Moving to Amsterdam to start a new life can be very exciting; if you're planning on studying here, then it can be doubly so! However, it can be daunting trying to navigate things. Without some help, by the time you've figured it all out, it may already be time to leave. To help you out, we've put together some of the key things you should know and some ways to reduce costs so you can spend your Euros more wisely.
Student accommodation in Amsterdam
If your university offers you the chance for student accommodations, take it as soon as you can. Because there's such a significant shortage of housing in Amsterdam, any rooms offered by your university are highly valued. The housing situation is so bad that many students have to stay on campgrounds or push their studies back a semester, and universities are advising you not to enroll unless you've secured housing. So make sure this is the first thing you take care of when you get your acceptance letter.
Otherwise, you can try and find accommodation in houses or apartments in Amsterdam. However, this will be more expensive, even if you share a room. Plus, many landlords try and scam both expats and students, so never pay for anything until you've seen the property in person and signed a contract.
If you're having trouble finding housing in Amsterdam, try looking outside of the city, such as in Haarlem or Zaandam. It may be worth the commute if you can find decent accommodations.
Leisure in Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam offers a wide array of leisure activities that suit people of all walks of life. For instance, if you enjoy nature, you can go to the Amsterdamse Bos and cycle or walk on the trails or go boating or canoeing.
If you're more of a “chill” person, you can relax in the city's coffee shops or brown cafes. Even if you're not a fan of marijuana, you can still hang out with your friends in the coffee shops, so long as at least one person buys some of their “green” products out of courtesy. Many of these establishments serve great food and drinks, plus they have ambient atmospheres that have a calming effect, so they can be a frequent hangout spot for you and your buddies.
For the nerds and geeks, there are a few arcades in Amsterdam. TonTon Club has two locations within the ring (one called Club Puck with board games), and there's also Blast Galaxy in Amsterdam Noord. There are also some board game cafes where you can get together and play games like Dungeons & Dragons or Magic the Gathering.
Living costs for international students in Amsterdam
To be safe, you'll need around €1,000 to €2,000 a month to cover living costs in Amsterdam. You'll have to aim for the higher side if you don't have accommodation from your university. This should cover your rent, groceries, transportation, insurance, and leisure activities.
Want to cut down on expenses? One thing you can do is cook more of your own meals. There are grocery stores located all over Amsterdam, with some being cheaper than others (such as Lidl and Aldi).
You should also consider biking or walking everywhere if possible. Not only can you save money, but you can get some exercise in too. If you really need to use public transportation in Amsterdam, look into getting a student travel card. You can get free and discounted travel, depending on when you swipe your card.
Student discounts in Amsterdam
One of the amazing benefits you'll get with being an international student in Amsterdam is discounts to various places in not only the city but the whole country. In many storefronts, you'll see signs saying they give 10% student discounts (or more!). Be sure to go window shopping to take advantage of all these deals.
For those who love visiting museums, you'll be pleased to know you'll get a student discount at practically all the museums in the country. Some even give you free admission.
If you want to save even more, we suggest you sign up for the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This card gives you both online and offline discounts at various places and services, such as Lenovo, Spotify Premium, and the Fries Museum.
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