Erasmus Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands by Jake

Why did you choose to go to Utrecht, Netherlands?

The UMCU is an evidenced based type of hospital and one that was suggested to me to best suit my learning style, outgoing and always striving to find out more

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

I am here for 2 months and I am receiving 700 per month. However the funds are were given 80% before going up and the remainder at the end of the internship with also some travlling money

What is the student lifestyle like in Utrecht?

Be it that I was not in the University but at the Hospital I can't really say

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

From my experience I would highly recommend it to students in the medical profession like doctors and physiotherapist

What is the food like?

The food is really, however a bit more expensive than Amsterdam

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Utrecht?

That is one of the major issues. Be it that I spent 2 months, the university did not supply an accomodation. A minnimum of 5 months is recquired for the university to do so. Unfortunately, most websites don't answer back. Ended up finding a place whom I am sharing with another Maltese student doing the internship with me but it is not cheap, however well equiped and only 10 min by bike to the centre

How much does it cost to live in Utrecht?

Supermarkets like Lidl are close by and that is the cheapest. Going out gets pricier however there are some must go cheap places which in my opinion are excelent

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

Language is not easy but somethings you pick up easily. The University did provide a course however found it anoying and immediately very difficult so ended up not doing it. A lot of people speek good english here so you need not worry

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

Definately by bike

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

Friet winkle is a very good chips place that must be visited. Other than that, just get lost in the city's beauty and cerenity during the night are there are more than enough bars like beers and barrels and cafe oliver to meet anyone's taste. Tripadvisor is your friend in this department

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

The above mentioned places are excelent. Tripadvisor can give very good suggestions

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You must visit the canal ride and the Dom tower

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

It is a great city and a great place to visit. I too was not feeling that confident about it at first but as soon as you settle in, everything falls into place