Details

• Netherlands
• MAMark-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Be sure about where you want to go, don't just put destinations to fill the list

2. Accommodation

I was in a student housing. Apply for the housing lottery! Finding something privately is very hard and much more expensive. Within the housing lottery application I entered for the second to last budget option, which got me a nice studio apartment with LievenDeKey.

3. Academic life at host university

Teaching style is similar to WU with assignments during the semester and exams at the end of the period. One semester is divided into 3 periods they recommend to do a maximum of 3 courses in a period, which I agree with. Grades are stricter the system is 0-10 with 10 being the best. Do not expect to get a 10 it's not possible. Campus infrastructure is comparable to WU, mostly very modern.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public Transport is great but expensive. I recommend getting the GVB discount option, you pay 15€ a month then one travel is about 50 cent compared to regular 2€. Definitely also get a bike from swapfiets. I felt save even at night no need to worry about that. Social life is very good sign up for the welcome/intraweek activities thats where you will meet the most people. Do not expect to meet many dutch people you probably won't. For sports sign up for classpass or get a subscription with the USC gym from the university. There are lots of cute cafés/bars/restaurants. Check out De pijp.

6. Testimonial

Overall great experience, I definitely recommend Amsterdam overall.