My Erasmus Experience in Utrecht, The Netherlands. By Esther.

Why did you choose to go to Utrecht, the Netherlands?

I fancied staying in Europe as it is a relatively central point to be able to travel from. The fact that they have their classes in English also seemed great to me so that I would be able to practise my language a little more.

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

I have come for 6 months specifically, 5 for the grant and 1 to do an intensive Dutch course in August. I would recommend this course to anyone because you can explore the city, get to know other touristy places in Holland without the stress of classes and work, and finally, the most important thing is that you can meet lots of people.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Utrecht?

It's amazing! There are loads of students (I don't know the exact percentage but I think it is something like 52% of the total population of Utretch). It is also a very safe and beautiful city; it has lots of facilities at the university and there is a lot of atmosphere in the evenings.

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

The city, without a doubt! The university is also really good as well, but they tell you off a lot, so if what you're looking for is an academically-relaxed Erasmus placement where you can travel lots, maybe this is not the destination for you. What is certain is that there aren't many classes during the days of the week (for example, I only have Tuesday and Wednesday basically), so that leaves a lot of room for everything else. But as you just read before, it's not suitable for lazy people.

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What is the food like there?

It's not lacking in traditional food, as there are many Turks, Woks, etc. To try the typical food I would recommend:

Stroopwafels (they are very sweet biscuits that they warm up and they are put as a snack with a hot drink, although they are cold they are also good. You can buy them in the supermarket, it's not worth it to buy them handmade)

Pannenkoeken (they are pancakes for life, but there are loads of toppings. I recommend going to a restaurant even if it's only for one day, because the ones in the supermarket are absolutely nothing like them).

Bitterballen (they are like crumbled meat croquettes eaten with mustard)

Frikandel (they physically resemble flamenquín rolls, but they only have the meat and are battered)

Olliebollen (typical during Christmas, they are like big doughnuts and there are loads of styles: rum and raisins, only raisins, banana, etc. )

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Utrecht?

No, but only because I reserved it in April with the SSH. Don't dream that you'll arrive in Utrecht and find accommodation. You have to have visited it beforehand. I have several friends who came at the end of July for the Dutch course, and arrived on September 12 and found nothing so they had to settle for a room in Zeist, a small town near Utrecht but for going out clubbing and to the faculty it's very far. By June it's practically all booked up, and all that's left is the small amount that have been rejected by those who had already booked them. Several people in my class had to refuse the scholarship and come back because they didn't find accommodation, and I'm not saying that to scare you but to warn you instead. The sooner you book the better. You can search for individual places or you can search with SSH, but most individuals don't want internationals. You can still be lucky though!

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How much does it cost to live in Utrecht?

Rent is very expensive. If you can find a good room for €400 make sure you get it immediately! The majority of us pay €500 for an individual room with a bathroom and kitchen to share (with 2 or 4 other people). The food costs the same as in Spain, except for meat and fish which is a lot more expensive. This is if you buy it in the supermarket, going out to eat is a lot more expensive and drinking is the same. Having only a couple of pints of beer is at least €5. Then there are specials for up to €5 each, and refreshments range from €2. 20 to €3. 50.

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

It's nothing like Spanish, but here anyone who is younger than 65 can speak English perfectly. There's no problem trying to understand people. As I said, I'd recommend you to do the course, even if you are not going to study the language it helps a lot, both to get around the city better and to go on some trips that they do (some places are difficult to access with public transport) and of course to meet people. August is also a month when both in Amsterdam and in Utrecht there are many cultural activities, festivals and concerts that you will not want to miss.

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

Plane, without a doubt. Both to Schipol and Eindhoven. With the train you get to the center of the city in one moment. Don't forget to validate your ticket before getting on!

Where would you recommend for a night out in Utrecht?

Tuesday: Poema

Thursday: Tivoli

Chupitos is open several days and has, as its name indicates, super cool shots, although they are also very expensive.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays there are Jam sessions in 'tporthuis (or something like that) and every first Monday of the month there is an open-mic night at UCU. It's worth going to see how people sing, they have a high level. Then most of the parties will be in the residences, like in the kitchens of Cambridgelaan.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Utrecht has beautiful corners. It has several museums, the Rietveld house, the Dom tower, Oudegracht, Nieuwegracht (a canal surrounding the city centre that has beautiful parks and buildings and most people do not remember to show to visitors). I also recommend visiting the castle on the outskirts (Kasteel de Haar) an hour away by bicycle, or you can take a train to the village, and there a bus to the fence, then you have to walk around the gardens to get to the castle.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Utretcht in the future?

If you don't mind sharing a room with someone else I recommend that you get a room at Parnasos. It is very close to the centre but also close to Uithof if you have classes there. It has two floors (one for each person in the room) and is the cheapest thing on offer (300 something, I don't remember the price), plus it's very close walking distance to three different supermarkets (and the cheap ones). If you prefer not to share anything but the kitchen and bathroom, Cambridgelaan is next on the list in value for money. It's in the Uithof itself, with a supermarket for emergencies (it's a bit more expensive than the rest) and although it's a bit far away from the centre, it's where most people live so you won't have problems getting home if you get a flat tyre at four o'clock in the morning. A room can cost between 400 and 510 euros.

The rest of the places to live I'll put here with my criteria:

UCU/kriekenpitplein/campusplein (everything is in the same place): halfway between downtown and uithof, supermarkets not far away (but better to go by bike). There is a 24h library and many different types of housing are offered (prices vary, depending on what you want to spend). I've been living here and I wouldn't change it, but maybe I would have taken a cheaper room. I highly recommend it, and there's a bar where a lot of events are organised.

Pithagoraslaan: A little closer to uithof, outside the city. Not very expensive rooms but is in the middle of nowhere, you can live in Cambridgelaan for almost for the same price. You share a kitchen and bathroom with 12 or 14 people in total. Nearest supermarket in the center north zone (you have to go by bicycle)

IBB (Ina Boudier Baker something). Very well located in terms of supermarkets, distance to uithof and to the center. In addition, some classes are given there by the city centre faculties. I have no idea of the price so that's why I haven't put it in a higher position. If you can afford it, don't hesitate.

Europalaan: I don't know what the residences there are called, but I can assure you that they are very far from everything. If you don't mind spending about 40 minutes on your bike (that's if you go fast, I take longer) to go to uithof or downtown, it's your place. To give you an idea, it is next to the IKEA.

There are more places but I think I have commented on the ones that are best for you. I hope I have been helpful, even if it's only a little bit, and what I can tell you is that for my taste is the best city to go on your Erasmus placement to! But wherever you go, have a great time and be open to new experiences and meet lots of people! That is the key :)

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