Experience in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Anja

What is it like to live in Rotterdam? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I would love to live in Rotterdam again and I would recommend it to everyone. Truth be told, most of my friends preferred other Dutch cities and thought Rotterdam is ''too cold, too business-y''. On the other hands, architects and students of architecture were amazed by Rotterdam. Reason is, Rotterdam was bombed and devastated in the WWII. Since then it has been completely rebuilt with a new modern look. Some call it the Dutch New York, but you be the judge.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

Now, I was an Erasmus MC student, which is on the completely other side of city from the University Campus. There might be some differences in the student lifestyle compared to other universities. For example, there was a cool bar in the University Campus called De Smitse, and it would have been awesome to go there for a beer after the lectures, which lot of students there actually do. It is also the cheapest place to buy beer in Rotterdam.

Another remark, is that Rotterdam is mainly 'electronic music' city. Since, I mostly listen to rock, metal and jazz, that excluded most places for me. My main spot for the weekend was the Irish Pub Paddy Murphy's. You can't go wrong with an Irish pub anywhere in the world.

How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

That is very subjective. There are big differences according to where you buy your groceries, do you eat out, how often do you go out and drink (or smoke), etc. I'd say you can get by with 850 euros per month minimally, but beware that it is very subjective. In any case, probably half of the expenditures will go on rent and utilities.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Rotterdam? Is there any advice you can give?

Nowadays it seems it is difficult to find accommodation anywhere. I was lucky to have found a room before coming to Rotterdam, but many people I know had difficulties.

My advice is start your search as early as possible.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

This is a difficult one, as I almost never eat out.

The only thing I can point out is my newly found love for Knoblauch sauce (garlic sauce). It is pretty cool how you can buy food with garlic sauce everywhere, and how nobody is restraining him or herself from it.

Also, there are a lot of sweets to buy. I loved the very cheap and very unhealthy cookies called Mergpijpjes. So delicious!

What places would you recommend visiting in Rotterdam?

Given that Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, just walk and explore the city. Check out the new Markthal, stroll on the Dakpark, walk over the Erasmusbrug, see the whole Rotterdam and maybe further from the Euromast,...

Is it good to eat out in Rotterdam? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I have only been to a few places and can't recommend places to eat out. Have your pick with one of many different Asian and Surinam restaurants.

Is the nightlife good in Rotterdam? Where is good to go?

Witte de With and Ment streets the the most famous ones for going out. I've already mentioned Paddy Murpy's as the place I've visited the most in one of the previous questions. My other go to places would be NRC Rotterdam, Rotown and Boudewijn for a quite night with quality beers.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rotterdam?

As I told a friends an hour ago who s living in Rotterdam and struggling with the exams, in your bad moments just tell yourself:''I am living in the Netherlands! I am living in Rotterdam!''

It always made me cheer up.

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