Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands by Vita

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

I love Utrecht. I was born here and lived here most of the time. I like the city because it is beautiful and big enough to be one of the four big cities of Holland, but on the other hand it is very cosy and it feels like a village sometimes. I always meet people I know from work or school or from parties, and that's the thing I like about this city. Apart from that I think the houses and the canals in the city are beautiful and every time I am in the centre I love looking around and to enjoy the beautiful view I have. Furthermore I like that they always have special small festivals or bars they make, especially at the Neude. So check it out!

What is the student lifestyle like in Utrecht?

I think the student lifestyle is nice, I think its cool that there are different clubs and bars for example, but they are also so close to each other what makes it possible to switch from one bar to another.

How much does it cost to live in Utrecht?

I think it really depends on what kind of room you have and where, but overall I think it's payable. Furthermore I think it also depends on what you are used to spending and if you're used to doing nice things that cost money, or just go with your friends to the park and take your own food with you for example.

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

I was always lucky in finding a room, but I think sometimes it can be difficult to find a good place that is not to expensive. I say just keep searching around and mouth-to-mouth contact and ideas to find a place are always very helpful!

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

I like Mexican food, couscous, hamburgers, pizza, actually a lot!

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What places would you recommend visiting in Utrecht?

Of course the Domtoren and the canals, but also cafe Olivier (it's a Belgian beer place and its beautiful inside), furthermore The Village, a coffee place with nice people who work there and good coffee, de Ganzenmarkt (square with nice shops and a lovely terrace to chill in the sun) en het Ledig Erf (a cool square not in the direct centre, with lovely restaurants/bars with a terrace and a cinema).

Is it good to eat out in Utrecht? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I think Utrecht has a lot of nice places to eat. We have a lot of hamburger restaurants like Meneer Smakers, a good Mexican restaurant called Popocatepetl and some nice small places like Gys and The Village.

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

As I said, I like it that Utrecht isn't that big and it has a lot of different spots to go to. Tivoli Vredenburg is a good one with nice parties that are (most of the time) not that expensive, especially for students the Thursday night called Pop-O-Matic is nice to go to. For students its free (for others 4 euros) and they play all kinds of songs to attract all different kinds of people. Furthermore I like the Nobelstraat with small bars next to each other, so that if you don't like the one you're in you can easily switch to the next one. Apart from that I like the Belgian beer-cafes Belgie and Olivier, to take a special Belgian beer for example before going out or just chill with friends.

What advice would you give future students headed to Utrecht?

Enjoy the city, walk around and visit all the small shops and areas, take coffees and other lunch breaks at different places instead of only staying at for example the Neude, that is in the middle of the centre (and boring). I like the small streets with small shops and look around also at the houses that are made, instead of only the shops that are in the buildings. And of course, enjoy Holland! It is also possible to go to Amsterdam just for a party, or another city. The trains are easy and they drive if you go to Amsterdam for example one time every hour, so to connect with other cities is nice as well!

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