My Exchange at Utrecht University
First Impressions
When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I was struck by how efficient the Dutch transportation system is as it was quite the opposite to Auckland. Arriving in Utrecht felt like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard. The city is filled with charming canals, cobbled streets, and bicycles everywhere. Utrecht has a unique energy, blending its rich history with a youthful vibrancy thanks to its student population.
Accommodation
I was not so lucky with my pursuit for accommodation. I learned during the University Welcome Week that over 23,000.00 students do not manage to secure accommodation in Utrecht each year.
The university doesn’t offer campus accommodation but they do have a student housing booking system provided through SSH, which is a private housing service in Utrecht. You have to be very quick in order to secure accommodation through this website however, and it is done in a similar way to booking popular festival tickets – the rooms book out within minutes and it is not cheap.
I signed up with many of the housing websites like Karmanet, however you have to pay a monthly membership fee and I didn’t receive any responses from any landlords. I contacted a “finder” but they were unable to help me because I was too late – I should have contacted them at least 2-3 months prior to my exchange, if not earlier. I also joined Facebook pages but the responses I got were clearly scammers.
I then joined the “Kiwis in Holland” Facebook page. This worked really well and it is how I managed to secure accommodation. This page seems to be well monitored and the people advertising and responding generally seem to be Kiwis in Holland that, in my experience, really want to help with any type of question. Unfortunately, however, my accommodation was in Ridderkerk, which is 1.5 – 2 hours from Utrecht by public transport. It was cheap but it meant I wasn’t able to get the full experience in living in beautiful Utrecht and making friends in that city.
Orientation at Utrecht University
The orientation week at Utrecht University was an invaluable experience. The university organized a series of events to help international students settle in, including campus tours, administrative sessions, and social activities. The orientation included an introduction to Dutch culture, practical advice on living in Utrecht, and helpful tips for navigating university systems, such as the online learning platform.
Courses and Teaching at Utrecht University
The courses I took at Utrecht University were highly engaging. I enrolled in law courses that of interest and were quite different to those offered at Auckland. The teaching style differed somewhat from what I was used to at the University of Auckland. Lectures were often supplemented with small group tutorials, encouraging discussion and collaboration. Professors were approachable and encouraged critical thinking, often asking us to compare legal systems from our home countries to those in Europe. What I liked the most was the diversity of perspectives in the classroom which meant a more diverse discussion in seminars.
Cost of Living Compared to Auckland
The cost of living in Utrecht was slightly higher than in Auckland, particularly when it came to housing and dining out. Rent for my accommodation was manageable as previously mentioned, but groceries and everyday expenses were more expensive than I had anticipated. The train is also pretty expensive so it pays to live centrally and bike everywhere.
Extracurricular Activities
One of the highlights of my exchange was the opportunity to explore the Netherlands. The brilliant train system allowed me to take day trips to other parts of the Netherlands. As I didn’t live in Utrecht, I didn’t sign up for any extracurricular activities through the University because of the travel time home, and the expense of it. I therefore joined social groups in Rotterdam using the app “meet-up” and other Facebook pages. I found this an easy way to make friends a little closer to home. However, the University offer many social, sporting and cultural clubs which you can sign up to during Welcome Week.
Highlights of My Exchange
The highlights of my exchange were the opportunity to travel, and the academic growth I experienced. Visiting places I had only ever seen in pictures, such as the canals of Amsterdam and the historic streets of Utrecht, Haarlem, Gouda and Delft, felt surreal. Academically, I gained valuable insights into European law that have enriched my understanding of international legal systems. I also gained insights from the other exchange students which helped to broaden my global perspective on many aspects of life.
Challenges of My Exchange
While the exchange was overwhelmingly positive, there were challenges. Adjusting to a living in a Country where English is not the first language was the first. Though, Dutch people are usually bilingual and very proud of being able to speak great English and are very happy to help. Being far from home also led to moments of homesickness, particularly as my birthday fell during the exchange. Additionally, navigating Dutch bureaucracy, such as setting up a bank account and registering with the city, was a little frustrating because it was quite slow.
Advice for Future Exchange Students
For students considering the 360 International exchange programme, my advice is to embrace every opportunity. Step outside your comfort zone, say yes to social events, and take time to explore your host city and beyond. Apply for accommodation early and stay in the city of your University if you go to the Netherlands and budget carefully.
In conclusion, my exchange at Utrecht University has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has broadened my horizons, strengthened my independence, and given me memories that will last a lifetime. For anyone considering an exchange programme, I cannot recommend it enough.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
The highlights of my exchange were the opportunity to travel, and the academic growth I experienced. Visiting places I had only ever seen in pictures, such as the canals of Amsterdam and the historic streets of Utrecht, Haarlem, Gouda and Delft, felt surreal. Academically, I gained valuable insights into European law that have enriched my understanding of international legal systems. I also gained insights from the other exchange students which helped to broaden my global perspective on many aspects of life.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Make use of the trains and look around. Hire a bike and stay in the city of your host university. Try the local foods and try to learn some Dutch.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
Apply for accommodation early and live centrally
Say yes to everything
Budget carefully
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I relied on the studylink student allowance and had around $15,000.00 saved. It was enough but I was lucky with cheap rent and I had to cook all of my own meals, and be sensible with money.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I gained new perspectives on people, societies, and life generally. I gained more independence and confidence by meeting new people and travelling alone. I saw beautiful places and met some wonderful people from all over the world. Comparison of another university and other students was also really helpful in terms of personal and academic development.
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
See the report above. I joined the “Kiwis in Holland” Facebook page. This worked really well and it is how I managed to secure accommodation. This page seems to be well monitored and the people advertising and responding generally seem to be Kiwis in Holland that, in my experience, really want to help with any type of question. Unfortunately, however, my accommodation was in Ridderkerk, which is 1.5 – 2 hours from Utrecht by public transport. It was cheap but it meant I wasn’t able to get the full experience in living in beautiful Utrecht and making friends in that city.
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
Apps: Google maps (best help), 9292 for trains, Bunq for banking, google translate and Chat GPT for specific questions about culture and language
Phone Plan: e-sim with Maya and Simyo