Student Handbook 2012-2013

School of Business and Economics SBE Exchange Student Handbook 2012-2013

School of Business and Economics SBE Exchange Colophon Table of Contents Student Handbook 2012-2013 Maastricht University Welcome to Maastricht! XI

Published, edited and coordinated by: Preface XIII

Academic Guide: Academic Calendar XIV Ruth Reynders – International Relations Office, School of Business and Economics Academic Guide Wendy Hardy – International Relations Office, School of Business and Economics 1 Maastricht University 3

Practical Guide: 2 Terms and procedures regarding education and examinations 5 Ruth Reynders – International Relations Office, 2.1 UM card 5 School of Business and Economics 2.2 Education 5 2.2.1 Attendance and participation in tutorial groups 5 2.2.2 Schedule 6 Lay-out and design by: Océ Business Services, Maastricht | OBS 8565 2.3 Registration for educational activities 6 Printed by: Océ Business Services, Maastricht 2.3.1 Registration deadlines for education 6 Photography: Photostock Maastricht University, Marketing & Communications. 2.3.2 Skills training 7 2.3.3 Grade conversion 8 2.4. Examinations 8 2.4.1 Registration deadlines for exams 8 2.4.2 Location of the exam 9 2.4.3 Examination rules 10 2.4.4 Method of examination 11 2.4.5 Plagiarism 11 2.4.6 Grades 12 2.4.7 Right of inspection 12 2.4.8 Complaints and Appeal 12 2.4.9 Results 14 Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, 2.4.10 Grade transcripts 14 the International Relations Office of the Maastricht University School of Business and 2.4.11 Location of the re-sit 15 Economics cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions and/or misinterpretations. 2.4.12 Taking re-sits or exams of your home university 15

© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 3 Educational organisation and administration 17 form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by 3.1 EleUM: Electronic learning environment of Maastricht University 17 any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the 3.2 Surfyourself, the information Site 18 copyright owner, or, as the cases may be, the publishers, beyond the exceptions provided 3.3 Information desk 18 by the Copyright Law. 3.4 The student advisor 19

III 3.5 International Relations Office 20 Practical Guide 3.6 Study materials 21 3.6.1 SCOPE Bookstore 21 1 The Netherlands and the City of Maastricht 3 3.6.2 Study Store 21 1.1 The Netherlands 3 1.2 The History of South Limburg and Maastricht 4 4 Informing Students 23 1.3 Maastricht: an overview 6 4.1 Observant 23 4.2 Wall Street Journal 23 2 Money matters 9 4.3 Electronic Notice Board 23 2.1 The Euro 9 4.4 My UM Portal 24 2.2 Changing money 9 4.5 E-mail 24 2.3 Opening a Dutch bank account 9 4.6 EleUM 24 2.3.1 How to open a bank account at ING bank 10 2.3.2 Day-to-day finances 10 5 Student Facilities 27 2.3.3 Banks in Maastricht 10 5.1 ICTS 27 2.3.4 Bank opening hours 10 5.2 Computer access 27 2.4 Paying for things 11 5.2.1 Computer Rooms 27 2.4.1 Cash and bank cards 11 5.2.2 Printing in the Computer Rooms 28 2.4.2 Cash dispenser (or Automated Teller Machines, ATMs) 11 5.2.3 Data Space 28 2.4.3 Credit cards and cheques 11 5.2.4 Wireless network 28 2.4.4 Bank transfers 11 5.3 Mensa Academica Maastricht (MAM) 28 2.4.5 Chipknip 12 5.4 Cash dispenser 29 2.4.6 UM Card 12 5.5 Copy shop and copying 29 2.4.7 Loading your UM Card 12 5.6 The University Library and Learning resource Centre (“studielandschap’’) 30 5.6.1 University Library 30 3 Legal matters 15 5.6.2 Learning Resource Centre (studielandschap) 34 3.1 Student Law Office Maastricht 15 5.6.3 Wireless network 34 5.7 Public Library of Maastricht 35 4 Religion 17

6 Nuffic 37 5 Sports 19 5.1 University Sports Organization 19 7 Extending your stay in Maastricht 39 5.1.1 UM SPORT 19 7.1 Education on contract basis 39 5.1.2 MUSST 20 7.2 Becoming a regular student at SBE 40 5.1.3 Student Sports Associations (SSA) 20 7.3 Extension of exchange period 40 5.2 Sports Programmes 20 5.2.1 University Sports and membership UM SPORT 20 5.2.2 Private Sports Clubs 22 5.2.3 Sports Facilities 22 5.3 Competitive Sports 23

IV Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange V 6 Lifestyles 25 9.5 Physiotherapist 50 6.1 A few suggestions 25 9.6 Student psychologists and student deans 50 9.6.1 Student psychologists 50 7 Student Services Centre (SSC) 31 9.6.2 Student deans 50 7.1 Student Administration 31 9.7 Others 51 7.1.1 Admissions & Registrations Office 31 9.8 Confidential advisor 51 7.1.2 Visa Office 31 9.9 Studying with a disability, chronic illness or dyslexia 51 7.1.3 Scholarship Office 31 7.2 Student Life 32 10 Drugs 53 7.2.1 INKOM 32 10.1 Drug policy 53 7.2.2 Studium Generale 32 10.2 Coffee shops 53 7.2.3 Student chaplaincy – Tafelstraat 13 32 10.3 Smoking Ban 53 7.2.4 UM SPORT 33 7.3 Student Support 33 11 Social Events and Important Dates 55 7.3.1 Student Guidance 33 11.1 Carnaval 55 7.3.1.1 Psychological support (student psychologists) 33 11.2 The Queen’s Birthday – 30 April 55 7.3.1.2 Study related legal support (student deans) 33 11.3 Dutch Memorial Day – 4 May 55 7.3.1.3 Disability support 33 11.4 Preuvenemint 56 7.3.2 UM Career Services 34 11.5 Sinterklaas – 5 December 56 7.3.3 Student Housing 36 11.6 Elfstedentocht 56 7.4 Center for European Studies (CES) 37 11.7 Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany) 56 7.5 Visitors’ Centre and information desk 37 11.8 Other events 57

8 On the move 39 12 Working in the Netherlands 59 8.1 The bicycle 39 12.1 Who can work? 59 8.1.1 Buying a second hand bicycle 39 12.2 Insurance 60 8.1.2 Bicycle theft 40 12.3 BSN 62 8.1.3 Bicycle laws 40 12.4 Finding a Job 62 8.2 Public Transportation 40 12.5 Contact Information 63 8.2.1 Trains 40 8.2.2 Travelling abroad 41 13 Student Life 65 8.2.3 Rent a car 42 13.1 Bars 65 8.2.4 Taxis and train-taxis 43 13.2 Restaurants 67 8.3 Driving your car 43 13.3 Anything else? 68

9 Health care 47 14 Shopping 71 9.1 General Practitioner/Family Doctor (huisarts) 47 14.1 Supermarkets 71 9.2 Medication 48 14.2 Market day 72 9.2.1 Pharmacy (apotheek) 48 14.3 Bookstores 72 9.2.2 Drugstore (drogisterij) 49 14.4 Department stores 74 9.3 Hospital 49 14.5 Shopping Centres 75 9.4 Dentist (tandarts) 50 14.6 Voltage Transformer 75

VI Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange VII 15 Communication 77 15.1 Dutch Language 77 15.2 Phones 79 15.3 Fax 79 15.4 E-mail/Internet 80 15.5 Post packages 80 15.6 Important phone numbers 81

APPENDIX 1 83 Official Institutions 83

APPENDIX 2 85 Information Sources 85

APPENDIX 3 86 Social Calendar 2012-2013 86

VIII Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange IX Welcome to Maastricht!

Dear student,

Welcome to the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE)! We have developed a very strong international dimension in the past decade. Currently, we host around 600 exchange students annually. The share of international students in our regular teaching programmes is over 40%, spread over 66 different nationalities and we look forward to adding you to our international classroom.

As an international educational institution we are keen on meeting international quality standards. In 2012 our faculty was re-accredited by the American Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for a period of five years. In May 2005 the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) awarded us the EQUIS accreditation, which was re-awarded in 2008 and in 2011. Last but not least: in April 2007 the International Accreditation Advisory Board of the Association of MBA’s (AMBA) approved the MBA programmes of Maastricht University School of Business and Economics’ Postgraduate Education (PGE) for AMBA accreditation. We are currently in the process of getting re-accredited.

This means that the School of Business and Economics PGE sports the so-called Triple Crown accreditation, which is awarded to only 1% of the business schools worldwide, placing the School of Business and Economics PGE amongst a very select group of institutions. We hope that this will convince you that we are well prepared for an increasing number of international students.

Moreover, in 2010 the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands & Flanders (NVAO) awarded the School of Business and Economics with the ‘Distinctive (Quality) Feature for Internationalisation’ for its BSc in International Business and MSc International Business.

The city of Maastricht is helping us to make your stay pleasant and agreeable, as well as challenging and filled with the acquisition of knowledge. Maastricht has played a crucial role in the further integration of the European Union. Moreover, it is an attractive location for many public and private organisations.

Having a successful and enjoyable time at a university in a foreign country requires knowledge of practical day-to-day issues, ranging from information regarding examinations to information on local events like the famous Maastricht Carnaval.

XI Therefore, we are pleased to offer you this student handbook as a practical guide for studying and living in Maastricht. Preface

The handbook is deliberately not restricted to academic matters. Studying abroad is not only aimed at formal education. Equally important is meeting fellow students from other Dear students, countries and experiencing what it is like to live in a foreign country. Therefore, I sincerely hope and expect that your time here in Maastricht will be a successful and pleasant On behalf of the International Relations Office we would like to take this opportunity to experience, both professionally and personally. welcome you to the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (also referred to as SBE). Professor Dr Jos Lemmink SBE is situated in Maastricht, the city of the Treaty of the European Union, the city with Dean School of Business and Economics the European magic, in the triangle of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The city with international style and with a wealthy history. The city where internationalisation is more than studying at an internationally oriented university.

This student handbook is here to help you make a smooth transition to SBE, the city of Maastricht and to the Netherlands in general. You will find the answer to questions like where and when do I register for courses, as well as questions like what would be a nice place to go for a beer or where is the nearest supermarket. The first 40 pages (page 1 through 40) of this handbook will cover the academic matters whereas the second half of the book will deal with the practical matters. Also included are some useful links to help you get more information about a certain subject. The carefully chosen size of the handbook should make it easier for you to keep it with you at all times for quick reference.

We hope that this handbook will be of good use to you. If you still have questions or need more detailed information, just stop by the International Relations Desk in the main hall or send us an email.

Enjoy your stay in Maastricht!

The Incoming Students Team International Relations Office

XII Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange XIII Thursday 31 January and Friday 1 February 2013 Compulsory Introduction for Spring students

Academic Calendar 2012-2013 January 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 Arrival Thursday 30 August and Friday 31 August 2012 Compulsory Introduction for Fall/Year students Period 4; start Spring semester July August February March 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1 2 3 Holidays Holidays Holidays Holidays Education 1 Carnival Education 2 Education 3 August September March 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Holidays Holidays Holidays Arrival Education 4 Education 5 Education 6 Education 7 Easter

Period 1; start Academic year and start Fall semester April

September 1234567891011121314 Resits courses 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Exam period 4 period 2 Education 1 Education 2 Education 3 Education 4

October Period 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 April May

Education 5 Education 6 Education 7 Exam period 1 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Education Education Ascen- Education 1 Education 2 Period 2 3 4 sion

October November May June

29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Education 1 Education 2 Education 3 Education 4 Education 5 Education 6 Education 7 Exam period 5

November December June

26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Resits courses Education 5 Education 6 Education 7 Exam period 2 period 4

Period 3 Period 6 December January June July 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Block Period Resits courses Block Period Block Period No generally Christmas New Year 3 (Skills) NOT Resits courses period 1 6 (Skills) NOT 6 (Skills) NOT scheduled COMPULSORY period 5 COMPULSORY COMPULSORY activities

January

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 UM Closed: Block Period December 24-January 4: Christmas holiday May 4: Memorial Day 3 (Skills) NOT February 10-12: Carnival May 5: Liberation Day COMPULSORY March 29: Good Friday May 9-10: Ascension April 1: Easter Monday May 20: Whit Monday April 30: Queen’s day

XIV Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange XV Academic Guide

XVI Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange 1 Maastricht University

Maastricht University is the youngest university in the Netherlands (founded in 1976) and currently has about 15,000 students and 3,500 employees. The university houses the following disciplines: Arts and Social Sciences; Business and Economics; Health, Medicine and Life Sciences; Humanities and Sciences; Law; and Psychology and Neurosciences. The Dutch “Keuzegids Hoger Onderwijs” (Higher Education Selection Guide) classified Maastricht University as the “best choice” for prospective students. The educational programme offered at Maastricht University has two unique features:

1 This university was the first Dutch institution to adopt the problem-based learning approach to teaching in all of its educational programmes. This method has an interdisciplinary character, meaning that the programme is not based on separate subjects, but on integrated theoretical and practical problems. These problems are arranged around themes and studied in periods. By working on these problems and cases in groups and individually, you discover those areas where your knowledge is lacking. Specialists, staff and teaching material, especially developed for the system, are at your disposal. You must, however, make an effort yourself: the Maastricht system is “student centred” rather than “teacher centred”. 2 All educational programmes have a strong international perspective. Maastricht University has developed a strong international orientation in most of its educational programmes. The development of the European Common Market, the changing relations between Western , Central and Eastern Europe, the increasing interdependence between East and West and North and South in general, and the development of technology and communication have all contributed to the gradual transition of the world into “one global society”. Today’s students - the professionals of tomorrow - must therefore be prepared to function in a highly international environment. They not only need a basic understanding of international developments in their own field of study, but also an understanding of social and cultural differences. They must learn to speak one or two foreign languages and gain some international experience during their university studies.

Its location at the crossroads of the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and close to Luxembourg and France offers Maastricht University, and SBE in particular, an excellent opportunity to integrate this international dimension into its educational programme.

SBE’s educational system and location are two very distinct features that attract a lot of students , making it a very interesting study environment for you as exchange student.

Academic Guide 3 2 Terms and procedures regarding education and examinations

2.1 UM card

At the start of the introduction day you will receive your student identity card (= UM card)

You need your personal UM card to: • identify yourself during exams; • obtain your residence permit; • enter the University Library; • borrow books at the University Library; • make copies and print outs at the University Library and the faculty; • purchase items from the coffee corner; • pay for your meals at the MENSA (at UM prices).

Have you lost your UM card? You can apply for a new UM card at the Service Desk of the Facilitaire Dienst (located at Minderbroedersberg 4-6). Fill out the application form at:

www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Main1/SiteWide/SiteWide3/Formulieren.htm

Choose “ Verlies UM card”(Only in Dutch). Bring the form and €11.50 in exact cash to the Service Desk. You do not need a new passport photo.

Do you have problems with your UM card? Please report your problem to the reception (ground floor) of the Tongersestraat 53 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. You can also call: +31 (0)43-388 20 02.

More information via: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentra/FD/ProductenDienstenFacilitaireDienst/ UMCard1.htm (Only in Dutch)

2.2 Education

2.2.1 Attendance and participation in tutorial groups You are obliged to attend your tutorial groups and are expected to participate actively. The minimum number of tutorial groups that you have to attend differs per course.

Academic Guide 5 2.2.2 Schedule If you have specific questions with respect to the course contents, you can contact the About two weeks before the beginning of each education period, the schedules are course coordinator of the course you would like to take. published via EleUM ( >> see section 3.1). In addition to your course schedule you need to know what tutorial group you are in, so that you can determine the time and place of your Refer to www.eleum.unimaas.nl > login > ‘services’ tab > UM Address Book and type the classes. The tutorial groups will also be published in your schedule that will be available name of the person you are looking for. The names and e-mail addresses of the course on EleUM and on the My UM portal: https://myum.unimaas.nl/irj/portal. coordinators are mentioned in the course database.

The schedules of the skills training (period 3 and 6) are posted on EleUM and on the My Please note that you can only register for up to two courses per period, never more. Also, UM portal as well. Skills training courses are not compulsory for exchange students. you are required to register for at least one course per period. Periods 3 and 6, which are the skills training periods, are not compulsory for exchange students. 2.3 Registration for educational activities 2.3.2 Skills training 2.3.1 Registration deadlines for education Again, skills trainings are NOT compulsory for exchange students. However, if you want Before coming to Maastricht, you already registered for the courses that you are planning to register for a skills training course you can; please check the online course database for to follow in the first period you are here. Courses that you selected for that first period exchange students via the incoming exchange students webpage. Each skills training is cannot be changed anymore. If you have also registered for courses in your second and third worth 4 ECTS credits. You can only register for one skills course per period, not more, as period before coming to Maastricht, you can still change this course registration upon arrival these are quite intense courses that are taught over a two week period with meetings but no later than the stated deadlines. If you have not registered for your second and third almost every day. period (third period = skills training = not compulsory for exchange students) courses before coming to Maastricht, you are urged to register by the stated registration deadlines. Since the skills training period takes place after period 2 and again after period 5, study time increases by a couple of weeks ( >> see academic calendar). Make sure you register After the registration deadline has passed the system closes automatically, so make sure for the correct period at the Guesthouse or other accommodation. If you do not take the you register for (or make changes to) your courses on time. skills you probably leave Maastricht just before Christmas (Fall semester) and around mid-June if you are here for the Spring semester or a whole year. If you do end up taking PLEASE NOTE: Many of the courses require 100% attendance. In fact, all tutors register your a skills training course you can always to extend your Guesthouse contract, provided the presence/participation. By signing the attendance list at the end of the period you can Guesthouse does not have any subsequent reservations for your room. However, you can check whether your presence/participation was registered correctly. In other words: you NEVER ever, under any circumstances, cut short your contract, so please keep this in mind! are responsible for correct registration, and it may be good to realise that your presence/ participation counts towards your final grade ( >> see also 2.4.6). As long as you register for courses during the registration period, and before the deadline, participation is guaranteed, there is no limit to the number of participants per course. Registration for courses including first exams

Period 1 1 June 2012-15 July 2012 Please bear in mind that once you have registered for a course it will show up on your

Period 2 1 June 2012-16 September 2012 transcript at the end of your exchange, unless you cancel this course before the deadline or in the first week of education. Also, if you did not cancel the course but decide to just Period 3 1 June 2012-11 November 2012 not take the exam, the course will still show up on your transcript with NG, which means Period 4 29 October 2012-25 November 2012 “No Grade”. Period 5 29 October 2012-17 February 2013

Period 6 29 October 2012-21 April 2013

Registration and changing of courses is done on-line via the My UM portal by the relevant registration deadlines mentioned above. It is not possible to register for periods other than the ones mentioned in the schedule above.

6 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 7 2.3.3 Grade conversion You have to make sure you register correctly and on time. You can check whether you are The official Dutch grading scale as applied by Maastricht University is to be interpreted as registered correctly via the module “Exams”, option “Exam Registration” in the My UM follows: Portal. About a week after the registration period the exam schedules will be published on EleUM. Please remember that registration problems will never be discussed at the exam 10.0 = Exceptional locations. 9.0 – 9.5 = Excellent 8.0 – 8.5 = Very good If you are registered for the first exam, but your name does not appear on the list held by 7.0 – 7.5 = Good the exam supervisors please do not panic!. You will simply receive a paper telling you that 6.5 – 6.5 = Satisfactory you are not on the list but you will still be allowed to take the exam. After you get back 5.5 = Sufficient from your exam IMMEDIATELY send an email to the International Relations Office via iro- ≤5.0 = Insufficient [email protected] and mention your name and ID number, as well as the Course Code for the exam you had trouble with. We will correct the mistake. Pass grades are: Sufficient to Exceptional; performance meets at least the minimum criteria. The schedule for re-sits is published in the week after the deadline for exam registration. Fail grade: Insufficient; performance below the minimum criteria. The exam location plus date and time are stated in the exam schedules. NG = No Grade; result of unjustified absence during exam Late changes to the (re-) exam schedule may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. If The normal, full-time study load per academic year for regular students is eight courses at 6.5 the schedule changes two or more weeks before the examination, this will be published ECTS each, plus two skills at 4 ECTS each, totally 60 ECTS. on EleUM. If the schedule changes less than two weeks before the examination, you will be notified via your UM email account. Exchange students usually take four courses per semester at 6.5 ECTS each, totalling 26 ECTS. 2.4.2 Location of the exam 2.4 Examinations Exams take place in large (sports) halls. The most common locations are:

2.4.1 Registration deadlines for exams Sporthal de Geusselt As exchange student you are automatically registered for the exam if you are registered Olympiaweg 81 for a course. If you have failed the first exam, you are NOT automatically registered for the 6225 XX Maastricht re-sit (= second chance to pass the exam, and so the course). Registration for the re-sits is The ‘Olympia’ bus stop is within a one-minute walking distance from the UM Sports hall. only possible during the fourth (4th) week of the following period: The following buses stop here: bus 3 (to Meerssen) and bus 3 (to Bunde).

Registration for the re-sits Tennishal Meerssen re-sits period 1 19-25 November 2012 Molenveldweg 18

re-sits period 2 & 3 4-10 March 2013 6231 RX Meerssen The ‘Stationstraat/Molenveldweg’ bus stop is located within a six-minute walking distance re-sits period 4 6-12 May 2013 from Tennishal Meerssen. Bus 3 towards Meerssen and bus 3 towards Bunde stop here. re-sits period 5 1-4 July 2013

Sporthal De Heeg When do you need to register for a re-sit: Roserije 500 • if you FAILED an exam (and so the course) and want to try again to pass it; 6228 DN Maastricht • if you did not go to the 1st exam but still want to pass the course. The ‘Roserije’ bus stop is within a two-minute walking distance from the sports hall. The following buses stop here: bus 1 and 6, both direction De Heeg.

8 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 9 MECC • Sanctions on fraud and plagiarism are imposed by the Board of Examiners; for more Forum 100 information please refer to 2.4.5 Plagiarism. If you commit fraud during an exam and 6229 GV Maastricht are therefore expelled from the course, the International Relations Office has the right to The following buses stop at the ‘Forum MECC Maastricht’ bus stop located opposite inform your home university. the MECC Forum entree (Forum entrance): bus 1 (to De Heeg), 4 (to AZM – Academisch Ziekenhuis), 5 (to Heugem), 8 (to Eijsden), 10 (to AZM – Academisch Ziekenhuis, 57 Other guidelines may apply for each exam. The specific rules and regulations that apply to (to Gulpen). your exam will be published on the front page of the exam.

Music Hall Maastricht 2.4.4 Method of examination Griend 6-7 The method of examination differs widely per course. In most cases, you have to pass 6221 AJ Maastricht a written or oral exam at the end of the course, but it is also possible that the final The ‘Sint Antoniuslaan’ bus stop is located within a four-minute walking distance from exam consists of a final paper. Information about the final exam method per course Maastricht Music Hall. The following buses stop here: bus 10 (to Academisch Ziekenhuis), 7 can be found in the database or the relevant course book. The information in the course (to Beatrixhaven), 59 (to Maastricht). book is final. During courses, students are often required to write papers and/or give presentations and always to participate actively. You will be graded for each item and Grand Hotel de L’Empereur these grades count towards your final grade. Stationsstraat 2 6221 BP Maastricht 2.4.5 Plagiarism Bus station ‘busstation NS’ is located opposite the hotel. The following buses stop here: Plagiarism is a matter which is taken very seriously at SBE. If you commit fraud during an 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 50, 51, 57 and 59. exam and are therefore expelled from the course, the International Relations Office has the right to inform your home university. Any writing assignment or paper is an individual For an exact route description of the exam locations, please check the section schedules piece of work; therefore any form of plagiarism is forbidden. Plagiarism is defined as the and locations on EleUM. unauthorised copying or adoption of texts of others. Any form of cooperation or exchange For information on public transport to the different exam locations, check: http://9292.nl/en. of information in the preparation and writing of assignments is forbidden, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the description of the assignment. If any such cooperation Please keep in mind that bus lines and departure times are subject to change. or exchange of information is detected, this shall be considered fraud. Any form of Always consult EleUM and the website above for the most up-to-date information. plagiarism is forbidden. If you commit plagiarism, or assist or facilitate others in doing so, your assignment and all other results obtained for exam requirements in the relevant 2.4.3 Examination rules period will be marked zero (0) and you will be excluded from the re-sit opportunities in The exact stipulations concerning exams are explained in the Examination Rules, which the ongoing academic year. can be found on EleUM. Please consider the following important information: • BE ON TME! Even if you are only 1 minute late, you will not be allowed to take the Anti-Plagiarism Software examination. It is your own responsibility to be on time for an exam. Therefore, take an SBE uses anti-plagiarism software to keep students from copying texts from other people. earlier bus, arrange a bicycle or order a taxi (for more information please check chapter 8 The introduction of this software has proven to be very successful. Cases of fraud have of the Practical Guide).Do not bring any food or beverages into the examination room. effectively decreased since then and are hoped to steadily diminish further. • Mobile phones: you are not allowed to carry it on you or leave it on your desk. Keep it switched off, out of reach, in your bag (not in your coat, pocket, etc.). The software, consisting of two applications, is being used for a number of subjects. One • For examinations in which the use of a calculator is allowed, only non-programmable/ application compares student assignments with each other by searching for combinations non-graphic calculators may be used. If a non-approved type of calculator is found, of words. The lecturer then assesses whether the number of copied sentences is the supervisor is entitled to take the examination form and to refuse the student acceptable or not. The other application can also compare texts on the Internet by continuation of the examination. indicating colour codes. If the final result is red, the text is suspicious. Again, the lecturers’ assessment is important. It is very well possible that the coloured text represents a bona fide citation, including a proper source reference.

10 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 11 2.4.6 Grades If you and the coordinator cannot reach an agreement you may submit a complaint to Every course has its own requirements students need to meet in order to pass the course. the Board of Examiners within four weeks after the date on which the test results were These requirements are mentioned in the course book, for example: officially published. You should send a letter of motivation and supporting documentation along with your ID number and study program. The Board of Examiners will handle your • Presentation(s) 25% complaint within eight weeks. • Participation 25% • Final Exam 50% Send your complaint to the Board of Examiners, or hand it in at the Information Desk: Board of Examiners of SBE (Note: this is only an example; it is different in each course.) Maastricht University P.O. box 616 In other words: if, for example, you obtain an 8.0 for your presentation and an 8.0 for 6200 MD Maastricht your participation, this does not mean that you can obtain a 4.0 for the final exam and still pass the course. This grade has to be at least 5.5! It is possible that if you have not Remember to include your name, ID number and study programme in any correspondence successfully completed all (sub)parts of the course, as stated in the course book, the to the Board of Examiners. course will be graded with a 1.0 by the course coordinator. Also it is possible that you obtain You can also send your complaint to [email protected]. a 1.0 for the course, even though you passed certain subparts. In this case, the requirements Every Thursday afternoon between 14.00 hrs-16.00 hrs a representative of the Board of may be that you have to pass every sub-part of the course with a 5.5 (before rounding), on Examiners is present at the information desk. a scale of 0.0-10.0 or otherwise you will obtain a 1.0. Therefore you are all well advised to carefully read the requirements of each course since they may vary. Please note that Appeal a number of courses require 100% attendance. A NG (No Grade) implies (unjustified) If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board of Examiners regarding your absence from the examination. complaint you can lodge an appeal to the Examinations Appeal Board (College van Beroep voor de Examens) within six weeks. You may only appeal if a decision has gone directly 2.4.7 Right of inspection against your interests. The examination rules stipulate that students have the right to inspect their written You may lodge an appeal with the Examination Appeal Board against: exams. The course coordinator is responsible for announcing and organising the • A Negative Binding Study Advice (NBSA) as mentioned in the Education and opportunity to inspect the assessed work. This is mentioned either on the front page of Examination Regulations (EER). the test, on the digitally published list of the results on EleUM, or on the course website. • Decisions of the Board of Examiners regarding the acquisition of ECTS credits and the passing of examinations. 2.4.8 Complaints and Appeal • Decisions regarding exemptions as mentioned in Education and Examination Regulations (EER). Complaints • Decisions not of a general nature regarding admission, as mentioned in the Education If you would like to make a complaint about your examination results there is a procedure and Examination Regulations (EER). in place to do this. Within 15 working days of the publication of your exam results you • Decisions of the Board of Examiners or of examiners. will be able to have a look at your assessed work. In the case of closed questions (e.g. multiple choice, true/false questions), you must submit any comments or complaints The appeal should be addressed to: to the coordinator of that course within a certain number of days. It is your course Secretary of the Board coordinator’s responsibility to announce when and how you can do this. Usually the dates attn. Chairman of the Examinations Appeal Board will be printed on the front page of the examination, with the (digital) publication of Dienst Bestuurlijke en Juridische Zaken examination results or on the website for the course. Maastricht University If you can demonstrate that you were not able to make a complaint within the specified P.O. Box 616 period due to circumstances beyond your control you will be given another 15 working 6200 MD Maastricht days period in which to do so. You can then file a complaint to your course coordinator.

12 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 13 You have the right to appeal to the Examinations Appeal Board within six weeks of the and we will have to wait for the actual end of the semester. The skills period ends around publication of your assessment results. The written or digital statement of your results the end of January. After the exams are corrected and the grades are put into the system should also tell you how long you have in which to appeal. we can start processing the transcripts.

For more information on the procedures for the Examinations Appeal Board check the If you are here for a full academic year, or if you do your exchange in the second semester following resources: (starting around the beginning of February), then the transcript will be sent around the end of August. Again, we will have to wait for the results of the skills training to be • Regulations for Appeal of the Examinations Appeal Board (in Dutch: Beroepsreglement entered into the system, which will take a number of weeks. van het college van Beroep voor de Examens) • Education and Examination Regulations (EER) Unfortunately, we cannot issue preliminary transcripts. All we can do is make a print out of the grades we have in the system, sign it, put an official stamp on it, scan it and email 2.4.9 Results this to your home institution. If you are still in Maastricht, you can go to the Information All official exam results are published within 15 working days after the examination date. Desk to get a print-out. You can find these results on the My UM portal > Academic Work. By clicking ‘help’ in the My UM portal you can find the according manual for navigating to these results. If you wish to receive a copy of your transcript, please contact the International Relations Office at your home university as we do not send hard copies of the transcripts directly to Please find the date when you can inspect your assessed exam together with the course students. However, we can send you a digital version via email. information on EleUM. 2.4.11 Location of the re-sit 2.4.10 Grade transcripts Unfortunately, the Exams Committee at SBE does not allow us to fax (or email) the re-sit At the end of your exchange in Maastricht, the International Relations Office records the to your home institution. The coordinator at your home institution knows about this rule. grades you obtained on a grade transcript ( >> see paragraph 2.3.3 for a translation of the This means that you will have to discuss matters with your coordinator back home. grades). Dropping a course after the start of the period is highly undesirable and always unofficial, It is possible to do the re-sit of a course during another academic year than the year so always contact the course coordinator or tutor if you feel out of your depth in a course. in which the original examination was taken. Note that if the course content has If they agree to let you out of the course notify the IRO immediately. To minimize the changed considerably, this is no longer possible. Please always check this with the course inconvenience to other students we ask you to make up your mind at the latest at the coordinator at SBE before you contact us to make arrangements. end of your first week of education, as you will have had enough tutorials to find out if the course is suited to your academic needs and capabilities. Also you need to make sure Notice for Fall students: if you decide to come back to Maastricht to take a re-sit for a the tutor has not yet assigned any group work. If you have permission from the tutor to course taken in period 2 you have to inform the International Relations Office about drop the course then send an email to the International Relations Office with your name, this, since at the end of the Fall semester all students are removed from the information ID, name and code of the course, and make sure you include the emailed approval of the system for students. This means that you will not be able to register for the re-sit in tutor. Then make sure you de-register for the exam in the fourth week of the period, which March. So, if you wish to come back for the period 2 re-sits please send an email to is the (de)registration period for first-sit exams (please note that as exchange student you [email protected] and we will leave you in the system, so that you do not need to register for first-sit exams since you are automatically registered for the can register for the re-sit. Check the My UM Portal later on for further details. Make sure first-sit exam when you register for the course). The course you dropped will be taken off you take your UM card and passport to the test. the final transcript only if you deregister for the exam of the course. Dropping a course any other way will not be accepted. Note that it is also not possible to have fail grades 2.4.12 Taking re-sits or exams of your home university removed; they will always appear on your grade transcript. Note that if you still have to take certain exams at your home university you are not allowed to do so at our university. You have to return home to take them, or reschedule If you are here for the first semester (or Fall semester; starting in September) the them so that they do not interfere with your course schedule at SBE. transcript will be sent to the International Relations Office at your home university in March the following year, as the semester ends with the non-compulsory skills training

14 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 15 3 Educational organisation and administration

3.1 EleUM: Electronic learning environment of Maastricht University

Website: www.eleum.unimaas.nl

EleUM is the electronic learning environment for students and employees of Maastricht University, which provides educational information and is your starting point for many education related activities. EleUM is available at any of the PCs in the SBE building and UM Library, as well as on any PC with an Internet connection and a browser.

What can you find on EleUM:

• Information on the courses you attend (including a database with course descriptions) • Education and examination schedules • Examination results • Announcements from your tutor or course coordinator • A portal to submit your assignments • All necessary materials to take the course (for example literature, cases, data, sheets and old exams) • Email addresses from your tutors or coordinators • The entrance to a Community that is especially designed for your tutorial group, where you can work individually on tasks and learning goals, and together with your fellow students on group assignments • A link to Surfyourself (SYS), the Information Site of the faculty ( >> see 3.2) • A link to your Maastricht University e-mail account:

(NOTE: access to your Maastricht University account remains possible until about 60 days after your registration as exchange student has ended. If you need to download or copy information from your account do so before it closes down.)

• Information on Student Advising, International Relations Office, the Student Council, etc. • Code of conduct

In order to make the best possible use of EleUM, it is important that you have a good Internet connection. Adequate Internet facilities will allow you to fully benefit from the advantages of EleUM outside SBE too.

Academic Guide 17 3.2 Surfyourself, the Information Site 3.4 The student advisor

The School of Business and Economics has a special service for students: Surfyourself. The School is very committed to a proper coaching of its registered students, prospective students as well as its graduated students. The student advisor is the School’s first person Surfyourself is an advanced information system in which you can surf and search for you contact if you have study and student related questions and/or problems. He or she answers to all your questions and/or requests concerning the organisation of educational can advise you or, if necessary, refer you to other specialists at UM. If your study here does activities and examinations. not work out the way you hoped, or if your tutor gives you a warning, if the results are (a little) disappointing, or if illness or other personal circumstances cause problems with Surfyourself is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week via www.surfyourself.nl and your study here, do not wait too long and have a confidential meeting with one of SBE’s via EleUM. If the answer to your question is not available in the system, you can submit four student advisors. your question immediately via the system. The e-service system behind Surfyourself will guide your question to the right person in the School, who will send the answer to your You can find the student advisors at the Tongersestraat 53 (TS53), rooms F2.04, F2.11, F2.13, question within two working days to your Maastricht University e-mail account. F2.15 and F2.17. The secretariat of the student advisors can be found at room F2.17. 3.3 Information desk Mr Wim Bogaert The Information Desk is located in the entrance hall of TS53. TS 53, Room F2.11. Mr Bogaert is student advisor for bachelor students as well as master students. Mr Bogaert is also the student advisor for disabled students. Opening hours: every working day from 10.00 hrs-16.00 hrs. Joey Mak You can turn to the Information Desk if you: TS53, Room F2.13. Mr Mak is student advisor for bachelor’s students as well as master’s • want to pick up the academic calendar, course assignments of the current students. academic year, etc. • want a printout of your grades Mrs Josi Sautter • have to hand in your re-examination, writing assignments, course assignment, etc. TS53, Room F2.15. Mrs Sautter is student advisor for bachelor’s students as well as master’s • have to register for the inspection of the open questions of course tests, etc. students. • want to inspect the answer keys and reactions on comments on tests • wish to make an appointment with any of the student advisors ( >> see section 3.4) Mrs Pascale Veenings • need to make an appointment with a Coordinator Incoming Students, or with TS53, Room F 2.04. Mrs Veenings is student advisor for bachelor’s students as well as Ms L. Ploumen (Head of the International Relations Office) master’s students.

In 2012-2013 the Information Desk is closed on: The student advisors have phone-in hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday • 24 December 2012-4 January 2013: Christmas Holiday from 9.00 hrs-10.30 hrs, via telephone number +31 (0)43-388 38 05. They also have open • 11-15 February 2013: Carnival office hours for all SBE students from Monday till Thursday from 10.30 hrs-11.30 hrs. On • 29 March 2013: Good Friday the notice board next to the secretariat (room F2.17) you will find the availability of the • 1 April 2013: Easter Monday student advisors. • 30 April 2013: Queen’s Birthday Please use these walk-in office hours if possible for short questions only. If you need more • 5 May 2013: Liberation Day time, please make an appointment with one of the student advisors via the secretariat, • 9 & 10 May 2013: Ascension telephone number +31 (0)43-388 38 05, preferably between 9.00 and 10.30 hrs. If you • 20 May 2013: Whit Monday cannot reach the secretary of the student advisors, please refer to the Information Desk in the main hall of SBE. All phone calls and conversations you have with the student advisors are, of course, strictly confidential.

18 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 19 3.5 International Relations Office Emergencies are: • personal accident involving hospitalisation The School of Business and Economics has around 140 exchange agreements with • death in the family universities and institutions in 39 countries all over the world. On a yearly basis, • accidents of a criminal nature (you have been robbed of all you have) approximately 750 Maastricht students spend part of their studies within an exchange • etc. programme, and about 600 exchange students visit SBE. All of these students need administrative and social support, which is provided by the International Relations staff: NOT an emergency: • Missing a course registration deadline. IRO Staff • You have a terrible headache (unless blood runs out of your ears) www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sbe > Prospective Students > Exchange Programmes > • You have a fight with a roommate Incoming Students • You have a test and forgot to study

Ms Lyan Ploumen 3.6 Study materials (Director of the International Relations Office) Room: G2.21 The required literature for courses is always stated in the course book and can be bought at several locations. You can buy your textbooks at different bookstores, such as the SCOPE Ms Renée Rijnders Bookstore and the Study Store. The required books are also available for viewing at the (Coordinator Incoming Students)& Double Degree Coordinator) university library. Additional readers will be published on EleUM under Courses or can be Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 35 77 purchased at the Océ Copy shop (level G0). E-mail: [email protected] Room: F2.07 3.6.1 SCOPE Bookstore SCOPE Maastricht is the umbrella association for four SBE study associations: SCOPE 3MA, Ms Ruth Reynders SCOPE Economics, SCOPE FOCUS and SCOPE Vectum. Their bookstore is located at TS53 (Coordinator Incoming Students)& Master’s Exchange Coordinator) (SBE main building) in zone F0. It only opens at the beginning of each period. The opening Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 35 77 hours as well as a list for bachelor’s and master’s books they sell will be published on E-mail: [email protected] EleUM under ‘Announcements’. Room: F2.07 SCOPE members can receive a significant discount in the bookstore. A SCOPE Membership You can reach the Incoming Students Officer via: also entails a lot of other benefits – you can find more information on their website. Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 37 06 To register as SCOPE member go to http://scope-maastricht.nl. Please remember to E-mail: [email protected] always bring your UM card to the bookstore! Room: G2.25 Questions about the SCOPE Bookstore? Mail to: [email protected]

The International Relations Desk can be found next to the Information Desk in the main 3.6.2 Study Store hall of TS53. Every week day from 10.00 hrs to 11.30 hrs somebody from the Incoming If you cannot find the books you need at the SCOPE bookstore, you can always go to the Students Team will be available for all your study and exchange related questions. Study Store at Tongersestraat 12A . You can try to find the required literature via their online search menu. They also sell second-hand books. And at the end of your exchange If you have very specific (academic or personal) questions you can always make an semester, you can even sell your books to them. appointment with one of the Incoming Students Coordinators via the International Relations Desk or the Information Desk. For information on their opening hours and location check their webpage: http://www.studystore.nl/webshop/ > shops > Maastricht Binnenstad Emergency number IRO (after 17.00 hrs/weekends/holidays): +31 (0)43-388 44 44

20 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 21 4 Informing Students

Basically, all the information you need for your study at SBE is mentioned in this Student Handbook and on the application website ( >> see section 3.5.).

Keep your eyes on the news media discussed in this chapter for any modifications and/or additions. The International Relations Office will also keep you up to date via e-mail.

4.1 Observant

Information regarding educational activities such as course openings, lectures, and examinations (for example change of time and/or location) will be published in the Observant, the weekly magazine of Maastricht University. This information will be found in the section “mededelingen” (announcements), both in English and Dutch, under Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (SBE). You are expected to consult this column regularly. The Observant appears every week and is available at the School’s entrance hall and at the University library.

4.2 Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal is available Monday through Friday at the entrance of the School building at TS53, for free!

4.3 Electronic Notice Board

When you enter the School you will notice the big TV screens in the hall as well as on the first floor. On these screens you will find information posted concerning the introduction day for example, or special events such as open days for prospective students. You are invited to regularly check the information posted there, as it might be interesting to you. Whenever no special event or information is posted, the screens will show the way to certain rooms and halls.

Urgent matters, such as last minute schedule changes (due to a lecturer’s illness for example), announcements concerning deadlines etc., will not usually be posted on the screens, but on EleUM instead. You are supposed to check the announcements on EleUM every day just in case.

Academic Guide 23 4.4 My UM Portal

My UM Portal is the university’s information system for the School’s student administration. The School uses My UM Portal for the appropriate administration of courses, examinations and results.

As an exchange student, you will only have to login to My UM Portal in the following three situations:

1 if you want to register for a course you have to do this via My UM Portal. Please take into consideration that the deadlines always apply according to the time in The Netherlands! 2 If you did not take the 1st chance of an exam, you are NOT automatically registered for the re-sit. You will have to do this yourself via My UM Portal. 3 Furthermore, My UM Portal contains a module allowing you to view the list of your exam registration(s) and results whenever you wish. A detailed description of the system and instructions concerning its use can be found in the user manual, which is available through the help-function of EleUM. If you have a problem with your password, for example if you forget your password or if it has unintentionally become known by a third person, you have to go the ICTS helpdesk, or you can mention your problem via: [email protected].

4.5 E-mail

Along with the ID and password sent via email prior to course registration, you will also receive the details of your own Maastricht University e-mail account. You are expected to check your Maastricht University account regularly. You can access your email at webmail.maastrichtuniversity.nl. The International Relations Office will send you regular updates via e-mail and also uses e-mail to contact you whenever necessary.

4.6 EleUM

>> See section 3.1.

24 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange 5 Student Facilities

5.1 ICTS

Via www.maastrichtuniversity.nl >About UM > UM Organisation > ICT-Service Centre you will find information about the general ICT facilities that are used within the university such as:

• Computer network UM • Working at home • Support facilities • Educational support • Free software • Computer Access

5.2 Computer access

5.2.1 Computer Rooms SBE maintains two computer rooms at TS53: rooms E0.01 & E0.03. In these computer rooms 41 personal computers are available for SBE students. These computers are intended for training purposes or short term use (less than 2 hours) only. Also, computer facilities near the main entrance of TS 53 (in the Lounge) can be used. For longer computer use, please visit the university library.

The following rules apply to the computer rooms at SBE: • Only accessible for students registered at SBE; • Smoking, eating, drinking, pc-chatting and playing of PC games is not allowed in the computer rooms at SBE. Penalty: if you are caught your account will be disabled for a minimum of one week; • You are not allowed to bring food and drinks into the computer rooms. Penalty: if you are caught your account will be disabled for a minimum of one week; • You are not allowed to move hardware; • Please notify the computer room manager if a computer or part is broken; • You pay for your printouts with your UM Card. If you do not have a UM card you cannot print or copy, ask a fellow student for help and then pay them for the copies you made; • Please clean up your desk before you leave; • If you damage a computer through irresponsible or forbidden use, or damage the computer room in any other way, you will have to pay for the resulting costs; • The computer room manager has the final word in unforeseen circumstances; • If you leave your computer for 10 minutes or more you will be logged out so that other students can use your computer.

Academic Guide 27 The computer rooms use an active video camera system. The computers may only be used At the Mensa you are advised to pay with your UM card (loading docks available in the for educational purposes. lounge and the Mensa; you can either transfer money from your bank account or you can use the machine that “eats” paper money). You can also use cash but then you pay 25% more. Opening hours Computer Rooms: Monday through Friday, from 9.00 hrs-17.00 hrs unless reserved for workshops or courses. The Mensa at TS 53 is open every day: The computer rooms are closed on holidays ( >> see academic calendar). Different opening Monday-Thursday: 11.30 hrs-14.00 hrs and 16.30-19.00 hrs hours apply on maintenance days. Friday: 11.30 hrs-14.00 hrs Closed on Saturday and Sunday. The university library also has a large number of computer rooms available. During the introduction day you will receive an in-depth tour of the library. The coffee corner (D.E. Koffie Café) is open daily from 8.00 hrs-17.00 hrs, Friday: 8.00 hrs- >> For more information see section 5.6. 16.00 hrs. The coffee corner serves hot and cold drinks, and snacks such as muffins and candy bars. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. 5.2.2 Printing in the Computer Rooms Printing is done with laser printers. Please note that you have to pay for every page you 5.4 Cash dispenser print. Prints can be obtained only with your UM card. Please note that when you use your UM card to print you should press “STOP” at the machine when you are done printing; There is a cash point (of the Dutch bank ING) at the far end of the SBE lounge, next to the otherwise you will lose all the money loaded on your UM card. candy and soda machines near the lecture hall. Cash dispensers in the Netherlands will accept almost every kind of card. However, you must find a match among the symbols on 5.2.3 Data Space the machine and on your card before you insert your card, otherwise it might refuse to Every student has his/her personal space (50MB) on the server to store data. This space is re-issue your bank card! If you do not have an ING card then you can only withdraw money labelled as the I-drive and can be found as usual under “My Computer”. Since this I-drive here once a day. Actually, once you have withdrawn money here you have to wait until the is restricted to your ID-number (e.g. i123456), no other person has access to it. Of course next day to withdraw money elsewhere, unless you go to a cash point of your own bank. it is always possible to save on USB (or disk). All data that is not saved on your I-drive will be lost after a shutdown, reset or computer failure. Therefore, never store any data or 5.5 Copy shop and copying software on the other drives without the permission of the manager. As mentioned before, you can only copy at the University and at the University Library 5.2.4 Wireless network with your UM card. If you do not have a UM card yet, you cannot print or make copies. In the SBE lounge you can use the wireless network. More information on WiFi can be You can go to The DocShop for special copying services such as copying onto A3 format, found on the manuals section of the ICTS home page. making colour prints, binding of reports etc. You can also buy your stationary (pens, notepads, markers, folders) at The DocShop. www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > UM Organisation > ICT-Service Centre > Go to ICTS > Manuals for ICT Service> Create a connection > setup wireless on…. Inner City Library School of Business and Economics Grote Looiersstraat 17 Tongersestraat 53 5.3 Mensa Academica Maastricht (MAM) Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 47 94 Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 37 07 [email protected] [email protected] MAM, or Mensa for short, is UM’s student and staff restaurant. For lunch and dinner Opening hours Opening hours the Mensa offers a broad assortment of foods and all kinds of snacks, salads, drinks and Mon-Fri: 8.30-17.00 hrs Mon-Fri: 8.30-17.00 hrs hot meals. Every day there are two different kinds of hot meals to choose from, plus a www.thedocshop.eu vegetarian version. Hot meals are also served in the evening hours, except on Fridays. At the copy shop you can only pay by UM card or Dutch bank card. Please note that when you use your UM card to copy, you should press “STOP” at the machine when you are done copying; otherwise you will lose all the money loaded on your UM card.

28 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 29 5.6 The University Library and Learning Resource Centre Learning and Resource Centre The learning and resource centres (also known as ‘Studielandschappen’) within the (“studielandschap’’) University Library are unique support facilities of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), the educational system used by Maastricht University. They offer an extensive selection of 5.6.1 University Library study materials tailored to each faculty’s curriculum, including books, CDs and DVDs. The University Library has two locations: the Inner City Library and the Randwyck Library. The books are not on loan, so they can be consulted in the learning and resource centre at all times. The centres also include a network of study areas where individuals and groups The facilities for Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Psychology and Neuroscience can study quietly or use the computer, multimedia facilities and electronic whiteboards to (FPN), azM/MUMC+ (the university hospital) are concentrated in the Randwyck Library discuss assignments or have meetings. (Universiteitssingel 50). The facilities for Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), Business and Economics (SBE), Humanities and Sciences (FHS) and Law (FL) are located in the Inner City UM collections Library (Grote Looiersstraat 17). UM students can use both locations. The library’s book and journal collections, in both electronic and hardcopy form, are built up in close consultation with faculty researchers and tutors. The electronic collection is In addition to being a well-equipped study location, the University Library is also an – via the e-Library – easily accessible via the internet. attractive meeting place for students. Books and journals can be found in the UM catalogue on the student desktop and the library website. Contact details and address: Inner City Library The most important borrowing rules: (Economics, Arts and Culture, Law) • The loan term is 4 weeks; Grote Looiersstraat 17 • The maximum number of books to be borrowed by students is 40; 6211 JH Maastricht • You can extend the borrowing period electronically, via the UM catalogue (unless the Information desk (incl. Learning and Resource Centre & ICT info and lending book has been reserved by another individual); administration) : +31 (0)43-388 50 05 • The books have to be returned before the lending period has expired, by depositing them at the information desk or in the book return box (in the entree hall of the Inner Library house rules City Library). You can ask the library staff at the information desk for a receipt; The library has house rules to ensure a pleasant, undisturbed study environment. You can • Books that have been borrowed can be reserved via the Library catalogue; read the full list of house rules on the library website. • Journals cannot be borrowed (they can, however, be used for photocopying); • Not all books can be borrowed (for example books from the cultural heritage Opening hours collections, the Learning and Resource Centres); Both libraries are open seven days per week. Any exceptions to these opening times • If you do not return the book or extend the loan period in time, you run the risk of throughout the academic year and the summer holiday will be posted on their website. paying a fine.

UM card in the library Library service Student UM cards are automatically activated for library use. Use the self-service facility to borrow and collect pre-ordered and reserved books from our In the library you need your UM card for loan and interlibrary loan (ILL) and to pay for collections. As you no longer have to rely on the desk opening times, you can decide when printing and copying services. The easiest way to pay at the Coffee Corner in the Inner City to pick them up. Library is with your UM card. For pre-ordered materials not on loan from our collections (e.g. bound journals or valuable works) please contact the library desk during office hours. Study places In total, the Inner City Library encompasses of a total of 926 study places, half of which Collections from other libraries have computers. You can also bring your own laptop and use one of the many available To expand the range of available academic literature, libraries cooperate at a national and outlets. The library buildings are all equipped with a (secure) wireless network (WiFi). international level through the interlibrary loan service (ILL).

30 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 31 The ILL student rules vary per faculty. More information can be found on the library Directions website. The ‘Directions’ section on the library website provides floor plans of both library locations. You can search either by floor or category. Here you can also find out the location of e-Library the various desks. The digital floor plan is also integrated into the library catalogue. The • You can access the UM catalogue with nearly 20,000 electronic journals and over 150 request numbers for books and journals contain links to the location on the floor plan information/data files from any computer in the library. The e-Library provides access where you can find the publication. to the total range of electronic sources available via the University Library, including catalogues, journals, articles, information files, UM publications and dictionaries. Tip for available computers: • UM students can access these collections at any time on any computer with an You can use an additional service (on one of the information screens near the library internet connection via www.maastrichtuniversity.nl anywhere or directly from the entrance or from any computer with an internet connection) to check which computers in library website. Just log in with your UM account to gain VPN access to the site. the building are available at a given time. This means you don’t have to search the entire building for an available study place. e-Readers e-Readers is the word they use at the University Library to refer to the electronic versions Library news of course manuals. These e-Readers consist of a selection of journal articles, book chapters, Keep an eye on the news: reports and other written study-materials, and are composed by the course planning • University Library homepage: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/library group. Students can access the e-Reader of a course directly from within EleUM (the • Library Wall: librarywall.maastrichtuniversity.nl electronic learning environment of Maastricht University), from the library website, or • Subscribe to the newsletter or RSS feed directly at: http://library.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ereaders. • Library news for students on the student desktop • Library tab on EleUM Articles in an e-reader appear on the computer screen as a hyperlink to a PDF file (students • Electronic information signs above the library entrance can choose to read the articles from the computer screen or print them out). • Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter • Most faculties also include library news in their newsletters Library introduction and additional courses • A general library introduction is part of the introductory day(s) for exchange students. Student participation • Courses in literature searching and personal literature management are incorporated in • Library User Group: the programmes of most UM Faculties and Schools. The University Library values student opinions and a Library User Group was established in early 2011. Do you make use of the library on a regular basis? And do you Help have any issues you would like to address to the Library User Group? Or would you like For comprehensive information on the University Library’s services and facilities check the to become a participant? Please refer to the Library Wall via library website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/library. http://librarywall.maastrichtuniversity.nl

If you need help looking for books etc. and using certain information sources you can • Library Committee and CWI: ask for help at the library desk or request online assistance using the Questions and Each faculty has its own Library Committee responsible for advising the Faculty Board Suggestions section – ‘Ask your librarian’ function available on the library webpage. You and the director of the University Library and drafting the collection budget. Each can use it to ask questions or make suggestions or comments relating to the library Library Committee has its own student representatives. collection or services. They will send an answer during office hours (Monday-Friday: 8.30- There is also a university-wide Committee for Academic Information Provision 17.00), except on public holidays. responsible for offering advice on library and information policy issues. This committee also has one active student representative.

32 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 33 5.6.2 Learning Resource Centre (studielandschap) 5.7 Public Library of Maastricht The learning and resource centre is a unique support facility of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), the education system used by Maastricht University. The learning and resource The public library of Maastricht contains more than 500,000 books, magazines, CDs, but centre is located in the same building as the library. It consists of a number of study rooms, also DVD’S, and CD-roms. The library is divided into four floors, and has several computer suitable for both individual and group study activities (smaller and larger rooms, with terminals on each floor where you can access the library catalogue. At the UM library you or without PC facilities, study cells and AV units), and offers a wide selection of learning can get a so-called IHOL card, which gives you access to the academic/scientific part of the materials used in the faculty curriculum (books, video tapes, PCs giving access to data files, public library for free. Show them your UM card. The IHOL card is free. programmes and faculty files). It is a mistake to assume that the purchase of the basic textbooks is simply not necessary because sufficient copies of the books are available at The public library is part of the Centre Céramique, which is located at: the learning resource centre. It is not only impossible to purchase sufficient copies of a Avenue Céramique 50 book for the large number of students needing it but also not the primary purpose of the 6221 KV Maastricht learning resource centre. Tel.: +31 (0)43-350 5600

The main purpose of the Learning Resource Centre is to enable students to search for For information on the opening hours and the different membership cards check the information relevant to their learning objectives in a collection of varied sources. Exchange Library website: http://bibliotheek.centreceramique.nl. students receive a general library introduction during the introduction day(s) at the beginning of each semester.

Opening hours Library and Learning Resource Centre for Arts & Social Sciences, Business & Economics, and Law: Monday-Friday: 8.30 hrs-22.00 hrs (after 17.00 hrs limited services) Saturday: 11.00 hrs-22.00 hrs (after 14.00 limited services) Sunday: 11.00 hrs-22.00 hrs (limited service )

For more information, please type http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Library/ home.htm in your browser; you will automatically be linked to the correct page.

5.6.3 Wireless network In both locations of the UM Library you can use the wireless network. Again, more information on WiFi can be found on the manuals section of the ICTS home page www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > UM Organisation > ICT-Service Centre > Go to ICTS > Manuals for ICT Service> Create a connection > setup wireless on….

34 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange Academic Guide 35 6 Nuffic

Nuffic is the Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education. According to this organisation, International Cooperation is essential if education is to contribute effectively in all countries towards improving the quality of life and increasing intercultural understanding.

If you want to know more about the Netherlands, have a look in The Holland Handbook, published by Nuffic. The Holland Handbook is for sale at the major book stores in the Netherlands and on websites such as www.xpat.nl and www.hollandbooks.nl.

Academic Guide 37 7 Extending your stay in Maastricht

Note for those students who have a residence permit:

If you wish to extend your stay in the Netherlands it is up to you to apply for an extension of your residence permit. This needs to be done in person at the latest eight weeks before the expiration date on your residence permit.

You can turn to UM’s Visa Office for assistance, visiting address: Bonnefantenstraat 2, room A3.03 Tel.:+31 (0)43 388 52 61 E-mail: [email protected]

7.1 Education on contract basis

At SBE it is possible to take courses on a contract basis. Many former exchange students decide to take courses on a contract basis in order to prolong their studies at our School, since the maximum possible stay for exchange students is only one academic year.

The choice of courses for contract students is exactly the same as for exchange students, so including skills training courses. Currently the fee for attending a course on contract basis is €725 The fee for a skills training is €425. Fees are subject to change.

For more information, please contact: SBE Information Desk Tongersestraat 53, P.O. Box 616 NL-6200 MD Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 37 68 Fax: +31 (0)43-388 49 09 [email protected]

See also http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Faculties/SBE.htm > prospective students > Non degree courses.

Academic Guide 39 7.2 Becoming a regular student at SBE

If you consider becoming a regular student at our School after your exchange period you should file a request with certified copies of your previous education with the Board of Examiners. This Board decides whether you might be eligible for exemptions from components of the desired study programme. Every application is handled as an individual case and you cannot derive any rights from previous decisions made by the Board of Examiners.

For more information go to www.maastrichtuniversity.nl, choose the English version and click on prospective bachelor/master students.

7.3 Extension of exchange period

If you would like to extend your stay as an exchange student you need to keep the following requirements in mind: • You can only apply for an extension of your stay if you are here for the fall semester and you would like to stay for the spring semester as well; • You need to have passed the courses of the first course period during the first examination (re-examinations will not be taken into account); • Your home university needs to grant you permission to extend; • In addition, the International Relations Office at SBE needs to grant you permission.

All requests for extension need to be done by email, a week before the course registration period for period 4 has ended at the latest.

Please note that if you are allowed to extend your stay at SBE and would like to also remain in the Guesthouse, they can only extend your room contract if the new exchange students have been given a room and provided the Guesthouse does not have any subsequent reservations for your room.

Finally, your academic registration needs to be extended. The International Relations office will take care of this for you. You DO NOT need a new UM card, your old one will still work. Practical Guide

40 Student Handbook • School of Business and Economics / SBE Exchange 1 The Netherlands and the City of Maastricht

1.1 The Netherlands

The Netherlands (in Dutch: Nederland) is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Dutch: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden). The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, located in northwestern Europe. It borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east.

The Netherlands is often referred to by the name Holland, although this is incorrect as it refers to only a small part of the country. Holland was the economic power house during the time of the United Provinces (1581-1795). After the Napoleonic era, Holland became a mere province of the Kingdom and was split into North and South Holland in 1840. There are eleven other provinces in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated and geographically low-lying countries in the world (its name literally means “Low-lands”) and is famous for its dikes, windmills, wooden shoes (clogs), tulips, bicycles and perceived social tolerance. Its liberal policies are often mentioned abroad. The country is host to the International Court of Justice. Amsterdam is the official capital as stated by the constitution, but The Hague is the seat of government, the home of the monarch, and the location for most foreign embassies. The Netherlands ranked third on the 2011 UN Human Development Index, behind Norway and Australia. The English adjective and noun for relating to the Netherlands is “Dutch,” which is also the name of the language in the Netherlands.

Population The Netherlands has a population of roughly 16.5 million, which is growing annually at 0.39%. More than 40% of the population lives in the two western provinces of North and South Holland. These provinces contain the three largest cities of the country: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. The population is ethnic Dutch. Much of the foreign population is made up of Germans (2.4%), Indonesians (2.4%; Indo-European, Indo-Dutch, Moluccan), Turkish (2.2%), Surinamese (2.0%), Moroccans (2%), Indians (1.5%), Antilleans and Arubans (0.8%), and 8,36% other.

Language The official language is Dutch, a Germanic language. Frisian is also spoken in the north- eastern province of Friesland. English, German, and French are commonly understood and spoken and are taught in the secondary schools. Flemish, a form of Dutch, is spoken in a region of Belgium called Flanders. For most people from South Limburg Dutch is their second language. The dialect Limburgs, an official regional language since 1997, is made

Practical Guide 3 up of widely varying dialects, which are not always understood outside their locality. During the Middle Ages Maastricht developed itself as an important centre. Two old However, all South Limburgers understand Dutch and many speak German, English and Roman churches were enlarged and many new Gothic churches were built such as the some French as well. St Jan (St John), the Dominikanen (named after the Dominican Friars, also known as Black Friars) and the Minderbroeders (named after the Friars Minor) church. It was a flourishing Religion time that attracted many sculptors, wood carvers, painters and craftsmen working with About 28% of the population is Roman Catholic. Most Catholics live in the southern gold, silver and ivory. The city reached its peak of prosperity in the early 16th century. Provinces of Brabant and Limburg. Another 16 percent are Protestant (mostly Dutch Reformed), 45% are Muslim. The royal family belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church. The During the Eighty Years War with Spain, Maastricht played an important role. From that Netherlands, like many European countries, is a secular society tradition of maintaining time on, the city was an important fortress with a strategic location. In 1576 Maastricht the separation of church and state. rose against the Spanish but the rebellion was brutally crushed. The city remained in Spanish hands until it was recaptured by Frederik Hendrik in 1632. His victory brought Daylight saving time a certain degree of stability and introduced a new era of religious tolerance. Protestants During summer time in the Netherlands, and in seventy other countries, such as the and Catholics could now coexist in some sort of harmony. European Union, Mexico, Chile or Namibia, daylight saving time has been installed. This means for 2012 that on 25 March 2012 the clock was put one hour forward; daylight saving After the Napoleonic Wars, the allies set to work to redraw the map of Europe. time ends 28 October 2012 when the clock will be put one hour backwards again. In 2013 The solution they came up with for the Netherlands was to build a new united state daylight saving time will start 31 March and end 27 October. (Sources: Wikipedia, Culture combining Belgium and (what was then known as) Holland, to form a strong buffer to Grams, CIA World Fact Book). the north of France. This union did not last long. In 1830 the Belgians rose against the monarch and government of the north and declared their independence. Geographically 1.2 The History of South Limburg and Maastricht Maastricht should have become a part of Belgium, but the garrison under General Dibbets remained loyal to the house of Orange. In 1839, to the discontent of the Belgians, the The first inhabitants of what is now called “the Netherlands” were bands of hunter province of Limburg was partitioned with Maastricht remaining in Dutch hands. gatherers, who lived in Limburg (the most southern province of the Netherlands) some 250.000 years ago. During the Neolithic Age (5300 BC) farmers settled on the soils of Beek, The early 19th century was a difficult period for Maastricht, once again trying to pick up the Elsloo, Geleen and Sittard in the Western Mining District. In the first century BC the Romans pieces after foreign occupation. The first signs of the industrial revolution appeared when conquered South Limburg, building Trajectum ad Mosam (Maastricht, the oldest city of the Petrus Regout started his business career in pottery works, in which he made his fortune. Netherlands) around 50 BC and Coriovallum (Heerlen). Trajectum ad Mosam means the Others followed his example and Maastricht became the Netherlands’ first industrial city, crossing over the river Maas. The bridge of Maastricht (nowadays called St. Servaas-bridge) with flourishing ceramic works and paper mills. formed a vital link in the Roman communication route from Gaul (France) to Germany (built under Emperor Augustus 27 BC-14 AD) and was therefore guarded by two camps on either In the twentieth century, South Limburg became increasingly international in appearance. side of the Maas. The main camp was situated in the area of the city centre. The smaller South Limburg is located in an area known since 1976 as the Euregio Maas-Rijn or Meuse- camp on the other side of the Maas developed into the area called Wyck. Rhine Euregion. This region consists of the Dutch province of Limburg in which Maastricht is situated, the Belgian provinces of Limburg (Limbourg) and Liège (Luik), the Belgian With the rise of Christianity in the 4th century, Maastricht became a cathedral city. The first Ostkantons (German-speaking regions) and the Aachen region of Germany. The Euregion bishop, St Servaas, founded the first church on the site where the Onze Lieve Vrouwe- is known for its natural beauty. Liège, the largest Belgian city in the Euregion, is a lively church is located today. You can still find his name in our city: St Servaas Bridge, St Servaas university town offering plenty of entertainment only half an hour’s drive from Maastricht. Basilica etc. After St Servaas, many other bishops ruled in Maastricht. In the beginning of the 8th century Maastricht not only had a religious and cultural function but was also an In geological terms, South Limburg is the oldest part of the Netherlands. In a topographical important centre of commerce. During those days the bridge in Maastricht was the last sense, South Limburg is quite separate from the rest of the country. The rolling hills contrast crossing point of the river before it flowed into the sea. This effectively made Maastricht consider themselves Dutch, but prefer to identify with their region of birth, which is also an inland port. Around 1220 Maastricht obtained the privilege of township and was ruled reflected in their use of language, as described earlier. by two lords, the Prince Bishop of Liège and the Duke of Brabant. Rivalry between the two led to the building of defensive walls around Maastricht.

4 Student Handbook Practical Guide 5 1.3 Maastricht: an overview shops, attracting many tourists and day-trippers. The Romans built their settlement in the first century AD here in the Stokstraat quarter. Various Roman ruins, such as the baths and Maastricht gained international fame as the host of the European Summit in 1991, where parts of a wall with towers, lie hidden below the surface; although in some places you can the Treaty of Maastricht was adopted as the formal foundation of the European Union. still tell where they must have been. Located in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, this city has a reputation of being a little foreign even in its own country. Many tourists visit Maastricht to go shopping, taste Jeker quarter its flamboyant atmosphere or to visit one of the 1660 monuments in Maastricht. This is the student part of Maastricht, sometimes jokingly called the Quartier Latin of Maastricht. In addition to Maastricht University, other educational institutions such as the As mentioned earlier, Maastricht used to be an industry and trade city. Ceramics, paper Maastricht School of Drama and the Conservatory are located here as well. Between the and glass have dominated the economy of the city for decades and still do to some many churches, monasteries, mills and historic buildings, glimpses can be caught of the extent. Some famous company names in these sectors are Mosa, Sphinx, Sappi and ENCI. Jeker, the narrow river which winds through this area all the way from Belgium. During the last decade Maastricht has become predominantly a science and service city. Nowadays, the most important industries in Maastricht are the financial and business Céramique services industry (19.4%), trade/hotel and catering industry (19.4%) and the education/ Céramique is a relatively new neighbourhood in Wyck (across the St Servaas Bridge in the health care sector (31.4%). Some large companies situated in or near Maastricht are direction of the main railway station). Here you will find the Bonnefantenmuseum Vodafone, Apple, Daimler Chrysler and DSM/Sabic (large chemical concern). (www.bonnefanten.nl) and the Public Library (www.centreceramique.nl).

Furthermore, the city has also developed strongly because of the presence of a University Maastricht and surroundings throughout the year and a College of Higher Education. Although Maastricht is not a very big city (125.000 South Limburg is one of the favourite destinations of the Dutch holidaying in their own inhabitants), it is usually buzzing with people day and night, many of which are students. country, drawn here by its natural beauty. Cycling and walking in the hills with their There are hundreds of shops, bars, cafés (Maastricht has the highest café density of the unique flora and fauna are popular pastimes. Almost every town organises its own events Netherlands: 1 café per 350 inhabitants versus 1 per 900 on average), restaurants, pubs, throughout the year. Chapter 11 will provide you with a full calendar of Social Events in clubs, galleries, theatres etc., which you will read more about elsewhere in this handbook. Maastricht and surroundings.

Maastricht area by area Climate For a live picture of the different areas you can visit the web site www.maastricht360.nl. Someone once peered up at the Dutch sky and glumly summarized it as follows: You need to have Flash video software on your computer to view this page, which you can “Just look at that. It always looks as if it has just rained, is about to rain or is raining.” download from the site. Once you have this installed on your computer make sure you Unfortunately this is rather true. Those who are already suffering from culture shock will visit the page, it is a real must-see. find that the dreary Dutch skies do not do much to uplift the spirit. On the contrary: they reflect it. Vrijthof and Markt The Vrijthof is the heart of Maastricht. Already in the 10th century this large square was The Netherlands has a sea-climate, meaning that the relatively constant temperature the centre of a thriving St Servaas cult. Today the Vrijthof square is dominated by two of the water moderates any seasonal changes the climate might try to induce on the impressive churches: the St Servaas basilica and the St Jan church. Whenever Maastricht temperature. The Netherlands depend on an Easterly wind (Siberia) for its good, cold, blue has something special to celebrate, such as the Preuvenemint ( >> see 11.4.) or Carnaval skied winters and a southerly wind (Spain) for a nice, dry, sunny summer. But rest assured, ( >> see 11.1.), the Vrijthof is the place to be. The Markt (market), the other square in the these days do occur – and actually quite a few per season. One of the great things about centre, is a more down-to-earth version of the Vrijthof, centered around the Town Hall. On the Dutch, however, is their attitude towards the sun. They love it! Once the sun breaks out Wednesdays and Fridays the vegetable-sellers and other vendors erect their stalls around in the summer, they take days off, leave the office early and spend lengthy lunch breaks the Town Hall to sell their wares at slightly cheaper prices than in the shops. outside – soaking up the sun. Gone are the traffic jams, the moody blues and life behind closed doors. Café terraces are well populated, street life is lively and gardens are filled Stokstraat quarter with the blue smoke of barbecues. The Stokstraat quarter, or Stokstraatkwartier, is one of the most attractive and expensive shopping areas in Maastricht. It has many narrow streets, lovely restored houses and

6 Student Handbook Practical Guide 7 2 Money matters

2.1 The Euro

The Netherlands is one of the European Union member countries that changed its currency to euro on 1 January 2002. Other countries that have converted to this currency are: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Vatican City. Although the Vatican, Monaco and San Marino are not EU members, they have still adopted the euro due to currency unions with member states. Andorra, Montenegro and Kosovo (also not part of the EU) have adopted the euro unilaterally. These countries have the same bank notes but slightly different looking coins. There are seven bank notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and eight coins: 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 (euro) cents. The coins have two faces: the common euro face showing the amount, and a national face. Although the coins look different, they can be used in any of the countries that have introduced the euro.

2.2 Changing money

The exchange rate (wisselkoers) is fixed every day and will be posted wherever you change money. The rate does not vary from one bank to the next, although the charges for changing money may differ. The most common place to change money is a bank (ABN-AMRO, VSB, ING or Rabobank), or a GWK exchange office. You will find GWK offices at railway stations, the airport and places where many tourists are.

2.3 Opening a Dutch bank account

As a service to its students, Maastricht University makes it possible for all (international) degree students to pay their annual tuition fees in 8 equal installments. However, this is only possible when the student has a Dutch bank account. Besides this, a Dutch bank account is also convenient for all other monetary transactions in the Netherlands. If you would like to open a Dutch bank account, ING bank has accounts that cater specifically to students, however, students are free to open an account at any bank in the Netherlands. Each bank has its own requirements and features. There are also other advantages of having a Dutch account. Providing you get a so-called World Pass, you will be able to withdraw money from any ATM machine in Europe (so not only in the Netherlands). This will be free in all the euro countries, whereas if you use your “normal” account you will probably have to pay each time you withdraw money from an ATM. You will be able to use your card plus PIN code ( >> see 2.4.1.) to pay in stores and supermarkets in the Netherlands (even in an increasing number of stores abroad).

Practical Guide 9 2.3.1 How to open a bank account at ING bank 2.4 Paying for things Before you go to the ING for opening a bank account, you will first have to pick up a proof of enrollment from the information desk of Student Services at Bonnefantenstraat 2. 2.4.1 Cash and bank cards Exchange students need the collect the special bank statement prepared for them by their There are basically six ways to pay for things: 1) in cash, 2) with a bank card, 3) with a credit International Relations Office at their arrival (e.g. at the Introduction Day.) As soon as you card, 4) by cheque, 5) by having your bank make a transfer, 6) and the Chipknip. Paying in have collected this letter/statement, together with your passport, you can report to the ING cash is common, although the use of bank cards (the Dutch words used in connection with branch at Vrijthof 45 to open your bank account. bank cards are pin, pinpas, pinnen or chippen) is increasingly replacing cash payments. Shops have a link to the bank system, and the amount due is withdrawn immediately 2.3.2 Day-to-day finances from your account. You or the clerk inserts your card in a reader that looks like an oversized To manage your day-to-day finances, you will need a current account. You can open this calculator; you type in your own secret four-digit personal identification number (PIN, or account at a commercial bank. The UM advises the ING bank, where it is called a privé- pin-code); the bank reports whether or not your balance will cover the amount; you confirm rekening. An account at a commercial bank is functional the same day that you open it, the amount by pressing ja (yes), and the transaction is complete. but if the bank knows you will be staying for only a short time, for example if you are an exchange student, it might refuse you. The commercial banks are generally not eager to 2.4.2 Cash dispenser (or Automated Teller Machines, ATMs) have temporary residents as customers because they often leave the country without You will find a cash dispenser (in Dutch: geldautomaat) at every bank and post office, in closing their accounts. Current accounts pay no interest, but you are charged interest if you railway stations and other public places where people are spending money (There is also have an overdraft. one nearby the Lecture Hall in the School of Business and Economics. Dispensers will accept almost every kind of card nowadays. You must find a match among the symbols on the 2.3.3 Banks in Maastricht dispenser and on your card. If you have a bank card from a Dutch bank, you can withdraw There are several banks in Maastricht: ABN-AMRO, Rabobank, VSB Bank, SNS Bank and ING. money from any ATM in the Netherlands (so not only from the dispensers of your bank). Most banks will ask for a residence permit or a burgerservicenumber (BSN), which you Please note that you are allowed to pin at a cash dispenser from a different bank than your obviously will not have (at least not straight away). Actually, they are no longer supposed to own only once per day. ask for a BSN, but not all banks know this. If you open a bank account, you will be provided with a bank card plus PIN code. This card 2.4.3 Credit cards and cheques can be used at any time to withdraw cash from any ATM in the Netherlands. Check with the Paying by credit card is less common in shops, especially smaller shops and supermarkets, bank whether you can also use it for ATMs abroad. mainly because the shops have to pay a percentage of each sale to the credit card company. However, restaurants, hotels and department stores generally accept all major cards. There 2.3.4 Bank opening hours will usually be a notice board near the entrance that shows which credit cards are accepted. Opening hours of the banks are mostly similar to regular opening hours of shops and Personal cheques will not be accepted. If you bring Travellers Cheques with you it is advised supermarkets. However, most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Once you have to cash them in at a bank first, as paying with Travellers Cheques is not common. The banks opened an account please check with your personal bank branch for its opening hours. encourage people to use the pin system instead. Travellers Cheques are useful when you For more information about opening a bank account in the Netherlands, refer to: travel in Europe because you can write them out in any currency and cash them at any bank. http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/ServiceCentres/SSC/ Travellers Cheques are insured, although with a certain amount of personal risk. InformationForProspectiveStudents1/AboutApplicationAndRegistration1/TuitionFees/ OpeningABankAccount1.htm. 2.4.4 Bank transfers Bills are generally paid by bank transfer. When bills are sent, they usually have a so-called acceptgirokaart attached to them: a yellow slip containing the amount payable, the name and bank details of the beneficiary, and other data. You fill out your own account number, sign your name, and send it to your own bank, which deducts the money from your account. The most common way to transfer money is via an online banking system. Everyone in the Netherlands has an online banking system . However, for international students an online banking system may not be that efficient since for most banks in the Netherlands they only operate in Dutch.

10 Student Handbook Practical Guide 11 2.4.5 Chipknip • By cash; make sure you only use euro banknotes* (*only at mensa TS53/UNS40) In order to overcome shop owners objections against paying amounts smaller than €10,- • By bank card (pinpas). Make sure you have sufficient money on your bank account, you with your bank card, the Chipknip was introduced in the Netherlands. The Chipknip is a chip need to transfer money from the bank card onto your UM card before it can be used on your regular bankcard and can be loaded with money. After being loaded the Chipknip is • By credit card effectively turned into an electronic wallet, holding an amount in electronic money that you can then spend at stores, at the train station, in vending machines and at an ever increasing Locations where you can load your UM card: number of places. The Chipknip can be loaded at the bank (there is usually a machine next • BOU1-3 (Bouillonstraat 1-3) Ground Floor to the ATM that says Chipknip). Any amount between €5,- and €500,- can be loaded onto • TS53 (Tongersestraat 53) Reception and Mensa the card. This, however, also depends on the amount of money that is in your bank account. • GG80-82 (Grote Gracht 80-82) Near reception A disadvantage of this system is that it does not require a PIN code, a result of which is that • GL17 (Grote Looiersstraat 17) Ground floor anybody who finds your (lost) Chipknip can make payments with it. • DEB1 (Peter Debyeplein 1) Reception • UNS40 (Universiteitssingel 40) Level 1, near reception entrance Mensa 2.4.6 UM Card • UNS50 (Universiteittssingel 50) Opposite reception on level 1 and UL (University Library) On top of being an identity card, your UM card can also be used to pay for printing and on Level 2 copying services at the UM libraries and faculties, and to gain access to the UM libraries. • ZW4 (Zwingelput 4) Ground floor Although it is recommended to pay with your UM card at the University’s food facilities (DE Coffee corner and Mensa Restaurant), another possibility is to pay with cash. Note that Once the UM card is loaded, you can make copies on the machines available to students or you pay 25% more when paying in cash. You cannot use the UM card to pay outside the you can make printouts from your computer. If you make copies please make sure you follow university. the instructions on the copy machine very carefully!

2.4.7 Loading your UM Card YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE STOP BUTTON AND WAIT FOR THE BEEP BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE YOUR You can load or top up your UM card in a loading unit. Follow the instructions on the loading CARD OUT OF THE MACHINE, OTHERWISE YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE MONEY ON YOUR UM CARD. unit carefully. Instructions are written in Dutch and English but are quite simple and you can always ask for assistance, the staff will be happy to help.

12 Student Handbook Practical Guide 13 3 Legal matters

3.1 Student Law Office Maastricht

The Student Law Office Maastricht is an organisation meant for students and run by students. If you need legal assistance, they can help you for free:

Student Law – office Maastricht Bonnefantenstraat 2, Room B2.04 6211 KL Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 53 46 [email protected]

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday between 10.00 and 13.00 hrs. For more information: www.studentenrechtshulp.nl/SRHen/

Practical Guide 15 4 Religion

If you would like to have more information about where to go in Maastricht for religions of any kind, you can contact:

Tafelstraat 13 Ecumenical Student Chaplaincy Tafelstraat 13, 6211 JD Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 56 51 [email protected] www.tafelstraat13.nl

>> More information see 7.2.3 (SSC)

The most frequently searched addresses are:

Roman Catholic Student Chaplaincy Mosque Régis de la Haye – Onze Lieve Turks Kultureel Centrum TEVHID Vrouwekerk, Maastricht Weustenraadstraat 24 Tel. +31 (0)43-356 13 30 / 6217 HZ Maastricht +31 (0)43-321 38 54 Tel.: +31 (0)43-354 08 40 [email protected] Synagogue Maastricht Lux ad Mosam Capucijnengang 2 St. Pietersstraat 6 Maastricht 6201 BP Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-325 95 94 Tel.: +31 (0) 6 13 98 04 76 [email protected] [email protected] Muslim Prayer Room El-Fath Moskee P. Debyelaan 25 Sint Lucassingel 70 6229 HX Maastricht 6217 JC Maastricht University Hospital Maastricht (AZM) Tel.: +31 (0)43-343 71 20 Level 0, near the Nuclear Medicine Department.

Practical Guide 17 5 Sports

For those of you who do not get enough exercise riding your bicycles to and from the university, UM SPORT organises a comprehensive sports programme to suit the needs and wishes of all students.

What is most important to understand is that at the UM, sports do not come to you. If you are interested in sports and athletics you should go looking for them yourself. This means visiting the UM SPORT desk, visiting the clubs and organisations yourself, and eventually becoming a member. The sports programmes are not compulsory at Maastricht University, but through UM SPORT you can involve yourself in as much physical activity as you please for very low fees.

The best place to start is at the UM SPORT web pages (www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport) or at the UM SPORT desk at Sports Centre Randwyck. There you can get information regarding the sports facilities and activities available to students.

5.1 University Sports Organization

To best understand what sports programmes are offered by the University, it is good to have an understanding of how the sports organisation is structured. There are three levels: UM SPORT, MUSST, and the student sports association.

5.1.1 UM SPORT UM SPORT is the central university department and responsible for the sports programme at UM. Activities are spread throughout the Maastricht area, but you will find a lot of them at Sports Centre Randwyck. This sports complex is a temporary location including a gym, a dojo, an indoor cycling room and 2 major sports halls. The office as well as the desk is also located at Sports Centre Randwyck, P. Debyeplein 15 in Maastricht. Please check the website for the actual opening hours: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport

All programmes of UM SPORT require a UM SPORT membership: a Sports Card and/or Fitness/Gym Licence which you can buy at the UM SPORT desk or at the UM SPORT web shop. ( >> More information in section 5.2.1)

Follow UM SPORT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/umsport

Practical Guide 19 5.1.2 MUSST Other activities are available for a limited number of participants and therefore offered Sports council MUSST (Maastricht University Student Sports Trust) is the umbrella as a course. A course takes 7 or 14 weeks and you have to sign-up and pay an extra fee. organisation for 23 Student Sports Associations with sports varying from Lacrosse to Examples are: acrobatics, ballet, boxing, capoeira, fencing, judo, modern dance, pilates, Soccer and dancing to swimming. The total number of members for all these associations running, spinning and yoga. is around 1600. Within these associations, not only playing sports is important, but they also organise all kind of activities and parties. There are several types of memberships: Sports council MUSST supports these associations with subsidies, council and promotional • SPORTS MEMBERSHIP: the Sports Card gives: efforts. Members of these associations can apply for subsidies with respect to the – access to all ‘walk in’ activities; participation in tournaments. – possibility to register for a course; Besides this, Sports council MUSST organises all kind of events, within Maastricht and on a – possibility to buy a punch card for spinning classes; national level. Examples are the Sportsweek, the Student Wintersport, the Batavierenrace – discount on the purchase of a Fitness/Gym Licence; and the Great Dutch Student Championships. Individual athletics (non-members of one of – possibility to join an SSA. the 23 associations) can apply for subsidies concerning NSK’s and GNSK’s (Dutch Students • FITNESS MEMBERSHIP: the Fitness/Gym Licence gives unlimited access to the gym at Championships and Great Dutch Student Championships). Sports Centre Randwyck

5.1.3 Student Sports Associations (SSA) Depending on the time of purchase, you have two options for the duration of your The various UM Students Sports Associations organise their own sports hours. These time membership: slots are only for their members. In September all Students Sports Associations usually • A membership for the (rest of the) academic year or organise introductory weeks, so you can get acquainted with the various programmes. • A four month membership

To become a member of a Student Sport Association the UM Sports Card is required.

Again, the Sports council MUSST is the umbrella organisation of all Students Sports Associations in Maastricht. They can help you further with questions about any Student Sports Association: www.musst.nl

5.2 Sports Programmes

5.2.1 University Sports and membership UM SPORT You are a UM SPORT member once you have a UM Sports Card and/or Fitness Licence. The Sports Card gives you access to several sports activities; all ‘walk in’ activities are free of charge. Some of the free activities included on the Sports Card are: badminton, basketball, aerobics, circuit training, floorball, volleyball, Clubpower (body pump), indoor soccer, handball and zumba. To use the gym – unlimited access – at Sports Centre Randwyck you need a special permit: the Fitness/Gym Licence. New members can buy this licence after attending an introduction class. Once you have had a licence which, you can renew annually without attending another introduction class. In combination with the Sports Card, this licence is less expensive.

20 Student Handbook Practical Guide 21 Memberships always start on the first (1st) of the month in which you buy your Sports Card UM SPORT activities: or licence. To give you an idea: the Sports Card costs €66 and the combination of a Sports Card + Fitness/Gym licence €146 for the entire year. Note that at UM SPORT there is no Aerobics Condition Training Lacrosse Squash entrance fee and no notice period at the end of your contract. Aikido Cycling Mindfulness Streetdance

Athletics Fencing Modern Dance Swimming For the most up-to-date prices of a Sports Card, Fitness/Gym licence and courses, please Badminton Field Hockey Mountain biking Tai Chi check our website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport. The Sports Card and the Fitness/ Gym licence are for sale at both the UM SPORT web shop and at the UM SPORT desk, where Ballet Fitness / Gym Outdoor Soccer Tennis you can register for a course as well. Pre-sale as of 13 August until 2 September, 2012: €2,50 Ballroom Dance Floor ball Pilates Triathlon discount on all 12 months memberships at the UM SPORT web shop as well as at the desk. Basketball Gymnastics Power Kick Volleyball

Bootcamp Outdoor Handball Rowing Workout Mix Information on all sports activities offered and organised by UM SPORT can be found on Boxing Horse back riding Rugby Wu Shu the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport. Follow UM SPORT on Facebook: www.facebook.com/umsport Capoeira Indoor Soccer Running Training Yoga Circuit training Judo Sailing Zumba

5.2.2 Private Sports Clubs Climbing Karate Slack lining There are many other gyms and/or sport associations. Club Power / Body Pump Korfball Spinning As a general rule such gyms and/or sport associations are more expensive than UM SPORT, but are usually open to students and eager for new members. Other gyms and / or sport associations are too numerous to name here. If you are looking for a specific sport, ask at 5.3 Competitive Sports the UM SPORT desk or search the Yellow Pages, and keep your eyes open for posters and promotions. Students who compete as professional athletes are sometimes eligible for Top Sports benefits. This generally means that these students will have the opportunity to arrange their Maastricht has more than 20 gyms, which you can search for in the Yellow Pages. Most academic schedule around their training schedule to some extent, as well as gain access to fitness programmes are also offered through the UM SPORT programme. However, some some extra sports facilities. For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport private gyms offer student discounts and personal training. and follow the link: Top sporters and study. Even if you are NOT a professional athlete, any student entering a sporting tournament 5.2.3 Sports Facilities can apply for subsidy through MUSST (www.MUSST.nl) to help with registration and transportation costs. Swimming Pools The UM Sports Card allows you free access to some swimming pools at certain times. Please check the UM SPORT website or contact the swimming pool for information on lessons and water sports.

22 Student Handbook Practical Guide 23 6 Lifestyles

Whether it is sports, drinking, drama schools, classical music, volunteering for charity or meeting people from other cultures, Maastricht is guaranteed to have a programme that fits your lifestyle.

6.1 A few suggestions

Here is a list of activities that may interest you as a student. This is not a complete list. In fact, it is not even half of the list. New clubs start every week, filling the desires of students that share your interests. Think of this as a starting point.

Academic Associations These are numerous, and are different in every Faculty. Each Faculty has an information desk that should have at least some information on all of its associations. Also, nearly all of these groups are registered at the Student Service Center, www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ssc.

Studium Generale Studium Generale is a University department, which offers a broad programme of lectures and debates, besides all sorts of cultural activities: theatre, pop concerts, world music concerts, comedy shows, student performances etc. >> See 7.2.2 (SSC).

Art Academy The Academy of Fine Arts Maastricht is located just down the road from the School of Business and Economics, at the far end of the Abtstraat. Students there enjoy artist, or just like the idea of art, check out the people and the programmes there and you are bound to find something to get involved in.

Charity Ragweek Each year, the RAGWEEK is organised, involving all UM student associations organising activities that raise money for charity. www.ragweekmaastricht.nl

www.tafelstraat13.nl/volunteer.htm Covers many charity organisations as well as service and activist groups.

Practical Guide 25 Community COC Limburg Tafelstraat 13 – Broaden your view Bogaardenstraat 43 Tafelstraat 13, the ecumenical student chaplaincy is a place where students meet. 6211 SN Maastricht >> See 7.2.3. (SSC) Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 83 37 [email protected] Erasmus Student Network www.coclimburg.nl ESN Maastricht helps international students integrate into life in Maastricht by organising mentorship programmes, greeting events and other activities. Languages Maastricht University Language Centre Postal address: GET AHEAD WITH LANGUAGES! Bonnefantenstraat 2 P.O. Box 616 You can join all sorts of interesting courses at the Language Centre. 6200 MD Maastricht • All courses use a practical, communicative approach. • The focus is on active participation and real-world exercises. Visiting address: • Attention is paid to cultural aspects. Bonnefantenstraat 2 Room B2.04 of the Student Service Center Especially for you as a foreign student the Language Centre offers B@sic Dutch at a special 6211 KL Maastricht student rate. For a full overview of the courses and their levels, content, fees and starting esn/Maastricht.nl dates, please refer to www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/languages. Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 53 57 Fax: +31 (0)43-753 45 84 Maastricht University Language Centre [email protected] Sint Servaasklooster 32 6211 TE Maastricht Cultural Groups Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 50 93 ACSSNL [email protected] The Association for Chinese Students and Scholars in the Netherlands is an official organisation supported by the national Chinese Embassy. It aims at uniting Chinese Music students and scholars in the Netherlands and helping each other. It provides students Kumulus with information on living, studying and other social activities. For more information, Kumulus is a private arts school that offers courses in music, art, theatre and dance. check the website www.acssnl.org. For information call: +31(0)43-350 56 69 www.kumulus.nl/[email protected] Fraternities See student associations. TUNA The UM also has a student association for traditional Spanish music. Homosexual Groups www.tunademaastricht.com COC – Gay and Lesbian Association COC Netherlands is a federation of 24 COC organisations in most of the larger Dutch cities. Political Organisations The local organisations operate in the region and offer personal support, support groups Amnesty International and information. They promote lesbian and gay interests and provide venues where gays Amnesty International Maastricht Students (AIMS) is an active group of students who and lesbians can meet. Special activities aim at older gays and lesbians, women, young organise actions to forward the cause of universal human rights in the world. people, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. The local organisations are run Contact: [email protected] almost exclusively by volunteers. Internet: www.amnesty-maastricht.nl

26 Student Handbook Practical Guide 27 Alert MDF – a federation of smaller student associations Alert Maastricht is composed of international UM students, who share the goal of www.studver.unimaas.nl/mdf stimulating the development of political thinking and exchanging different views on political matters. As such, Alert aims to provide a platform for political discussions about OSM – Independent Student platform Maastricht controversial topics within the university, such as globalisation versus democracy, G8, [email protected] corporate responsibility and human rights, AIDS. www.OSM1995.nl

For more information contact Saurus – Social Rowing Association Jan Joseph Stok: www.msrvsaurus.nl [email protected] Tel.: +31 (0)6-21 82 52 81 Theatre Alles Is Drama Religious groups Alles is Drama is a student association that offers performance courses of many varieties. ( >> see chapter 4 on religion) Alles is Drama Student Associations – Social Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6200 MD Student associations vary widely, from the purely social societies, to very tightly focused Maastricht groups specialising in a single activity. Some of the largest and most popular social Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 53 58 associations are: www.allesisdrama.com [email protected] AIESEC Claiming to be the world’s largest international student association. For more information Studium Generale go to www.aiesec.nl/maastricht or contact them via [email protected]. University Department which offers a programme of theatre, pop concerts, world music concerts, comedy shows and student performances, besides a programme of lectures and AIESEC Maastricht debates. >> See 7.2.2.(SSC) Bonnefantenstraat 2 Room B2.03 / B2.06 Writing 6211 KL Maastricht Eloquent Magazine Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 59 33 Eloquent is the independent Faculty magazine of the School of Business and Economics. Written entirely in English, it provides a critical, economic perspective on a wide variety AEGEE – International Student Association of areas. Eloquent is always open to new talents entering the team. In addition to the www.aegee-maastricht.org magazine, the website of Eloquent creates a useful source of information. Helpful material for your studies can be retrieved from their website www.eloquent.nl or via Koko – Large local student association [email protected]. www.svkoko.nl

SV Circumflex – Large local student association www.circumflex.nl

M.S.V. Tragos – Large local student association www.tragos.nl

28 Student Handbook Practical Guide 29 7 Student Services Centre (SSC)

We are… The Student Services Centre (SSC) is the information center for (prospective) students. SSC has a number of specialized service units for student-related issues.

We offer… Answers and solutions to your issues concerning Student Administration, Student Life, Student Support and the Center for European Studies.

Visit SSC There is a central information desk in our Visitors’ Centre at Bonnefantenstraat 2 where current and prospective students can address their questions. Visiting hours are Monday-Friday 8.30-18.00 hrs.

7.1 Student Administration

7.1.1 Admissions & Registrations Office The Admissions & Registration Office assists (prospective) bachelor and master students with their application and registration procedure. They provide information on diploma evaluation, admission procedures, admission requirements such as sufficiency tests for courses and languages and deregistration and graduation. For any questions regarding admission or registration, please contact us via e-mail: [email protected]. Or contact our Call Centre via phone: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 Opening hours are Monday-Friday 08.30-17.00 hrs

7.1.2 Visa Office The Visa Office helps prospective and current students and their spouses with obtaining, changing and extending visas and residence permits. E-mail: [email protected] For any questions on visas, residence permits and related items, please visit our website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/visa

7.1.3 Scholarship Office Prospective and current students can obtain information about scholarships (UM High Potential and scholarships, UM China scholarships, OTS scholarships, the Erasmus programme, Cultural Agreements, NFP). E-mail: [email protected] For any questions on visas or scholarships, please also visit our website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/scholarships

Practical Guide 31 7.2 Student Life All these activities are moments of lively encounters with students from all over the world and from different faculties. There is no membership: we are open for everybody who 7.2.1 INKOM would like to share ideals inspiration questions, worries and joy. The INKOM is the general introduction week for all freshmen of Maastricht University and It’s always possible to address one of our chaplains for an individual talk about what is on Hogeschool Zuyd. The Werkgroep INKOM (Taskforce INKOM), organizes this introduction your mind. week. In four days you will get acquainted with the city that will be your student city for We offer a chance to meet others and yourself. Catch a glimpse of what is going on the next few years. August 21st-August 24th: INKOM 2012. http://www.inkom.nl/ beyond your horizon at Tafelstraat 13! For more information: www.tafelstraat13.nl 7.2.2 Studium Generale Studium Generale (SG) offers a programme of academic lectures & debates and an On 7.2.4 UM SPORT Stage programme. With the lectures and debates SG reveals a wider experience of the Student sports = UM SPORT. University sports at their best: affordable, relaxing, open, sciences and of society. The On Stage programme presents a variety of activities such as challenging and international. concerts, comedy shows, student performances, theatrical performances. There is also an More information refer to chapter 5 (Sports), or visit: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sport opportunity for students to perform on stage. Studium Generale offers the possibility to expand your horizons and learn about other aspects of knowledge. 7.3 Student Support

Which activities does Studium Generale organise? 7.3.1 Student Guidance • Lectures and debates. The foundation of cultural, scientific and social issues. Free At university you are expected to be independent and take care of your affairs yourself. admission, no obligations, gain insight into topics outside your study; This does not mean, however, that you won’t have any questions! • SG On Stage. Pop Music, World Music, Comedy, Theatre and Student Performances The student counsellors can surely answer many of them. (Open Mic, Battle of the Bands etc.) Great ambiance, exciting performances; Below please find an overview of the counsellors working at the Student Services Centre: • Short lecture series. In series of six lectures topics are addressed that contribute to the academic education of students, for example on Consciousness, Legal Psychology, 7.3.1.1 Psychological support (student psychologists) Human Rights and Philosophers of the Twentieth Century; Certified psychologists may be consulted in case of personal problems. Examples of • Debate Café. A meeting place for scientists and university students. The café provides such problems may be: an opportunity to debate in an informal atmosphere. With live music. • Study related problems like study stress and fear of failure • Psychological complaints such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress-related The activities of Studium Generale are announced in the “Studium Generale Brochure”, complaints, lack of confidence, dealing with traumatic experiences which is distributed within Maastricht University and in various public places, bars, etc. The student psychologists can help you by means of individual guidance and/or group For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studiumgenerale training / workshops (in Dutch and English). www.Facebook.com/studiumgenerale Training courses like Fear of failure, Study Efficacy, Loss and mourning, Assertiveness. Workshops like Stress management and Time management. 7.2.3 Student chaplaincy – Tafelstraat 13 For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studentguidance Tafelstraat 13 is the ecumenical chaplaincy in town. We are located in a historical building For making an appointment: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 in the center of the city. Our place has a homely atmosphere. We are part of Student E-mail: [email protected] Services Centre and offer a wide range of activities: You’re welcome to join a dinner a walking tour, or a trip. Besides these social gatherings it is also possible to take part in 7.3.1.2 Study related legal support (student deans) discussion groups, debates, or lectures on topics related to religion, philosophy, ethics, Student deans can help you when you have questions about: global issues and humanitarian questions. • Your rights in case of a study delay because of illness, pregnancy, family circumstances or top sports • Student grants

32 Student Handbook Practical Guide 33 • Studying with a functional impairment Online Career Library • Membership of a council, board, committee or membership of the board of a student On our website, through the “Online Career Library”, you can find: organisation • Links to websites offering information and tips regarding careers, internships and study • Other questions concerning your rights as a student in the Netherlands and abroad; For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studentguidance • Downloadable books on career options and international top employers; For making an appointment: +31 (0) 43-388 53 88 • Country guides offering job search tips and information on living and working in 35 Email: [email protected] countries.

7.3.1.3 Disability support Individual guidance It is important to Maastricht University that students with a functional impairment • Quick Career Advice (QCA); short interview to explore your career and study questions can successfully complete their studies with as little hindrances as possible. The UM its or to have your CV and letter checked. definition of a functional impairment incorporates all disorders that are of a permanent or • Career counselling; in-depth guidance on all your questions about career and study temporary character. Amongst these are all motor, sensory or psychological disorders, but choices by one of our career counsellors. also non-visible disorders, such as dyslexia, chronic illness, physical complaints, depression • Job Interview simulation; one-on-one interview, video-taped and evaluated afterwards, and so forth. The Service Desk Disability is available to students (with a functional preparing you for a current application. impairment), prospective students, student counsellors, teachers, parents and others who are interested and offers: Workshops • information about studying with an impairment, legal entitlements, (UM-) regulations Offered monthly in Dutch and English. and external organizations; Examples of workshops: job interview, CV & letter of application, discover your • advice; competences, networking & personal branding, employment contract & negotiations, • support (for example, by advising study facilities; assessment training and choose your Master. • help with requesting (education) facilities; • and assistance addressing complaints and problems with regard to this topic. Vacancy database Internships, graduate jobs, student jobs, voluntary work, vacancies for alumni When you have a functional impairment or if you get confronted with an impairment during your study, this might imply that adjustments and facilities are needed in order Career events to reduce study hindrances and delays. If you need specific study facilities please request Lectures, presentations, company visits, etc. In cooperation with study associations, alumni them in time via the Service Desk Disability. The Service Desk closely cooperates with and faculties. student deans, study advisors, student psychologists and career counsellors. All these services are free of charge, with the exception of workshops and the job Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 52 72 interview simulation (€15,-). For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/disability UM Career Services assists UM students until half a year after graduation. E-mail: [email protected] For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/careerservices Open visiting hours: Monday-Thursday from 11.00-13.00 hrs E-mail: [email protected] For making an appointment: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 7.3.2 UM Career Services UM Career Services supports students to get prepared for their future careers and to make considered study choices. The services include workshops, information, advice, counselling and career events. What does UM Career Services offer:

34 Student Handbook Practical Guide 35 7.3.3 Student Housing 7.4 Center for European Studies (CES) The search for suitable student housing in Maastricht starts at: www.maastrichthousing.com If you are a non-EU student who would like to study at Maastricht University for one Maastrichthousing.com is a cooperation between two student housing organizations: semester or for a summer programme, you can study through the Center for European Guesthouse UM and Kamerburo Maastricht. It’s their shared goal to service housing for Studies (CES). You can choose from the wide variety of all courses that the UM offers. students, employees and guests from Maastricht University, Hogeschool Zuyd and Jan van CES is there to ensure full integration into university life and to help you with all kinds of Eyck Academie. questions you might have, both academic and practical. If you are looking for a fantastic European experience, individual guidance, 24/7 assistance in case of an emergency and Guesthouse UM offers 900 furnished rooms for short stay (less than a year) to exchange help with anything from an airport pick-up to finding a room, CES is the place to be. students and international bachelor and master students. One time membership fee: €35,- Visiting address: Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6211 KL Maastricht

Kamerburo mainly offers unfurnished rooms for long stay (more than one year). Most Telephone: +31 (0)43-388 52 82

rooms have shared facilities (kitchen and/or bathroom). The studios in student houses Email: [email protected] have their own facilities. One time membership fee: €35,- For more information: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ces

HousingAnywhere If students want to look for housing on their own they could also refer to ‘HousingAnywhere’. The main concept of this platform is that outgoing students sublet 7.5 Visitors’ Centre and information desk their room for a short period of time to incoming students. This website is free to use and it operates on a full student-to-student basis. The platform is available via: The information desk in the UM Visitors’ Centre at the Student Services Centre www.HousinAnywhere.com or via www.maastrichthousing.com where you can also find (Bonnefantenstraat 2) is the first point of contact for current and new students. other housing opportunities. We provide the following services: • Help with admission and (re)registration Contrary to many Dutch cities, Maastricht does not have a long waiting list for student • Deregistration housing. That’s why it isn’t very hard to find suitable housing. But still we advise you to • Changing of address start your search in time at: www.maastrichthousing.com. • Payment of tuition fees Because Maastricht is considered one of the safest cities in the Netherlands and because • Reimbursement of tuition fees it is characterized by its small scale, by many foreign students and by the educational • Providing proof of payment and proof of enrollment system of problem based learning, it won’t be hard for you to feel welcome in Maastricht! • Help with Studielink application • UM cards • Housing services • Appointments with student deans, student psychologists, and career services • Information on and help with visas, scholarships, bank accounts and (health)insurances • UM gifts

Visiting hours of the information desk are Monday-Friday 8.30-18.00 hrs. Please also feel free to contact our Call Centre: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30-17.00 hrs.

You can also contact us via e-mail: [email protected] or consult our FAQ via esc-ssc.unimaas.nl

36 Student Handbook Practical Guide 37 8 On the move

8.1 The bicycle

If you really want to sample Dutch life and get around quickly and easily, make sure you buy a bicycle. Get one just like the Dutch use as a serious form of transport: a sturdy, no-nonsense bicycle, preferably not too expensive so that if it gets stolen you will not feel too bad. Be sure to buy a good solid lock and fix your bicycle to an immovable object, in order to discourage bicycle-thieves. In fact, most Dutch students spend more money on the locks than on the bicycle itself.

8.1.1 Buying a second hand bicycle Most students buy second hand bicycles; prices vary greatly. Although second hand bicycles are not easy to get, you can try one of these addresses in Maastricht:

Courtens Bike Sports Calvariestraat 16, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 38 20 www.courtensbikesports.nl

Quaaden Rijwiel- en Bromfietsenhandel Akersteenweg 22, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-361 39 25 www.quaadenrijwielhandel.nl

Rijwielhandel George Walstock Ruttensingel 59, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-325 06 62 www.walstock.nl

Aon de Stasie Tweewielerspecialist Stationsplein 26, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 11 00 www.aondestasie.nl

You can also ask your fellow students if they happen to have any spare bicycles standing around at home, which is not uncommon.

A word of advice: if you have to leave your bicycle at the station overnight do not park it on the premises, since this is the most common place for it to get stolen. Instead, park

Practical Guide 39 it indoors at the bicycle garage “Aon de Stasie Tweewielerspecialist”, which is near the is not allowed on any train, and is also prohibited in the station and on the platforms station, and simply pick up your bicycle upon return. Leaving your bicycle at the garage (although there are special zones on the platform where smoking is permitted; these costs €1,20 per day. If you park your bicycle overnight, you have to pay for two days. For zones are indicated by a tall pillar, containing ash trays and the words “rookzone”. Anyone example: if you bring in your bicycle on Monday and you pick it up on Tuesday, you are caught smoking outside these zones will get a heavy fine). charged €2,40. Costs for a month: €13,- Public transportation schedule 8.1.2 Bicycle theft Transport companies provide frequent services on buses and trams. Amsterdam and If your bicycle gets stolen, you should report it to the police. Once you have the official Rotterdam also have subways (called: metro). From Maastricht you can go by train to police report you can visit the police station every last Saturday of the month to see if they practically any destination in the Netherlands. Some destinations can be reached directly have found your bicycle. If the police do not retrieve your bicycle, you have the opportunity from Maastricht for other destinations you have to transfer to another train at a station. to buy one of the other bicycles that were stolen, retrieved by the police but not picked up Information about the departure times of the public transportation can be found on the by the owner. These bicycles can be bought at a very low price. web site: http://9292.nl/. Information about the departure times of trains going to and For more information you can call +31 (0)43-321 46 54. leaving from Maastricht and the prices can also be found on the website: www.ns.nl. On the website www.holland.com/global you can find tips for interesting places to go in 8.1.3 Bicycle laws the Netherlands. General bicycle laws Please note that the laws for cyclists in the Netherlands are quite strict. Although thereare OV-chipkaart many bicycle facilities such as bicycle lanes on the streets and bicycle parkings, you are The OV-chipkaart is the smart card that replaces all other public transport tickets in The advised to pay attention to the road signs etc. One-way streets that are nevertheless Netherlands. It is a new means of payment for the public transport system. The smart card accessible for bicycles are clearly labeled as such; deciding to drive into one-way streets is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip. The OV-chipkaart can be loaded in the wrong direction can result in a heavy fine. Also, make sure that when buying a with credit in Euros with which you can travel anywhere within The Netherlands, or with a second hand bicycle the brakes and more importantly the lights actually WORK. The police travel product such as a single or season ticket. do regular check-up rounds on the inner city streets in particular and they will pay no There are personal, anonymous, and disposable cards. The disposable card can be attention to the fact that you are an international (exchange) student and therefore not purchased at the station vending machine. The anonymous OV-chipkaart can be bought familiar with Dutch laws. at the ticket office and vending machines at the station. These cards allow the holder to travel immediately. The personal OV-chipkaart can be purchased from your public Inner City Regulations transport company or the OV-chipkaart Customer service department 0900-0980 (€0,10 It is not allowed for bicycles and scooters to be placed randomly within the pedestrian p.m.). For more information about the OV-chipkaart check the following site: area of the inner city. Bicycles and scooters must be stored in the respective bicycle racks. www.ov-chipkaart.nl If you do not do so, your bicycle will be removed and brought to a bicycle parking. You have to make an appointment to pick up your bike at Bosscherveld. Tel.: +31 (0)43-382 44 44. 8.2.2 Travelling abroad If you want to explore the rest of Europe, there are several opportunities to do that in an 8.2 Public Transportation economical way: if you want to travel extensively throughout one country try Eurodomino. If you want to travel in several countries within Europe ask for Interrail (www.ns.nl) or Eurail (http://www.eurail.com). Both websites have interesting offers for travelling 8.2.1 Trains through Europe. The Netherlands has a dense railway network that offers frequent service as well as the quickest way to travel between city centres. The carriages are modern and clean and, One specific ticket that deserves mentioning is the Belgian Go Pass for people under the although many Dutch people complain about delays, the trains usually run on time. On age of 26, which is a very cheap and efficient way to travel through Belgium. The Go Pass the train you have a choice of carriages: first or second class, which is indicated with a costs €50,- and is valid for 10 single trips between any two Belgian train stations (except large 1 or 2 painted on the outside of each wagon. First class costs about 50% more and border stations). The Go Pass can only be purchased at Belgian train stations, so from gives you a slightly larger seat in a compartment that is less likely to be full. Smoking Maastricht take the train to Liège and buy it there.

40 Student Handbook Practical Guide 41 Extra note concerning travelling abroad: once you have obtained your residence permit (if 8.2.4 Taxis you need one) you can travel freely in the Schengen countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, All regular Dutch taxis use meters and all charge roughly the same rate. When you get Luxembourgh, Greece, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Finland, into the taxi to start your journey, the meter will already show a balance of several euros. Iceland, Norway and Sweden). However, as long as you do not have your residence permit, This ensures the driver of a minimum fare. Only for very long distances it is sometimes it is wise to check whether you might need a visa before you want to travel. possible to negotiate a fare. Otherwise you pay what the meter indicates. It is customary to give taxi drivers a tip, by rounding up the amount payable. If you need a taxi you either When travelling around Europe by airplane there are several airline companies that offer call (see numbers of Maastricht Taxi-services below) or go to a taxi stand where taxis wait. cheap flights, for example: Taxi stands can be found for example at the market or the train station in Maastricht.

Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) Taxis in Maastricht: Brussels Airlines (www.brusselsairlines.com) Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) Taxi Centrale Frenske Transavia (www.transavia.com) Tel.: +31 (0)43-363 63 62 German Wings (www.germanwings.com) Air Berlin (www.airberlin.com) Automotive Group Zuid Tuifly (www.tuifly.com) www.brulltax.nl Tel.: +31 (0)43-343 00 00 ISIC Card If you travel outside of the Netherlands and want to be eligible for certain student 8.3 Driving your car discounts your UM card will often not be enough to identify you as a student, and an International Student Identity Card is often required. For more information on how to Some points of advice: apply for an ISIC card go to www.isic.org. • Drive on the right hand side of the road; • Parking violations are punished rather severely: look for signs that say “betaald 8.2.3 Rent a car parkeren” (=paid parking) or a blue sign with a white P in the middle; When travelling through Europe it is also possible to rent a car. Some car rentals in • Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory; Maastricht: • Using your cell phone in the car while driving is only allowed as long as it is hands-free.

Adrem Sixt (airport) Traffic Signs Heerderweg 37, Maastricht Vliegveldweg 120 A, Maastricht In general, blue signs tell you what is OK and red signs warn you of a restriction. A red Tel.: +31 (0)43-352 11 00 Tel.: +31 (0)43-310 17 37 circle indicates that something is forbidden and a red triangle tells you something about the road conditions. A yellow or orange diamond indicates that you are on a road with Hertz Sixt (city location) priority ( >> also see paragraph 8.1.3. on Bicycle laws). Maastricht Aachen Airport, Beek Parallelweg 38, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)46-475 00 07 Tel.: +31 (0)43-310 17 37 License To drive a car in the Netherlands you must have a valid license – recognized by Dutch law –, Avis be aged 18 or older, have third party insurance and drive a registered vehicle. Once you Vliegveld 120, Maastricht are a resident of the Netherlands, after a certain period of time you cannot drive a car (in Tel.: +31 (0)43-325 23 77 the Netherlands) registered in another country anymore. You then need to exchange your current driving license or apply for a new Dutch driving license.

42 Student Handbook Practical Guide 43 ’Drivers in international traffic‘, which are essentially tourists or short-term visitors (e.g. exchange students), are non-residents on the Dutch roads and do not need a Dutch driving license.

For more information on driving in the Netherlands please see www.expatica.com and navigate to the Netherlands part of the website. Also refer to http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/main/sitewide/content/ drivinginthenetherlands1.htm

Car insurance and service can be arranged through: ANWB Wycker Brugstraat 24, Maastricht (Wijck) Tel.: +31 (0)88-269 34 50

The Dutch Mentality • By Han van der Horst The Dutch position on the international market is a strong one. This is not necessarily because the Dutch are the cheapest. It is not easy to be the cheapest, coming from a country where the wages are high and the social provisions the same. What the Dutch need to focus on is an optimal ratio between quality and price and their legendary dependability. You can find daily proof of this mentality at the bus stops, the time the bus will be there is specified to the minute. For instance, 18.06, 17.46 and 19.08. This is not a statement of intent. It is an aim that will be sought to be achieved with all possible means. Should the bus be late due to a traffic jam or any other form of delay, then you will find that the atmosphere among the passengers will plummet. They will steal quick, irritated glances at their watches. They will start to pace restlessly. If they have a mobile phone, they will make a call. And when the bus arrives, five minutes late, the transportation company will have scored badly. This reaction of the passengers is less exaggerated than it seems. Arriving on time and keeping an appointment are key issues in the running of the Dutch society. Now that the bus is late, one might miss the tram or the train and thus be delayed even further. This can mean trouble for the person in question, but also for the others expecting him. They will not be able to make optimal use of the time allotted to the appointment, which will further upset their agenda. This notorious system of appointments and agendas is surprisingly flexible and efficient, if you keep the main rules in mind: you must make an appointment for everything and you must stick to the agreed time.

44 Student Handbook Practical Guide 45 9 Health care

9.1 General Practitioner/Family Doctor (huisarts)

The ‘huisarts’ is a General Practitioner (GP), (also referred to as family doctor) in your neighbourhood and in general, you need to go to him or her if you need medical assistance. Only if you cannot leave your house the doctor will make a house call. Your GP will be the first one you call whenever you have any medical questions or you need help. If the GP thinks you need more specialised expertise, he/she will recommend you to a specialist in the hospital.

NOTE: You need this recommendation from a GP, otherwise you cannot go to see a specialist in the hospital.

GP’s in Maastricht:

Near the University:

Maastricht Centre Maastricht East Medisch Centrum St. Pieter C. Wijnands and Th. van der Waart Glacisweg 1 Voltastraat 30 Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 63 00 Tel.: +31 (0)43-363 74 33

Near Guesthouse Annadal:

Huisartsenpraktijk Huisartsenpraktijk De Poort Annadal Becanusstraat 15 Becanusstraat 15 Tel.: +31 (0)43-343 66 85 Tel.: +31 (0)43-347 55 50

Near Guesthouse Heugemerweg:

Huisartspraktijk Céramique Bastiaens Huisartsenpraktijk Wyck-Céramique Avenue Céramique 155 PJM van de Berg Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 62 68 Clermontlunet 3a Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 28 79

Near Mosae Forum:

Swijgman Huisarts Medisch Centrum Mosae Forum Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 10 21

Practical Guide 47 You can check the website of Huisartsenpost Maastricht-Heuvelland for more Near Heugemerweg: Near Majellastraat: suggestions: www.hapmaastricht.nl and click the button “I’m going to study and will need a general practitioner”. Here you will find an up-to-date list of General Practitioners in the Apotheek Wijck Apotheek Straver Maastricht and Heuvelland region. Wyckerbrugstraat 10, Maastricht Akersteenweg 88, Maastricht Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 36 25 Tel.: +31 (0)43-361 28 29 If you need to see a doctor between 17.00 and 08.00 hrs, in the weekend or on public Mon-Fri: 8.30-18.00 hrs 24 hours/7 days a week holidays (when the family doctors can no longer be reached) please call +31 (0)43-387 77 77. Sat: 10.00-16.00 hrs You are required to make an appointment and go to the Huisartsenpost nearby the Emergency Room of the hospital. 9.2.2 Drugstore (drogisterij) A drugstore does not sell prescription drugs but handles over the counter remedies such Make an appointment with the Huisartsenpost only in case of emergency. Otherwise, as throat lozenges, syrups, homeopathic medicines and pain relievers, as well as toiletries, contact your General Practitioner on the next workday. cosmetics, cleaning supplies etc. An example of a drugstore near the Guesthouse is ETOS (situated in the Brusselse Poort shopping mall). REMEMBER • Always call first to make an appointment EMERGENCIES • Take a copy of your European Health Insurance Card (or other proof of Health In case of an emergency, call the national emergency number 112. Here they will inquire Insurance) with you, when you go to see a doctor. whether you need an ambulance, the police or the fire department and will connect you • Take money with you to pay for the consultation. Sometimes the proof of insurance is to the right department. If you need the police but it is NOT an emergency, please call not sufficient. 0900 8844. • If you have to pay for the consultation right away, you can claim it from your insurance afterwards. EMERGENCY NUMBER 112 • Always make sure that you get a receipt of payment! 9.3 Hospital 9.2 Medication There are many good hospitals in the Netherlands, all with the latest technologies. 9.2.1 Pharmacy (apotheek) Eight of them are university hospitals, the others are run by the community or religious The family doctor can recommend medication and give you a prescription (in Dutch: organisations. The only difference between university hospitals and community or recept). Prescription drugs are bought at a pharmacy. In addition, pharmacies also sell over religious hospitals is that on the whole, more research is carried out at university hospitals the counter (non-prescription) drugs, vitamins, medical supplies etc. so that they can be more up-to-date on recent medical developments.

Pharmacies situated near the Guesthouse: The hospital in Maastricht is a university hospital (Academic Hospital Maastricht):

Mediq Apotheek Martens Sijstermans/ Lloyd Apotheek AZM Koningin Emmaplein 19, Maastricht Dokter van Kleefstraat 2, Maastricht P. Debeyelaan 255 (near MECC) Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 24 66 Tel.: +31 (0)43-343 26 30 Tel.: +31 (0)43-387 65 43 Mon-Fri: 8.00-17.30 hrs Mon-Fri: 8.30-18.00 hrs Sat-Sun: closed Sat-Sun: closed REMEMBER: You have to make an appointment first!

48 Student Handbook Practical Guide 49 9.4 Dentist (tandarts) 9.7 Others

If you have dental problems, you can contact one of the following dentists, or look in the CAD (Centre for Alcohol and other RIAGG Maastricht phone book for other suggestions: Drugs) Regional Institute for Ambulatory Offers help to addicted people Mental Health Near the School of Business and Near the Central Station: Economics: Address: Address: Stationsstraat 33 Maastricht Parallelweg 45-47, Maastricht Tandartspraktijk van Nouhuys Tandartspraktijk Tel.: +31 (0)43-32132 15 Tel.: +31 (0)43-329 96 99 Hertogsingel 89B Menger O.T Maastricht Stationsstraat 46 Open: Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 17 36 Maastricht Monday/Wednesday: 8.30-17.30 hrs Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 34 76 Tuesday & Thursday: 8.30-20.00 hrs Friday: 8.30-17.00 hrs Please note: Not all medical insurances cover dental costs, so please check this before you make an appointment. 9.8 Confidential advisor

9.5 Physiotherapist The Executive Board of Maastricht University actively pursues a policy against undesirable behaviour at the workplace and in the study environment. Undesirable behaviour includes You do not need a referral from a family doctor for an appointment with a physiotherapist. at least sexual harassment, aggression, violence and bullying, and discrimination. The You can just call for an appointment. Please check with your insurance if they reimburse confidential advisor is there to provide assistance and support to people who are troubled the costs, which you pay in cash and for which you need to ask a receipt. There is a by the undesirable behaviour of others. The individual who reports such behavior should physiotherapist in Maastricht situated in the Ceramique area: have the opportunity to end it, if necessary with external help. The confidential advisor is the person who gives guidance to a complainant who wishes to take her/his complaint Fysiotherapie Ceramique further. The confidential advisor acts only with the consent of the complainant. Mr Martijn Baeten and Ms Monika Sladek Duitse Poort 11 6221 VA Maastricht Confidential advisor on undesirable behaviour: Tel.: +31 (0)43-351 05 01 Marloes Rikhof [email protected] Tel.: +31(0)43-388 25 13 www.fysiotherapieceramique.nl e-mail: [email protected]

You can find a list of all the physiotherapists in Maastricht in the Yellow Pages. 9.9 Studying with a disability, chronic illness or dyslexia

9.6 Student psychologists and student deans It is important to Maastricht University that students with a functional impairment can successfully complete their studies without too much delay. >> See 7.3 (SSC) 9.6.1 Student psychologists May be consulted in case of personal problems. Please refer to 7.3.1 (SSC)

9.6.2 Student deans Study related legal support (student deans). Please refer to 7.3.1. (SSC) It is important to know that the conversations with all the UM counsellors are confidential. For more information visit: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studentguidance

50 Student Handbook Practical Guide 51 10 Drugs

10.1 Drug policy

As of 1 May 2012 new rules apply to the sale of soft drugs, which do not make it possible anymore for tourists to buy soft drugs in the Netherlands. The objective of this new policy is to combat the nuisance and crime associated with drugs.

10.2 Coffee shops

A coffee shop can best be described as a café that sells soft drugs under certain circumstances. On 1st May 2012 coffee shops have become private clubs were only residents of the Netherlands, aged 18 years or older, will be eligible for membership (membership involves being allowed to buy drugs). In order to achieve government objectives, the rules on cannabis and coffee shops are the following: • membership will be recorded on a membership list; • the coffee shop may provide members with a membership card, (commonly referred to as: weed pass); • only residents of the Netherlands, aged 18 years or older, will be eligible for membership; • no coffee shop may be located within 350 metres of a school; • cannabis with a THC content of 15% or more will be classified as a hard drug.

THOSE WHO ARE NOT A MEMBER MAY NOT ENTER A COFFEE SHOP!

Please note that the above information is subject to change. For the most up-to-date policy, please always refer to http://new-rules.eu/ and http://www.government.nl/issues/alcohol-and-drugs

Please also take into account the drug policy of the Guesthouse UM: Dealing in and possession of soft drugs and hard drugs is forbidden and shall lead to immediate eviction of the guests and an end to their contract. The Guesthouse UM shall notify the police!

10.3 Smoking Ban

Smoking of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars and pipes) in prohibited in bars, restaurants and public areas all over the Netherlands.

Practical Guide 53 11 Social Events and Important Dates

Here is a summary of some of the most important happenings throughout the year in Maastricht and the surrounding area. Check the calendar at the back of this handbook for a summary of what is happening and when.

11.1 Carnaval

Carnaval: the Dutch either love it or hate it. Those who live in the southern provinces (especially Brabant and Limbourgh) love it and celebrate it with passion. Virtually all businesses close in a three-day celebration of life, spring, beer and friendship, though in the province of Limbourgh there is an added element of poking fun at the government and politics. People get dressed up and go from bar to bar, singing songs, dancing and drinking. There is no need to be afraid of this being a local festivity at which strangers are not accepted: as long as you dress up (preferably also paint your face) you are more than welcome. Go to a shop called In ’t Panhuis (address: Markt 74 in Maastricht) for your own dazzling carnaval outfit.

This academic year Carnaval will take place from 10-12 February 2013. Carnaval is the biggest event of the year in Maastricht and as an exchange student you cannot miss this!

11.2 The Queen’s Birthday – 30 April

All through history, the Dutch Royal family has been very popular and their birthdays have been celebrated with enthusiasm. Queen Beatrix celebrates her birthday on 30 April. You can either celebrate it by visiting one of the towns or cities the Queen visits on this day (and witness some true old-fashioned entertainment) or you can visit some of the bigger cities. The night before, called koninginnenacht (night of the Queen), is also wild and celebrated mainly in The Hague with large open air concerts at various locations. Since the Dutch national colour is orange everyone wears something orange on the Queen’s Birthday, so if you really want to mingle with the Dutch you know what to do.

11.3 Dutch Memorial Day – 4 May

Following the melancholy day of 4 May is 5 May, the day on which the Dutch celebrate their total liberation from the occupying forces in 1945 (some parts of the Netherlands were already liberated in November 1944). On this day, flags are flown full-mast and the streets take on a festive look. Throughout the country, it is celebrated everywhere and there are a lot of open-air concerts.

Practical Guide 55 11.4 Preuvenemint 11.8 Other events

Preuvenemint is a four-day culinary event on the Vrijthof in Maastricht. It is held annually Winter during the last weekend of August(23-26 August 2012 and 22-25 August 2013). The Vrijthof • Christmas market (from mid-November until Christmas) – Valkenburg, Heerlen, will then be filled with some forty stands in a lovely setting, where the local elite meet Maastricht. to see and be seen. People come from far to experience the delicious food and wine and • Magisch Maastricht (from 30 November until 31 December 2012): During this time, the enjoy the excellent ambiance. For further information visit: www.preuvenemint.nl. historical city centre will be enjoying the holiday season. Beautifully lit streets will link the various squares, where Christmas cheer and ice skating fun will go hand-in-hand with the 11.5 Sinterklaas – 5 December convivial Christmas markets and heated café terraces. It’s sure to be an enchanting winter in Maastricht! Through the centuries Sinterklaas has been considered the patron saint of children. According to legend, he saved his town from starvation and he is said to have revived Spring three dead children. He supposedly arrives in the Netherlands somewhere around the • TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) ( 15-24 March 2013): A nine day long fair of famous middle of November on his steamboat from Spain. This boat is loaded with gifts and international art antiques at the MECC in Maastricht. The fair had over 75.000 visitors populated by Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes), his helpers. One explanation why Sinterklaas last year and many art lovers consider it the world’s most prestigious art and antiques has zwarte (black) pieten to help him is because the Moors dominated Spain for several fair. See www.tefaf.com. hundreds of years. Another more popular explanation for zwarte piet being black is that • St. Servaasfeest (early May): Week-long funfair on the Vrijthof in Maastricht, procession he has come down the chimneys so often that he cannot wash the dirt off. Sinterklaas is to the St. Servatius Source, special services in the St. Servaas Basilica, concluding with not only a holiday for children: also grown-ups like to participate in the fun. This is often the St. Servaas procession. done by means of a gift (serious, silly or, often, homemade – the latter type is called a surprise) with an accompanying funny poem. Summer • Lowlands Festival: Another huge yearly music festival, which also features art, theatre, 11.6 Elfstedentocht film, comedy and much more! 17-18-19 August 2012, www.lowlands.nl. • Pinkpop (Whitsun): three-day pop festival (one of the largest in The Netherlands) in Though this is not so much an official festivity, much less an annually recurring one, Landgraaf, 14-15-16 June 2013, www.pinkpop.nl. it is well worth mentioning. Every year, the Dutch hope for a severe winter as this will • Rock Werchter (Belgium): 28 June-1 July 2012, www.rockwerchter.be. freeze over the lakes and canals in the province of Friesland, allowing the Elfstedentocht to take place. This Elfstedentocht is a race on ice-skates, that passes through 11 cities in Friesland (hence elf steden or eleven cities) and is almost 200 kilometers long. The life of the winners of this event will never be the same again – they become national heroes and are recognized wherever they go. A surprising fact is that the winners are seldom trained Olympic ice skaters, but modest farmers who have been training as a hobby.

11.7 Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)

Although admittedly a German tradition, Maastricht students cross the border en masse to take part in this wild festival of drinking, singing, and generally being happy together. Feel free to join in with a gang of German students to enjoy this truly European tradition. The Oktoberfest in Munich receives six million visitors annually, making it the world’s largest fair. This year it starts on 22 September 2012 and lasts until 7 October 2012. For more information visit www.oktoberfest.de.

56 Student Handbook Practical Guide 57 12 Working in the Netherlands

If you are going to be staying in the Netherlands for more than a few months, you may want to get a job to support your activities and make some money. Although the Dutch system for applying for work is complicated, it is not impenetrable if you understand some of the basics.

12.1 Who can work?

EU/EEA Nationalities Current members are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Bulgarian and Romanian citizens still require a work permit (in Dutch: Tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV)) in the Netherlands. Citizens from all other countries listed above do not need a work permit. EU/EEA citizens are allowed to work unconditionally, and do not require residence permits. There are no legal barriers to working in the Netherlands and students can apply directly for the job they want. However, you do need to obtain a BSN (Burger Service Nummer). You first need to register with City Hall where you will get a sticker in your passport; after this you can apply for a BSN number.

Citizens from outside the EU If you want to get a temporary job during your exchange period in Maastricht and you are a national from a non-European Union country you are not legally allowed to work without a work permit. It is possible to work only if you keep the following conditions in mind: • The student has a valid residence permit for the purpose of studying in the Netherlands. • The work is restricted to (full-time) seasonal work in the months of June, July and August or (you cannot do both); part-time work throughout the year, but no more than 10 hours a week. • Your employer must apply for a work permit, and has to demonstrate that s/he has searched unsuccessfully for workers within the EEA who possess the necessary skills for the job. To support your application, you will need a written statement from Maastricht University certifying that you are indeed registered as a (exchange) student and that a job will not interfere with the course of your study. This will have to be done after the first exam results have become available, so that we can assess whether you are academically strong enough to handle this extra work.

Practical Guide 59 NOTE: If you are still waiting for your residence permit, a proof of application for the What type of healthcare insurance do I need? residence permit is enough to apply for a work permit. The unfortunate reality is that Flowchart for international students in the Netherlands (source: Netherlands organisation getting a work permit takes over a month, and you are not legally allowed to work until for international cooperation in higher education(Nuffic), www.nuffic.nl) the permit is delivered. Planning ahead is vital to securing a good job. Note: Working without a work permit can lead to serious troubles for both you and your employer if you I am in the Netherlands for (1) Employment (i.e. part-time job or internship) are caught, and may result in having your residence permit revoked. No study purposes only (1) If you take up a part-time job while studying, or you are an intern with a salary, you are considered an employee and For more information about working in the Netherlands, refer to your stay in Holland will no longer be regarded as being for study purposes only. If you are in employment, you must http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/living-in-holland/working-while-studying always have Dutch public healthcare insurance. Whether you pay tax or not is irrelevant. Yes

(2) People under the age of 30 who are in the Netherlands 12.2 Insurance for study purposes only are exempt. They do not need to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance. Under the Health Insurance Act (“Zorgverzekeringswet”) all residents and/or employees I am 30 years No of age or in the Netherlands are obliged to take out a health insurance. Every health care insurance older (2) (3) * If you are due to stay in the Netherlands for less than one year, your stay will generally be considered temporary; company in the Netherlands that has stated it will provide services under the Act, has you do not need to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance. a legal obligation to accept anybody who applies for insurance. For the so-called Basic * If your stay in the Netherlands is due to last between one and three years, your stay will be generally considered Insurance (“Basis Verzekering”) you will have to pay a premium to the insurer. This is permanent. However, you can try and demonstrate to the Yes authorities that your stay should be regarded as temporary. known as the nominal premium. Whether a foreign student is obliged to take out the * If your stay in the Netherlands is due to last longer than three years, you will generally be considered a permanent Basic (health)Insurance under the Health Insurance Act depends on the residence purpose resident. You will need to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance. and/or employment situation. The flow chart gives you an indication. Note that according My stay to the law temporary residence is seen as a period of less than three years; this means in the (4) If you are required to apply for a residence permit, (non Yes Netherlands (4) EU/EEA residents staying for longer than three months), that e.g. exchange students do not have to take out this Basic Insurance, even if they is permanent your obligation to take out a Dutch public healthcare (3) insurance will not start until you are issued your residence are over 30 years of age. The ONLY exception to the rule is if you get a temporary job as permit. In the mean time you must arrange an alternative an exchange student: in that case you HAVE to take out the Basic Insurance: Dutch law form of insurance. requires all residents to have health insurance. Even if you decide to keep your private No (5) If you have an EU Health Insurance Card, you will insurance policy, as a part-time employee you must pay into the national scheme. The size continue to be covered by the insurance in your home country. You can only get an EU Health Insurance Card of the monthly contribution depends on your income. As an employee you will also be if you are insured in your home country under the public healthcare scheme and your stay abroad is temporary. In insured against the consequences of an accident while at work. Other contributions that this case, the health insurance institution in your home I come from the EU, the country decides what constitutes a temporary stay. will be deducted from your gross wages support the systems that provide disability pay EEA or Switzerland and unemployment benefits. In principle, the employer is obliged to deduct these ‘social No security contributions’ from your pay before you get it. When in doubt on whether the new Health Insurance Act applies to you, please contact the Dutch Health Care Insurance Yes (5) Board via +31 (0)20-797 85 55.

Dutch public healthcare EU Health Insurance Card Private healthcare insurance insurance

60 Student Handbook Practical Guide 61 12.3 BSN 12.5 Contact Information

For tax reasons, everybody working in the Netherlands must have a BSN (Burger Service InterUM BV UM Career Services Number). Once you have received your residence permit, you are entitled to collect that University employment agency Student Services Centre number at the Belastingdienst (tax office) in Heerlen. Depending on your citizenship, you Tongersestraat 22A, Maastricht Bonnefantenstraat 2, Maastricht may be required to have a contract or a letter from an uitzendbureau (job agency) before Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 26 88 Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 you can apply for a BSN number. Once you have the required paperwork, getting your www.interum.eu www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ number only takes about half an hour. careerservices Randstad Callflex 12.4 Finding a Job Wycker Brugstraat 28, Maastricht Creyf’s Uitzendbureau Tel.: +31 (0)43-329 17 00 Stationsstraat 31, Maastricht Due to a relatively high unemployment rate, the competition for jobs in the Netherlands Specialised in temporary jobs in native Tel.: +31 (0)43-325 66 27 is somewhat tight. However, foreign students often have distinct advantages in certain languages. areas, particularly in language capacity, that make them desirable workers. There are basically two ways to search for a job. The first and most obvious is to approach Mise en Place companies personally and offer them your CV. This direct search method works well for Spoorweglaan 7, Maastricht large companies, such as the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center, which hires Tel.: +31 (0)43-350 01 44 many UM students. Job agency for students working in the service industry. At least minimal The second way is through an uitzendbureau (temporary job agency). These companies knowledge of Dutch required. are in the business of connecting workers with employers searching for their particular www.miseenplace.eu skills. Maastricht has over a dozen uitzendbureaus. Many of them are concentrated on Grote Gracht, a street between the Vrijthof and the Markt. Also, the UM uitzendbureau InterUM specialises in finding students jobs in and around the University ( >> see section 12.5 for contact information).

The first step to getting a good job is having a good CV. You can have your CV checked by booking an appointment for a Quick Career Advice at the Career Services of Maastricht University. UM Career Services also offers a vacancy database where you can search for different kinds of jobs (Internships, graduate jobs, student jobs, voluntary work, vacancies for alumni). For these and other career related services such as workshops, career events, individual guidance or the Online Career Library, please surf to the website of UM Career Services, www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/careerservices. You can also visit an uitzendbureau or check out the advice on www.expatica.com.

62 Student Handbook Practical Guide 63 13 Student Life

Despite the fact that Maastricht does not have a very long history as a university town, it does have a very vibrant student life. Many students join student-associations, fraternities and sororities. They meet up at least once a week at their regular pub to have a beer and talk about the deeper meaning of life, whatever that may be. Two fraternities even run their own pub, which they conveniently named the Uni (short for university), so that their parents would not get worried if they tell them that they spend so much time there. Student life in Maastricht also stands for: lots of parties, going out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night (or whatever night you want), spending lots of money in the beginning of each month (when Dutch students get their studiefinanciering or study grant) and considerably less in the end. It also stands for going out for a meal in one of the many student-cafés and sitting on the Vrijthof enjoying the sun (in the Netherlands you have to enjoy the sun while you can). At the end of each block, however, many students lock themselves up in the University Library and drink as much coffee as they can handle and try to prepare themselves for the exams as best they can. By that time, everyone will be complaining about the horrors you face as a student.

In the following section you can read all about places-to-be, good and cheap restaurants, cinemas, museums and everything else. In short: your guide through student life in Maastricht.

Make sure you have a look at these sites: www.maastricht.nl www.lestables.nl

For interesting articles or news on Maastricht (and the Netherlands), you may want to go to this website for foreigners in Maastricht: www.ejc.nl/crossroads.

13.1 Bars

What Why Where in Maastricht

Blanche Dael They serve a large variety of very good coffees www.coffeelovers.nl Coffeelovers and they have an excellent lunch menu.

Café Ipanema In addition to its good breakfast and lunch www.ipanema.nl menu, this café serves fine tapas.

Café Sjiek This is a bistro, where you can eat delicious www.cafesjiek.nl regional and other dishes.

Practical Guide 65 What Why Where in Maastricht 13.2 Restaurants Ramblas This is a nice café inspired by Gaudí. Enjoying www.ramblasmaastricht.nl one of their beverage specialties in a nice and What Why Where in Maastricht inspirational setting. Kiwi An affordable and relaxing restaurant / bar in a www.kiwimaastricht.nl Café Zuid Here you can have nice drinks and tapas, but www.cafezuid.nl lounge setting. note that they are quite expensive. Gadjah Mas One of the best places for Indonesian food, with www.gadjahmas.nl Deli Belge A typically Belgian lunch bar with a menu www.delibelge.com an excellent price/quality ratio. including over 80 sandwiches and homemade specialties. Grand Café de Different rooms entice its customers with www.perroen.nl Perroen different atmospheres and they serve good Cliniq At night, this is a very popular student bar. www.cafecliniq.com food at reasonable prices. During the day you can eat here for a reasonable price. Ma van Sloun This is a very affordable restaurant in a student www.cafemavansloun.nl setting. John Mullins Irish Big Irish Pub with live music and typical Irish www.johnmullins.nl € Pub stew. Be sure to join the popular quiz night and Preuverij Reasonable dishes for around 7,-. www.eetcafedepreuverij.nl there is live music on Thursday or Friday.

The Shamrock Another café with an Irish touch. Here you also www.shamrock-maastricht.nl Reitz Reitz once won the “best fries in Europe” award www.reitz.nl have the possibility to play pool and arts. and continues to serve fresh, cheap, delicious and undeniably Belgian fries. Take Five A real student café; international lunches and Bredestraat 14 good value for your money. Pet Thai Thai restaurant, serving dishes that are the best www.petthai.nl in its kind. Be sure to bring enough money since EDD EDD stands for Eat, Dance & Drinks. You can www.edds-cafe.nl this place is not really cheap. have breakfast, lunch, dinner, tapas and drinks. They have jazz sessions and every Tuesday Quiz Tapas y Mas This tapas restaurant has a great atmosphere, www.tapasymas.nl Night. affordable dishes, delicious food and friendly service. The Highlander This is the number one bar for most Guesthouse Hertogsingel 58c students. Witloof An excellent Belgian restaurant with good www.witloof.nl atmosphere and very affordable dishes. Due to De Twee Heeren Funky and pop music. It is also a good place to www.detweeheeren.nl its popularity, reservation necessary. eat: try the saté with french fries.

Tramhalte This is a rather old-fashioned bar with a cosy www.tramhalte- NOTE: Maastricht has many more restaurants to try! If you take a look on the websites atmosphere. Open stage: each Monday from kitchenandbar.nl www.iens.nl and www.specialbite.com, you will find information and ratings on almost all 22.00 hrs. restaurants in Maastricht. The websites are available in English.

Allabonneur The so-called “Alla” is a night club / pub and www.alla.nl great place to dance. The “Alla” opens daily from 0.00 hrs, on Saterday at 23.00, it is the perfect after-pub nightspot.

NOTE: This list is by no means exhaustive and the above only gives an indication of popular student bars. Maastricht has around 365 bars so you would spend an entire year exploring them if you try a different one every night!

66 Student Handbook Practical Guide 67 13.3 Anything else? What Why Address / Website Thermae 2000 An natural spa, flowing with natural spring water. www.thermae.nl There is always something else to do if you are tired of going to the bar or restaurant. Health spa Reasonably priced programmes are available. Here are a few suggestions. Holland Casino Next to Thermae 2000 is a stateowned casino, www.hollandcasino.nl/ a great place for an entertaining evening at the valkenburg What Why Website gambling tables. Theatre Ice Skating Rink Ice skating is one of the most popular sports in the Kummenaedestraat 45, Geleen La Bonbonnière Theatre, variety, cabaret. Great atmosphere! If you www.bonbonniere.nl Netherlands and any exchange student should Tel.: +31 (0)46-474 69 88 want a ticket, get there early. have tried it least once while in this country

Löss Theater The Löss Theater is a theatre café where small Achter de Barakken 31a, Rock Climbing Neoliet rock climbing facilities to people of all ages www.neoliet.nl concerts and acts are performed Maastricht Gym and backgrounds.

Theater aan het Beautiful theatre & good shows. Leftover tickets www.theateraanhetvrijthof.nl Snow World Offers year round snowsports. No previous www.snowworld.nl Vrijthof can be bought right before the show for reduced experience is required; try skiing, snowboarding, or prices. Take your student ID card with you to get just ride down the slopes on a tube. a reduction. St Pietersberg Whether you like walking all afternoon, taking a www.sintpietersberg.org Kumulus Kumulus is a centre for arts. You can attend over www.kumulus.nl (St Peter hill) guided tour through the Maastricht caves, or going Theater 150 different art courses, which are facilitated by on a mysterious night hike, the St Pietersberg is a professional artists, musicians and dancers. small piece of wilderness for all nature lovers. Museums

Bonnefanten The world famous building of Aldo Rossi. www.bonnefanten.nl For more information about activities in Maastricht check the following sites: Museum Archaeology, old and modern art. www.maastrichtnet.nl/www.vvvmaastricht.nl

Natural History The museum outlines the natural history of South www.nhmmaastricht.nl Museum Limburg. Modern displays offer an in-sight into both the recent and distant past. Among the museums highlights are the remains of enormous Mosasaurs and Giant Turtles found in marlstone at the St Pietersberg caverns. Cinemas (show your student ID card to obtain a discount)

Pathé Bioscoop Pathé is Maastrichts main cinema showing all the www.pathe.nl/bioscoop/ Maastricht major movie productions. maastricht

Filmtheater Cult / Art movies www.lumiere.nl Lumière

68 Student Handbook Practical Guide 69 14 Shopping

Generally, all stores have the following opening hours:

Monday: 13.00 hrs-18.00 hrs Tue-Wed: 9.00 hrs-18.00 hrs Thursday: 9.00 hrs-21.00 hrs Friday: 9.00 hrs-18.00 hrs Saturday: 9.00 hrs-17.00 hrs Sunday: closed

Koopzondag (Shopping Sunday) Generally, the shops are closed on Sundays. However, on koopzondag the shops and some supermarkets will be open on Sundays from 12.00-17.00 hrs. In Maastricht, the first Sunday of the month is Koopzondag. The shops indicate with posters on the door when it will be Koopzondag. Not all the shops participate in the koopzondag, so make sure to look for the sign on the door whether or not the shop will be open.

14.1 Supermarkets

Most supermarkets are open Monday through Saturday from 8.00/8.30-20.00 hrs, some (such as ALDI) close at 18.00 hrs. There are usually extended hours on Thursdays and limited hours on Saturdays. Supermarkets are closed on Sunday, although some supermarkets are open on koopzondag. Needless to say that alternative opening hours apply during holidays. Always check the notice on the entrance of your local supermarket.

Supermarket Price / Quality Adress in Maastricht

Albert Heijn (AH) A lot of different products, good quality with Brusselse Poort, Helmstraat, prices a bit above averages Plein 1992

ALDI One of the cheapest supermarkets with a small Volksplein 34 (near Guesthouse), assortment Plein 1992

C1000 A large assortment of products, but cheaper Brusselse Poort than AH

Jan Linders Comparable with C1000 Tongerseweg 57

Jumbo Comparable with C1000 Franciscus Romanusweg 2

LIDL One of the cheapest supermarkets with a Herculeshof 37, Baron Van relatively small assortment Hövelstraat 77-85

Practical Guide 71 In addition, look out for authentic international food stores, selling Chinese, Indian, and Dominikanerkerkstraat 1, Maastricht Middle-Eastern ingredients. You can find these stores on the Markt and near the station. Tel.: +31 (0)43-321 08 25 E-mail: [email protected] 14.2 Market day Opening hours: On Wednesday and Friday mornings, the market square is full of stalls and tents selling Monday: 10.00 hrs-18.00 hrs fresh products, meats, cheeses and lots of fun merchandise as well. The Wednesday Tue-Wed: 9.00 hrs-18.00 hrs market is particularly known for its cloth and fabrics and the Friday market is renowned Thursday: 9.00 hrs-21.00 hrs for its excellent fish. Friday: 9.00 hrs-18.00 hrs Saturday: 9.00 hrs-18.00 hrs Prices are generally comparable to the Aldi and Lidl, the food is farm-fresh and the Sunday: 12.00 hrs-17.00 hrs atmosphere is far nicer than in a supermarket. Although prices are not as tightly fixed as in a department store, haggling is generally not acceptable. Still, there is always a bargain Books 4 Life to be found and the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. The market is open from 8.00 to In April 2009, a new second-hand university bookstore called Books 4 Life opened in 16.00 hrs, be on time to get the best quality! Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences: University Maastricht, Grote Gracht 80-82, Maastricht. You can buy second-hand textbooks as well as travel guides, dictionaries, novels etc. 14.3 Bookstores All proceeds are donated to charity: 25% for Oxfam Novib, 25% for Amnesty International and 50% to UM-related charities. You can also donate any books you don’t need any longer Studystore to B4L. If you cannot find the books you need at the SCOPE bookstore, you can always go to the Studystore. Studystore is the exclusive seller of all academic books for all students The store operates with the help of volunteers and the organisation is always looking for studying in Maastricht. Textbooks, dictionaries, second hand books as well as study enthusiastic students who are willing to donate part of their time. You can help out in the materials can be purchased there for a very reasonable price. store or by participating in the organisation (designing posters, organising events etc).

Studystore Studystore Basic Facts Universiteitssingel 30 Tongersestraat 12 • The money raised from book sales goes to Charity. A maximum of 10% of the income 6229 ER Maastricht 6211 LN Maastricht from book sales is reinvested in running and expanding the shops. Tel.: +31 (0)43-367 12 11 • The books that sold have all been Donated to the shop. There is no financial email: [email protected] compensation for the books that are given to the organisation. www.studystore.nl • They work entirely with Volunteers. None of the shop assistants or other members of the organisation are provided a salary for their efforts. • You can expect to find a huge and varied selection of second-hand Books. They also sell Selexyz dominicanen a few related items, like DVDs, board games and jigsaw puzzles, but the main focus Selexyz Dominicanen belongs to the popular Selexyz chain and it holds the biggest stock is books. of books in English in Maastricht, maintains a wide selection of books across all subjects • All of the charities and projects that they support work towards the promotion of and is stored in a very unusual place – in an old Dominican church. Selexyz Dominicanen Human Rights and Poverty Reduction across the globe. stands tall in the center of the city. A 13th century gothic church, it offers its visitors a breathtaking high ceiling, a majestic nave, grand ornamentation, and an opportunity to Aims worship: not at the great altar of God, but at the many altars of literature. As a student Books 4 Life strives towards the following three main goals: you do not, unfortunately, get a discount. • To develop a new mindset nationwide towards the value of unwanted, second-hand goods, both as reusable and affordable objects for the domestic market and as a source of income for charitable work at home and abroad.

72 Student Handbook Practical Guide 73 • To help students and others get active in their community by showing them that Media Markt This is a large electronics store where you can buy Franciscus Romanusweg voluntary work can be convenient, enjoyable and highly rewarding – a lifelong lesson. nearly everything from DVDs to refrigerators. www.mediamarkt.nl

• To offer students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in running their own IKEA The most popular furniture chain in Europe. In de Cramer 142, 6412 PM small business, while at the same time allowing them to gain an affinity with human Heerlen www.ikea.nl rights and poverty reduction issues, helping to produce competent and socially aware Kwantum Good alternative of IKEA. The Brusselse Poort graduates. www.kwantum.nl

For more information please refer to the website http://books4lifemaastricht.wordpress.com or email B4L at [email protected] 14.5 Shopping Centres

Marketstuff In addition to the many shops in the city centre of Maastricht you will also find two Marketstuff.nl is an online platform that offers students the possibility to sell and buy shopping centres: Entre Deux and Mosae Forum. Both are newly established structures, all kinds of student related second hand products. You can find almost everything on the and most of the shops opened at the end of 2006. Although you will find a Kruidvat there website; from books, beds, wash machine to bikes and sport equipment. most shops are part of a wide range of stores that are not readily found anywhere else in http://www.marketstuff.nl the area.

14.4 Department stores 14.6 Voltage Transformer

Students coming from countries that have a different voltage system than the European Company What Adress / website (220 V) can buy a voltage transformer at the shop HandyMan in the Nieuwstraat. The V&D Big department store in the city centre. Clothes, Grote straat 5-15 devices that they sell are both-ways transforming, but only up to 80 watt. Hence, a laptop food, furnishing, books, cosmetics etc. www.vd.nl or shaver works with this, but not your stereo for example. Prices are approximately €60,-.

Bijenkorf Big department store with high quality products Achter het vleeshuis 26 and is thus more expensive. www.bijenkorf.nl

HEMA Small department store, cheaper than V&D. Grote staat 10 www.hema.nl

Blokker This store will provide dishes, pots and pans, and in Brusselse Poort, Plein 1992 bathroom supplies, all of those little things that and in the city centre. you need to settle into a new home. www.blokker.nl

Xenos This furniture/novelty/grocery store has almost On the first floor of shopping anything and is very affordable. centre “Entre Deux” www.xenos.nl

Kruidvat Although not a department store, the Kruidvat Grote Staat, Markt, Mosae is an excellent place to find all kinds of Forum shopping center and products ranging from personal hygiene to the Wyckerbrugstraat. development of film rolls for low prices. www.kruidvat.nl

ETOS Drugstore where you can buy everything you The Spilstraat (city centre) and need for personal hygiene, such as shampoos Brusselse Poort. and deodorants, but also cosmetics and over the www.etos.nl counter drugs such as painkillers etc.

74 Student Handbook Practical Guide 75 15 Communication

15.1 Dutch Language

Dutch, the language of the Netherlands, belongs to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family and is quite closely related to German and English. Here you can find some Dutch vocabulary to help you around:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 eén, twee, drie, vier, vijf

6, 7, 8, 9, 10 zes, zeven, acht, negen, tien

beer, wine, liquor bier, wijn, likeur

beans bonen

bread* brood

butter boter

bus stop bushalte

could you tell me.. kunt u mij vertellen

carrot wortel

cheese kaas

cookies koekjes

dentist tandarts

doctor dokter

enjoy your meal eet smakelijk

eggs eieren

andijvie endive

good Goed (about food “lekker”)

good afternoon goedemiddag

good evening goedenavond

good morning goedemorgen

goodbye tot ziens

hamburger meat/minced meat gehakt (rund/varken)

hospital ziekenhuis

I am sorry neemt u mij niet kwalijk/”sorry” or pardon

I love you ik hou van jou

magazine tijdschrift

Practical Guide 77 may i have the bill please? mag ik de rekening alstublieft? 15.2 Phones may i order? mag ik bestellen? Making a phone call in or to the Netherlands is quite simple. Here are the basic rules for milk Melk recognizing phone numbers. nNewspaper krant

no nee A typical phone number in Maastricht looks like this: +31 (0)43-329 17 82

no entry verboden toegang Country code: +31 (the Netherlands) Area code: (0)43 (Maastricht) no parking niet parkeren Number: 329 17 82 open, closed open, gesloten

orange sinaasappel In order to dial this number from WITHIN the Netherlands, you would leave out the pharmacy apotheek country code (+31) and include the zero: 043-329 17 82 To dial this number from OUTSIDE the Netherlands, start with two zeros, and then dial the peanut butter pindakaas country code, and SKIP the zero in brackets: 0031 43-329 17 82 pepper peper

pineapple ananas These rules are the same for mobile phones, where a number would read: police, fire department politie, brandweer +31 (0)6-24 35 86 36

post office, bank postkantoor, bank Decoding phone numbers potatoes aardappelen • +31 Any number starting with 0031 is a phone number in the Netherlands. salt zout • +32 Any number starting with 0032 is a phone number in Belgium. see you later tot straks • 043 All numbers with a 043 area code is a Maastricht land line. station station • 06 All numbers starting with a 06 are mobile phone numbers.

sugar suiker • 0900 These numbers will charge you extra for calling. They are often used for information lines, as well as government offices. A recording will tell you before you are tea, coffee thee, koffie connected how much you will be charged each minute for calling that number. thanks bedankt • 0800 These numbers do not charge, but if you call from a mobile it may still cost you there you are/please alstublieft minutes, so be careful. what, where, when wat, waar, wanneer NOTE: All phone calls (including local calls) cost money. Moreover, local calls, regional calls yes ja or calls to mobile phones and foreign countries all have different rates. you are handsome/pretty lekker ding

15.3 Fax See also www.smartphrase.com Sending a fax for private purposes is not possible within the university. If, as an exchange student, you want to send a fax for academic purposes, it is possible to send it at the International Relations Office desk during open office hours.

78 Student Handbook Practical Guide 79 15.4 E-mail/Internet 15.6 Important phone numbers

You can check your email at the university or via webmail: General emergency number for alerting police, fire department and https://webmail.maastrichtuniversity.nl/. 112 Not only Maastricht University and the Guesthouse offer free internet; Centre Céramique ambulance also offers free use of a high speed wireless internet connection. Bring your own laptop to 0900 8844 General police number, not emergency.

enjoy the benefits of access to the library’s database and working at a quiet work station. 0900 9292 Information on public transport in the Netherlands, including door-to-door You do not have to be a member of the library. itineraries, €0,70 p.m.

0900 9296 Information on international train travel, €0,35 p.m. 15.5 Post packages 1888 Directory Enquiry, €0,80 p.m. € If you would like to send some luggage to your home country you can go to one of the 1889 International directory enquiries 0,80 p.m. following post offices: 0800 0101 Request collect call from the Netherlands to telephone number abroad.

+31 (0)43-388 37 06 International Relations Office of the School of Business and Economics. Post NL Postkantoor Post NL Postkantoor +31 (0)43-388 44 44 Emergency number (after office hours) for exchange students of the Spar Eussen Jumbo Maastricht Mosae Forum School of Business and Economics only. Ruttensingel 160-A Laag Mosae Forum 5 +31 (0)6-45 49 09 56 International Relations Office of the Faculty of Psychology (emergency 6214 SV, Maastricht 6211 DV, Maastricht number).

+31 (0)43-388 15 24 International Relations Office of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Post NL Postkantoor Post NL Postkantoor Sciences (emergency number). Ako Totaal Gemak Muntstraat 17 Kapoenstraat 22 +31 (0)43-388 54 70 Office of Student Affairs, University College. UCM students can contact this 6211 EG, Maastricht 6211 KW, Maastricht office in case of emergency.

Sending international mail is divided according to destination: within Europe or the rest of the world. It is possible to send your packages with a Standard Service, a Priority Service or an Extra Fast or Extra Secure Service. The cost and duration for your package to arrive depends on the destination and on the chosen service.

There are special low rates if you would like to send your books (2-5 kg). Please refer to the post office for more information about this.

80 Student Handbook Practical Guide 81 APPENDIX 1

Official Institutions

The Netherlands often appears to be a sea of red tape and bureaucracy. In order to make your way safely through this ocean of confusion, here are a few places and definitions that could prove useful.

Aliens Police The Aliens Police deal with Immigration procedures and controls. Although they used to distribute residence permits and work permits, they are now primarily focused on immigration controls. The Aliens police are not involved in registration, or other licenses or permits. For registration with the city, you must go to the Gemeente Maastricht. For residence permit issues please check UM’s visa office via [email protected].

City Hall Maastricht Mosae Forum 10 6211 DW Maastricht

ANWB ANWB is a nationwide organization that offers technical assistance to car drivers. If you plan to drive in The Netherlands or own a Dutch car, you must buy a membership before receiving services. ANWB does NOT deal with licenses or driving permits for internationals. This is done by the Gemeente Maastricht (city hall Maastricht).

Belastingdienst Terra Nigrastraat 10, Maastricht The Dutch tax office distributes Burger Service Numbers, which are required to work and pay taxes in the Netherlands. Tax information can be found at the Maastricht Office, but to get a BSN-number, all students must go to Heerlen to the central office Phone: 0800-0543

City Hall Maastricht City Hall Maastricht (in Dutch: Gemeente Maastricht) deals with a wide variety of legal and bureaucratic issues. The most common for students are registration at the city and driver’s licenses. They do not issue residence permits!

Address: Mosae Forum 10 6211 DW Maastricht (at the market) Tel.: +31 (0)43-350 40 40

Practical Guide 83 VVV The VVV provides tourist information and some travel advice. They will be able to help APPENDIX 2 in finding your way around Maastricht, onto busses, to cultural events or with anything tourist-related. Kleine staat 1 (Het Dinghuis) and Wycker Brugstraat 24, Maastricht. Information Sources www.vvv-maastricht.eu If you are looking for information that is not available in this Handbook, here are some suggestions as to where to find it.

Study Guide Each Faculty has a Study Guide (University College: Course Catalogue). The Study Guide/ course catalogue is the definitive information source for all academic issues such as schedules, grade requirements, examination rules etc. The Study Guide is only available on EleUM.

EleUM EleUM, used throughout the university, contains constantly updated information and announcements for students. Check there for any university related issues. www.eleum.unimaas.nl

Student Services Centre The Student Services Centre offers a number of services and support with regard to admission and registration, visa and scholarships, student guidance, student housing, sports, culture and spiritual guidance.

Bonnefantenstraat 2 Tel.: +31 (0)43-388 53 88 www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ssc [email protected]

Information Desk Each Faculty has its own information desk where you can ask about Faculty related issues. Questions about course schedules, departments, rules and regulations within the Faculty can be asked at the information desk.

84 Student Handbook Practical Guide 85 August September October

APPENDIX 3 M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Social Calendar 2012-2013 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

In addition to the Academic Calendar, UM also has a full and exciting Social Agenda. Here 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 you find a calendar to help you organize your social time throughout the year. Some public 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 and university events are already labelled ( >> see chapter 11 for details of social events and chapter 5 for sport events). The rest you will have to find out and fill in yourself! Good luck!

31 October 2012 Halloween (not a day off) November December January

5 December 2012 Sinterklaas (not a day off) M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 24 December 2012-4 January 2013 Christmas holiday 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 25-26 December 2012 Christmas 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 January 2013 New Year’s Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 11-15 February 2013 Carnaval holiday 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 10-12 February 2013 Carnaval 31 29 March 2013 Good Friday

1 April 2013 Easter Monday

30 April 2013 Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) February March April

4 May 2013 Memorial Day (not a day off) M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 May 2013 Liberation Day 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9-10 May 2013 Ascension 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 May 2013 Whit Monday 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30

May June July

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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86 Student Handbook Practical Guide 87 Map of Maastricht

Based in Europe, focused on the world. Maastricht University is a stimulating environment. Where research and teaching are complementary. Where innovation is our focus. Where talent can flourish. A truly student oriented research university.

Maastricht University 88 Student Handbook P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands 6 9 10

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1 School of Business and Economics 6 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 12 University Library Tongersestraat 53 Grote Gracht 90-92 (Inner city) Grote Looiersstraat 17 2 Department of Knowledge 7 University College Maastricht Engineering Zwingelput 4 13 University Library Bouillonstraat 8-10 (Randwyck) 8 Center for European Studies Universiteitssingel 50 3 Faculty of Law Bonnefantenstraat 2 Bouillonstraat 1-3 9 Maastricht Graduate School 4 Faculty of Psychology of Governance and Neuroscience Keizer Karelplein 19 Universiteitssingel 40 10 Main Guesthouse (C/P building) 5 Faculty of Health, Medicine Brouwersweg 100 and Life Sciences Universiteitssingel 60 11 Student Services Centre Bonnefantenstraat 2