Experience in Utrecht, Netherlands by Yorni

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

Utrecht is a city with a beautiful old city centre, which offers lots of opportunities for cultural and entertainment activities. The public transport is quite good, and while Utrecht lies in the heart of the Netherlands, other cities are easy to reach by train. To travel through the city, a bike is probably suits the most, as Utrecht is known as car-unfriendly. A large share of Utrecht inhabitants are students from the Hogeschool Utrecht or Utrecht University, which makes Utrecht a dynamic city. Living in Utrecht is quite comfortable, although it could be difficult and expensive to find a room.

What is the student lifestyle like in Utrecht?

Utrecht is a student city, so there are lots of opportunities to go out (try Tivoli at Thursday night) and restaurants often offer student menus for a good price (mostly on Tuesday). The University is spread out over the city centre and the Uithof (a campus at the skirt of the city).

How much does it cost to live in Utrecht?

Housing in Utrecht is quite expensive, as it may cost you about 300-400 euros per month to rent a room. The prices in supermarkets are slightly higher than average in Europe, but products like Dutch cheese (Gouda! ) are cheaper.

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

It is quite difficult to find accommodation in Utrecht, as there is a shortage of student rooms. Try to contact the local student housing corporation (SSH) as quickly as possible. They have rooms for a shorter period.

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

You can find any type of cuisine in the Netherlands, so don't worry that you have to eat Dutch cuisine for a long time. Dutch cuisine is a bit specific and potatoes are used a lot. You should definitely try 'stamppot'. There are different types of 'stamppot', and it is typically Dutch.

What places would you recommend visiting in Utrecht?

You definitely should visit the beautiful city centre, with its magnificent canal and the Dom tower (highest church tower in the Netherlands).

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

Eating out in Utrecht is quite good, cuisines from all over the world can be found. On Tuesday, lots of restaurants offer student meals for around 5-10 euros. I personally like the Florin (in the Nobelstraat close to Janskerkhof) and Mick O'connels (Irish pub with good meals, close to Janskerkhof).

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

Nightlife in Utrecht is okay, but you have to find the right spot. On Tuesday, the Poema (close to Vredenburg) is very popular. But the most popular spot is Tivoli at Thursday night. Both places are free if you show your student card.

What advice would you give future students heading to Utrecht?

Buy a bike to get around in Utrecht! Bike lanes are all over the city and it is easier to get to other places by bike than by bus or car.