Experience in Zwolle, Netherlands by Simon

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

I like living in Zwolle. I've always lived here and it's my home. It is a really nice city but not too big. There are 125. 000 people living here, but when you live in Zwolle it feels spacious. Zwolle is a city with a lot of families. The rest are most students.

I would recommend Zwolle because it is a city, but everything you need is close by. I cycle a lot (that's normal in Zwolle) and in 15 minutes I can reach every edge of the city from the centre.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Zwolle?

Zwolle has three big schools. I think there are 25. 000-30. 000 students studying in Zwolle. The problem is that they don't live all in Zwolle, that's around 10. 000. The other students come from surroundings.

The lifestyle of students is relaxed. College schedule is from around 09:00-14:30. So in the afternoon you are free and then you are doing your homework. Normally, when you do this you're free in the evenings. And the you have time to party...

How much does it cost to live in Zwolle?

A student room in the city is about €300-350. For international students they rent other buildings, I don't know the cost of that. The cost of nightlife depends on the amount you drink. Beer is about €2, - and during Happy Hour it is €1, -. Cost for grocery is around €150-175.

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

If you are an international student you have to contact the school: it probably has an accommodation for you. When you have to search for yourself, it becomes more difficult.

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

Of course I like the food. Actually we eat all kinds of European meals: spaghetti, rice, potatoes and oven dishes. You can eat whatever you want. The big shops will have it.

What places would you recommend visiting in Zwolle?

If you like football, I would go to a match of PEC Zwolle which is around €20. The tower in the center; 'de Peperbus' around €2. There are different parks, beloved by students. I would relax in parks if you have the chance. Also the center of Zwolle is nice, there are a lot of very old buildings left, including a piece of the city wall and the gate.

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

For the size of Zwolle there are a lot of places to eat outdoor. The people from Zwolle like eating outdoor, therefore are streets in the center filled with restaurants. You can choose your own price range, starting around €6. If you like eating culinary, Zwolle is a good place.

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

Unfortunately, Zwolle has only 6 student cafes, all the other nightlife places are pubs. When you like dancing or something like that, you do not have very much choice.

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I like going to 'Het vliegende paard' this is only for students, the music is good and it's open until 05:00 at weekends and until 03:30 on weekdays.

What advice would you give to future students heading to Zwolle?

Live in the city, explore it and join the Dutch habits. Enjoy living in the most beautiful city of The Netherlands; )

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