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Useful Information

For Incoming Exchange Students to USE

Contents

1. , the 2

2. campuses 2

2.1 University Canteen 2

3. Travelling within and to Utrecht 3 3.1 How to get to Utrecht from Schiphol 3 airport 3.2 Travelling within Utrecht 3

4. Things to consider before arrival 5

4.1 Accommodation 5 4.2 Visa, residence permit and city 6 registration

5. Academic matters 8

5.1 USE e-mail 8 5.2 Library 8 5.3 Bookstore 8 5.4 classes 8 5.5 Rosetta Stone 9 5.6 Questions? 9

6. Money matters 9

6.1 Costs of living 9 6.2 Insurance 10

7. Life in Utrecht 11

7.1 Sports 11 7.2 Culture 12 7.3 Erasmus Student Network (ESN) 12 7.4 Study Association ECU’92 13 7.5 Grocery Shopping 13 7.6 Restaurants, Bars and Night Life 14 7.7 Holidays 15 7.8 Health and Safety 17

8. Map of Utrecht 19

9. Useful links 20

1 1. Utrecht, the Netherlands

Official name: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, also known as : Form of government: Constitutional monarchy : Surface area: 41,500 km2, of which 33,800 km2 is land; 26% of the land is below sea level. Currency: (€) Population: 16.3 million (485 people per km2 of land) Languages: Dutch and Frisian Religion: Originally Protestantism (21%) and Catholicism (30%); Islam is gaining popularity (6%), particularly due to immigration.

Utrecht University is situated in the city Utrecht. Utrecht is a lively city in the geographical centre of the Netherlands. It is not only an important junction where traffic, trade, distribution and services meet and mingle, but also a true knowledge centre: apart from Utrecht University it important research institutes and several other institutes of higher education.

With its 300,000 inhabitants, Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and with no less than 50,000 of the inhabitants being students, Utrecht is a real student city.

2. Utrecht University campuses

The university itself is located in many different places around the city. The most important places for Economics students are the main university campus called De Uithof, the University College (UCU) campus and the Janskerkhof area in the city centre.

De Uithof is just outside the city and can easily be reached by or bicycle. UCU is directly between the city centre and de Uithof. The Student Desk for Utrecht School of Economics (USE) is located at Janskerkhof.

2.1 University Canteen There are canteens at both the Uithof and UCU campuses. At the Uithof campus, students must pay with a chipknip. If you have a Dutch bank card, there is a chipknip in that card too. If you do not have a Dutch bank card and are not planning on getting one, it is 2 possible to get a separate chipknip card from, for instance, the Uithof campus library or the Law Library.

Chipknips are very handy to have because they are used for several things, including printing, copying, buying snacks/drinks from vending machines, in addition to paying for food at the canteen. You have to load money onto them. This can be done at the libraries, too. (See section 5.2 for information about the Libraries.)

3. Travelling within and to Utrecht

The Netherlands has a very good public transportation network, which makes it easy to get around. However, the most common means of transport within the city is a bicycle.

3.1 How to get to Utrecht from Schiphol Airport After arrival at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, you can take a train to Utrecht Central Station. The is part of Schiphol Plaza, just follow directions for ‘trains’. Train tickets are available from the yellow ticket machines near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza or from the ticket counters. There is a direct train to Utrecht every 30 minutes and the journey takes about half an hour. Buy a one way ticket to Utrecht Central Station (about €7.70). When in doubt, you can always ask someone at the ticket office. You will soon notice that almost everyone in the Netherlands speaks English fairly well. For journey advice and time tables you can also check: http://ns.nl/cs/Satellite/travellers

3.2 Travelling within Utrecht From Utrecht Central Station you can either take a bus or a taxi. Door-to-door journey planner: http://journeyplanner.9292.nl Maps of Utrecht University campuses: www.uu.nl/mapsOV-chipcard The OV-chipcard (OV-chipkaart in Dutch) is a smart card that will soon replace all other tickets in the Netherlands. The smart card is the size of a bank card. OV- chipcard can be loaded with credit in with which you can travel anywhere

3 within the Netherlands, or with a travel product such as a single or season ticket.

Bus To pay for , trams and metro in the Netherlands you need a strippenkaart (a ticket with strips on it) or an OV-chipcard (see the section above).

Each strip represents a zone, and each city and region is divided into travel zones. Every time you travel, you will use up one basic strip + the number of zones you are travelling in. So each ride amounts to a number of strips depending on the distance. Within Utrecht-city you will need 2 strips, and to the Uithof Campus and the area Overvecht Noord you will need 3 strips.

Although you can buy a single ticket (2 or 3 strips) on the bus, it is cheaper to buy a blue strippenkaart at the city bus station, post office or supermarket. It costs €7.60 for 15 strips or €21.60 for 45 strips.

Validity & transfer How long you can travel depends on the number of strips that you have stamped. 2-4 strips are valid for 1 hour from the time of stamping. Within this time you also have the right to change buses, as long as you stay within the same zone(s). Using a bus without paying will result in a fine. This is controlled quite frequently, so it is not recommended to travel without paying. The fine is €35.

Travel to De Uithof Take bus 11 or 12 from Central Station (3 strippen or use the OV- chipcard).

Taxi There is a taxi platform on the Central Station, just follow the signs. Within the city there are several taxi platforms, for instance at Neude and Janskerkhof.

Bicycle Upon arrival in the Netherlands you will notice that almost everybody rides a bicycle. Special bicycle paths and traffic lights make it a safe and convenient mode of transportation. You can buy a second hand bike in several shops around . Be sure to also invest in a good lock or two. One good bicycle shop is Fietspunt at Nobelstraat 293.

4 4. Things to consider before arrival

4.1 Accommodation Utrecht University does not own any housing or accommodation. Instead, the University has an agreement with SSH Short Stay, a local housing corporation that offers temporary furnished housing. They reserve a range of furnished accommodation especially for international students and staff of Utrecht University. The University covers the administrative fee if you make use of this offer. However, Utrecht University does not guarantee the availability of housing, and the number of reserved accommodation is limited. The sooner you apply for accommodation, the larger your chances of getting a room are.

It is possible to look for housing independently through sites such as:

• www.kamerhuren.nl (rooms) Information available in English. • www.kamernet.nl (rooms) Information available in Dutch, but relatively easy to use nonetheless. • www.onderhuur.net (mostly rooms on sublease) Information available in English. • www.casaswap.com Room exchange, sublease etc. for students, worldwide. In English. • www.opmijnkamer.nl and www.kamertje.nl (rooms) Information in Dutch only. • www.pararius.com (mostly apartments) • www.directwonen.nl (rooms, studios and apartments) Information available in English and German. • www.rotsvast.nl (rooms, studios and apartments) Information available in English. • www.bnsrentalservice.nl (mostly apartments) Information available in English. • www.sshxl.nl/shortstay (“Direct Offer” rooms and apartments) SSH Short Stay also offers furnished accommodation that is not especially reserved for University guests under the heading “ Direct Offer ” on their website. You do not have to meet any special criteria to apply, but do note that at the beginning of the academic year, there are often very few rooms on offer. The sooner you apply, the more choice you have. For more information, click the tab “I’m looking for accommodation” and then click the “Direct Offer” tab. Note 5 that if you select accommodation from the Direct Offer, you will be charged an administration fee, and different terms and conditions apply than when you reserve accommodation within the University offerings.

Upon arrival If you arrive before the start of your rental contract, after office hours or during the weekend, you may need to spend a night in a hostel or hotel. Affordable options are: Budget hostel Strowis in the city centre (Boothstraat 8), Bed and Breakfast Utrecht City Centre (Lucas Bolwerk 4) or Hostel Stay Okay in (Rhijnauwenselaan 14b).

4.2 Visa, residence permit and city registration An entry visa (MVV in Dutch) is a sticker in your passport issued by the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home (or the country in which you legally reside) which you might need to enter the Netherlands. A residence permit is a card which allows you to legally reside in the Netherlands.

Who needs a visa/ residence permit Whether you will need an entry visa and/or a residence permit depends on your nationality (see table below). As a residence permit for study purposes is only valid for a certain number of years, the University monitors the study progress of all non-EU/EEA students to make sure they can complete their studies within the allowed time frame.

6 Citizens of: Document needed Cost EU/EEA- You do not need to apply for an entry visa No fee or residence permit. You will have to register with the city of Utrecht after your arrival. This procedure will be explained further in the orientation week. Australia, Canada, Japan, You do not need to apply for an entry visa, 433 Monaco, New-Zealand, but you will need to apply for a residence euro South Korea, United permit before arrival. States, Vatican City State All other countries You need to apply for an entry visa (MVV) 438 and for a residence permit before your euro departure.

Registration with the city In the Netherlands, all citizens are registered in a national database. This is required by Dutch law. Once you register with the city you will automatically receive a BSN (Burger Service Number), which you may need to open a bank account or apply for a work permit. All students who are staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months are required by law to register.

7 5. Academic Matters

5.1 USE e-mail All students receive a USE e-mail account that is valid throughout their study period. Please check this e-mail regularly, as the university often e-mails you important information.

5.2 Library

There are several libraries scattered around throughout the city. The main university library is the University Library Uithof located in Uithof. It is a large, modern library with great computer facilities and plenty of space to study. There are small cubicles available for self-study and larger rooms can be booked for group work. During exam weeks, this library is open until 1 am!

The Law Library is another great option and can be found in the city centre. For this reason, it might be a closer option for many when they want to find a quiet place to study. Another library in the city centre is the University Library City Centre located at Drift 27.

Please see the following site for opening hour information: www.uu.nl/university/library/EN/contact/Pages/default.aspx

5.3 Bookstore

The Law, Economics and Governance faculty bookstore, called Onderwijswinkel, can be found at Minrebroederstraat 13.

5.4 Dutch language courses

If you are interested in learning Dutch, you can take beginners courses at the James Boswell Institute. You can take a look at the courses they offer at: www.jbi.uu.nl/en/page/1

James Boswell Institute also offers many other language courses.

8 5.5 Rosetta Stone

It is also possible to learn Dutch online. Rosetta Stone is a computer software programme that uses images, text and sound to teach students vocabulary and grammar intuitively. The programme does not translate words, but rather aims to teach a new language the way a person learns his/her first language.

Following this programme through the University is free. For more information, e-mail the Student Desk at [email protected] . There are a limited number of places available in the programme.

5.6 Questions?

If you have any questions about your studies or your stay in Utrecht you can visit the Student Desk website at www.uu.nl/students/use or e-mail them at [email protected] . You can also visit them during their office hours at Janskerkhof 12. They are usually open from 10.00 to 14.00 on Monday-Friday.

6. Money Matters

6.1 Costs of living in general

Expense Explanation Cost (per month) Accommodation Depends whether it is 300 - 650 Euros furnished, including utilities, individual/ shared, etc. Living expenses Food, clothes, personal 350 - 450 Euros services, public transport, etc. Insurance Health, personal liability, etc. 40 - 100 Euros

Books / study Depends on the programme 65 - 85 Euros material Visa & permits Depends on your nationality 0 - 438 Euros (once) Contingencies Bicycle, higher phone bill, 500 Euros (once) financial setback, etc.

See www.uu.nl/university/international- students/EN/financialmatters/costofstudyingandliving/Pages/default. aspx for more information.

9 6.2 Insurance Good insurance cover is important. You should not cut financial corners in this regard. There are various types of insurance available. Ask the various insurance companies for their terms and conditions. The key types of insurance are explained below, besides these also consider accidents insurance, and legal assistance.

Health insurance You must carry health insurance throughout your stay in the Netherlands. Medical costs are high, so make sure your health insurance covers the Dutch tariffs. To give you an example, one day in hospital can cost up to €1300, not including the cost of treatment. The University recommends the Dutch providers of student insurance packages for students (see below), as the coverage meets all legal requirements in the Netherlands.

Residence permit To obtain a residence permit it is obligatory to have an adequate health insurance.

Insured in your own country? If you are insured via social security or welfare in your own country, you should ask whether there is a reciprocal agreement between your country and the Netherlands with regard to health insurance. If this is the case you should ask for a Health Card from the social security or welfare department in your country before you leave for the Netherlands. This form indicates that you are insured against medical costs in the Netherlands. Make sure that your health insurance covers the Dutch tariffs, as medical costs are (very) high!

Make sure you always carry proof of health insurance with you, because you will need it whenever you use one of the health services in the Netherlands. If you have a private health insurance, you should ask whether it covers your stay in the Netherlands. Please note that some insurance companies only extend foreign coverage for a few months. If necessary, you can arrange private health insurance upon arrival.

Student insurance packages You can apply for an insurance package offered by a private company. There are two Dutch companies that offer such insurance packages for international students: AON and HollandZorg. These insurance packages cover medical expenses, extraordinary costs, legal aid, accidents, liability and baggage cover and household goods. We strongly recommend that you apply for one of these

10 insurances. The premium is approximately €39 per month. You will find more information about the conditions on their websites. (AON - www.students-insurance.eu ; HollandZorg – www.hollandzorg.nl )

Personal liability insurance Personal liability insurance is not compulsory but strongly recommended. It insures you against costs incurred if you cause damage to someone else or their possessions (for example: if you cause a traffic accident with your bicycle or as a pedestrian). You may be able to arrange such insurance prior to arrival in the Netherlands (in combination with your health insurance). Otherwise it will have to wait until you are here. Personal liability is included in the student insurance packages. Don’t forget a good travel insurance and check your car insurance if applicable.

Household contents (and luggage) Household contents (and luggage) insurance covers everything in your home area, including furniture, CDs, books, flooring/carpeting and clothes. It will compensate loss or damage caused in your home by a fire, theft, storm, water or vandalism.

Liability Liability insurance is extremely important. Accidents can happen at anytime and anywhere. If you cause damage to property or people, you are liable. Liability insurance provides cover for these often extremely high costs. Some insurance companies offer students a combined home contents and liability insurance policy.

7. Life in Utrecht

7.1 Sports Utrecht offers a wide range of sports facilities, and there are more than forty student sports clubs available. In addition, you will find plenty of other general sports centres and clubs to join.

At the Olympos Sports Centre, located at De Uithof, you can choose from more than thirty different kinds of sport activity at reasonable prices. You can also hire facilities for (company) sports days and tournaments, or just put in an hours’ training in between studying.

For more information go to www.olympos.nl/page.asp?cg=14

11 7.2 Culture

If you are interested in taking courses in the fields of arts, theatre, music or the like, Utrecht University offers you numerous possibilities. Cultural Centre Parnassos organises courses in the area of music, dance, theatre, expression and photography. In addition, Parnassos is home to 13 student music and theatre groups. The USConcert (Utrechtsch Studenten Concert), for instance, is the oldest symphony orchestra in the Netherlands and the close- harmony choir Dekoor has been recognized with numerous international awards. For a small contribution, film aficionados can join the film club, Bios Parnassos, and enjoy free films for a year.

Parnassos not only offers cultural facilities for students and staff of Utrecht University but also has a strong international character. Parnassos is home to a number of organisations that look after the University’s foreign guests, such as ESN Utrecht, the International Neighbour Group and AEGEE. Parnassos also houses scientists and students from abroad.

For more information please visit www.uu.nl/parnassos

7.3 Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

ESN is an International student organisation with almost three hundred divisions throughout Europe. ESN-Utrecht exists of about 40 very enthusiastic committee members, all students, and a seven member daily board. The most important goal of ESN is to help international students integrate smoothly within Utrecht student life. ESN organises activities such as excursions, city trips, theme and international parties and sports events.

12 Moreover, ESN has an ESN-mentor system. This mentor system links two Dutch student mentors to a group of 8 to 10 foreign students. The mentors give you practical information about living and staying in the Netherlands and studying in Utrecht, but they can also help you to get acquainted with the city and fellow students, both Dutch and international.

For more information e-mail us at [email protected] or visit www.esn-utrecht.nl

7.4 ECU’92

ECU'92 is the study association for the Economics faculty (USE). They organise a lot of activities, both study-related and recreational to give students a better learning experience as well as a fun time.

It is possible to join one (or more) of the various committees ECU’92 offers. Some examples include the International Committee, Relaxcie (party committee), Activities Committee, Study Trip Committee, Discussion and Lecture Committee, and the Editorial Committee (they produce the Ecunomist, a magazine that it sent out 5 times a year to students, teachers and alumni).

For more information about joining committees or the study association in general go to www.ecu92.nl On this website you will find all the information about ECU'92 as well as the activities agenda, pictures of previous activities, career options and opportunities and lots more.

7.5 Grocery Shopping

Supermarkets will probably become one of your most visited places while staying in Utrecht. Consequently, it might be useful to know what is out there.

Albert Heijn – This is one of the biggest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. Their stores are all over the city. One of the biggest ones is at Central Station.

Lidl and Aldi – These are two German supermarket chains. They are generally cheaper than any other supermarket chain around. The downside is that they are not all over the city, but if you happen to live near one it is a nice option.

13 Spar – Spar can be found at certain locations around the city. There is one at De Uithof, for instance.

7.6 Restaurants, Bars and Night Life

Restaurants Utrecht offers a variety of different kinds of restaurants that offer both international and local cuisine. Walking along the main , the , you are bound to find a restaurant you will like. Many of the restaurants are located right along the canal, so to reach them you might have to walk down a flight of stairs. During the warmer months, it is nice to sit right along the canal. Check out De Oude Muntkelder (on the Oudegracht) for some typical Dutch pancakes.

Since Utrecht is such a large student city, many places offer discounts for students. Such places include Stairway to Heaven (rock-themed bar/restaurant) at Mariaplaats 11/12 and Mick O’Connell’s Irish Pub at Jansdam 3.

Bars There seems to be a bar on every corner in Utrecht. Some bars that you might want to check out include:

Café België - Oudegracht 196 Stadscafé Heerenplein - Lucasbolwerk 1 Ledig Erf - Tolsteegbrug 3 Bars at Neude – for instance, De Beurs

Night Life Since Utrecht is such a large student city, it is possible to go out virtually every night of the week. Thursday, however, is probably the busiest amongst students as it is student night. On Thursdays

14 all the bars will be packed with students. Check out the bars at Neude for a good look at how Dutch students go out.

Here is a list of other places that we recommend you check out:

• Poema: Tuesday night is International Students night • Monza • Ekko: Concerts are often organised here. • : Concerts are often organised here. • Pakhuis • Filemon: Go to Pakhuis and Filemon (they are right next to each other) on a Thursday night and you will definitely get a true Dutch student night experience. • Economics Parties: • Economics parties are not parties where students gather to share their passion for economics. By this, we simply mean that they are organised by the study association ECU’92. Check the agenda at www.ecu92.nl

Always carry your student card when going out – you might get free entrance in some places!

7.7 Holidays

As a foreigner, you might be surprised by some of the celebrations here in Holland. Here is a small introduction to three of the biggest celebrations:

Carnaval – Saturday before Ash Wednesday Carnaval is celebrated during spring time. Traditionally, Christians celebrated Carnaval as the last chance to eat, drink and truly enjoy themselves before fasting before Easter. Nowadays, Carnaval has evolved into a massive celebration.

Carnaval is generally celebrated in the southern provinces of Noord Brabant and . Carnaval usually begins on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. The most popular places to go to for Carnaval are , Roermond, Venlo, 's-Hertogenbosch, Bergen op Zoom, and . Dutch people travel to the southern provinces for the celebrations as during the event every town turns into one big party. Though it is most popular in the southern provinces, many places outside of these parts of the country organise smaller-scale events. To experience the true

15 Carnaval experience, travel to one of the bigger cities in the south – you will not regret it!

Queen’s day (Koninginnedag) – April 30 Originally Queen’s day was celebrated on the birthday of the Queen. Nowadays however, Queen’s day is celebrated on the birthday of the late Queen Juliana, mother of the current Queen Beatrix. Queen Beatrix’s birthday is really on January 31, but the Dutch decided that the winter really was not the time to party outside.

Queen’s day is probably one of the best holidays to be in the Netherlands for. Even more so than during Carnaval, the entire country turns into one huge party on Queen’s day.

Queen’s day is preceded by Queen’s night. Many bars and clubs throughout the Netherlands host special events that last all night long. Often times, people celebrate Queen’s night locally and travel to Amsterdam for Queen’s day. Indeed Amsterdam is jam packed on Queen’s day. Several open-air concerts are organised in Amsterdam during this day and this tends to draw a large crowd (500,000 to 800,000 visitors).

Sinterklaas – December 5 For majority of children, by far the most exciting Christmas celebration day is December 5th. This is when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents. Although St. Nicholas’ day is on December 6th, the biggest Sinterklaas celebrations take place on the 5th.

According to the story, Sinterklaas lives in Spain and travels to a city/town in Holland (by boat) wearing his red robes with his helper Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). When Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet arrive local church bells ring in celebration. Sinterklaas then rides through the city on a white horse.

16 Christmas Eve and Day are much quieter days in Holland, as these are generally spent amongst families.

Some typical Dutch treats available during Christmas time are chocolate letters, kruidnoten (gingerbread-like cookies), speculaas (another type of cookie) and oliebollen (could be described as a Dutch donut that is shaped like a ball). Oliebollen are actually traditionally eaten during New Year’s, but are available in stores already in November.

7.8 Health and Safety

Of course we hope that your stay in the Netherlands will be without any problems regarding your health or safety. And most likely this will be the case. However, should you need any medical assistance or emergency services (ambulance, police or fire brigade), here is some useful information.

Emergency

• Ambulance, police or fire brigade: call 112 (this is the general European emergency number). • For police matters that are not an emergency: call 0900- 8844. • Utrecht University Security: call 030-253 4444 or call 4444 from a campus phone.

Health Services If you need to find a Doctor, Dentist or Pharmacy in the area where you live, you can find one in the yellow pages: www.goudengids.nl/

Below are some useful Dutch terms to help you in your search. If you are looking for a doctor, you can go to Campus de Uithof General Practitioners. This practice is located at De Uithof in the Casa Confetti building. They have online services, for instance it is possible to make an appointment online at www.huisartsdeuithof.nl/en/ You can also go to Symphony, a health care centre located close to de Uithof where you can find all services combined in one building.

Insurance company AON has made special arrangements with Symphony so that students insured through them can have their medical bills paid directly by AON.

Symphony website: www.zorgingalgenwaard.nl

17 Useful Dutch Terms Here are some Dutch terms that will help you find what you need:

• Doctor/ General Practitioner = Dokter/ Huisarts • Dentist = Tandarts • Pharmacy = Apotheek • Hospital = Ziekenhuis • Emergency Room = Eerste Hulp

Outside Opening Hours If you need medical assistance outside of your doctor's office hours, you can contact a Huisartsenpost. Please call: 0900-4501450.

18 8. Map of Utrecht

Janskerkhof area

De Uithof campus

Central Station UCU campus

19 9. Useful Links

• www.uu.nl o General Utrecht University website • www.economics.uu.nl o USE website • www.ecu92.nl o Study association ECU’92’s website o Check out “Committees” for more information about what committees there are and how you can join them. • www.sshxl.nl/shortstay • www.kamernet.nl • www.kamerhuren.nl • www.onderhuur.net • www.casaswap.com www.opmijnkamer.nl • www.kamertje.nl • www.pararius.com • www.directwonen.nl • www.rotsvast.nl • www.bnsrentalservice.nl o All above sites for searching for accommodation • www.esn-utrecht.nl o Erasmus Student Network website • www.utrechtstudentcity.com o General information about Utrecht • www.olympos.nl o Sports facilities at De Uithof • www.hollandzorg.nl o Insurance – HollandZorg • www.students-insurance.eu o Insurance - AON • www.isic.org o International Student Identity Card site – search for discounts available in Holland • www.huisartsdeuithof.nl/en/ o Uithof doctor • [email protected] o Student Desk e-mail. If you have any questions this is probably the best place to start. Their visiting offices are at Janskerkhof 12.

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