Adrián's Erasmus Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands

Why did you choose to go to Utrecht, Netherlands?

I chose Holland mainly because I'd heard great things about it, that it was a beautiful country where the people were open and friendly. I also wanted to go to a country where I could practice my English.

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How long was your scholarship for? How much money did you receive?

The Education programme lasted 5 months, I arrived 15 days before and left 10 days after so I could spend some time visiting other nearby countries. It wasn't a lot of money since I didn't receive last year's scholarship from Spain's Ministry of Education and Culture. However, the economic support from my parents undoubtedly opened a lot of doors for me.

How is the student life in Utrecht?

Utrecht is incredible, it's not crazy like Amsterdam (nor does it have that kind of mass tourism) but it terms of student life it's great. The city is always full, there's a great variety of clubs and pubs which are all quite close to each other.

Would you recommend Utrecht as a city and University to other students?

If I had to choose again, I would go back to Utrecht in a second. Everything about Holland is magical: the bikes, the canals, the people...

Amsterdam is a city that you need to experience. Even though it's a city of sin, the locals carry on with their lives with a surprising level of normality.

The Universiteit van Utrecht (not to be confused with Hogeschool van Utrecht), has a relaxation area that you have to visit. In general, both are impressive, modern universities.

How is the food?

I'm not going to lie, despite being a fan of fast food, in Holland I think they take it a bit too far. Lots of sandwiches, sausages, chips...

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Utrecht?

Initially, yes. I started off trying to look for a place myself until I gave in and paid SSH to organise it for me. They pretty much have a monopoly over all the accommodation in Utrecht. My student halls was Beneluxlaan, half way between the city and the universities (20-25 mins by bike to get to either one).

There was strong international/Erasmus vibe at the halls. I would recommend it 100%, you can have visitors and there some supermarkets which are close by.

What is the cost of living in Utrecht?

In general, it's expensive to live in Holland, and I'm afraid Utrecht is no exception. I paid €415 for a single room but I had classmates who shared and paid €325. Since bills are included, in the end it was worth it, my halls were never cold.

How did you get on with the language? Did you attend a course at the University?

The good thing about Holland is that everyone speaks English, even at the bakery. Since my classes were in English and I lived with other international students, Dutch wasn't necessary.

I spent about month and a half learning the basics of Dutch as part of my course, people say its close to German. A basic level was enough.

What's the most cost-effective way to get to Utrecht from your hometown?

I flew from Gran Canaria to Madrid and from there to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam I caught a train to Utrecht. I had no issues, everything is very well sign-posted.

If you want to visit Holland I would recommend buying a train pass for the year, you get a discount for you and two friends, total bargain.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Utrecht?

Tuesday is Erasmus night with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), and you go to the club “Poema” (known as “Puma”). On Thursdays people normally went to either Monza, Tivoli or Filemón.

On the weekends there's normally a bit more variety but, as I said, all the clubs are quite close to each other.

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What about eating out in Utrecht? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

Try the kebabs they have at "Snackbar El Greco" (Ganzenmarkt, 28), they're amazing. There's also another kebab place between the two universities which is really tasty.

The chips from Manneken Pis, they have loads of different sauces too.

And finally, Kapsalon (chips, beef, chicken and melted cheese). It's to the left of Monza.

What is there in terms of cultural places to visit?

The Dom Tower is a must-see, having a wander around the streets of this charming city is also recommended.

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Any advice for students going to Utrecht in the future?

As one of the best friends I made there said to me, “Adri, this is a once in a lifetime experience, make the most of every f*****g minute”

Enjoy yourself, meet new people, get to know the culture and the locals by joining a sport or activity they like to do, make the most of the fact you are in the centre of Europe to do some travelling (if you have the chance) and give it your all. =D