Experience in Rotterdam, Netherlands by Lorrain

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

Rotterdam, the most versatile city of Holland. With Europe's biggest port Rotterdam, a stunning Market hall, loads of different cultures which cause a wide range of restaurants, the Oostzeedijk and Kralingen which is the student's natural habitat and the most down-to-earth people, Rotterdam is simply amazing!

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

Student life is great in Rotterdam! There are specific neighbourhoods where the students have become an integral part of the society. Rotterdam has a great public transportation system so it doesn't really matter where you'll be staying because you'll get to your destination. The bicycle is very famous in Holland, keep in mind that there are more bicycles than inhabitants so for visitors it can be a bit chaos. Kralingen, the most famous neighbourhood among students, isn't that far from the Erasmus University and therefore easily accessible by bike.

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How much does it cost to live in Rotterdam?

Most student rooms in Rotterdam will cost you between the 350 and 500 euro's a month. The most common way to live is to have a shared house with an private room (so you'll share the living room, kitchen and sometimes the bathroom but the bedroom is private).

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

finding a room in Rotterdam is not very difficult, there are a lot of websites that have a great offer. Some websites that may help you to find a room are:

www.kamernet.nl

www.stadswonen.nl

www.kamers.nl

or go to Facebook and search: 'huurwoning of kamer huren in rotterdam' or 'Kamers, studio's en appartementen in Rotterdam'

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

Rotterdam has a great multicultural society and thereby a wide range of different restaurants. From luxurious restaurants from international renowned chefs to simple small restaurants/snackbars.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rotterdam?

You should definitely visit the famous Market hall in the centre of the city. This extravagant architectural masterpiece is rewarded with several great prices. Also visit the famous Erasmus bridge and go to the train station (Rotterdam Centraal). Instead of taking the metro or tram, you can take the water cab. Go to the 'Oude Haven' if you want to have a nice drink.

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

Partying in Rotterdam is widely offered. From Monday till Sunday there are different options to have a nice drink or going out to dance. The 'Witte de withstraat' is street completely filled with bars and cafes and in the city centre there is a great diversity of clubs. The most clubs have specific theme nights (Latin, Urban, 80's & 90's).

What advice would you give future students heading to Rotterdam?

There is no necessity to learn the dutch language since Rotterdam is an international inspired city and the main part of the people speaks English.