea

Why did you choose to go to Rotterdam, Netherlands?

It was based on random chance, but it's a wonderful outcome.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My scholarship is zirca 4 months and in total i received €1538 which is less than what is enough for a sustainable experience here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

Fast, loud and surprisingly welcoming, people have been wonderful all this time.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Rotterdam to other students?

Definitely, but only to ones who are truly motivated. There are plenty of distractions, and fun stuff to 'waste your time with' :)

What is the food like?

Very multicultural, which leads to an immersive experience altogether. 5/5

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rotterdam?

Yes it did, but in the end i had no use for the paying websites and i've been scammed once. I found my place via facebook.

How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

zirca 800-1200€ a month depending where you live. I'm renting for 570 a month in a huge apartment, but Kralingen is more expensive.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Dutch is a funky but fairly easy to understand language if you have prior english or german knowledge. Plus people are very nice and if you tell them you don't speak it, they try and communicate with you somehow else. And yes there are but I prefer to learn a language on my own.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Rotterdam from your city?

Depends. With a lot of luggage by car is 12 hours, with only a few things 4 hours including the trainride from Eindhoven Airport.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Rotterdam?

Anywhere in the city centre, you don't even have to go to a specific club, the nightlife on its own is really nice.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Rotterdam?

Nothing particular, try avoiding big ones, go for the small ones that are always full with locals.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Depends on your interests. Football fans would enjoy the stadium, those who like the fantasy of the piers the docks, but the museums are fantastic, and the Erasmus Bridge is a phenomenon on its own.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Rotterdam in the future?

Don't expect anything and just indulge in the feeling. Walk a lot, be open and take days on with a smile, even if you don't know anyone. This is your chance to be who you always wanted to be and have no constraints (other than the law and good taste) to be that. Make few strong connections rather than loads of weak ones and always have an umbrella with you. You can never be too sure.