Details

• Netherlands
• MABizComm-22
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 6 months

1. Preparation

To prepare for my exchange semester at Tilburg University, I took several steps to ensure a smooth transition and make the most of the experience. My first point of contact was the factsheets provided by WU Wien, which gave me a solid overview of what to expect. In addition, I visited Tilburg University’s official website to explore the academic offerings relevant to my Master’s program in Business Communication. To browse the available courses, I used Tilburg’s online course registration system, Osiris, which allowed me to plan my course selection in advance and confirm that the program aligned with my academic goals. Beyond academics, I also looked into the general environment and lifestyle Tilburg had to offer, including clubs, activities, and student life, to get a sense of whether the university would be a good personal fit. On the practical side, I looked into the administrative requirements for the exchange. As an EU citizen, I did not need a visa, but I made sure to check whether any additional steps were needed, such as arranging health insurance coverage abroad. I also started searching for accommodation early, as finding housing in a new city can be time-consuming and competitive. Finally, I reached out to people in my personal network who had connections to former Tilburg students, which turned out to be a valuable source of firsthand tips and recommendations.

2. Accommodation

Finding accommodation was a relatively quick process for me, largely thanks to a personal recommendation I received beforehand. I ended up living in a private housing complex that also catered specifically to students, which made for a comfortable and social living environment. The location was ideal: the building was only about a 15-minute walk from Tilburg University, or roughly 5 minutes by bike. In terms of safety, the building had a well-designed security system with multiple access layers. Residents needed a key card to enter the main building, another key card to access their specific floor or section, and a physical key to enter their individual apartment. This made the building feel very secure. One thing I would have liked to know beforehand is that there were other private student housing options in Tilburg that were more affordable while offering essentially the same standard of living. If I were to do it again, I would recommend researching multiple private housing providers before committing, as prices can vary significantly for comparable accommodations

3. Academic life at host university

At first, adjusting to the academic environment at Tilburg University took a little getting used to. The campus is quite large, somewhat similar to WU Wien, but with a distinct layout: each discipline has its own dedicated building, for example a separate building for Sciences, a Law School, and so on. Despite the size, everything is arranged closely together, giving it the feel of a true, self-contained campus, which made navigation straightforward once I found my bearings. The academic culture was open and welcoming overall. Communication with professors was easy and responsive, with most being reachable by email quite quickly. That said, a high degree of independent work was expected. Students were required to be proactive and self-sufficient, and in some courses, a solid understanding of empirical research methods was assumed rather than taught from scratch. Teaching styles varied noticeably from professor to professor. Some were very approachable and started from the basics, making sure everyone was on the same page. Others assumed a certain level of prior knowledge and moved at a faster pace accordingly. In terms of grading, Tilburg is noticeably stricter than WU Wien, at least compared to the Business Communication Master’s program. Achieving the highest grade was genuinely difficult. The assessment structure also differed significantly, with both midterm and final exams, which created a higher level of continuous pressure throughout the semester compared to what I was used to.

5. Every day life in the host country

Getting around Tilburg and the Netherlands in general was very convenient. The train network was excellent, making cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Maastricht, and Utrecht all easily and quickly reachable from Tilburg. Buses were also available, though I personally did not use them, partly because without a public transportation pass the costs can add up quickly. The most popular and practical way to get around locally was by bike, which is very much in line with Dutch culture. Almost everyone cycled, and you could reach virtually any destination in and around the city on two wheels. It was by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to navigate daily life. In terms of safety, Tilburg felt very secure, even in the evenings and as a woman travelling alone. That said, as with any city, it is still worth staying aware of your surroundings, especially when travelling back from other cities by train late at night, though those experiences were generally pleasant as well. As for the city itself, Tilburg is relatively small with a compact city centre. There were occasional events, but the range of activities was naturally more limited compared to a larger city. Where it made up for this was in sports and outdoor options. The university has a large sports centre that is quite affordable, and there are also plenty of gyms around the city. Tilburg even has a forest nearby, making it easy to go for walks or runs. The weather during my stay was also agreeable, which made getting outside and staying active all the more enjoyable.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at Tilburg University was a truly rewarding experience. What stands out most about the city is the peaceful atmosphere and the nearby forest, which offered a welcome sense of calm and nature. The university campus itself was also a highlight, providing a very pleasant and focused environment for studying. On top of that, the ease of travelling to other Dutch cities whenever I wanted added an exciting dimension to everyday life. Overall, it was an experience I am genuinely glad to have had.