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Home , University of Amsterdam

University of , Amsterdam- Facts

• Language of instruction: English • Number of students currently enrolled: 32,000 • Semester 1: Late August/early September – late January/early February • Semester 2: Early February – Late June • Important information: http://www.uva.nl/en/education/other- programmes/exchange/exchange.html

About the University

Founded in 1632 the University of Amsterdam (UvA) prides itself on its reputation as one of the best research universities in the world. At the UvA a strong emphasis is placed on independent thinking and studying, the academic climate is challenging but rewarding.

As the capital of the Netherlands and with a population of 790,000, Amsterdam is at the financial, creative and cultural heart of the country. English is considered the city’s second language and with the extensive public transport system and the dominance of bikes getting around the city will prove no trouble at all. Website: http://www.uva.nl/en/home

What to expect

Application process If you are allocated for an exchange at the University of Amsterdam, you will be officially nominated by the Go Abroad Office and will then be provided with your detailed application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated. Type of Application: The application is completed online.

Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Amsterdam

Academics

Course/ credit load One full year of study should equate to 60 ECTS (1680 hours of study). One semester of study should equate to 30 ECTS

Courses available http://www.uva.nl/en/education/other- programmes/exchange/erasmus---faculty-level- exchange/erasmus---faculty-level-exchange.html

Course enrolment The course registration for semester 1 courses normally takes place in June. Second semester courses are registered for later in semester 1. Course registration opens at specific times by degree programme. You will need to use your UvA-net account. Registration is first come first serve. There is a wide range of courses taught in English but the Academic restrictions number of places available for exchange students may be restricted. Therefore it is very important for students to be flexible about the course choices. It is quite difficult to participate in MA-courses. These courses are often fully booked and have very specific entry requirements. During the second semester, hardly any MA- courses are offered. Exchange students cannot access Amsterdam University College (AUC) courses. UvA is not a suitable institution for the following degree subjects: • • Computing / Informatics • Biological Please research the suitability of the University of Amsterdam Previous Students for your degree programme. Courses and programmes at your home and host institution may have changed since other students studied there. However, please find below some examples of the degree programmes of students who went on exchange to UvA in previous years:

• with Marketing • English • • History of • • Social • Social Policy with Social Anthropology • Philosophy • Philosophy and English Literature • • International Relations

2 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Amsterdam

Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have their approval.

Accommodation

University Accommodation is not guaranteed for international students accommodation so it is important that you apply early. •Explore Amsterdam accommodation at: www.uva.nl/housing

Application process Students will receive an email with a link to an online application system for housing. You can expect this email around mid-May for studies starting in September.

Private accommodation Off-campus housing: http://www.uva.nl/en/education/other- programmes/exchange/practical- matters/housing/finding-accommodation/non- commercial-parties/non-commercial-parties.html Other useful sites include: • www.shortstay.dekey.nl

Costs

Estimated cost of living Estimated cost of living is between €900 and €1,400 per month

Insurance Health insurance is mandatory for anyone studying in Amsterdam. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) meets this requirement. For up to date information on using UK issued EHIC cards after Brexit please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the- netherlands#healthcare

Banks The largest banks in the Netherlands are ABN AMRO, Rabobank, ING, Bunq, SNS, ASN, and Triodos. ABN AMRO and Bunq have detailed information in English. To open a bank account you will need to bring a valid form of ID (Passport), proof of address, and a residency permit if you are from outside the UK. The use of credit cards in the Netherlands is not extremely common though you shouldn’t have trouble using a VISA/American Express/Mastercard if need be. You should be able to transfer between UK and Dutch bank accounts if you

3 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Amsterdam

have your IBAN and SWIFT codes however your bank may charge you.

Other

Employment Those with EU passports should not face any barriers to employment. Non-EU/EEA students face restrictions on the hours they can work and will need to apply for a work permit. For up to date information regarding working in the Netherlands after Brexit, please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the- netherlands#working The orientation programme is organised by International Orientation Student Network (ISN) one or two weeks before the start of the semester. The ISN introduction days will give students a chance to meet other exchange students and explore the city and nightlife of Amsterdam. The Faculty of also has a faculty specific introduction for all exchange students. The University of Amsterdam offers a pick-up service from Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport) for International students.

Visas Based up on the country of citizenship, students may need to apply for an entry visa. To find out whether you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands as a student, please use the visa wizard: www.nuffic.nl/en/entry‐residence/visa‐wizard

All non‐European/ (non‐EU/EEA) students will have to apply for a residence permit to legally reside and study in the Netherlands for a semester or full year. Students with the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationality may also apply for the Working Holiday Scheme permit (WHS permit) instead of the regular residence permit.

Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to disability or specific learning difficulty and you wish to study abroad please contact the European Programmes team in the International Office ([email protected]). We will work together with you to explore the help available at your host institution. It might also be helpful if you discuss this with your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office as well.

4 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University of Amsterdam

What other students had to say about the University

The best part?

Living in a beautiful city”

Having much wider course choices and working with people from all over the world”

The greatest challenge?

It is continuous assessment, so you have to be on top of your game throughout the whole year.

Advice for future exchange students

Accommodation

It is difficult to find accommodation yourself so to save stress I would recommend that you apply for student halls.”

General advice

Having a part time job made me feel much more integrated into Dutch life in the city.”

Buy a bike!”

I advise that you go to orientation/isn week since that is the easiest way to meet people.”

5 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected]