Details

• Netherlands
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

The preparation for my exchange semester at Tilburg University went quite smoothly. Before the semester started, I made sure to organize all administrative requirements and familiarize myself with the academic system of the host university. Course selection was clear and well-structured, as Tilburg University provides detailed information about courses, schedules, and requirements. In addition, I strongly recommend attending the housing webinar organized by Tilburg University, as it provides important information about accommodation options and explains exactly when housing bookings open, which is crucial if you want to live in a student dormitory. I would also recommend participating in the TOP Week at the beginning of the semester. It is a very good opportunity to meet new people and connect with other international students. However, the experience can depend a lot on the group and the mentors you are assigned to. It is also important to note that TOP Week is more focused on social activities, parties, and going out, rather than cultural or academic aspects.

2. Accommodation

During my exchange semester, I lived in Verbs, a student dormitory managed by WonenBreburg. The rent was approximately €500 per month, which is quite affordable for the Netherlands. I lived on a floor shared with around 16 people, with a common kitchen, shared showers, and toilets. One of the biggest advantages of living in Verbs was the strong sense of community. We often organized international themed dinners, where students from different countries presented their national cuisines. We had Italian, Spanish, Singaporean, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and many other themed evenings. These dinners were not only a lot of fun, but also a great way to learn about different cultures and traditions. Living in such an international environment made it very easy to make friends from all over the world and truly experience the cultural diversity of student life in Tilburg.

3. Academic life at host university

Tilburg University is a highly international university with a strong academic reputation. All courses were taught in English, and both professors and students spoke excellent English, which made communication very easy for international students. The campus is modern and well-equipped, offering many study spaces, libraries, and facilities for students. At the beginning, it takes some time to get used to the campus layout, but after a few weeks it becomes very comfortable to navigate. In terms of academic difficulty, the level of courses is comparable to universities in Vienna. However, it can be challenging to achieve very high grades, as grades above 7–8 (equivalent to a 2 in the Austrian grading system) are not very common. In some courses, the failure rate can be quite high, which can be intimidating at first. For this reason, I strongly recommend staying consistent throughout the semester. While it is important to travel and spend time with new friends, it is not advisable to leave all studying until the last weeks before exams, as it can be very difficult to catch up in a short period of time. Attending lectures regularly and not ignoring course content is essential in order to successfully complete the semester.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Tilburg was very comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend renting a bicycle, as it makes getting around the city fast, cheap, and convenient. There are many rental options available; personally, I rented my bike from Swapfiets, which cost me €26 per month. Tilburg University also offers an excellent sports center, located only about 5 minutes from the university campus. The sports complex provides a wide range of facilities and classes, including yoga, pilates, powerlifting, tennis, and many different dance classes. It is very well organized and offers great opportunities to stay active during the semester. Thanks to the excellent train connections, traveling around the Netherlands is very easy. I especially recommend visiting Breda, a beautiful city located only 15 minutes from Tilburg by train, with many interesting places and a very pleasant atmosphere. Tilburg is also well connected to other Dutch cities, making weekend trips very accessible.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at Tilburg University was a very positive and exciting experience. I truly enjoyed the international environment, the high academic standards, and the convenient everyday life in the Netherlands. Living in a student dormitory helped me meet many people from different countries and become part of student life very quickly. I would highly recommend Tilburg University to future exchange students who are looking for an international university, a well-organized academic system, and an excellent quality of life. My main advice would be: use a bicycle as much as possible, stay active, and do not be afraid to meet new people, as these aspects make the exchange experience even more rewarding.