Details

• Netherlands
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Before coming to Utrecht University for my exchange semester, I spent quite a lot of time preparing. I watched many YouTube videos from other exchange students and international students to get a better idea of what to expect. These videos were very helpful because they gave practical tips about accommodation, transportation, the cost of living, and student life in the Netherlands. In addition, the Cross-Cultural Competence course at WU was very useful in preparing me for the exchange. During the course, we discussed cultural differences, communication styles, and ways to adapt to new environments. This helped me become more open-minded and better prepared to interact with people from different backgrounds. Dutch people are quite direct, but they are also friendly and easy-going. They know how to have a good time, and I really enjoyed the parties and social events. One of the most important things I did was prepare financially. I knew that the cost of living in the Netherlands is significantly higher than in Hungary, especially when it comes to housing, groceries, and daily expenses. Because of this, I worked a lot before my exchange semester and tried to save as much money as possible. I also knew that finding a part-time job in the Netherlands could be difficult, particularly as an exchange student staying only for one semester. Therefore, I planned my budget under the assumption that I would not have any income during my stay. This helped me avoid financial stress and allowed me to focus fully on my studies and on enjoying the exchange experience.

2. Accommodation

I found my accommodation through HousingAnywhere, which is a very popular platform for international students. I lived in a private accommodation rather than in a student residence. My room was in a safe neighborhood (in Zeist) with good public transport connections, and it took me about 20–30 minutes to get to Utrecht University. My biggest advice is to start looking for accommodation as early as possible, because the housing market in the Netherlands is very competitive. It is also worth checking SSH and other student housing providers, as well as Facebook and WhatsApp groups for exchange students. If you are sharing an apartment with others, it helps a lot to divide household tasks from the beginning. This avoids misunderstandings and makes living together much easier. If you stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, you may need a BSN number. This is necessary if you want to work and can also be useful for administrative purposes. Some landlords may initially hesitate to register you, so it is important to discuss this before signing the contract. The cost of living is relatively high, so it is helpful to know where to shop. Action is great for household items and basic supplies. For groceries, Jumbo, Lidl, and DekaMarkt are usually cheaper than Albert Heijn. Albert Heijn often has discounts, but you usually need the app to access them. Finding a part-time job can be difficult, especially as an exchange student, so it is best to save money in advance.

3. Academic life at host university

I really enjoyed the academic experience at Utrecht University. The teaching style was more interactive than at WU Vienna. We had more group projects, discussions, and presentations, and many of the topics were very interesting. One thing I noticed is that the university buildings are spread across the city, so classes often take place in different locations. This is different from WU, where most classes are held in one central campus area. I also liked that in some courses, several lecturers taught the class together. The seminars were especially enjoyable because they felt more like small-group sessions, which made the classes more dynamic and engaging. In my opinion, WU's online platforms are more user-friendly and easier to navigate. However, I preferred the teaching methods at Utrecht University. It is generally easier to pass courses at Utrecht University than at WU, but it is harder to get very high grades. The grading system goes from 1 to 10, and lecturers explained that grades of 9 or 10 are very rare because there is always room for improvement. An 8 is already considered a very strong result. The students were very relaxed and easy-going. Sometimes they seemed less formal than students at WU, so the atmosphere felt a bit more casual. Overall, I was very satisfied with the academic experience and would definitely recommend Utrecht University to other exchange students.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in the Netherlands was very enjoyable and easy to adapt to. Public transport is excellent and very reliable. I mainly used the NS app and Google Maps to plan my trips, which was more than enough. Since I studied in Utrecht, I also used buses and, most importantly, my bike. Cycling is a big part of daily life in the Netherlands, and almost everyone uses a bike regardless of the weather. I felt very safe throughout my stay, both in Utrecht and when traveling to other cities. The Netherlands is very well organized, and even when walking home late at night, I generally felt comfortable. There were many opportunities for social and leisure activities. ESN organized a lot of events, trips, and parties, which made it easy to meet other exchange students and make new friends. I also enjoyed exploring different Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Groningen, Maastricht, Alkmaar etc... One of the biggest advantages of studying in the Netherlands was its central location in Europe. During my exchange semester, I also had the opportunity to travel to several other countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, and Germany. This made the exchange experience even more exciting and memorable. The Netherlands offers many sports opportunities as well. Utrecht University has a large sports center called Olympos, where students can participate in a wide range of sports and fitness classes at affordable prices. The facilities are excellent, and there are options for both beginners and advanced athletes. One thing I especially liked was how lively student life was. There was always something to do, whether it was a party, a cultural event, a day trip, or simply meeting friends for drinks or fries.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Utrecht was one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing people from all over the world, improved my academic and intercultural skills, and had the opportunity to travel to many different countries. What made this experience special was the combination of personal growth, international friendships, and unforgettable memories.