Guide for exchange students 2009-2010
guide for exchange students 2009/2010 The Hague, 2009/2010 uide for exchange students exchange Guide for p. 2 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Foreword
Thank you for showing interest in one of the programmes of The Hague University. Every year The Hague University welcomes more than 400 exchange students from outside the Netherlands in our English bachelor- programmes: International Business and Management Studies (IBMS), The Hague School of European Studies (HEBO), Facility Management (FM), Marketing Department of Business Administration (MER), Academy of Social Profession (SPH), Micro Electronics System Design (MESO), Teacher Training for Primary Education (PABO), Nursing (HBO-V), Information Science (CMD), Industrial Project Design (IPO) and HEBO free-movers.
This guide for exchange students contains information about these programmes and, more specifically, about the procedure of becoming an exchange student at The Hague University.
We take great pleasure in receiving new exchange students each semester and accordingly are always striving to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. However, a large part of our work depends on you. In order for us to be able to welcome you at our university as an exchange student, it is important that you follow the guidelines and instructions as provided in this guide and the enclosures. Filling out these forms correctly and sending us the required information will ensure a smooth and fast procedure.
If your university has got a contract with HEBO, IBMS, FM, Marketing MER, SPH, MESO, HBO-V, CMD, IPO and PABO programmes, you can fill out the online registration form on our website http://www.hhs.nl > English > Exchange Programmes > Registration as an exchange student. Or you can use the link http://hierro.hhs.nl:7778/esdaf/index.jsp.
Please follow the instruction.
If you have any questions about becoming an exchange student at The Hague University, do not hesitate to contact us at the address mentioned below.
Kind regards,
Marjo Bijman
International Office The Hague University
E-mail: [email protected] Tel: ++31-70-445 8592 Fax: ++31-70-445 8594
Postal address: P.O. Box 13336 2501 EH The Hague The Netherlands
p. 3 Table of content
Chapter 1 general Information...... 5 Chapter 2 registration Information...... 9 Chapter 3 fees & Costs...... 11 Chapter 4 residence permit & Entry Visa information...... 13 Chapter 5 accommodation Information...... 17 Chapter 6 about The Hague University...... 19 Chapter 7 an overview of The Hague...... 21
Enclosures: Enclosure 1 information about accommodation on the private market Enclosure 2 iPS Insurance information
p. 4 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 1: General Information
Introduction
Each semester The Hague University is fortunate enough to be able to welcome a large number of guest (exchange) students. We take great pride in the fact that so many students want to come to The Hague and the institute is committed to doing its utmost to make this stay worthwhile for these students both from an academic and from a personal perspective. This booklet provides you with all the essential information. If you carefully follow all the procedures set out in the information and stick to the deadlines mentioned, you should not encounter any problems.
Specific information for Teacher Training students and HEBO free-movers please read the appendix.
Registration as an exchange student
If you want to become an exchange student, you have to register online: http://www.hhs.nl > English > Exchange Programmes > Registration as an exchange student. Or you can use the link http://hierro.hhs.nl:7778/esdaf/index.jsp. You will have to send in a signed Registration Form Exchange Students 2009-2010. In this form you will give all your relevant personal details and information about your home university. In addition to this registration form, you will have to send in the Subject Choice Form.
Accommodation
The Hague University does not have student accommodation on campus and you are free to make your own arrangements. As The Hague University realises that it is especially difficult for guest students to find accommodation all by themselves, it cooperates with a housing corporation specialising in letting accommodation to students and young people under 30. Applications have to go through The Hague University and students who wish The Hague University to arrange accommodation for them are referred to the accommodation information in this guide (chapter 5). You will have to fill out your wishes concerning accomodation on the online application form.
Staying in the Netherlands as a foreign student
All our exchange students plan to stay in the Netherlands for a period of over three months except for the Teacher Training students. For that reason some students need a residence permit (in Dutch: VVR). Some need an entry visa (MVV) as well as a residence permit (VVR). The Dutch immigration authorities distinguish between three categories of students: Category 1: students from EU countries and Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway Category 2: students from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, USA, Vatican City and South Korea Category 3: students from all other countries
Category 1 students do not need an MVV/visa or a VVR. Category 2 students only need a VVR. During the introduction week at The Hague University, they need to sign documents to apply for this residence permit. Students from all other countries need an MVV/visa. During the introduction week at The Hague University, they need to sign documents to apply for a VVR.
For more information, all categories of students are referred to the information in the visa and residence permit section (chapter 4) in this guide.
p. 5 Insurance
We are legally obliged to make sure that guest students are properly insured against medical costs and liability when they come to the Netherlands. The most complete cover is provided by the so-called Insurance Passport for Students (IPS). It includes cover for medical costs, legal aid, liability, repatriation costs etc. More information can be found on www.acepolis.com/ips. The insurance premium for IPS is around EUR 37.50 per month.
We do advise you to check carefully if your own insurance does not already cover you adequately, because once you have ticked the relevant box in the registration form, The Hague University will arrange insurance cover through the insurance company and charge you. As we cannot then cancel the insurance policy, we will charge you even if it later appears that you already have adequate cover.
Insurance: medical costs Before coming to the Netherlands you must make sure that you are insured against medical costs for the length of your stay. You are obliged to have health insurance if you wish to stay in the Netherlands and must be able to prove this when you apply for an MVV and/or a VVR. Please make sure that this insurance covers costs for repatriation.
Students from EU countries should check if their current EU healthcard is still valid. You must have the appropriate form with you. Please check the dates on this form. You should have cover until you have returned to your own country. Non EU-students who are privately insured in their own country but their policy does not cover them abroad, will have to take out private health insurance in the Netherlands In order to be of assistance to our guest students, The Hague University has made arrangements with both a doctor (general practitioner) and a dentist. You will be provided with details when you arrive in The Hague.
Insurance: liability or third party insurance You must also be insured against any damages you may cause other people. On the Registration Form Exchange Students 2009-2010 you can indicate if you want The Hague University to arrange Third Party Insurance. If you do so, we will make sure that cover starts on the day of your departure for the Netherlands. The cost of Third Party Insurance is about € 15 per semester. If you fail to prove that you are covered for the costs mentioned above we will take insurance on your behalf and charge you for the costs. It is your responsibility to make sure you are covered sufficiently. We can offer you also an insurance which covers liability, fire and theft, a so called IPS-basic. This will cost you about € 16 per month.
Part-time jobs
Most Dutch students have part-time jobs to help pay for their studies. These jobs are usually in the evenings or the weekends. Experience has shown that some of our exchange students are also interested in doing part-time work. It is sometimes possible for them to get a job through temp agencies though nowadays it is very difficult (especially for students from non-EU countries). Students who have part-time jobs are obliged by law to take part in the Basic Health Insurance = Basisverzekering. Since the Basisverzekering is quite a bit more expensive than an insurance like the IPS, you should consider this carefully. More information concerning this issue can be found on the following website: www.nuffic.nl/immigration/pdf/health-insurance06.pdf.
Fees and costs
For many students studying abroad does not come cheap. Living in a prosperous country like the Netherlands may be relatively cheap if you are from a country like the UK, the USA or Sweden, but it is (very) expensive for most students from outside the EU. When we allocate accommodation to students we try to take this fact into account. Please read Chapter 3 about Fees and Costs carefully.
p. 6 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Important dates for the academic year 2009-2010
First semester Start of arrival for students, accommodation is available to students August, week 35 Start introduction period (compulsory for all exchange students) August, week 36 Start classes S september, week 37 End of first semester January, week 3 * you will learn the exact dates in August 2009
Second semester Start of arrival for students, accommodation is available to students January, week 4 Start introduction period (compulsory for all exchange students) February, week 5 Start classes F february, week 6 End of second semester July, week 28 * you will learn the exact dates in December 2009
School holidays Autumn leave October 19, 2009 till october 23, 2009 Christmas holidays December 21, 2009 till January 1, 2010 Spring holidays February 22, 2010 till february 26, 2010 Easter weekend April 2, 2010 till april 5, 2010 Queensday * April 30, 2010 Liberation day * May 5, 2010 Ascension leave May 13, 2010 till May 14, 2010 Whit Monday May 24, 2010 Summer holidays July 19, 2010 till august 27, 2010
* Above mentioned dates are provincial
Transportation from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to The Hague
The train station is in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Go to the “Traintickets & Services” counter and tell them you want to go to The Hague Hollands Spoor station. It takes about half an hour by train to travel from Amsterdam Schiphol to The Hague Hollands Spoor.
Pick-up service
The Hague University is able to offer a pick-up service from one of the major railway stations in The Hague: “Hollands Spoor”. This service is run by Interaccess (international student union). The students of the pick-up service will pick you up with your luggage and escort you to your accommodation. If you arrive during office hours, they will bring you to the DUWO-office first, in order to sign your rental-contract and collect your keys. Public transport in the Netherlands is good and The Hague is easily reached from Amsterdam Airport and the ferry ports. Information about the pick-up service at “Hollands Spoor” in The Hague will be in the final information sent out to you about three/two weeks before you arrive.
For more information
If after reading through the information you are left with questions, please feel free to contact us. We strongly advise you to do this via e-mail. We will do our best to give you an answer within three working days. Should you feel that you need to talk to someone, you can of course phone us. e-mail: [email protected] phone: ++31 70 445 8592 (International Office).
p. 7 Checklist of what to do and what to expect during the coming period:
We work with two deadlines: Before May 31, 2009 for the first or for both semesters 2009-2010 Before November 15, 2009 for the second semester 2009-2010 • send in the signed “Registration Form Exchange Students“ and the “Subject Choice Form”; • send in all documents regarding application for MVV or VVR (if applicable). For more information about the MVV and VVR please read Chapter 4. • pay the correct amount of money into the bank account of The Hague University.
After reception of the forms mentioned above, we will send you a confirmation within one week. Once we have received your payment we will begin the process of reserving accommodation for you, apply for your MVV (if applicable), etc.
Two to three weeks before your arrival: The Hague University will send you final information about accommodation, pick-up service, introduction period, etc.
p. 8 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 2: Registration Information
If you want to come to The Hague University you must fill out the online registrationform and sign it. Please send this to us together with the subject choice form. http://www.hhs.nl > English > Exchange Programmes > Registration as an exchange student. Or you can use the link http://hierro.hhs.nl:7778/esdaf/index.jsp
Registration form Exchange Students
A completed and signed “Registration Form Exchange Students” is necessary before you can be accepted by The Hague University as an exchange student for one or two semesters. You will have to fill out several personal details. Special care should be given to the home address details, because this will be the address The Hague University will use in its contacts with you after receipt of the Registration Form. The details about birth and nationality are for official Dutch immigration use. The Hague University uses this information to prepare possible visa and residence permit applications. Any information that you provide will only be disclosed if this is necessary and then only to the relevant authorities. Otherwise personal details will remain confidential. The Hague University is bound by law to ask the question about a possible criminal record.
Please note that if your exchange visit to The Hague University is still uncertain because of marks that are still forthcoming, it is advisable to register as an exchange student anyway. It is easier to opt out again and cancel your registration than be late and not be accepted any more. The same goes for the required amount of money for housing application. By cancellation in time we will return your amount of money.
Subject Choice Registration Form
Our updated academic guides are sent to our partner institutions each year. It gives you time to have a look at all the subject descriptions available and to discuss them with the person in charge of the International (Relations) Office at your home institution.
Please note that your subject choice has to be approved by the sending institution. Without the signature of the contact person and official stamp of the sending institution the subject choice form will be returned. You might need to change your pre-selected courses once you have arrived in The Hague, depending on timetable clashes or full classes.
Accommodation
After receiving the signed registration form The Hague University will forward the request to the housing agency. So far, the housing agency has been able to help students, but no guarantee can be given that a room can be offered to a particular student. Before completing this form, you are advised to carefully read the information on accommodation in this guide.
Please note that The Hague University can only make a definite reservation for accommodation after having received the correct advance payment. Students who send in the registration form and make their payment after the stated deadline will be helped on a first come, first served basis.
p. 9 p. 10 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 3: Fees and Costs
For fees and costs for the students of the Teacher Training and HEBO free-movers please read the appendix.
Advance payment
Students who register as exchange student have to transfer money for certain purposes.
All students have to pay for the following items: 1. deposit The Hague University ¤ 100
Students who book their accommodation through The Hague University pay: 2. Half the semester’s rent € 850 housing deposit € 150
Students from category 2 or 3 (see chapter on entry visa and residence permit) who have to pay for a residence permit: 3. residence permit fee € 438
To sum up: Students with accommodation through the University make an advance payment of: € 1100 Students without accommodation make an advance payment of : € 100 Students with accommodation and residence permit : € 1538 Students without accommodation and with residence permit: € 538
Deposit
The Hague University makes use of two amounts for deposit: • € 100 for students without accommodation through the University and • € 250 for students with accommodation through the University.
This deposit is used: • to pay for any damage caused by the student to property belonging to the University. • to pay for any outstanding debts incurred by the student, which, for some reason, he/she has failed to pay such as costs in connection with library books. • to pay for damages to the accommodation a student has used. • other costs made by The Hague University in connection with the student and unrelated to the educational process.
What is left of the deposit will be paid back into the student’s account within three months of the official end of the semester. The transferral costs will be deducted from the remainder of the deposit. Regretfully it is not possible to refund it earlier. Experience has shown that information concerning registration of returned books, cleaning costs or returned keys cost a lot of extra time before a final specification can be made.
Between six and eight weeks after the start of the semester in September or January, you will receive an invoice saying how much the actual rent for your room is and how much you have to pay for the second half of the semester. Please note that for all HEBO students a fee of € 35 for administrative costs is compulsory.
p. 11 Please make all (advance) payments to:
Account number 14.55.45.563 Name of account holder Stichting HBO-Haaglanden en Rijnstreek Name of Bank RABO bank Address of the bank Bezuidenhoutseweg 5 2594 AB Den Haag The Netherlands Swift code bank RABO NL 2U IBAN number NL80RABO 0145545563
Please have the bank clearly state the name of the student for whom a payment is made and have them add The Hague University, (advance) payment academic year 2009/2010, semester 1 or 2! If you fail to do so there may be considerable delay in tracing and registering your payment. Therefore we also ask you to send a proof of payment to the International Office.
Cancellation of registration
If a guest student cancels his/her registration up to four weeks before arrival, The Hague University will reimburse 100% of the money minus € 15,- transfer fee. If cancellation takes place between 2 to 4 weeks before arrival, there is an extra cost for students of € 15o,-. If a student cancels his/her registration within two weeks before arrival, the extra cost is € 300,-
Cancellation of accommodation is not possible as soon as the student has signed the registration form.
p. 12 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 4: Residence permit & Entry Visa information
Note: In this chapter the following abbreviations are used: MVV = Machtiging Voorlopig Verblijf, or in English: Provisional Residence Permit. VVR = Verblijfs Vergunning Regulier, or in English: Residence Permit VKV = Vergunning Kort Verblijf, or in English: Short stay visa
Introduction
Foreign students who wish to stay or study in the Netherlands for a period of over three months fall into three different categories:
Category 1: Students from European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland Need the following documents: 1. They need no special permission to study in the Netherlands
Category 2: Students from Australia, Canada, Monaco, the United States of America, New Zealand, Vatican City, Japan and South Korea Need the following documents: 1. A VVR to study in the Netherlands.
Category 3: Students from all other countries Need the following documents 1. A MVV/Provisional Residence Permit 2. A VVR to study in the Netherlands
NOTE: All Categories need proof of third party insurance and valid health insurance.
I. Obtaining a VKV
Most of our international students for teacher training, plan to stay in the Netherlands for a period of not more than three months. however for some European countries -not member of the EU- a short stay visa is required to enter the Netherlands. This visa is only valid for 90 days and is called a VKV. Note that the international course lasts about 90 days. This category of students has to apply for a so-called MVV/Provisional residence permit when staying longer.
Unfortunately The Hague University cannot assist you in obtaining a VKV (short stay visa). You can obtain a VKV at the Dutch Embassy or consulate in your home country. The reason of your stay in the Netherlands is study. You might be asked to produce an invitation letter from The Hague University. In this case please contact us (e-mail: [email protected]). The VKV can take up to three months. Please start the procedure in ample time. Please contact us if you have any questions (e-mail: N. [email protected]). The costs of a VKV ranges from € 25 to € 35, or slightly higher. You also must show a proof of health insurance.
II. Obtaining a MVV through The Hague University
All Category 3 students must have obtained a MVV before coming to the Netherlands. This will be arranged by The Hague University. The Hague University has made arrangements with the Dutch Immigration Department (IND) to speed up the application process for its students. This can only really work if The Hague University receives all the relevant documents (see below) from you before the stated deadline. If we do not have these documents before this deadline, we are unfortunately unable to help you get a MVV before the start of the exchange period. If the application is accepted and a MVV can be issued, the IND will inform the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country.
Please note The Hague University acts only as an intermediary with the Immigration Department. It has no influence whatsoever neither on the outcome of the procedure, nor on the duration of the procedure.
p. 13 The following procedure applies: Complete and sign the registration form and return it to The Hague University before the appropriate deadline (May 31 or November 15, 2009) together with: 1. three copies of your passport showing passport photograph, personal details and expiry date. Please check that your passport is valid until at least two months after your exchange period at our university has ended. 2. Proof of income: if your are a student from outside the European Union you must show that you are able to finance your studies in the Netherlands. This means that you must have a minimum amount at your disposal of € 800 for each month you spend in the Netherlands in your own bank account, prior to departure. So should a student come for half a year (one semester) he/she must show proof of : € 800 x 6 = € 4,800 and a complete year (two semesters): € 800 x 12 = € 9,600. You must prove this by sending us a bank statement on original bankpaper of an account in your own name containing sufficient funds for the entire period of your stay in the Netherlands (all papers must be translated into English or German or French). The bank statement needs to show the logo and the address of the bank and also that you can freely withdraw money from this account. The bank statement must be dated and issued within two months of your arrival date in the Netherlands. AN EXAMPLE OF SUCH A BANKSTATEMENT YOU WILL FIND IN SECTION IV OF THIS CHAPTER.
If you do not have a bank account in your own name, there is an alternative solution. You (or a sponsor, like your parents, a friend, etc.) can transfer the complete funds into the bank account of the International Office. Staff members will make an arrangement with the specific student upon arrival to refund the amount .
accountnumber: 14 55 45 563 iBANnumber: NL80 RABO 0145 5455 63
so should you come for half a year: € 800 x 6 = € 4,800 and a complete year: € 800 x 12 = € 9,600. This entire sum must be transferred to the International Office before May 31 or November 15, 2009 clearly stating your name, the program that you are going to follow, and that you are an exchange student for the first, second or both semesters. (f.e. Markos Fringus-Exchange student-HEBO, 2nd sem.)
3. Written proof in English that you have health insurance. If you hand in a copy of your health insurance policy, it must be in English.
4. four coloured passport size photos. Only original photos are accepted (no copies or scans), the head must be uncovered, face front and mouth closed. The photos can not be older than 3 months. The background colour must be light blue, grey or white.
If the Dutch embassy concludes that all your papers are in order, you will be informed to go to the embassy and collect your MVV. This MVV allows you to enter the Netherlands once. The MVV/Provisional Residence Permit costs € 250,-. When you pick up your MVV, please ask for a D+C visa! This visa enables you to travel within the Schengen area during the first 90 days after your first arrival in the Netherlands.
NOTE: you have to show a proof of your health insurance at the Dutch embassy.
On the MVV is mentioned that after arrival in the Netherlands one should report oneself at the IND within three days in order to start the VVR-procedure. Do not pay attention to this! We have got a special arrangement with local authorities and the aliens police that enables us to start the procedure for you.
We strongly advise you not to book a ticket before y0u are given an entry visa.
Students can only travel abroad during their studies in the Netherlands after they have obtained a VVR. See section III.
p. 14 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
III. Obtaining a VVR through The Hague University
The Hague University can assist Category 2 & 3 students who live in The Hague with the VVR-application. Please note that The Hague University only acts as an intermediary with IND. It has no influence whatsoever, neither on the outcome of the procedure, nor on the duration of the procedure. Students who entered the country with a MVV will have to have a tuberculosis check. The Hague University will inform them when this takes place.
In following procedure for a VVR-application, The Hague University needs:
1. three copies of your passport showing passport photograph, personal details and expiry date. Please check that your passport is valid until at least two months after your exchange period at our university has ended; 2. Two coloured passport size photos; only original photos are accepted (no copies or scans), the head must be uncovered, face front and mouth closed. The photos can not be older than 3 months. The background colour must be light blue, grey or white. 3. Proof of income: if you are a student from outside the European Union you must show that you are able to finance your studies in the Netherlands. This means that you must have a minimum amount of € 800 for each month you spend in the Netherlands in your own bank account prior to departure. So should a student come for half a year (one semester) he/she must show proof of: € 800 x 6 = € 4,800 and a complete year (two semesters): € 800 x 12 = € 9,600. You must prove this by sending us a bank statement on original bankpaper of an account in your own name containing sufficient funds for the entire period of your stay in the Netherlands (all papers must be translated into English or German or French). The bank statement needs to show the logo and the address of the bank and also that you can freely withdraw money from this account. The bank statement must be dated and issued within two months of your arrival date in the Netherlands. AN EXAMPLE OF SUCH A BANKSTATEMENT YOU WILL FIND IN SECTION IV OF THIS CHAPTER.
If you do not have a bank account in your own name, there is an alternative solution. You (or a sponsor like your parents, a friend, etc.) can transfer the complete funds into the bank account of the International Office. This sponsor must mention your name with the payment in order for us to know who it is for. Staff members will make an arrangement with the specific student upon arrival to refund the amount .
accountnumber: 14 55 45 563 iBANnumber NL80 RABO 0145 5455 63
so should you come for half a year: € 800 x 6 = € 4,800 and a complete year: € 800 x 12 = € 9,600. This entire sum must be transferred to the International Office before May 31 or November 15, 2009 , clearly stating your name, the program that you are going to follow, and that you are an exchange student for the first, second or both semesters. (f.e. Markos Fringus-Exchange student-HEBO, 2nd sem.)
4. Written proof in English that you have health insurance. If you hand in a copy of your health insurance policy, it must be in English.
Students who need both a MVV and a VVR only need to send these items to us once.
Cost of VVR for Category 2 students: € 438. Cost of VVR for Category 3 students: € 188.
p. 15 IV. Additional Information
Passport photographs For all VVR application procedures coloured passport photographs are needed (3x4 cm). The student’s name, university and country of origin must be written on the back. No scans or copies are accepted.
More information It may take up to several months before applications for a VVR through The Hague University are accepted by IND. The immigration office will inform students when they can collect their residence permit card. The card proves that a student can legally stay in the Netherlands. As long as students who entered the country with a MVV do not have the official residence permit card in their possession they are not allowed to travel outside of the Netherlands unless you have a D&C visa: this allows you to travel for the first 90 days! At the end of their stay in the Netherlands, students have to hand in their residence permit cards due to the fact that those cards are state property. If they fail to do so, they will not receive their study results. For further information on immigration matters please visit: http://www.nuffic.nl/immigration.
Extension of your VVR/Residence permit An extension of your residence permit will cost non EU/EER students € 52,-. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 2 months after your departure from the Netherlands.
Registration as a legal resident of The Hague Students who live in The Hague for longer than three months have to go to the Immigration Office and register as a resident of the city they live in. More information will be given upon arrival.
Example of bankstatement:
[logo an address of bank]
date: [maximal two months before start of semester]
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
We would like to inform you that [name of student] is a customer of our bank: [name of bank].
Please be informed that [name of student] maintains below detailed account in the books of our [name of bank] and that he/she can freely withdraw from this account.
Account type: [e.g. foreign currency account or checking account or savings account]
Account number: ______
Balance: [for one semester a minimum of € 4.800] [for two semesters a minimum of € 9.600]
[Name of bank officer]
[Signatur of bank officer]
p. 16 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 5: Accomodation Information
Introduction
There are many things that you need to arrange when you decide to study abroad. Finding a place to live is obviously one of the most important things. The Hague University realises that it is difficult for its foreign exchange students to arrange housing all by themselves and has therefore developed procedures to arrange this for them. These procedures are set out in this information sheet. The Hague University would like to stress that its rules may seem strict, but that they have been developed for the benefit of both the institute and the students themselves. The rules are clear and students are expected to abide by them.
How does the system operate?
The Hague University itself does not own rooms. We work as an intermediary between exchange students on the one hand and DUWO, a student housing corporation, on the other. DUWO specialises in letting rooms to students and young people under 30. The Hague University tries to meet your wishes as far as possible, but we are dependent for the accommodation service on DUWO.
Cost of accommodation
Rooms in The Hague do not come cheap, prices generally vary between € 1,950 and € 3,000 per semester. Please note that you rent for the entire semester. For the second semester this means that you rent till July 31, 2010. As a guest student you will generally pay more than Dutch students do for the following reasons: 1. Most accommodation in the Netherlands is non-furnished accommodation where the occupant has to provide his or her own furniture. DUWO accommodation is fully furnished, complete with the necessary living utensils (kitchen utensils, bedding). 2. Dutch students sometimes receive a substantial rent subsidy (provided by the local authorities) that is not available to non-Dutch residents.
What can you expect?
A significant amount of the rooms are double. Rent does vary according to size. For large single rooms the rent is obviously higher than for small ones. DUWO does provide a limited number of double rooms that are shared by two students and for which the rent per student is often lower. If such a room is required or if you are willing to share, please indicate this clearly on the Registration Form.
Although some rooms are nicer than other rooms, they are all suitable for a one-semester/ two-semester stay. DUWO rooms are all in The Hague and the satellite suburbs of Rijswijk and Voorburg. Distance from the University in itself is not a reason for The Hague University to honour any request for cancellation of the Tenancy Agreement, as all rooms are within easy commuting distance.
What does the rent include?
The rent includes gas, water and electricity. Rent for rooms varies between € 1,950 and € 3,000 for the whole semester, including furnishing. For the second semester you rent till July 31, 2010.
Please note that facilities such as telephone, microwaves/ovens, pressure-cookers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble-dryers, baths, wirlpools, TV-sets, stereos and other luxury items are not standard in student accommodation in Holland. Should these facilities be in a room provided by DUWO, then this is pure chance. The Hague University/DUWO will not consider any requests for these facilities should they be absent nor the fact that an item appears in some of the accommodation warrant such a request.
p. 17 Advantages for renting through DUWO
1. the room is fully furnished and the rent includes gas, water and electricity. Internet connection is available in most houses. 2. You share your facilities with other students of The Hague University. 3. The housing agency addresses to you in English. 4. internet is available
Allocation of rooms
The Hague University can only guarantee a room to you if you have sent in your Accommodation Registration form before the stated deadline of May 31 or November 15, 2009. Any applications received after this date will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. If there is no room available through The Hague University, we will notify you as soon as possible. In that case, you will have to find accommodation yourself. Students should realise that as soon as they sign the accommodation registration form they commit themselves to accepting the room and pay the total amount for the whole period they have selected on the accommodation registration form.
(Advance) payment of rent and accommodation deposit
All students have to pay half the rent for the whole semester in advance. This is a fixed sum for everyone. In addition they have to pay a deposit. The total amount is € 850 (rent) + € 150 (deposit accommodation) + € 100 (deposit The Hague University) = € 1,100.
Between six and eight weeks after the start of the semester you will receive a statement saying how much the actual rent for your room is and how much you have to pay for the second half of the semester. Please see Chapter 3 on financial information for specifics.
Reservation of rooms and Standard Tenancy Agreement
After receiving your Registration Form and the advance payment, The Hague University will start the process of reserving a room. We will send you a letter of confirmation. Please note that upon arrival you will be asked to sign the DUWO Tenancy Agreement before you are given the keys to the room. Also note that by applying for housing through The Hague University, you accept the consequence that if you fail to pay the second half of your rent The Hague University will withhold your marks and credits until this is settled. The reason is that The Hague University will be held responsible by DUWO for any rent errors. If a guest student cancels his/her registration up to 4 weeks before arrival, The Hague University will reimburse 100% of the money minus € 15 transfer fee. If cancellation takes place between 2 to 4 weeks before arrival, there is an extra cost for students of € 150. If a student cancels his/her registration within two weeks of arrival, the extra cost is € 300.
Collecting the keys
You will be provided with final information about 3 weeks before the start of the semester. This will also contain details about the pick-up service and collecting the keys. Please note that if you arrive outside office hours, you may not be able to collect the keys that same day. In this case you will have to find temporary accommodation for one or two nights.
For a place to spend a few nights, we advise you to contact: Youth Hostel – Stay Okay Scheepmakersstraat 27 2515 VA Den Haag 070 - 315 78 88 www.stayokay.com
p. 18 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 6: About The Hague University
At the beginning of the academic year 1996-1997 The Hague University moved to a brand new building. The new campus is the centrepiece of district Laakhaven that is constructed in the old port- and industry section behind one of the railway stations, Hollands Spoor. New houses, offices, shops and restaurants are being founded in this district.
The building is spacious and light. The architects were instructed to make a building that was not too massive or impersonal. They designed a collection of quite different buildings in which each course and section of the University have their own place with their “own” study- and work facilities and its own faculty canteen. It appears that the students feel at home in this new building.
Art
In accordance with Dutch law, one percent of the construction cost of new public buildings has to be spent on works of art. Outside the main entrance you will find a sculpture of Hans van Bentem: a vase with the All seeing Eye, Tiger, Angel, Burning Heart and Phoenix. These are mythical and symbolic figures. Copies repeat themselves in various places in the University. As you enter the Atrium you will see a large tree trunk on your left. On top there is a statue carved from the same trunk. The German sculptor Stephen Balkenhol designed this statue. Besides the tree trunk and the vase there is also a collection of photographs in the corridors of the building. Part of this collection consists of the work of the Belgium photographer Carl de Keyzer, who made a collection of photos of the previous University in 1994 to record what the University and its population looked like in former times.
Student library
The Hague University has a well-stocked University library. The library is located right in the middle of the University. In addition to the many text and resource books, you will find a varied collection of international magazines. The library also has approximately 400 study places and 50 integrated work places from which information can be obtained from workstation catalogues, CD-ROMs and the Internet. All exchange students, have access to the services the library provides.
Sports facilities and Time-off
In addition to excellent study facilities, the Hague University offers a wide variety of leisure-time options. You can visit the student bar or work up a sweat in the sport hall/fitness centre. There you will meet students from other courses. You may eat a saté with a student from Engineering; have a drink with a student from Health Care or work off all those excess calories in the company of a student from Information Science on the fitness apparatus. That is what is so nice about the new building. If you want to be alone with your “own” students that is OK, but if you want to extend your horizons and meet other people it is also possible.
Another facility is the University restaurant. They have a good menu selection; from “broodje kroket”(a croquette in a roll) to a hot meal. Somewhat less varied are the faculty canteens. Soft drinks, dairy products, sweets, rolls, cold and warm snacks are available all day. Coffee, tea and soft drinks can be purchased from vending machines, which are in several locations on each floor through the University.
p. 19 Computers
Students will receive their personal username, password and temporary e-mail address during the introduction week. These will give the students access to all public computers (including free internet access) within the University premises during the daily opening hours.
Chipknip
The Hague University has its own card system for buying things like food and drinks at the canteen and making copies on the copy machines. It means that all our students and staff in possession of a Dutch bank account will use their Dutch bankcard containing a “Chipknip” (digital wallet) to buy all kind of available items (such as food, drinks, candies, copies, readers) at the Hague University. This Chipknip is not available on bankcards from outside the Netherlands. The Hague University therefore supplies exchange students with a special student chip card. To add money on this card, you will need to have a bankcard with the Maestro logo. Make sure that your bankcard has the Maestro logo, before you arrive in the Netherlands.
When presenting your University-student card/ or study declaration at the “Servicepunt” (Service point) in the Oval, you can get a student chip card and decide how much money you wish to add on it. The student firstly pins the desired amount with his own bankcard from the PIN terminal at the “Servicepunt”. A receipt will come out of this terminal and the money will automatically be deducted from your bank account. The receipt will form the proof of payment and the mentioned amount will be put on the student chip card by the staff members from this department. As soon as your card needs to be “upgraded” you can go to this same “Servicepunt” as it is the only location in the Hague University and has especially been made for our guest students. This student chip card is free of charge and has to be returned before departure. Should there still be a rest amount of money left on the card it can be cashed through the central cash desk from the Finance Department. Naturally you should take proper care of this card, because it will only given to you once for free.
The Hague Guestcard
You are welcome to register for The HaGuest Card. This program enables expatriates and international students to adjust more smoothly into their new home town, The Hague. You can check the website www.thehaguestcard. com. When you register with te special hyperlink: http://www.the haguestcard.com/HaGuest sign up/?c=120 you can order a card and a guide, it's totally free. With the personal card you can shop, do sports, phone, get financial advice, get discounts on theatres and museums and to be invited to special events. With this membership you can also get special care from companies like KPN Telecom and Fortis Bank. They are opening special phone numbers where you can speak English and where they are ready to help you to a new cell phone, instant internet, digital tv and a bank account number (without a social security number!)
p. 20 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Chapter 7: An overview of The Hague
The Hague is a city full of culture, with its fine historical buildings and monuments, and many excellent museums. The Hague is also the official residence of the Dutch Royal Family. The famous seaside resort of Scheveningen, known for its dunes, sandy beaches, leisurely boulevards, and shopping malls, is only thirty minutes from the school by bus or tram.
Museums
In The Hague you will find a wide variety of museums, the most important of which are listed below: • the Maurits Royal Picture Gallery, with its world famous collection of 17th-century Dutch art. • the Gevangenpoort Museum, which includes a medieval horror chamber • the Houses of Parliament and Knights ’Hall • the Panorama Mesdag, an enormous circular painting, showing life in the old fishing village of Scheveningen in 1880 • the Gemeentemuseum (Municipal Museum) with its large collection of works by the Dutch painter Piet Mondriaan
Other interesting sights include the Peace Palace, a gift from the American, Andrew Carnegie; Omniversum, Europe’s first three-dimensional theatre and digital planetarium; and the miniature city Madurodam. You can take a boat trip through the canals of The Hague to the historic town of Delft, and visit “De Porceleine Fles”, where they make the famous Delft blue porcelain.
Shopping
The Hague is a paradise for shoppers. There are several large department stores and many attractive small shops and boutiques. The “Passage” is an elegant shopping arcade, while the city’s finest fashion shops are on the Hoogstraat. For a special experience discover the antique dealers and second-hand bookshops.
Entertainment
In the evening you can stop at one of Scheveningen’s fine restaurants, and enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, take a stroll on the Pier, or have an after-dinner walk at a sidewalk café. And if you feel like a little excitement, try your luck at the Holland Casino. At night The Hague really comes alive. There are cinemas showing the latest movies, and bars where you can sample a typical Dutch beer or glass of genever. The main theatres, featuring dance, drama and music, are the Koninklijke Schouwburg, the AT&T Danstheater, and the Haags Filmhuis; there are also several fringe theatres. The Hague has many restaurants, which cater to a wide range of tastes, from exotic food to romantic bistro fare and elegant haute cuisine, the famous “eetcafés” (inexpensive), and excellent Indonesian restaurants.
Parking and public transport
Parking can be difficult in the centre of The Hague and Scheveningen. We advise you to use public transport or a bike. Public transport is excellent in The Hague. Every ten minutes a tram or bus takes you to any part of the town. You will have to pay with a ‘strippenkaart’ available in tobacco stores, bookshops, or the railway station. More information regarding to public transport in The Hague is available from the HTM Customer Service (Wagenstraat 35 and in the departure hall of The Hague Central Station and Station Hollands Spoor).
p. 21 Enclosure 1: Information about accomodation on the private market
If you have decided to find your own accommodation, be aware that it will not be easy to find suitable and affordable housing in The Hague. If you have not found accommodation upon your arrival in the Netherlands, The Hague University unfortunately is not able to assist you in finding accommodation. You can visit http://come.to/ kamergids to place an advertisement for a room. Below you will find useful addresses for finding accommodation in The Hague.
Direct Wonen Laan van Meerdervoort 141 2517 AX Den Haag 070 - 361 5726
Franke Beheer O/G Joseph Ledelstraat 1 2518 PL Den Haag 070 - 392 4772
Onder de Haagsche Toren Gevers Deynootweg 128 F 2586 BP Den Haag 070 - 363 9538
Stichting Jongerenhuisvesting Union Westeinde 26a 2512 HN Den Haag 070 - 346 4754
Vesting Vastgoed Laan van Meerdervoort 271 2563 AD Den Haag 070 - 365 0665 www.vestingvastgoed.nl
Housing Point International 070 - 324 9873 www.housingpointinternational.com
If you just arrived and want a cheap place to spend a few nights, we advise you to contact:
Youth Hostel - Stay Okay Scheepmakersstraat 27 2515 VA Den Haag 070 - 315 7888 www.stayokay.com
p. 22 The Hague University of Applied Sciences guide for exchange students 2009/2010
Enclosure 2: IPS Insurance Information
p. 23 p. 24 The Hague University of Applied Sciences www.thehagueuniversity.nl
The Hague University International Office T: +31-70-445 85 05 E: [email protected]