Details

• Netherlands
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Before applying for your semester abroad make sure that you fulfill all requirements, especially regarding your English Language Proficiency Statement. Furthermore, be aware about the housing situation, this can be very stressful and be prepared for the cultural differences. Even though the cultures in Austria and the Netherlands seem quite similar, they are not and it was also difficult to adapt to them. Most importantly, be open for change and be willing to adapt a new culture.

2. Accommodation

The search for accommodation was quite difficult. At first I tried to get a spot at a student residence (I applied for all), but I did not get a place. Since I underestimated it and thought I would get a spot, I still had to search on the private market. It was very difficult (also because of the risk of fraud). But luckily I found a room to sublet from a girl who studies at Erasmus University and did an exchange semester at WU at the time. I got her contact through the Incoming Exchange office at Erasmus University, because they sent out emails from students who want to sublet their accommodation for this semester. The location of the accommodation I lived in was in the West, approximately 10 minutes away from Rotterdam Central Station and 35 minutes away from the Campus (by tram). It was a very multicultural area and I felt quite safe as a woman, also at night. I would really recommend to start searching for accommodation early (I started in May and had luck) and dont rely on the student residence. Always have a backup plan!

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure was quite good. Tram 1,11 and 7 (which all go from the West of Rotterdam to the East) and the metro where good to use as public transportation. The academic culture was similar to the one in Austria besides some differences. The greatest difference was the grading system, but you will adapt to it fast. The courses I had always existed of lectures taught by professors and tutorials, in which teaching Assistants (mostly students) did practical exercises with us to the discussed topics of the lectures.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public Transportation relatively expensive in The Netherlands / Rotterdam. Therefore, most people go by bike. I always had to pay around 2,5€ to get to university (one way) with tram. Furthermore, public transportation is divided into zones. A monthly ticket for one zone starts at 61€. I felt safe in Rotterdam, it felt like the city never sleeps and no matter at what time you go out (even on the weekdays) there are always people around. Regarding social/leisure activities, there are the options for instance to take part at the events hosted by ESN or other student organizations. The host really fun events where you can meet a lot of people and have always fun. There are a lot of gyms in the city (also one on the campus) and different student sport organizations, for instance for soccer or hockey.

6. Testimonial

I am very happy that I had the courage to do an exchange semester in Rotterdam. Even though I built a love and hate relationship with biking and the weather, I really enjoyed my time there. I am very thankful for the opportunity to travel around in The Netherlands, see my favorite artist in Amsterdam, meeting so many incredible people, creating friendship and to study at such a university.