Rotterdam, a dynamic city

How is life in Rotterdam? Would you recommend this city?

In Rotterdam, life is good. Young and dynamic, change there is perpetual. Modernity, cleanliness and safety are the describing words of this cosmopolitan city. In addition to that, it is massive, so lovers of the great outdoors will be delighted. You will never feel suffocated there!

If I had to find fault in Rotterdam, I would definitely talk about the weather. Being a southerner at heart, the temperature change was the most difficult thing for me. But with time, and a few extra jumpers, you get used to it.

I would thus recommend this city to students who need space and who want to discover what life is like in a big city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rotterdam?

Student life in Rotterdam is quite warm and lively. From your arrival, the many student societies are there to help you settle in. They organise multiple events to help encourage you to meet new people. During Freshers week, I, for example, took part in a boat party, a rooftop barbecue and a lake picnic. There were also lots of afternoon sports sessions organised in different parks in the city. We met with Erasmus students to play volleyball, football or even Frisbee.

The biggest partygoers will be just as pleased: big student nights out take place all year long. Always keep yourself up to date, using the multiple Facebook groups and pages which are made for this purpose. You will thus discover the different bars and clubs in the city, accompanied by overexcited students.

As foreigners, you will soon notice that it is easier to interact with other international students, rather than the local ones. Basically, the latter are quite closed-off and cold, as a result of their culture. But don't worry, this won't stop you from meeting some incredible people from all over the world!

Is life expensive in Rotterdam?

In Rotterdam, living costs are a bit higher than they are in France. This is definitely felt in terms of public transport, which is excessively expensive.

Within the city, the public transport network is very well organised. You can get around easily thanks to the metro, tram and bus. However, there are no subscriptions or reduced tariffs available for international students. These benefits are reserved exclusively for the Dutch. So, the only option that you have is to buy an "OV-chipkaart" (a magnetic card which allows you to check-in and check out) and to (very regularly... ) put money on it.

The cheapest way to get around the city is therefore by bike! There are different options: you can buy one, or rent one. When it comes to buying one, second-hand is the best option. I recommend that you use Facebook Marketplace. You will find all different kinds of bikes at lots of different price points. For rental, forget about the rental shops that you will come across in the city centre and go to Swapfiets! It is a fairly revolutionary concept, which offers new bikes at a student tariff of 12 euros per month! It is unbeatable, you won't find a better deal. In addition, if that weren't enough, Swapfiets will deliver your bike to you wherever you are and whenever you want! They also have exceptional customer service. If you come across a problem with your bike? Just report it via the app, phone or by email. Swapfiets will supply you with a new bike within the next 24 hours. If you are interested, reserve your bike before you arrive in the Netherlands. Demand is really high and lots of people are on waiting lists.

There is also a completely new form of transport: Felyx the e-scooter! More than 300 electric scooters are now in self-service in Rotterdam, since the beginning of October. They are able to use thanks to a mobile app. Create an account, and you can benefit from 30 minutes of free travel. After that, each minute will cost you 30 cents. You can find out more information on the Felyx.nl website. Don't miss out, these little green scooters will always come in handy!

As for food, the price is quite high, as in any big city. However, the price difference between certain companies is notable. Spar is the most expensive supermarket in the country. Thus, go for Albert Heijn, Coop, or Lidl.

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

The first thing to know is that the price of accommodation is high in Rotterdam. In addition to that, demand is high. Thus, for whatever kind of accommodation you are looking for, I advise that you start looking well in advance. There are several options available:

• Firstly, an independent apartment: You have the choice of renting an apartment from an individual, either through an agency or not. If you rent through an agency, be careful of the fees that each one charges. Certain ones (for example Ben Housing) will even ask you to pay an annual subscription to be able to visit their apartments... Don't fall into this kind of trap, there are other alternatives. I am specifically thinking of the websites Housing Anywhere and Pararius. You will find a wide range of prices. There is, however, a small negative. Most of the time, the landlords are looking for rental contracts which last for a minimum of 1 year. So, if you are planning on studying in Rotterdam for a semester, you will find it harder than students who are staying there for the entire year. But don't lose hope, it is still possible! I myself found accommodation for 6 months: a small apartment in the city-centre that I share with my boyfriend. To give you an idea of the kind of prices, we pay 600 euros each per month.

Then, room sharing: This is the main solution for being able to afford a bigger apartment, sometimes for a cheaper price! You can find your first roommates on the website Nestpick.

• Then, student accommodation: In rotterdam, a lot of buildings offer accommodation which is specifically designed for students. Most often, it is an (almost empty) room and a kitchen (to share). These appartments are the most sought after, so they get filled up very quickly. Their price is around 500 euros per month.

• Finally, the "Student Hotel": This is the easiest option, but it is also the most expensive one. The hotel offers lots of amenities. Amongst them, a gym, a laundry room, a bar/restaurant, workspaces, ping-pong tables, a cinema room... They also provide you with a bike! It will cost around 1000 euros per month, if you stay there for a semester. You can calculate the exact cost of your stay on their website.

How is the food? What are your favourite dishes?

In Rotterdam, like in any big city, the food is international. You can find everything! From Italian restaurants, to Lebanese, through to Chinese and Japanese... there is something there for everyone here. However, there are some specialities, that you will come across on practically every street corner:

• Chips are particularly popular in the Netherlands. The Dutch love them, and enjoy them with different sauces. Amongst them, there is the very popular Truffle Mayonnaise As the name implies, it is a simple truffle mayonnaise. Simple, but so effective that it will become your inseparable accompaniment to your chips! This is definitely not popular in France, I had never heard of it until I came to Rotterdam. So, if you like truffle, don't miss out on this sauce during your stay!

• For sweet lovers, I recommend that you try Poffertjes. Halfway between crepes, profiteroles and pancakes, this Dutch speciality can be eaten hot. It is usually accompanied with butter and sugar, but you can garnish them with whatever you fancy. They are ideal to eat when it is cold, as these sweet pastries will warm up both your body and your heart.

• Kapsalon which is a typical fast food dish in Rotterdam. It is a very hearty dish which is based on chips, which are then covered with kebab meat, on top of which there is cheese, salad, and tomatoes. All served with the sauce of your choice. You have to try it at least once!

• Finally, I will finish off with the famous "Stroopwafles". This literally means "waffle in syrup" in Dutch. And as their name suggests, these are two thin circular waffles, filled with caramel syrup. Most of the time, they are served "plain", but they can also be coated with chocolate and covered with various toppings. These Dutch delicacies are generally eaten cold, but are much better slightly warm.

Which places should you visit in Rotterdam?

Almost entirely destroyed by the bombings in the Second World War, Rotterdam is not overflowing with historical monuments. On the contrary, it is a modern city, with a very varied architecture. In my opinion, the must-visit places are:

• The Markhtal: This glass structure houses the largest covered market in the Netherlands. Inside, you will find specialities from all over the world. Many traders have stalls there: chocolate makers, cheese makers, ice cream shops, caterers, pork butchers, florists, and so on… You will also find cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants. If you look up, you will even see luxurious apartments! Whatever you are looking for, you will find your happiness 24/7 at the Markthal. Beware, however, of some quite expensive food stalls, where the quality isn't worth the price.

• The market: On Tuesdays and Saturdays, at the square next to the Markhtal, a large market takes place. This is the ideal place to go and buy fruit, vegetables, meats and fish, all ultra fresh. The prices are cheap, and the choice is great! You will also find clothes, bags, jewellery, and all kinds of gadgets.

• The “Cubic Houses”: A few steps from the Markthal are the famous cube houses of Rotterdam. Come and discover these buildings with their unusual architecture, an emblematic image of the city. One of them is also open to the public: the Show Cube Museum ("Kijk-Kubus" in Dutch). It is open everyday from 11 am to 5 pm, and the entry will cost you 3 euros.

• The Euromast: Work your way up to the top of the tower to enjoy a breathtaking 360 degrees view of Rotterdam. At 185 meters high, the panoramic view is fabulous. For the more adventurous of you, you can go down by abseiling, or by zip line, which is possible between May and October. The price of entry to the Euromast is 9.75 euros.

• Kralingse Bos:

  Rotterdam is a city that is full of parks. Kralingse Bos is one of my favourites, especially thanks to its small farm! You will find all the information you need to know about it in an article which is entirely dedicated to it, right here.

• The Delfshaven district: As I told you, Rotterdam was greatly damaged during the Second World War. Almost everything had been destroyed. Almost everything except for the Delfshaven neighborhood. Its small port, its windmill and its brick houses were spared. It is the ideal place to go back in time, go for a walk and to discover the Rotterdam of the past.

• The surrounding areas: Rotterdam is a city which has a great public transport network. In addition, it is ideally located for exploring the region. If you have the time, I advise you to go and explore the neighbouring cities. From Kinderdijk and its mills (which there is an article about linked ici), to Delft, going through Haye and Utrecht (here, without forgetting the famous Amsterdam… And as much as there is to do, why not go and explore Belgium? The company Flixbus offers some very attractive prices to visit dozens of destinations from Rotterdam. Be curious, and go and have a look at their website Flixbus. In short, there are loads of things to do!

And eating out in Rotterdam? What are your favourite sites?

In Rotterdam, you are spoiled for choice to satisfy your cravings, whatever they are. Whether you're a little peckish or absolutely starving, there is bound to be a place for you! Here are the ones that have impressed me so far:

• Frietboutique: It is the best place to try truffle mayonnaise, which I spoke to you about earlier. It is excellent. In addition to that, their homemade chips are to die for. You can find this little shop on the road Witte de Withstraat.

• Hamburg: Also situated on Witte de Withstraat, this restaurant exclusively serves burgers. They are made with fresh, local ingredients and Dutch meat; they are excellent. However, not being a hamburger lover, I was still won over by the one I ate here. So I'll encourage you to do the same, you will not be disappointed!

• Fenix Food Factory: In a former industrial building, on the other side of the river, hides a pretty covered market. You will find many different kinds of stalls there, and all kinds of food. Meats, through to Moroccan specialities, up to cheese... There's something for everyone! Without forgetting the brewery which offers countless types of beers. The atmosphere inside this place is also very pleasant and warm. You can sit inside, or outside to admire the view of the river and the skyscrapers. Don't hesitate and come and try the delights that this market offers!

• Meatcave: If you are a meat lover, the restaurant Meatcave is the best place for a romantic dinner. The concept of this restaurant is as follows: The chef cooks whatever he wants. You only choose how many dishes that you want to eat. A good options for those who can never make up their minds!

What is the nightlife like in Rotterdam? Do you have any recommendations?

Rotterdam is a very lively city, by day and night. Night owls will love it. Here is a small, non-exhaustive list of all the places I recommend:

• For a drink while enjoying a nice view: The "Suicide Club". Located on the 8th floor, next to Rotterdam Centraal, the terrace of this bar offers a nice panoramic view of the city. The prices are quite expensive though. Don't spend the whole evening there.

• To be spoiled for choice: the Witte de Withstraat is a must-visit location. This street is, without a doubt, the liveliest and busiest one in the city. There are bars and restaurants one after another, forming a warm and trendy atmosphere. My favorite places to have a drink are: the King Kong for its cozy decor, the "De With" bar for its warm heaters, the ZZ for the great prices, and finally the "De Witte Aap" for the atmosphere, and its dance floor!

• For dancing until dawn: the VIP Room. A nice and trendy nightclub, where they mainly play hip hop or RnB. Every Tuesday evening they have a student night, where the entry is free. However, be careful once you are inside as the prices are not student-friendly.

What advice would you give to students heading to Rotterdam?

If I were to give some advice to future newcomers, I would give the following:

The practical side: Start looking for accommodation at least 6 months before your arrival. Don't wait until the last minute. If you have the choice, choose a base which is close to the city centre.

Once you are there: Get hold of a bike quickly, it is the best way to get around! Always take cash with you when you go out. Most shops, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants do not accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Sometimes, the only way that you can pay is by using cash.

In summary: Go out as much as you can to discover the city and explore its surroundings. Be open-minded, go over to others, you will meet some wonderful people. Speak English as much as you can, never miss an opportunity to improve your capabilities. And finally, have fun and make the most of this unique experience. Create memories you will never forget.