Details

• Netherlands
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

The easiest way to get to Maastricht is by flying to either Cologne or Brussels. Since Maastricht is located roughly halfway between the two cities, it doesn't really matter which airport you choose. I'd simply recommend booking whichever flight is cheaper. Alternatively, taking the night train to Brussels is also a good option.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation through a friend who knew someone in Maastricht, so I'd definitely recommend trying to find a place through personal contacts if possible. If you don't know anyone there, student housing is also a decent option. Since Maastricht is a rather small city almost every place is within cycling distance but I would recommend to look for something close to the city center so it's easier to get home at night. I wouldn't know that there are any unsafe neighborhoods in Maastricht. Since the housing market in the Netherlands is quite competitive and chaotic, I would strongly suggest starting your search as early as possible. It will make the whole process much less stressful.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life in Maastricht is excellent. The university has a strong reputation, and all the professors I had were supportive and engaged. Since Maastricht University uses the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system, the teaching style is quite different from WU. Tutorials are held in small groups of up to 15 students, and active participation and discussion are a key part of the learning experience. Personally, I really enjoyed this teaching approach, although whether you like it will depend on your learning style and personality. The overall workload is comparable to WU's, perhaps slightly higher. I was part of the SPARK pilot programme, so my courses were quite different from those taken by most other exchange students. If you have the opportunity to be selected for SPARK as well, I would highly recommend taking it. It was a really unique experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

Maastricht is a small and very bike-friendly city, so I would recommend renting a bike as soon as possible (e.g. through Swapfiets). It is by far the easiest way to get around, as most places are within a short cycling distance. Public transport is available, but in everyday life the bicycle is usually the most practical option. The city feels very safe, also in the evenings, and I personally never had any concerns. The social life is quite active. ESN regularly organizes events, parties, and trips, which makes it very easy to meet other international students. For sports, Maastricht University offers a wide range of options through UM SPORTS. With a membership (around €15 per month), you can access various classes and facilities such as fitness, yoga, and team sports.

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Maastricht was an incredibly experience. The small but at the same time very international environment in Maastricht made the Uni and everyday life very enjoyable. Especially the SPARK Pilot was a very nice and new way to experience uni.