Erasmus Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands by Dóri

Why did you choose to go to Utrecht, Netherlands?

I have heard that ICM studies in the Netherlands are really good.

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

My scholarship is 5 months long and I get €400/month. I have lactose intolerance and milk protein allergy so I also get €120/month to cover the lactose free products.

What is the student lifestyle like in Utrecht?

biking everywhere, cultural diversity in the student housing, awesome fishes in the marketplace, interesting takeaway foods, parties

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

Yes, I would.

What is the food like?

Good quality of groceries from Kanaalstraat and tasty fishes from the Centraal marketplace. Lactose free and gluten free product are awailable in a normal supermarket.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Utrecht?

Yes...

How much does it cost to live in Utrecht?

General cost of living or renting fee? A lot of money, Utrecht is pricey. The rental fee is usually from €360 up to €1000 or more, public transport (depends on where you live), but Amsterdam return train ticket cost €15, for instance, €200 for cooking, €5 entrance fee sometimes for a party (or its free) plus other cost to enjoy your staying. The prices here is like in Paris...

At the beginning to buy a second hand bike costs €50-€100, locker around €10-€35.

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

Dutch is not that hard in my case because I used to study German. Everyone speaks really good English so students can survive.
Yes, quite a lot of options what we have in the Uni.

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

There is 3 choices: jet, train, bus. If you buy your tickets in time it doesn't cost that much. If you run out of time I suggest Eurolines Bus which sadly takes 24 hours to get to Budapest but you can get used to it if you make friends during your journey.

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

I prefer salsa parties like on Tuesday Stairway to Heaven and on Thursday to Grandcafé Maria. But Tivoli is also nice. Stathe has good live musics twice a week and it says that Oude Pothuys is also a good option.

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

All you can eat pancake bar, asian wok, home made burger, sushi restaurant, Surinaame food place.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Dom Tower, Kasteel de Haar, Flower Marketplace, and Marketplace at the Centraal, and of course the Canals.

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

Brace yourself for biking in winter. And no fancy bikes at all!
Try the night canoeing on the Canal, amazing. Enjoy your staying as much as you can and pick up some Dutch.