Disclaimer No rights can be obtained from this text. While we strived to make the information in this booklet as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this guide. We do not accept liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this guide.

© 2014 by International Students Rotterdam. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying form without written permission of ISR.

www.isrotterdam.com 1 FORE- WORD

Welcome in Rotterdam

As mayor of Rotterdam, I would like to welcome but the openness and scale of the city you will soon you in Rotterdam. You came to this city for an appreciate. Personally, I like to walk around and excellent education, that is your goal at heart. get inspired by the liveliness of neighbourhoods But you should also get to know this vibrant city and encounters with Rotterdammers. There is so itself. You will soon find out thatR otterdam is a much to enjoy! city of many tastes and colours where you will easily feel at home. After you get to know the city and its inhabitants - and perhaps even learned to speak a little Dutch - you As the largest port city of Europe, Rotterdam is may wish to stay and work here after finishing your internationally oriented and has room for all talents, study. There are many possibilities for housing and entrepreneurship and innovation. The Rotterdam employment, and the city of Rotterdam would be mentality is best described as a no-nonsense very glad to welcome you as a citizen. approach. Not only in business, but also in other aspects of society. Rotterdam is a modern city, I wish you a successful and rewarding stay in with high-end architecture, excellent educational Rotterdam! institutions and a present-day urban culture and nightlife for all tastes. Ahmed Aboutaleb Mayor of Rotterdam Rotterdam annually receives 6,000 newcomers who find and make their own place in Rotterdam. To figure out how to get around takes a little while,

2 www.isrotterdam.com Contents

6 ABOUT ROTTERDAM 13 HOT SPOTS 21 PUBLIC TRANSPORTS

24 Administrative MatTERs And Career 31 REGULATIONS AND CAREERS 43 NETWORKING

46 HOUSING AND UTILITIES 53 OTHER COSTS

58 CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT 63 EATING OUT 67 DAY LIFE 71 MUSEUMS 77 NIGHT LIFE 81 BARS AND CLUBS

86 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE 89 USEFUL INFORMATION 95 STUDY SPOTS

PUBLISHER ISR DESIGNER BEK TAT LUN EDITOR EMMA KOEZE PROJECT SUPERVISOR VINCENT COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY JR PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR RAZVAN ISAC www.isrotterdam.com 3 International students Rotterdam - your international family!

About ISR

Dear International Student of Rotterdam,

Welcome to Rotterdam! Studying Rotterdam; we wanted to create First, we try to connect students in Rotterdam is a chapter of your a Rotterdam that all international by organizing events. These life that you will never forget! Do students can call home. We events can mostly be classified as what makes you happy, strive for noticed that integrating into social, academic, cultural or sports (academic) excellence, and enjoy Dutch society can be difficult and attempt to cover all aspects all the little things that are part of and we wanted to change that. of student life; the upcoming your student experience. Before We exist to make student life year we will organize more than you lays an amazing opportunity as an international easier and 50 events. Second, we aim to to experience (a) great year(s), more enjoyable; we believe that link students to organizations learn a lot, and meet friends for Rotterdam is a beautiful city – full of their interest. This we do by life! Time will fly and before you of opportunities – and we want attaching valuable organizations know it you have graduated and our fellow international students to our member’s card, offering you’re applying for jobs. Until to enjoy it as much as we do. our members exclusive deals or then, make the most of your discounts throughout the city. student life. What we do? We aim to be the Third, we aim to inform students platform that brings students about all the relevant matters Why we exist? International together and helps them regarding student life. We do this Students Rotterdam (ISR) integrate into Dutch society. Our through our website and through was brought to life in the vision is to create a Rotterdam this student guide that we write summer of 2011 because we where all international students every year. wanted to improve the lives feel at home. All our activities can of all international students in be divided into three categories.

4 www.isrotterdam.com Join the Family. We represent has helped us throughout this events are organized for you, more than 30 different cultures process. Any time you have a so join one of our events to see and what brings us together question or need some help, how you can benefit from joining is that – just like you – we there is always an ISR member the family. are international students in ready to help you out! Rotterdam. As an international We are international students student you are one of us; ISR is The upcoming year we will in Rotterdam, we are in this your international family! organize more than 50 events. together! Do you want to know Think of social drinks, personal more about our family? Check We have all been through the development workshops, parties, www.isrotterdam.com to find out process of integrating into a new festivals, company visits, sports more! country, culture and language. tournaments, case competitions, ISR’s network and services food tastings, and more! These

www.isrotterdam.com 5 About Rotterdam

Sometimes referred to as the Dutch New York, it’s easy to conclude that Rotterdam isn’t comparable to Amsterdam. It is known for its new and modern skyscrapers and has been branded the “moving city” because it builds so fast; a new central station, the Rotterdam, and the Markthal are a few of the many examples

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www.isrotterdam.com 7 Introduction

Things about rotterdam

Rotterdam is home to the which translates to “Working second largest port in the world, hard for little but never bitter.” accommodating thousands Almost everyone in the country of workers. Rotterdam’s many speaks English and Rotterdam harbor workers have caused the is no exception to that. The city Rotterdammer to be known as finds itself constantly focusing on someone who works extremely internationalization, trying to lure hard.“Hard voor weinig, nooit multinational companies with its chagrijnig” is a typical saying harbor.

8 www.isrotterdam.com Ab o ut R tt erda m

Demographics

The people of Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest America. Codarts has around 500 backgrounds. Ahmed Aboutaleb city of the Netherlands, with international students from 50 causes Rotterdam to be the first 619.879 (2013) inhabitants. It is countries, and the Hogeschool large city in the Netherlands with also one of the most international Rotterdam educates students a mayor of immigrant descent and cities in Europe due to its history from 40 different countries. Muslim faith. as a port, and more recently as Willem de Kooning Academy a student city. Of the 619.879 has around 100 international Furthermore, Rotterdam is the inhabitants currently living in exchange students per year, home of several international Rotterdam, 58.668 are students, while the Hogeschool InHolland companies. Unilever, the third around 10%. The exact number hosts around 450 internationals. largest producer of consumer of international students in goods, has its headquarters in Rotterdam is hard to come by. There are currently 173 Rotterdam. The Big Four, the four nationalities present in largest audit firms in the world, The Erasmus University Rotterdam, the most prevalent PwC, DeLoitte, Ernst & Young, and Rotterdam has 5,739 international non-Dutch groups being people KPMG, all have offices in the city students alone as of 2014, more of Surinamese (51,945 people), as well. Rotterdam also features than half of those from Europe and Turkish (45,457 people), an array of logistics companies Russia, 29% are of Asian origin, Moroccan (37,138 people), due to the fact that it is a port city. 8% from Africa, 4% from North Antillean (19,278 people), and America and 3.5% from South Cape Verdean (15,023 people) www.isrotterdam.com 9 History

THE PAST OF ROTTERDAM

Settlement on the grounds of what today is Rotterdam began in 900 AD. Being located at the lower end of the Rotte or Rotta as it was then know (from rot muddy and a water; muddy-water) the settlement had to deal with frequent flooding, which hindered further development and lead to the construction of several dams in the 14th century, hence the name Rotterdam.

Rotterdam was granted city rights on July 7th, 1340 by count Willem IV of Holland, having a population of approximately 2000 inhabitants at the time.

Around 1350 a shipping canal was build giving access to the cities in the north and allowing Rotterdam to grow into a port of some importance over the next 500 years. The city eventually became one of six cities to seat a chamber of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), better known as the Dutch East India Company. With the completion of the Nieuwe Waterweg in 1872 the city

10 www.isrotterdam.com Ab o ut R tt erda m

experienced a spur of growth, expanding the city and harbour to the south bank of the river. The Witte Huis, or white house, can be seen as a testament to the success of Rotterdam during those years, with a height of 45 meters, making it the highest building in Europe at the time of its completion.

During the Second World War the German army experienced fierce resistance from the Dutch, who only surrendered after the almost complete destruction of Rotterdam by the German Air-force, and the threat to bomb other Dutch cities. Rebuilding efforts began almost immediately after the war and continued until the 1970s. In the 1980s a new concept for an active architectural policy was developed, characterized by lively and modern architecture. Today Rotterdam is know as the “Manhattan on the Maas” and has the busiest port of the western hemisphere, second only to the port of Shanghai.

www.isrotterdam.com 11 Living Costs

Daily finances

Your living costs in Rotterdam find an estimation of several depend greatly on your lifestyle, important costs you can be sure but the average lies around to encounter during your stay in 1000€ a month. Below you will Rotterdam.

EXPENSES COST (+/-)

EDUCATION EDUCATION EEA STUDENTS NON-EEA STUDENTS €1800 €15000 PER YEAR PER YEAR

ACCOMMODATION DAILY EXPENSES UTILITIES INCLUSIVE DAILY NEEDS & LEISURE €500-600 €350-400 PER MONTH PER MONTH

VISA/RESIDENT PERMIT BICYCLE NON-EEA STUDENTS SECOND HAND €600 €50-100 PER YEAR

MEAL BEER IN A RESTAURANT IN A BAR €10-15 €2.50-3.50

ENTRANCE FEE MOVIE TICKET FOR STUDENT PARTY IN A CINEMA €5-10 €10

12 www.isrotterdam.com Ho t sp o ts

Hot Spots good places to visit

Rotterdam has many nice areas; here we highlight a few of the busiest and most popular locations.

www.isrotterdam.com 13 Stadhuisplein

Where bars gather

Stadhuisplein is known for its drink or meal. Students flock to many restaurants and bars this location as the prices are clustered together. When the reasonable and view of the city weather is nice, the terraces are hall is just pure enjoyment. full of people enjoying a nice

14 www.isrotterdam.com Ho Blaak t sp o ts The marketplace

Blaak is most known amongst be found on this market. You can students as the place to be on find Holland’s first indoor market, Tuesdays and Saturdays as it the world famous Cube Houses, is home to one of the largest as well as the only building left markets in the Netherlands. from medieval Rotterdam, the Virtually anything you need can Sint-Laurenskerk (church).

www.isrotterdam.com 15 BEURS the central point

Beurs is one of the most central accessed here, including line E points of Rotterdam. Two of the which takes you directly to the most important streets, Blaak and Hague! It is also home to the Coolsingel, intersect here. It is World Trade Center , where also a major subway interchange many international companies station; all subway lines can be hold offices.

16 www.isrotterdam.com Ho t sp o ts

Witte de With

Rotterdam’s cultural center

Witte de With is Rotterdam’s unique mix of students, artists and cultural hot spot. Its many business people. Make sure you galleries, museums, alternative check out De Witte Aap, a bar shops, and cozy restaurants are that was announced the best bar the main reason tourists flock to of the world by Lonely Planet in this area. The street attracts a 2009.

www.isrotterdam.com 17 Oude Haven the golden harbor

Oude Haven is the place to be favors this place throughout the when the weather is nice. It is day. You can enjoy a nice drink situated at the oldest harbor of while getting your mind sooth by Rotterdam, housing countless of the calming water by Het Witte bars and restaurants. Due to its Huis , Europe’s first skyscraper. open location, the sun always

18 www.isrotterdam.com Ho Oude t sp o

Binnenweg ts the Old shortcut

Oude Binnenweg roughly street shows the older side of translates into “Old Shortcut”. It Rotterdam, which is something was built in 1454. It was one of different than what you’d see in the locations that survived the the other places. bombing in World War II. This

www.isrotterdam.com 19 Lijnbaan the shopping street

Lijnbaan is the main shopping pedestrian shopping district in street in the greater Rotterdam Europe. Most of the internationally area. It was opened in 1953 after known stores can be found here the old district had been bombed including brands such as Tommy during Second World War. It’s a Hilfiger, Mango, H&M and Zara. car-free zone and was the first

20 www.isrotterdam.com P ubl ic t ra nsp or t

Public Transport

Getting around the city

Rotterdam is a relatively small internationals. If you are not very city, so you will almost always be confident biking, the different able to reach your destination modes of transport available by bicycle. However, this can are trains, trams, buses, metros take some getting used to for and taxis.

www.isrotterdam.com 21 OV – Chipkaart public transport must have

If you want to travel by bus, tram The RET offers disposable chip also cheaper than without, so it or metro inside of Rotterdam, cards for single use that are ideal is definitely worth the investment. you will be travelling with RET for tourists, but we advise you To apply for an OV-chip card, visit (Rotterdam’s transport company). to acquire a personal OV-chip www.ov-chipkaart.nl. The website You will need an OV-chip card for card. It only costs €7.50, it can is available in English and the this. OV stands for “Openbaar be used across the Netherlands, instructions are easy to follow. Vervoer,” which is simply and will make travelling a lot translated to public transport. easier. Travelling with an OV is

Train

Across cities

To travel outside of Rotterdam, night network with trains leaving or Tram. An easier option would taking a train is most advisable roughly once an hour between be physical tickets. It can be solution. The first trains leave the bigger cities. You can use obtained at the ticket booth by around 5:30 AM and the last your OV-chip card to travel by the station. Check www.ns.nl for ones depart around midnight. train. The procedure, however, more info. The Netherlands does have a is slightly different than Metro

Tram

Across town

The tram-lines that pass through On Sunday they start around 7:00 a tram or you will have to get a the city center are 4, 7, 8, 20, 21, AM and retire around 00:30 AM. paper ticket. You could purchase 23, 24, and 25, and they all stop a paper ticket on the spot for at Central Station. From Monday You can only travel by tram with €3.00. This paper ticket will grant to Saturday most lines start at OV-chip card. Make sure your you unlimited travel for an hour. 5:00 AM and stop at 00:30 AM. card is loaded before entering

22 www.isrotterdam.com Bus P ubl ic t ra nsp or

Across streets t Rotterdam has developed an travel across blocks and streets, Saturdays, travelling between extensive network of bus routes, or suburban areas, and it works popular nightlife locations and especially in the city center. with OV-chip card. residential areas. The night bus You will rarely find yourself in a tickets cost €5.00 for a one-way location where you have to walk There is also a night bus service trip, if you don’t have an OV chap more than 5 minutes to get to a called the BOB-bus. They work card. For more information visit bus station. Bus is best for short on Thursdays, Fridays and www.bob-bus.nl.

Metro

Fast travel

Rotterdam’s metro network is the also be located near a metro at Central Station, Willem de oldest in the Benelux. Students station. Kooning is located at Blaak renting through SSH have a and Hogeschool InHolland is at high chance of living right next Erasmus Woudestein and Wilhelminaplein. It is also possible to a station since the company Rotterdam Business School to take Metro-line all the way to strategically placed almost all of are both located at Kralingse The Hague. their housing options as such. Zoom. Erasmus MC is located Your educational institution will at Dijkzicht, Codarts is located Taxi

Anywhere

Taxis are available 24 hours a day, costs are €2.10 per kilometer. Leuvehaven. No reservation is seven days a week. This method You can reserve a taxi at 010 required and the waiting time is of transport is most popular after 462 60 60. usually no longer than 10 minutes. a night of partying. Negotiation of Each water taxi accommodates prices is not possible; drivers will Another unique transport option up to eight people. Prices start always use a meter. The largest offered in Rotterdam is a water at € 2.90 for an adult, but prices taxi company is the Rotterdamse taxi. The HNY water taxis shuttle depend on the number of people Taxi Centrale (RTC). The initial back and forth between Hotel on board and the distance price is €2.85 and additional New York, Veerhaven and travelled. www.isrotterdam.com 23 Administrative Matters and career

It can be a challenge starting a new life in a new city, administrative matters in particular. Here you can find out the basic requirement of staying in Rotterdam, and other basic services that could make your life easier.

24 www.isrotterdam.com A d m i n st ra t i v e Ma tt er s a n d career

www.isrotterdam.com 25 STEPS TO BE TAKEN

1 REGISTRATION REGISTER WITH THE MUNICIPALITY

2 BANK ACCOUNT REGISTER FOR A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT

3 MOBILE SERVICE REGISTER FOR A DUTCH PHONE NUMBER

4 INSURANCE REGISTER FOR AN INSURANCE

5 GOVERNMENT ALLOWANCES APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT ALLOWANCES

When taking up residence in Stadhuisplein. You are obliged to Hall. Provided you filled out all the Rotterdam, you are required schedule an appointment via the documents, you will be awarded to register in the municipal website or by calling 14010. Be a Citizen Service Number (Burger population within five days of sure to mention that you want to Service Nummer – BSN). This your arrival. register for the first time as you number is a critical must have are coming from abroad. You will as it allows you to open a bank Registration takes place at City be sent an array of documents account or cell phone contract. Hall with the department of Civil that you’ll need to fill out and If you want more in-depth help, Affairs (Publiekszaken), located at bring to your meeting at City send us an e-mail.

Citizen Service number (BSN) purpose of Citizen Service Number

This number is issued to Dutch a bank account, use medical (BSN). If you are from the EU citizens along with their birth facilities, and apply for benefits. or the EEA, you will need a certificate. As a resident of the valid passport or identity card. Netherlands, you must also apply When you register at City Hall, In other cases, you will need for the number in order to work, you will automatically receive your visa or residence permit activate a phone contract, open your Citizen Service Number (“Verblijfsvergunning”).

26 www.isrotterdam.com A d m i n st ra Necessary documents for registration t i v e Ma tt er s a n d career 1 Valid passport or valid identity card

2 Original birth certificate

Tenancy agreement (Verhuurdersverklaring), if applicable: form 3 declaration by main occupant (Verklaring inwoning) or rental contract (“Huurcontract”)

4 Proof of enrollment at your educational institution

One completely filled-in application form per person. Filling in this form 5 in advance saves time.

For non-EU citizens: a letter from the IND for an appointment to apply 6 for a residence permit or your current residence permit. Non-EU citi- zens can register 30 minutes prior to the appointment with the IND

*To download the forms, please visit our or the municipality’s website.

Bank Account easy transactions

If you are an EU citizen, you need residence permit application. In ING (Postbank), Rabobank, and a valid passport and proof of addition, non-EU citizens are SNS. For an nearby office, refer address in order to open a bank sometimes requested to bring to their official websites . account. evidence of registration with the foreign police. ABN-AMRO is the only bank with Some banks may, in addition, online banking in English. ING, ask for a Citizen Service Number The largest banks in the however, offers an English App (BSN), and even proof of a Netherlands are ABN-AMRO, for Smart-phones.

www.isrotterdam.com 27 Phone Contracts

Stay in contact

When in the Netherlands, substantial time commitment. referred to as contracts, however, you have the choice between It may provide a better deal if it is possible to cancel them at prepaid and contract services calls and internet takes priority. any time. for your phone. Prepaid operates It is possible to buy a sim card on a system of prepaid credit. which you must then recharge Contracts allow you to choose the The idea is simple; When the with tickets available at Media duration of your commitment to a money runs out, the phone Markt and grocery stores. provider. The longer the contract, stops working. Note that calls are the less you pay. Often you get more expensive with this option. Another option is to add packages a cell phone with it for free or Contract is perhaps a more long- to your sim card which involves at an acceptable price. You can term option, requires a more a monthly payment. These are compare rates at www.gsminfo.nl.

28 www.isrotterdam.com A d m i n st ra Health Insurance t i v e Ma medical and health tt er s a n d career

The Dutch Health Insurance Act healthcare as a resident in yourself in one year; everything requires everyone living in the all EEA countries (including above that will be paid by your Netherlands to take out a standard Switzerland), either for free, or insurance. health insurance package called for a reduced cost. However, it is ‘basiszorgverzekering’. It covers important to note that the EHIC IPS-Lippmann and AON Students basic medical costs such as visits is NOT a replacement for travel Insurance are two well-known to the general practitioner, costs insurance. The EHIC covers insurance companies for for hospitalization, medications any medical treatment that you internationals as they provide and most medical treatments. might need during your stay due services in English. Another Dental care is NOT included. If to sickness or an accident. It company that is less known is you would like to insure yourself includes necessary treatment of Oom Verzerkeringen. against dental care costs and chronic or pre-existing medical other medical expenses, you conditions. You can also choose to compare must take out supplementary all the providers by going to (aanvullende) insurance. More information on the EHIC is www.independer.nl. The site is available on the website of the in Dutch, but Google Translate If you are an EU/EEA citizen, European Commission. can help you out! or possibly a citizen of a country that has a healthcare When choosing health insurance, A chart that explains this in more treaty with the Netherlands, pay attention to the monthly detail can be found on this short a European Health Insurance premium and the deductible link: goo.gl/sEBrG2. Card (EHIC) suffices. It allows excess. The deductible excess you to receive the same public is the cost you will have to pay

www.isrotterdam.com 29 Studiefinanciering

Student finance

‘Studiefinanciering’ or ‘stufi’ is Stufi has provisions in place students can obtain up to 295.73 a monthly grant handed out to on top of the basic package to from the government each Dutch students in the form of make it possible for all students month as a loan. This must be cheap public transportation, a to acquire their degree. Or you paid back within 15 years of subsidy for health insurance, could go beyond the basics for graduating. Interest is relatively and a fixed monthly allowance the ‘aanvullende beurs’. Eligibility low (fluctuating around the 1%), (the ‘basic scholarship’). The for this additional scholarship and the time allotted to pay back scholarship ranges from 100.25 depends on the income of your the loan is extensive so take that to 279.14 euros depending on parents, their marital status, into consideration! All the above living arrangements. There is a number of siblings and what kind figures are from 2014, if you are reason we are telling you this… of higher education you pursue. reading this in 2015 or later the International students can be You could expect 230-260 euros. numbers might differ. eligible too! As an extra deal from government,

One major benefit of stufi, however, it only applies working 56 hours if one of your studiefinanciering is the to students from the EU, EEA parents or your partner fulfills this student-OV card (OV is short and Switzerland. There are two requirement in the Netherlands. for ‘openbaar vervoer’). The ways international students can Are you from somewhere in the OV-card is used throughout get stufi. Firstly, if you come from EU, EEA or Switzerland but not Dutch public transportation. the EU, EEA or Switzerland and eligible for stufi? You might still Students who are eligible for work a taxable 56 hours a month be eligible for ‘loan tuition fees’, stufi can apply for a special or more, you’re eligible for the which requires sending a special student-OV card, giving whole package. form with the necessary evidence them free or discounted to the Dutch authorities (check transportation. The second way also requires the government website linked you to come from the EU, below for more information on Some international students EEA or Switzerland. However, this arrangement). are eligible for all or part of you don’t have to be the one

30 www.isrotterdam.com re gul a t io ns a n d career s regulations and careers benefits as a student

Living alone as a student means are some regulations that could that you’ll need a steady finance benefit your study or even the background to power you quality of your life. through the years to come. There

www.isrotterdam.com 31 Don’t understand Dutch? Legal or administrative issues?

32 www.isrotterdam.com re gul a t io ns a n d career s

Laws and regulations

Rules to follow

As we highlighted before, International students from the working as a student can benefit EU/EEA or from Switzerland, have you big time! Remember, if you the same working rights as Dutch work for 56 hours per month (+/- students. Also be aware if you 14 hours a week), you can claim plan to work in the Netherlands studiefinanciering, €279,14 a you must take out a basic Dutch month for 2014. health insurance.

Working in the netherlands a search for part-time job

If you are looking for a part-time you want to be in contact with internationals. They generally job, the catering and customer customers, you should look at the prefer students fluent in German, service industries are where you more internationally oriented bars French, and Scandinavian will have the highest chance of and restaurants. Breakaway Cafe languages. Contact us at scoring a job. Most restaurants is a good example; the spoken [email protected] for will accept internationals as language is English. Call centers more information; our partners dishwashers and, if you have are a little less complicated than frequently have vacancies open. cooking experience, you have the catering industry; since they a chance at being a cook. If are often actively looking for

www.isrotterdam.com 33 Job Hunting Season in Rotterdam By Veronika Norvaisaite, ELM team

The job hunters club

Congratulations on finishing your career, however, is knowing as nothing. So make sure to plan another study year and welcome more about the Dutch working well in advance and keep track to the “Job Hunt-ers” club. culture. For example, in general of meetings meticulously. Membership is free but the every team member has an equal competition is fierce, so here say and is expected to contribute What about Rotterdam in are a few guidelines to increase to decision making processes, particular, you ask? Well, you your chances of success in the even as a new employee or might have noticed the city has wilderness of the Rotter-dam intern. Note this is not to say experienced some wear-and-tear labour market. suggestions won’t be publicly throughout history, resulting in criticized... It is true the Dutch a very pragmatic work culture. To begin with, you are likely are extremely direct, but it should More so in Rotterdam than already familiar with Dutch not be mistaken for rudeness elsewhere in the country, people culture, but there is more to (piece of advice: practice your have the attitude of rolling up it than meets the foreign eye: poker face in advance). Another their sleeves and getting things cycling your orange bike with a strong characteristic of the work done, so hard working is the most kapsalon in hand is not going to environment in the Netherlands desirable quality in a potential be of much help in a job interview. is agenda setting – if the meeting employee. Moreover, it is wise What could help you jump-start is not written down, it is as good not to compare the modern

34 www.isrotterdam.com outlook of Rotterdam with the practices. Here at Expertise letter customized for every re gul a petite cobblestone streets of in Labour Mobility (ELM) we company and position, and a t io ns a n d career s Amsterdam – Rotterdammers can’t stress enough how vital concise 1-2 page CV in reverse are proud people; rightfully so, soft skills are for international chronological order. Once you as the city has a playing field of its graduates. Of course, studies have that polished and ready, you own. Too often the labour market abroad automatically add a can find your target job position of Rotter-dam is associated with sense of independence, open- in Dutch newspapers, private and the port alone, when in fact mindedness and keenness to temporary recruitment agencies, the available space and the your CV, but you should know company websites, and career break from traditional European how to use that to your advantage fairs. More often than not, old-town style has opened up – make sure the employers speculative applications prove numerous possibilities for daring understand that leaving your to be an effective job hunting architecture and other creative comfort zone at home has made technique in the Netherlands. industries. Coupled with a you a more adaptive and flexible But don’t expect your Dutch globally recognized port, the local person. Under no circumstances recruiter to give up (more like job market has something to offer play down your unique foreign sign up) without a fight – have a student of every faculty, so you factor! That doesn’t mean that you answers ready about your don’t have to look far. shouldn’t make an effort to learn leisure activities, strengths and Dutch, but you have something weaknesses, as well as future Perhaps most importantly, the that local job applicants don’t, goals for the interview. population of Rotterdam is be it knowledge of a different one of the youngest and most language or of a different culture. The good news is that you are not international in the Netherlands It’s probably a good idea to read alone in the “Job Hunters” club – meaning two things: first, there up on legalities concerning work don’t underestimate the power are a lot of job opportunities for permits in the Netherlands too, so of networking with your fellow talent from abroad, and second, that you have the information and internationals and locals who you have to know how to present answers ready in case a recruiter know their way around Rotterdam. yourself to stand out of the crowd. asks about it (better safe than To make you a job hunt pro, ELM That is where the initiatives like sorry!). offers a comprehensive career “Careers Made in Rotterdam” guide book “Looking for work in come into play. During this Although half of the (job) hunt the Netherlands”. Readers of this event, the international students success depends on being in International Student Guide can are not only familiarized with the the right place at the right time, get their copy with a 5% discount major sectors in Rotterdam, but having the right ‘equipment’ by quoting this code ISG2014. also introduced to the Dutch matters just as much. A checklist Enjoy the hunt! culture and receive workshops of your strongest weapons on successful job hunting should include a motivation

Veronika Norvaisaite, ELM team Veronika is a former international student in Rotterdam, now a part of ELM team, who frequently contributes to the company’s media presence.

www.isrotterdam.com 35 36 www.isrotterdam.com Global Data re gul a Collection Company t io ns a n d career s

A good offer for the international

Global Data Collection Company is energetic and is one of the past and seeks out internationals embodies everything the most international companies to employ. If you are looking acronym stands for being a within Rotterdam that employs for a job and speak one of the leader in telephonic market a diverse group of international European languages, you have a research for some of the largest people. Guaranteeing a fun work high chance of GDCC being the and smallest companies on environment, the company has right employer for you! To apply, the globe. The atmosphere employed ISR members in the visit www.workatgdcc.com.

www.isrotterdam.com 37 Professional Career

Expanding career in Rotterdam

In addition to many fun things you where to find relevant internship HoiCoaching is a sub-brand of can discover in the booklet, we and position information online, HoiTalent, and it provides 1-2-1 come to a bit more serious topic and how to make best use of Career / Job Seeking Coaching to – career. In the end, most of us resources around you to secure international students and young need to find a job after study, for a job offer. professionals in the Netherlands. pursuing our ambitions, making We are not a traditional training a living, or for not getting bored The content of this section agency. You will be assigned with with life. Benjamin Franklin used is provided by HoiTalent. a coach who has work experience to say, “By failing to prepare, com– the Largest Job Portal at the area relevant to your study you are preparing to fail.” We do for International Talents in the or targeting career path, and not want that to happen to you. Netherlands. HoiTalent.com (KvK receive the most relevant support Therefore we want to provide number: 61141151) is a Stichting on where you want to improve the following job-seeking (non-profit foundation) with a most, from career orientation, CV information and tips to you, on mission to provide international and cover letter writing, interview, day one. The following three young talents who don’t speak to on-boarding. Welcome to visit parts will be covered: Policies well Dutch, a one-stop job portal www.hoicoaching.com or contact about part-time, internship and where you can find thousands of us via [email protected]. jobs for international students, jobs that’s currently open.

38 www.isrotterdam.com re gul a

Policies t io ns a n d career s For foreign students in the Netherlands, it is not always clear how to work in this country legally. The table below should give you an overview:

1 Student (registered under a Dutch university)

Internship EU/EEA or thesis Work permit not required Additional documents not required No working hour restriction

Other Work permit not required Internship agreement required No working hour restriction

Part-time EU/EEA Work permit not required Additional documents not required No working hour restriction

Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania Work permit required Student identification required No working hour restriction

Other Work permit required Internship agreement required Working hour restriction

2 Job-seeking year

Part-time or short-term Non-EU/EEA projects Work permit not required Additional documents not required No working hour restriction

www.isrotterdam.com 39 Internship and Graduate Thesis short-term placement

An internship is any work Netherlands and you are in the intern, the internship provider placement or practical training possession of a Dutch residence and the Dutch higher education arrangement that aims to give permit with the aim to study, you institution. You may contact your you experience of the world of do NOT need a work permit to international office or your faculty work while you are studying. If do an internship. However, an to sign the agreement on behalf you have already graduated, you internship agreement is required of the Dutch higher education will generally not be able to work if you are from a non-EU/EEA institution. as an intern in the Netherlands. country. It is a formal agreement If you are studying in the between three parties: the

Part-time Job

For an Extra income

As an international student in work. You may either do seasonal employment agency to apply Holland, you might want to take work full-time (but only in June, for your work permit from UWV a part-time job, just as Dutch July and August; of course, you WERKbedrijf. students do. Rules are different can name it “internship” but depending on your nationality: strictly speaking this is part-time If you are a citizen of the EU/ since it requires a work permit), EEA (except for Bulgaria, Croatia If you are from a non-EU/EEA or you may work part-time and Romania) and Switzerland, country, you will need a work throughout the rest of the year things are much easier. You do permit for a part-time job. Also (but no more than ten hours a not need a work permit. There Dutch immigration law restricts week); you may not do both. It is no restriction on the number the number of hours you may is up to your employer or the of hours you are allowed to work.

40 www.isrotterdam.com Job-seeking re gul a Year t io ns a n d career s

Orientation year for graduates

If you have successfully finished for a maximum period of 1 your higher educational study year counting from the date of programme (Bachelor’s or your graduation. During your Master’s programme) in the orientation year, you are entitled Netherlands, you may apply for to work in the Netherlands an orientation year for graduates. without any restrictions. The residence permit is issued

Knowledge Migrant

Long-term career

The Knowledge Migrant is also is a recognised sponsor (be number is: +31 79 750 29 03. called Highly Skilled Migrant, registered in the Netherlands For questions about applying or Kennismigrant (KM). If you with the Chamber of Commerce, for a visa or a residence permit, are from non-European Union the Tax Authority, and the Dutch you can contact the Immigration countries and want to work Immigration Service IND). and Naturalization Service (IND) (not including internship) in Second, you have a monthly on the following number: + 31 20 the Netherlands, you have to gross income that meets the 889 30 45. If you are already in become a KM and possess the highly skilled migrant criteria. the Netherlands you can dial the KM residence permit. For more information, refer to following number: 0900 123 45 the chart below. 61. For more details on policies, To be qualified for a knowledge please read the Hot Articles at migrant, you need to meet the If you have questions about work HoiTalent.com. For work permit, following two requirements: permits, you can contact the UWV go to goo.gl/9dNz1T; Knowledge First, your (future) employer WERKbedrijf. Their telephone Migrant, go to goo.gl/IejGCE.

For 2014, the minimum monthly gross salary for a highly skilled migrant is:

1 30 or older 2 younger than 30 3 belletrist Employees at 30 or older Employees below 30 Highly skilled migrant € 4,371.84 € 3,205.44 € 2,297.16

www.isrotterdam.com 41 Online Position Information We list major websites to find internships / positions as follow:

1 HoiTalent.com

The largest job portal for international talents in the Netherlands. Simple, neat and to the points. All of its jobs/internships do not require Dutch. Also, it directs you to the employer job post page, which saves you a lot of time. Therefore, if you do speak Dutch quite well / at all, and look for an entry / mid levels jobs (HoiTalent only have jobs requiring up to 5-year work experience), this is a must choice!

21 Agency websites

There are several traditional nation-wide job agencies like Randstad, Tempo Team. You can find positions via their website or by visiting their offices in person. Please not that usually there are very limited positions for non-Dutch speakers, or for graduates without any work experience.

31 Indeed.nl

This is the Dutch version of the largest job search engine in the world. It may have the most complete database for jobs. But the down side of a search engine is that you have to know what you are looking for, rather than using filters to narrow down to specific areas. Another annoying thing is that you cannot easily identify which jobs accept non-Dutch speaking people.

41 Linkedin

More and more companies tend to post positions in their Linkedin page. If you already have a LInkedin profile, this is a nice way. The filters and search engine there are quite good. However, it does not have complete vacancies especially for those small and medium- sized companies. Also, you need to click into each job by yourself to identify whether they accept non-Dutch speaking applicants.

51 Jobbird.com / Nationalevacaturebank.nl

These are two largest local websites. Very useful if you can speak Dutch: >90% of jobs require Dutch. Also please note that somehow their jobs are selective - it may not include complete positions from some big names like Shell, ASML.

61 Integrand.nl

This student foundation has a lot of internship positions which are not publicly posted. As a trend, more and more non-Dutch speaking internships are offered.

42 www.isrotterdam.com Ne t wor k i ng

Networking

Expanding connections

You may find a lot of job positions job opportunities? How can you online. However, you should get access to it? You must guess understand that around 80% of it right – this is about networking, the job opportunities are not about promoting yourself online posted publicly. Where are these and offline.

www.isrotterdam.com 43 Expanding social circle

Make use of your surrouding

Many students complain, “Yes, far to the Netherlands to study?! information or contacts. Two I want to do more networking, From the friends you know via additional tips: 1) to increase the but I have nobody to network parties, sports and classes, you success rate, you at least have with. How can I know those may get to know potential hiring to perform well in the class; 2) professionals who are already opportunities. And what is more choose your thesis supervisor working? Even I meet them, why important is that they are people carefully – he or she may become are they interested in me?” Fair together with you to apply for an important person to introduce enough. There must be some internships and jobs. You won’t thesis projects / companies people who have broad network feel alone. contacts to you. due to their family, or are excellent speakers able to impress people Professors: many professors Alumni: never underestimate in a few seconds. As a person are involved in projects with the power of alumni! It is not with average IQ and EQ, why not companies in the industry and only a rule in U.S. but also the start from the people around you? have some sort of relationship same everywhere in the world. You must have classmates, must with the industry. Just ask your There may me alumni mentoring have professors or lecturers in professors in your class! Some program in your university – do try your courses, and probably know companies may just ask them to it. There may be alumni from your some alumni from your faculty recommend some students to do own country – it should not be a or from your country. According internships or work there. Even problem to find them and contact to my observation, most people not this case, your professors them proactively. They can offer just let these valuable networking may be able to link you to their you huge help from student life assets go! contacts in the companies, to to career life. Their employers whom you can inquire the job may want to hire people from Schoolmates: you can of course opportunity further. The thing the same background of them, lock yourself in the room for the here is, you have nothing to lose, and they may have some internal whole day. But then why come so even if you fail to get any valuable referral opportunities.

44 www.isrotterdam.com Career Ne t wor k i ng Events

Show up in Career Events

Don’t be shy, just try. There are a lot of companies, agencies that every time as sometimes the a couple of career events, like you’ve probably never heard of. company presented there has the national one held every year: And try to talk to the right people no vacancy at all. Then you save National Carriere Beurs (http:// at the stands! Always locate your time by eliminating this www.carrierebeurs.nl). There decision makers, in some cases company from your later online must be at least held in your are HRs, in others line Managers. search, correct? Do bring a CV university, and some held in other Pitch to them: who you are, why with you, practice your 1-minute universities. Just register them they shall hire you! However do elevator pitch and ready to and go! It is a perfect time to know accept that it might not work impress decision makers! online presence

Make your online presence

The social network has made the your previous boss, colleagues, your option to extend it by paying world smaller and has brought professors or classmates. 22 euro per month, but at least try people closer to each other. It • You can use LinkedIn to leverage the free trial period can also help you build your to look for your alumni and build do the 3 aforementioned things! network with people you do not first connection with them. Of course there are other ways know before. We only mention • You can check to impress people online: making the most important one here. Yes, the profile of your potential your personal website / blog and LinkedIn. At least there are there interviewers before your have quality contents there. This ways to leverage it: interview. This can help you can prove your track record and • We can’t emphasize make better preparation and your passion for what you are the importance of your Linkedin build personal connecitons with going to apply for. profile more nowadays. Your the interviewers. potential employers may look at it, • You have 30 days free headhunters may look at it. Spend trial for linkedin premium package some decent time on polishing where you can send InMail to your Linkedin profile, and try anyone you want and whole lots to get recommendations from of features for free. Of course it’s

www.isrotterdam.com 45 Housing and utilities

This chapter provides advises on how to find student housing, solve utility or tax issues.

46 www.isrotterdam.com Ho us i ng a n d ut l t ie s

www.isrotterdam.com 47 housing

Finding an accommodation

Finding student housing in Solutions - SSH. They offer You may also look for Rotterdam can be a challenge. furnished student rooms, located accommodation through an The demand is high, the supply in or close to the centre of independent landlord. Give low, and being an international Rotterdam. You can rent these yourself a large window of time student doesn’t make it easier. rooms up to a maximum of 12 to find the place of your dreams, But don’t lose heart. Great months. as the process could take apartments await you! We several months. There are many recommend you read on. Room prices vary depending on housing websites that act as availability and circumstance. intermediaries. English websites You can find an accommodation The closer the room is to the are listed below, join ISR to get through your school. Your city the more expensive it will discounts on agency fees! educational institution likely be. You can expect to pay has arrangements with housing between €500-600 a month. agencies. The Erasmus University This includes all bills and utilities Rotterdam, for example, has such as heating, water, energy, an agreement with Short Stay internet, and taxes.

1 STUDYRENT 2 EASYKAMER 3 KAMER .nl .nl .nl

4 PARARIUS 5 nestpick 6 KAMERHUREN .com .com .nl

7 gresidence 8 HOUSINGANYWHERE 9 ROTSVAST .nl .com .nl

The following are some questions to keep in mind when apartment hunting. Registering your address is required in order to receive your BSN.

1 Is the apartment furnished? 6 How much is the deposit?

2 Are utilities included? 7 What are the conditions of deposit being returned?

3 How much do utilities cost? 8 How long will the contract last?

4 Can you register the address at the 9 Can you stay longer if you’d like? municipality?

5 Are there any extra fees such as 10 What are the requirements of renting? commission? 48 www.isrotterdam.com Ho us i ng a n d ut l t ie s

Gresidence a quick and reliable option

Looking for a place to live? you up with awesome digs. The Gresidence caters to us best part is registration is FREE internationals seeking housing and Gresidence goes out of their in Rotterdam. The company offers way to cater to your individual reliable service that quickly sets needs.

www.isrotterdam.com 49 50 www.isrotterdam.com www.isrotterdam.com 51 52 www.isrotterdam.com Oth er co sts

Other costs optional services

There are other costs that you’d And don’t forget that the things need to consider as a part of your that you once thought were free living. Living away from home actually cost money. It just that means taxes or other service someone has been paying it for bill are now your responsibility. you. But now, it’s your turn.

www.isrotterdam.com 53 Utilities options for providers

Energievergelijken.nl is the only you provided. We advise you website that compares the Dutch switch energy providers every energy companies in English. To year, as they compete on ‘cash find the best energy deal. You will back offers’ rather than actual be given a list of companies they energy prices. advise based on the estimates gas and Electricity general costs

First check if you have a double double meter, but the ‘high usage’ An estimation is more difficult for tariff. Do this by checking your is about 65% of the average gas as it depends on the type of meter closet to see if you have a electricity consumption. Use the house. As most students live in single or double meter. Averages estimates below, provided by an apartment, we will use that as stay the same if you have a www.nibud.nl a basis for our analysis.

ELECTRICITY GAS

NUMBER AVERAGE NUMBER AVERAGE OF PEOPLE IN CONSUMPTION OF PEOPLE IN CONSUMPTION HOUSEHOLD In kwh per year HOUSEHOLD In m^3 per year

1 600 1 600 2 850 2 850 3 1050 3 1050 4 1200 4 1200 5 1300 5 1300 6 5956 6 5956

54 www.isrotterdam.com Water Oth er co sts registration to water supplies

The only water provider in (registratienummer) can be found on the meter card itself, put Rotterdam is Evides. When you through either email or mail. the card in the mail and the move into your new home, you postal service will deliver your will receive a meter card. Make sure you find your meter information to Evides free of numbers and fill them in. Once charge. You can complete registration you have completed this process, through Evides official website you have registered successfully. with your personal registration If any problems arise, you can number. Your registration number always fill out the meter numbers

Remission

Getting tax returned

You may apply for remission of If you are an international student received the notice. Fill out a the water tax if your earnings are without a job, you are earning digital form (you need DigiD for at the income support level or below income support level! that) or the remission section lower. The Regionale Belasting You should apply for remission of the bill and return it without Groep will calculate how much within two months after receiving enclosing any documents. You disposable income you have by the tax letter. To ensure prompt will then receive a form that you deducting your overheads from processing of your application, need to fill out. Unfortunately, it your income. Then the remission we recommend that you respond will be in Dutch. Contact us if you will be made accordingly. within one month of having need help with translation!

www.isrotterdam.com 55 Internet ANd TV

Home entertainment

It generally takes three weeks This website offers a clear view and/or TV provider. Again, keep after the initial purchase for you of packages offered by different in mind that it generally takes to acquire internet, so arrange providers. The only downside is three weeks after the purchase this well in advance. Some that it is only available in Dutch. to complete the setup. Below larger internet providers include But thanks to the technology, we’ve gathered some useful UPC, Tele2, Telfort, Ziggo, KPN, Google Translate is able to do the translations that would help you Scarlett, T-mobile and XS4ALL. job just right to get you through in searching and registering for the process. your internet and TV services. You can begin your search by comparing different packages Once completed, you have through www.easyswitch.nl. successfully chosen your Internet

Aanhef Preamble Meneer Mr. Mevrouw Mrs. Tussenvoegsel Word positioned between first and last name. Achternaam Family name Geboortedatum Date of birth Postcode Postal code Huisnummer House number Toevoeging Additional letter to the house number Straatnaam Street name Woonplaats City of residence Telefoonnummer overdag Phone number Huidig e-mailadres E-mail address Bij welke bank loopt uw rekening? What bank do you have? Rekeningnummer Bank account number Naam rekeninghouder Account holder’s name

56 www.isrotterdam.com Taxes Oth er co sts costs of living

Above we discussed tax remission, but what taxes actually exist? Below we discuss the 2014 prices. Please be aware the 2015 prices may rise several euros.

Domestic Waste Tax (Afvalstoffenheffing)

Afvalstoffenheffing is the dutch term for domestic waste tax and is paid to cover the costs of collection and processing of domestic waste. This tax is charged by Gemeente Rotterdam and it is € 372.50 per household.

Water tax (Waterschapsbelasting)

Waterschapsbelasting is best translated as water tax. The tax is paid to create and maintain strong dikes and ensure the populous has clean water. The tax is charged by the Regionale Belasting Groep and is € 149.01 if you live alone, and € 251.77 if you live with someone.

Dog-license

If you have a dog, you must obtain a dog license. Costs for one dog amount to € 126.80 per year. Note every additional dog costs an extra € 200.90 per year.

www.isrotterdam.com 57 Culture and Entertainment

With its large amount of nationalities, Rotterdam is one of the most - if not the most - culturally diverse cities in the Netherlands. Here, we will explore its diversity, recommend different cultural visits, and explicate some aspects of Rotterdam’s nightlife.

58 www.isrotterdam.com Cultu re a n d Ent er t ai nm e nt

www.isrotterdam.com 59 Blaak

The Italian cluster

Home to the ‘Blaak Market’ you get a card, with which you sauce, rice/noodles that will held Tuesdays and Saturdays, can order salads, pizzas, pastas surely put a smile on your face. is a massive rectangular plaza, and more. You order, wait, and The food is consistently fresh and lined with a number of yummy watch as your food is prepared well worth the trip. and diverse restaurants. You can before your eyes. expect a filling and rewarding Sumo, while a more expensive meal for under 20 euros most Happy Italy, the other Italian option, (expect to pay 20-25 everywhere you go. However, temptation, sits beside Vapiano, euros) provides endless options if you join ISR you’re in for an and offers a typical service with of fresh sushi, teppanyaki and even sweeter deal! In many of meals you can score under 15 tempura in a unique atmosphere. the restaurants (13 at the time euros. The interior is fresh and Prices during the day are much of writing) you can enjoy a main lively, while extensive seating lower, so take advantage at course, desert and a drink for is available outside in warm lunchtime and reward yourself just €10. Check the website for weather. with this all-you-can-eat dream. more information! Prices vary depending on the Eazie will satisfy those craving hour and day, so check out the Directly on the plaza sits Vapiano, Asian cuisine. With only 10 euros, website if you want to get the an Italian restaurant to razz your you can fill your takeout box with best deal. dining experience. Upon entering meat/fish/chicken and veggies,

60 www.isrotterdam.com Oude Cultu re a n d Ent er Haven the old sensation t ai nm e nt

Not far from Blaak you’ll find go. Prices can be steep, but the Oude Haven. This small marina cozy feel and endless beer taps is home to a variety of café’s, bring in crowds of students and abundant with terraces and warm, otherwise. Be sure to check out welcoming bars. If you’re looking Kade 4, Stockholm Café, and Villa for a good steak or a simple pub kakelbont, and see for yourself! inspired meal—this is the place to

Witte de With

The cultural Hot Spot

This street is peppered with late night party goers in for a bar of the world by Lonely Planet diversity. Pizzerias, cafés, bars Kapsalon, a typical Rotterdam in 2009. This café attracts a mix and shoarma restaurants lay in feed-bag. If you’ve never heard of artists, business men, students, wait to feed you. Witte de With of a Kapsalon, head over to Jaffa journalists and otherwise. The houses Jaffa, the oldest shoarma and try it! As mentioned earlier, café hosts art installations; good restaurant in Rotterdam. This Café de Witte Aap is located for a beer and a culture fix. classic joint is open late, inviting here. It was awarded the best

Oostplein connecting Kralingen and center

Oostplein, a square abutting unlimited spare ribs on Mondays to eat that packs a flavor punch. the city center, is where you will and Wednesday for €12.95, but if Nearby you will find snack bars find smaller restaurants known you are an ISR member, you get where you can experience dutch as eetcafe’s. You are bound to an even sweeter deal! De Hemel kroket. HAS, another popular find the perfect student meal op Aarde has, a Mediterranean shoarma restaurant, is open until here. Restaurant De Dijk offers kitchen, is great for a small bite 4 a.m.

www.isrotterdam.com 61 Ordering in

The lazy solution

Rotterdam truly delivers in terms leave your room again! However, of delivery. We would recommend we encourage you to explore www.thuisbezorgd.nl where you’ll the city, even if you just walk to find numerous restaurants that Beurs for some classic fast food will bring food to your doorstep. from McDonalds, Burger King, The site is in English and easy to and KFC. navigate, so you never have to

62 www.isrotterdam.com E a t i ng o ut

Eating Out

Restaurants and Diners

Many new and veteran students choice destinations for a great still lack skills in the kitchen. The meal, but we encourage you to good news is, Rotterdam has an put on your walking shoes—or array of affordable restaurants hop on your bike—and explore with scrumptious food waiting the extensive offerings around for you! Below we explore some the city.

www.isrotterdam.com 63 Amigo amigo-rotterdam.nl

Looking for a Mexican experience without leaving the neighborhood? Stop by Amigo at Avenue Concordia for all you can eat tapas at 19.50 Euros a person… And prepare to be satisfied.

Cafe Plein cafe-plein.nl

Across from town hall in the center of the city houses Cafe Plein, sporting a relaxing terrace perfect for kicking back during a day in the city. At night the place is open for select events, while offering classic diner food for lunch and dinner.

Coconuts coconuts.nl

Sitting pretty by town hall and immersed in Rotterdam grey, Coconuts is a restaurant and bar escape for the tropics lover. We’ve got a reply to your message in a bottle—Go to Coconuts! 64 www.isrotterdam.com E a Cafe’t Fust t i ng o ut Rotterdam cafefust.nl

This cafe is a MUST go. The classic atmosphere started back in ’61, offering a wide selection of beer, food and fun. Not only popular amongst locals, ISR also frequents the joint.

Sorbonne sorbonne.nl

The cafe and restaurant hybrid offers the whole package… Lunch, dinner and nightlife galore, with numerous student parties for you to check out too!

These places are great for having a meal, but at night they turn into bars and clubs. We have spent many of our favorite nights in these places, so make sure you check them out. www.isrotterdam.com 65 Divoza Ezprezzo

divozarotterdam.nl ezprezzo.nl

This restaurant and bar offers Need a pick-me-up? This coffee an extensive drink selection, bar has you covered. With an gourmet food and ice-cream that extensive assortment of fine makes tastebuds dance. Perfect coffee blends and, not to mention, for a night out with friends or REALLY good muffins,Ezprezzo family, the spot is accented by serves the Kralingse zoom metro old brick walls and comfortable crowd. Another location is in the chairs. The illusion you are in Alexandrium shopping center if the comfort of your living room you prefer a relaxing sit down is only shattered by the fact that experience. it is more comfortable—than mine anyway!

Bram Brood ladage Express

ladage.nl broodexpress.com

This chain began serving the city Brood Express churns out of Rotterdam back in the 60’s. delicious sandwiches in record Bram Ladage is a classic Dutch time. You’ll find it in four metro treat, with argua-bly the fries in stations, Beurs, Cool-haven, the Netherlands. They are not Dijkzigt and Kralingse zoom, your common French fries, but with two other locations at rather fresh hand cut fries. Check Alexandrium and Zuidplein. If you out any of the 9 locations in the are hungry and in a hurry—and city for the best fries you can get. seeking a quality sandwich to fuel Oh, and if you want to taste a real your race—we recommend you Dutch delicacy, we recommend stop at Brood Express. you to try their fresh private label kroket!

66 www.isrotterdam.com D a yl ife

Daylife

Fun for Day Lovers

For those of you who come alive to Kralingse Plas, a beautiful park during the day, here are some in the east of the city. The expanse ideas of how to spend one. Grab surrounds an impressive lake, tall whatever food you have in your trees and numerous places to roll cupboards, pack it in your Albert out a blanket for a picnic with friends. Heijn bags and hop on your bike

www.isrotterdam.com 67 Outdoor Activities

Fun with the sun

If you are looking for some place to have a sing-along with your friends, while maybe you strum away on your six strings. There are some parks you could visit such as Het Park, Kralingse Plas, and Vroesenpark. If your mouth is watering over some Barbercue, you’ll need to search for a Barbecue zone, you can’t just do it anywhere.

Another option, if you’re looking to explore the other side of the city, is to hop on your bike to Delfshaven, a little borough of Rotterdam that houses numerous art schools and classic old buildings that survived WW2. If you have an extra euro or two, head to Café de Oude Sluis and join the locals for a beer. The old wooden bar sits tilting alongside a tiny canal, highlighted by a string of small homes and shops. Venturing to Delfshaven allows access to a small-town feel without venturing far from Rotterdam-proper. Oh—And there’s a big windmill there too!

I should mention that if, on the very likely chance that rain and clouds join you on your excursion, you might consider heading to the Tea Lab near Blaak. There you can dry out with a hot cup

68 www.isrotterdam.com D of tea and some good music in a yl ife a modern environment. This café also serves as a meeting- place for ‘Shut Up and Write, Rotterdam,’ a newly formed writers group and book club that welcomes everyone. If you prefer a live music experience to a contemplative one, head North to Café de Bel on Saturday night, meet your night owl friends and experience music from Jazz to rock’n’roll - with a whole lot of satisfaction and close-quarters in between.

Pathe

Pathe.nl

This movie theater is a perfect destination for those looking to escape a rainy day, or simply the everyday grind of studies. It is massive and features IMAX movies and an array of blockbuster films.

Holland Casino hollandcasino.nl

If you are of age and looking for some evening fun, pop into this spacious casino and try your hand at poker, slot machines and many more gambling attractions. And be prepared to gain or lose magnificently! www.isrotterdam.com 69 Lasergame Rotterdam

lasergamerotterdam.nl

Want to shoot laser beams at people? Grab a group of friends and head to this arena. You can get in free your first time if you happen to possess a Rotterdam pass! ISR ventures here for team building trips and all agree it is one of the most choice ways to wrap up a long day.

Exitgame

exitgame.nl

This is a very real feeling escape- the-room-game. It is exciting, semi-scary and not for the claustrophobic but all in all a very rewarding experience. If you do manage to escape, there is little you cannot do.

70 www.isrotterdam.com M us e ums

Museums

A cultural experience

Rotterdam is a hub of culture, with and view original Van Gogh’s at many museums worth exploring. You Boijmans. Read on if you want to can learn about the city’s seafaring plan a museum trip! history at the Maritime Museum,

www.isrotterdam.com 71 Boijmans Van Beuiningen Museum boijmans.nl

Boijmans houses a large variety Monet and Magritte are all on of collections, from medieval display. The museum is located in masterpieces to more modern the center of Rotterdam, close to works. Pieces from artists such Witte de Withstraat, and is easily as Bosch, Bruegel, Van Gogh, accessible by tram/metro/bike.

72 www.isrotterdam.com Kunsthal M us e ums kunsthal.nl

Kunsthal Rotterdam stages a must-see. It portrays many around 25 exhibitions a year. different aspects of culture, from Designed by a Dutch architect, old art to new photography, from Rem Koolhaas, the 3300 square lingerie expositions to works by meters of exhibition space is Leonardo Da Vinci.

www.isrotterdam.com 73 WereldMuseum wereldmuseum.nl

The “Wereldmuseum” is another all over the world. This museum icon of Rotterdam, where you can is located close to the Erasmus view an impressive collection of bridge. art that has been collected from

74 www.isrotterdam.com M us e ums

MaritiEM Museum maritiemmuseum.nl

As the largest port city in Europe, of September, showcasing a there is a great deal to learn festival dedicated to Rotterdam’s about Rotterdam’s maritiem port. The maritiem museum offers history here. The world harbor free entry during this festival. days take place in the beginning

www.isrotterdam.com 75 oTHERS

Other choices

In addition to the larger names/ Each March the museums in museums mentioned above there Rotterdam open themselves up are countless more worth a visit. for a night, allowing for a Night After all, Rotterdam is a very at the Museum type adventure. cultural city. You can buy tickets at the Blaak Library, around €14 pre-sale and They include but are not limited last minute tickets are around to The Natural History Museum €17.50, so make sure to get them natural history museum, Dutch early! A total of 50 art expositions institute of architecture, The are open and a blinking LED light Netherlands’ photo museum, will be your receipt. and Scheepswerf De Delft.

76 www.isrotterdam.com Ni ghtl ife

Nightlife

A guide to night entertainment

Everyone has their own music popular places as well as some style and type of party they that are less popular but we have like to go to. Here, we aim to good experiences with. showcase some of the more

www.isrotterdam.com 77 Party guide

Prepare for the night

Let’s not beat around the Keeping the balance between what isn’t, as well as a list of our bush here. If American Pie has work and pleasure is a delicate favorite bars, clubs and places taught us anything, it’s that affair, so if you allow yourself a to have a drink and bust a move going to university is as much night out, best not waste it on a about gaining knowledge and lousy bar with warm beer, right? broadening your mind as it is about dragging your drunk self Here’s some information to into bed in the wee hours of the help jump-start your nightlife morning and waking up with a experience in Rotterdam. You’ll ‘never drinking again’ kind of find some essential information attitude. regarding what’s allowed and

The Partying Need-to-Knows

General knowledge

Before we tell you about the and flashing your ID. A bottle of Keep this in mind to avoid a best bars and clubs, you need vodka (depending on brand and disappointing and boring few to know how to conduct yourself quantity of either 70cl or 100cl) hours before the party really like a respectable Dutch person. will set you back between 10 and begins. For one, teenagers are allowed 20 euros and a full crate of beer to drink starting from age 18. (24x33cl) from the supermarket Drinking can be fun, if it’s done Before this, you shouldn’t be in is at most 13 euros (excluding in moderation (and alright, having possession of alcohol if you are deposit!). Drinking at home is one too many is fun too) but a law abiding citizen. much cheaper than drinking at there’s one rule of thumb: it’s a club, which is why pre-drinks OK as long as you don’t bother At 18 all bets are off though, are commonplace. Because pre- anybody and keep the public and buying hard liquor is as drinks are a must, most parties peace. This goes for pretty easy as going to the liquor store start to fill up around midnight. much anything. Being drunk in

78 www.isrotterdam.com a club is alright, but if you get to clubs) ignore this and allow their sometimes even a night in jail Ni ghtl ife the point where you knock onto patrons to smoke inside. If you’re (although a night in jail is very, everybody around you, either not sure, take a look around. very rare and only happens for sit down or go home. Need to Are people smoking and are repeat offenders). Do not fret! It puke? Take it outside or use the bouncers not caring? If so, go really isn’t all that strict. Just be bathroom, but DO NOT puke ahead and light up! You can also a sensible citizen and the police inside the club. It’s just bad form ask a bartender if you can smoke will stay off your case. and can ruin the night for many in peace. people. Same goes for fights; Girls shouldn’t have to take extra take your troubles outside and Outside the club is where precautions per se; Rotterdam don’t bother everyone with it. things get delicate. Being is very safe for ladies to go out Bouncers will not hesitate to drunk in public is officially a and have a good time, although throw you outside. This may punishable offense, but walking caution is never a bad thing. It seem like commonsense, but a or biking home from a party in is rare for trouble to ensue, but surprising number of people don’t the morning is A-OK as long one should always be careful, act accordingly. as, again, you don’t bother minimize going home alone after anybody. Screaming matches a night out and keep an eye on Smoking inside clubs and bars is and fights are often visited drinks. outlawed by the government, but by our friends ‘de Politie’ and some establishments (especially result in citations, fines and

Night Shops

Last-minute purchase

Now that you know how to Night shops, much like their name closed and you would still like to conduct yourself, you should suggests, are open when the sun have a drink at home, there is one know where to buy your alcohol. goes down and may offer much last resort : the beer courier. The Note that normal liquor store such more reasonable prices than website is in Dutch, check it out as Gall & Gall opens until 21.00 clubs and bars. We recommend at www.bier-koerier-rotterdam.nl. latest. If you missed out on your you stock up here on your liquor chance on purchasing drinks of and beer so you don’t break the your desire, you still have one last bank! And if you are ever so resort at a night shop. unprepared, the night shops are

www.isrotterdam.com 79 80 www.isrotterdam.com Bar s a n d c lubs

Bars and Clubs

Your choices in one place

Now that we’ve covered the areas to explore if you get the alcohol culture, and going out chance. Never be afraid to try a need-to-knows, here are a few place that’s not on this list, as fun good bars, clubs and general is never far away in Rotterdam.

www.isrotterdam.com 81 Locus Publicus locus-publicus.com

This bar boasts a selection of 200 over the world. If you and your different beers, with a permanent friends are feeling adventurous, 12 beers on tap. Don’t go here you can even arrange a tasting to to be rowdy, the atmosphere broaden your knowledge of beer. won’t encourage it, but go here This is the place for the “Let’s to have a taste of some of the grab a good beer somewhere” finest beers in Europe and all kind of evenings. De Witte Aap dewitteaap.nl

De Witte Aap is smallish but “Best Pub of 2009”. If that doesn’t packed full of ambiance. Lonely say enough, I don’t know what Planet, the world’s leading range does, and it’s really all I have to of travel guides, has dubbed it say about it. Go try it out.

Café BED bedrotterdam.nl

Café BED is a staple in the there on a Tuesday generally Erasmus international community. guarantees a fun night. The It is home to our friends at ESN music at this location is a mix of every Tuesday; if you want to the more danceable top 40 hits, meet other internationals, this is slightly commercially-oriented the place to go. Not only does the house music and hip-hop. Go name allow you to ask someone with friends, have a few drinks “Do you want to go to BED with and you’re almost sure to have me?” with a straight face, going a good time.

82 www.isrotterdam.com Bar s a n d c lubs

www.isrotterdam.com 83 Toffler toffler.nl

Rotterdam is dubbed the techno- open on Thursdays, Fridays and capital of Holland, and hosts a set Saturdays. However, keep an eye of good underground-style clubs. out for the very popular monthly Toffler is an old passenger tunnel Toffler Thursdays, where a world- turned techno paradise. The renowned techno DJ always ceiling itself is an absolute trip, takes the stage. Previous Toffler covered in diamond-patterned Thursday editions saw great neon lights that change color names, such as Joris Delacroix, with the music. Toffler is only Arjuna Schiks, and Edu Imbernon

Perron perron.nl

Perron has all the charm of an take themselves too seriously underground club. Crummy here, so venture here if you need looking from both the outside and a refreshing break from the self- the inside, this place is all about conscious atmosphere that often the music and the underground encapsulates nightlife. grunge experience. People don’t

Bird bird-rotterdam.nl

Bird, located close to central During the day other art-related station, is a trendy alternative events take place, such as poetry to the large night clubs in readings and film viewings. It is Rotterdam. Many different artists a very culturally diverse location, perform soul, latin, funk, hip-hop, which makes it a great place for and electronica in the evening. internationals!

84 www.isrotterdam.com Club Bar s a n d c lubs Cinema cinemarotterdam.nl

Three bars, bumpin’ music and trendy people is the Club Cinema way. Step into the club and enter the heart of nightlife in Rotterdam!

www.isrotterdam.com 85 health and lifestyle

With its large amount of nationalities, Rotterdam is one of the most - if not the most - culturally diverse cities in the Netherlands. Here, we will explore its diversity recommend different cultural visits and explicate some aspects of Rotterdam’s nightlife.

86 www.isrotterdam.com Hea lth a n d Life style

www.isrotterdam.com 87 Doctors health issues

We are happy to report that health Keep in mind that you will need sure they speak English, then care in the Netherlands is of high to register with the general ask for a registration form. You quality. We advise you to register practitioner before you are able will then have to take this form with a general practitioner to make an appointment. We to the office along with an ID and (huisarts) in your neighborhood. advise you to do this as soon insurance card. In the last chapter, you can find as possible so you can make an link to access a list of all general appointment immediately when practitioners in Rotterdam divided necessary. To register, call the in terms of neighborhoods. doctor closest to you and make

Dentists

Dental care

Dentists (tandarts) can be found Without this, your normal through your insurance company, medical insurance will not cover or by using the Netherlands dental treatment! If you are not Yellow Pages. When you first insured for dental treatment, take out your policy make sure you can opt to pay for treatment that it covers dental treatment, yourself. You can search for a list and if not, you will be able to of registered dentists at www. add an extra dental component. zorgkaartnederland.nl (in Dutch).

88 www.isrotterdam.com U s ef ul i n for m a t io n

Useful information

Your Collection of Random information and tips

Here we provide you with short know. Think of various discount pieces of information that we cards and how to learn the local believe are useful for you to language.

www.isrotterdam.com 99 Helpful websites

1 ISR 21 NUFFIC www.isrotterdam.com www.nuffic.nl ISR - initialism for International student An organisation that supports Rotterdam, It offers information about international higher education, student life, events, and activities. research and professional education.

31 9292 41 The Municipality www.9292.nl www.rotterdam.nl 9292 offers up-to-date travel The website of the municipality. Many infromation and detailed turn-to-turn adminstrative matters can be handled travel directions. on this website.

51 Marktplaats 61 WE OWN ROTTERDAM www.marktplaats.nl www.weownrotterdam.nl Marktplaats is a consumer to We Own Rotterdam is a full scale consumer based e-commerce events calendar. You can find all kind platform similar to ebay. of festivals, parties, and etc.

71 Rotterdam Festivals 81 STUDIELINK www.rotterdamfestivals.nl www.studielink.nl Rotterdam festivals is an event Studielink is an online platform for your calendars for festivals and parties. study. For every course chosen, you will need to register here.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

1 112 2 010 433 3300 3 010 446 8200 Emergencies Ambulance Fire department

4 010 466 9573 5 0900 8844 8 010 436 2244 Doctors Police(non-emergencies) SOS Distress

6 0800 9009 7 14010 9 010 455 2155 Power outage City information Urgent dental care

100 www.isrotterdam.com Learning Dutch

Knowing the language

We highly advise you to learn a number of institutions that will free Dutch courses due to the at least the basics of the local provide courses, but keep in mind fact that the EU funds them. This language. It is not essential since the cheapest ones you will find is a matter you should inquire most people speak English, but are around €500. about at your international office. it does facilitate the integration Also,You should know that with process. If you are thinking of Erasmus University students can the advancement of technology, finding a job in the Netherlands participate in language courses now you could just tap away after having completed your offered through the institution at on your smart phone and find a degree, considerably many a reduced price. If you are an right application for your learning more doors will open if you speak exchange student, you might needs. If smart phone is not your Dutch. By Googling “learning be eligible for an Erasmus thing, the following websites offer Dutch Rotterdam” or “Dutch Intensive Language Course. If various tools you can use in order course Rotterdam” you will find you are eligible you can take to learn Dutch independently.

1 Linguistadores 2 2BDutch linguistadores.com 2bdutch.nl

Go to the website and create a free It is very similar to Linguistadores, but account. Not only can you learn the it shares mostly videos. The videos are language, but also get to know the all authentic Dutch video footage with culture. subtitles.

COMMON DUTCH WORDS & PHRASES

Word & translation pronounciation

HALLO Hah-low “Hello”

HOI Hoy “Hi/Hey”

GOEDEMORGEN Khoo-de-more-khuhn “Good morning”

GOEDEMIDDAG Khoo-de-mih-dakh “Good afternoon”

GOEDENAVOND Khoo-de-nah-vont “Good evening”

www.isrotterdam.com 101 HOE GAAT HET Hoo-khaat-hett “How are you”

IK HEET.../IK BEN... Ick-hayt.../Ick ben... “My name is.../I am...”

IK BEN...JAAR OUD Ick ben... yahr aut “I am... years old”

BEDANKT Buh-dahnkt “Thank you”

ALSJEBLIEFT Ahls-ye-bleeft “Please”

TOT ZIENS Tott seens “See you”

PRETTIGE DAG/WEEK Prett-ih-khuh dakh/veyk “Have a nice day/week”

FIJN WEEKEND Fine veekent “Have a nice weekend”

EET SMAKELIJK Ate smah-kuh-lick “Enjoy your meal”

HET SPIJT ME Hett speyt muh “I’m sorry”

DAG Dakh “Bye”

PROOST Proast “Cheers”

GEZONDHEID Kheh-zohnt-height “Bless you”

GRAAG GEDAAN Khrakh khedawn “You’re welcome”

PARDON Pahr duhn “Sorry/excuse me”

IK BEN VERDWAALD Ick ben vuhr-dwahlt “I’m lost”

KAN IK JE HELPEN Kahn ick yuh help-ehn “Can I help you”

KUN JE ME HELPEN Kuhn yuh muh help-ehn “Can you help me”

RECHTDOOR GAAN Rekht-dore khahn “Go straight”

DAN NAAR LINKS/RECHTS Dahn nahr links/rekhts “Then turn to the left/right”

102 www.isrotterdam.com HOEVEEL KOST DIT Who-fayl cost dit “How much does this cost”

MAG IK EVEN WAT VRAGEN Mahkh ick ay-vuhn vaht frah-khehn “May I ask something”

IK WEET HET NIET Ick vayt hett neet “I don’t know”

GEFELICITEERD Khuh-feh-lee-cee-thert “Happy birthday/Congratulation”

GELUKKIG NIEUW JAAR Khuh-luhk-kihkh new yahr “Happy new year”

VEEL GELUK Fayl khuh-luhk “Good luck”

GOEDE REIS Khoo-duh rays “Have a safe trip”

PRETTIGE VAKANTIE Pret-tih-khuh vah-kahn-cee “Have a nice holiday”

EEN GOEDE DAG VERDER An khoo-duh dakh fehr-dehr “Have a nice day”

WANNEER Vahn-eyr “When”

WAAR Vahr “Where”

WIE Vee “Who”

HOE Who “How”

WAT Vaht “What”

WAAROM Vahr-om “Why”

HOEVEEL Who-feyl “How much”

HOE LAAT Who laht “What time”

Welke Feyl-ke “Which”

www.isrotterdam.com 103 Commodity U s ef ul i n for m a Market Rotterdam

goo.gl/CHcHf3 t io n

If you need to buy something or what you are selling. We also bet sell something - as long as it’s it is the most painless way for legal - head to Commodity Market you to get furniture, knickknacks Rotterdam and find your match! and random items for generally It’s as easy as liking the Facebook low, negotiable prices. And of group and posting or searching course, you can find bikes here! for an advertisement that suits The community is around fifteen- your needs. And trust us - there thousands at present and we is always someone who wants urge you to join the ranks.

Bicycles

Getting a Bike

Bicycles – These two-wheeled a great way of getting around and replaceable should something contraptions, or “fietsen” as can save you a bunch of money happen to your bike. All you need they’re called in Dutch, are as on public transportation. If you is that the lights work on the front much part of this country’s culture are worried about safety, don’t and back, as it’s legally required as cheese, windmills and tulips fret: marked bike lanes are very to have bike lights on in the dark. are (if you’re into stereotypes, common, and Dutch drivers are Getting a solid second lock for that is). In fact, Holland counts perfectly used to having bikes your bike is also a smart move, as over 18 million bikes for a mere on the road. carelessly parked bikes are easily 17 million Nederlanders, which is stolen. In Rotterdam, there are a a pretty good indication of how When buying a bike, going few places where you can score silly for bikes the Dutch are. As second hand is the smartest (refurbished) second hand bikes an international student, one of choice. Second hand bikes for a range of budgets. On your your first steps should be laying usually still ride like a charm, and right is a list of locations. claim to your first bike. Bikes are their fair price makes them easily

www.isrotterdam.com 91 1 Piekfijn

Piekfijn is a good second hand thrift shop that sells everything from furniture to clothes and bikes, and they have addresses throughout the city.

Mariniersweg 255 (City Center) Phone No. 010-2677772 Aluminiumstraat 6 (Prins Alexanderpolder) Phone No. 010-2677773 Wolphaertsbocht 246 (Charlois) Phone No. 010-2677771

Opening hours Monday 13:00 – 17:00 Tuesday – Friday 09:00 – 17:15 Saturday 10:00 – 16:00

2 Pluspunt

Up in the north of the city (near Blijdorp Zoo), there is another second hand store.

Noordhavenkade 142 Phone No. 010-4676614

Opening hours Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 16:00 Friday 11:00 – 15:00

3 Megabike

In Kralingen, it’s worth going to Megabike, which is a stone’s throw away from metro stop Oostplein.

Burgemeester van Walsumweg 2 Phone No. 010-4137435

Opening hours Monday 12:00 – 18:00 Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 – 18:00 Friday 9:30 – 21:00 Saturday 9:30 – 17:30 Sunday 12:00 – 17:00

92 www.isrotterdam.com Rotterdampas U s ef ul i n for m a rotterdampas.nl t io n The Rotterdampas is an amazing Euromast, a Spido boat tour, a discount card that not enough yoga class, and free entry to students have. Normally it costs several museums. This pass is €60, but it is a mere €12.50 for definitely worth the investment. students. You can enjoy over You Check www.rotterdampas.nl 500 discounted activities per (only in Dutch) for other activities year, including several free and for instructions on how to ones. A few of the free activities apply for a pass. are: laser gaming, a visit to the

Rotterdam welcome card rotterdam.info

The Rotterdam Welcome Card of Rotterdam as possible in 1 to 3 offers over 25% discounts at 50 days. It costs €10 for the first day, great attractions and locations €13.50 for two days and €17.50 in Rotterdam; it even includes for 3 days. Google “Rotterdam some travel discounts. This card Welcome Card” and you will is meant for people who just find the necessary information arrived and want to see as much in English.

www.isrotterdam.com 93 ISR’s Member card isrotterdam.com/membership

By joining ISR you will have the world; at ISR we represent access to more than 50 more than 30 different cultures! events (many free ones), a Check the website for more large amount of discounts and information: www.isrotterdam. meet students from all around com/membership.

94 www.isrotterdam.com S tu d y sp o ts

Study Spots

Relaxing spots for your mind

Most students who need peace However, there are three other and quiet to study usually great locations available to use study at home or at the library as study space. of their educational institution.

www.isrotterdam.com 95 Central Library bibliotheek.rotterdam.nl

The Central Library is located at can rent a meeting/private study for membership or library card for Blaak. The library is so massive room there for free if you have exclusive offers. Be informed that that it has nearly a million of a library card. The library opens in order to take out book, you’ll books and dvd’s to offer. On everyday except for Sunday. need a library card. For more the 6th floor there is a open However, the opening hours information about opening time and quiet area where you could differs from day to day. On the and membership, please visit concentrate on your book. You other hand, you could also apply www. bibliotheek.rotterdam.nl.

Caffè Belmondo caffebelmondo.nl

Caffè Belmondo is a very popular can study while enjoying a nice study location. They serve coffee, muffin or cookie. It has delicious Italian coffee, prepared several other chains in other by their experienced baristas. It cities. You can find out more has quiet areas with free Wi-Fi about the opening hours and and is one of the few places you locations on their official website.

Coffee Company coffeecompany.nl

The coffee company is a bigger In general, you’ll see other people chain café that serves hot sitting by their table, sipping on beverages and desserts. If you their hot coffee while reading are looking for a place with cozy news paper; or a more realistic lighting and soft background term, laptops. Visit their website music, this is a place for you. for more information.

96 www.isrotterdam.com www.isrotterdam.com 97 Closing Words

Enjoy your journey

The team here at ISR would like to thank you for the years, with articles and edits and ideas. Most of taking the time to explore this guide. Our aim was all, I would like to thank Bek Tat Lun and Razvan Isac, to provide a roadmap within these pages, both whose graphic design work transformed the guide illustrating and demystifying Rotterdam culture into a very pretty picture. A special thank you goes and happenings for non-locals. As internationals out this city’s municipality; their unending support ourselves, we are well aware of the difficulty and was a crucial factor to the success of this guide. excitement that characterizes studying abroad and invite you to join or contact us should you have any All in all, ISR wishes you happy reading and a unanswered questions or juicy suggestions. sends you a warm welcome to our beautiful city of Rotterdam! Another big thank you goes out to the various contributors to our student guide, to our monetary Emma Koeze sponsors who made printing possible, to the ISR Content Manager members who have contributed significantly over

98 www.isrotterdam.com