Some of our students came together to answer the frequently asked questions (FAQs) of international students. The international students who contributed include Duncan Garde (Irish/Zimbabwean), Nazrawit Gebeto (Ethiopian), Hamdi Ataol Oktem (Turkish), Adri Simamora (Indonesian) and Sandeep Wadhwa (Indian). Enjoy their insights!
Transportation to and from Nyenrode
Does it make sense for me to have a bike if I stay on-campus?
Adri: Yes, as the matter of fact, a bike will make your life easier when you wanted to travel outside campus to nearest train station (10 minutes ride), or the nearest town center (5 minutes). To that note, biking is always a healthier option than sitting in a bus anyways.
Where can I buy a bike? What website should I refer to buy it online?
Adri: You can buy a bike in the nearest fietswinkel (bike shop) in Breuekelen, Utrecht or Amsterdam. Alternatively you can use public website such as http://fiets.startpagina.nl and other website. Ask around, you might found that people are more than happy to help.
Adri: You can buy a bike in the nearest fietswinkel (bike shop) in Breuekelen, Utrecht or Amsterdam. Alternatively you can use public website such as http://fiets.startpagina.nl and other website. Ask around, you might found that people are more than happy to help.
Duncan: As with other items, a bike can be bought from leaving students at good prices. It is much faster to go shopping and to get to the train station for example. We bike ride quite often all the way to Utrecht to buy groceries in the Turkish market (around 15kms away).
Where can I walk to on foot?
Duncan: Breukelen town center is within walking distance. Carrying back groceries can be tiring, but it is possible.
Duncan: Breukelen town center is within walking distance. Carrying back groceries can be tiring, but it is possible.
Can I bring a car on-campus?
Duncan: Yes you can, and there is ample parking. As public transport is (relatively) expensive in the Netherlands if you can bring one, do it.
Duncan: Yes you can, and there is ample parking. As public transport is (relatively) expensive in the Netherlands if you can bring one, do it.
Is there a bus station near to campus?
Adri: Every 30 minutes you can easily find a bus from the castle bus stop. This bus stop linked you to nearest major city in Netherlands (Amsterdam and Utrecht). The frequency is reduced to every hour for the late night bus (after 8pm) or during the weekends or holidays.
Adri: Every 30 minutes you can easily find a bus from the castle bus stop. This bus stop linked you to nearest major city in Netherlands (Amsterdam and Utrecht). The frequency is reduced to every hour for the late night bus (after 8pm) or during the weekends or holidays.
Duncan: There is a bus station right in front of the Nyenrode gate, named Kasteel Nyenrode. You can catch a bus towards Amsterdam or Utrecht. The busses heading towards Amsterdam will go through the Breukelen train station, so if you want to get off there for a further journey, you can.
Is there a train station near to campus?
Hamdi: The Breukelen train station is 1.5 km away from the campus. You can take a bus to go there (5 min.), you can bike there (10 min.) or you can walk there (25 min.). Breukelen Station is in the main train line between Amsterdam and Utrecht so from the Breukelen station you can reach all cities in Netherlands. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam and 18 minutes to reach Utrecht by train.
Hamdi: The Breukelen train station is 1.5 km away from the campus. You can take a bus to go there (5 min.), you can bike there (10 min.) or you can walk there (25 min.). Breukelen Station is in the main train line between Amsterdam and Utrecht so from the Breukelen station you can reach all cities in Netherlands. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Amsterdam and 18 minutes to reach Utrecht by train.
Can I get help with public transport online?
Duncan: Yes, definitely. 9292.nl is a great resource for planning trips using public transport, it uses buses, trains, trams etc. to plan your journey. For example, to get to Amstelveen i cycled to the train station then caught a bus towards Amstelveen, the route I figured out using 9292.nl.
Duncan: Yes, definitely. 9292.nl is a great resource for planning trips using public transport, it uses buses, trains, trams etc. to plan your journey. For example, to get to Amstelveen i cycled to the train station then caught a bus towards Amstelveen, the route I figured out using 9292.nl.
How does paying for public transport work?
Duncan: You have a couple of options: The best is to buy an ov-chipkaart, which you can only get from large train stations such as Utrecht or Amsterdam, You pay Euro 7.50 to get an anonymous chipcard, which you can load money onto and use for busses, as well as trains. With trains you need to go to a trainstation with helpers and get your OV chipkaart activated for train usage, or it won't work. You also need a minimum of 20 Euro on your chipcard to use it on trains Another option is to get a personal OV chipcard. You can order this online from http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl The train tickets cost the same if bought at the station or on your OV chipcard, but the busses are generally cheaper if you use your OV chipcard rather than buying tickets on the bus. PLEASE NOTE: The Breukelen train station is small and therefore doesn't have people to talk to. If you do not have an chipcard or a bank card, you need to take correct change to pay for tickets because the machines do not give change. You can buy tickets every time for trains and busses at the station or on the bus, but the chipcard is cheaper on busses and easier to use overall.
Duncan: You have a couple of options: The best is to buy an ov-chipkaart, which you can only get from large train stations such as Utrecht or Amsterdam, You pay Euro 7.50 to get an anonymous chipcard, which you can load money onto and use for busses, as well as trains. With trains you need to go to a trainstation with helpers and get your OV chipkaart activated for train usage, or it won't work. You also need a minimum of 20 Euro on your chipcard to use it on trains Another option is to get a personal OV chipcard. You can order this online from http://www.ov-chipkaart.nl The train tickets cost the same if bought at the station or on your OV chipcard, but the busses are generally cheaper if you use your OV chipcard rather than buying tickets on the bus. PLEASE NOTE: The Breukelen train station is small and therefore doesn't have people to talk to. If you do not have an chipcard or a bank card, you need to take correct change to pay for tickets because the machines do not give change. You can buy tickets every time for trains and busses at the station or on the bus, but the chipcard is cheaper on busses and easier to use overall.
Shopping options
I came from … (Asia, Africa, or other part of the world), where can I found basic ingredients for my national foods?
Adri: You can easily find basic Asian culinary in nearest Albert Heijn, a supermarket a 5 minutes bike ride from Nyenrode. Otherwise you can find authentic Asian/African basic food ingredients in nearest Oriental shop in Utrecht and Amsterdam. A short 30 minutes bus or train ride from Nyenrode castle, a nice escape from the castle and to enjoy the big city.
Adri: You can easily find basic Asian culinary in nearest Albert Heijn, a supermarket a 5 minutes bike ride from Nyenrode. Otherwise you can find authentic Asian/African basic food ingredients in nearest Oriental shop in Utrecht and Amsterdam. A short 30 minutes bus or train ride from Nyenrode castle, a nice escape from the castle and to enjoy the big city.
What are the best Dutch foods options in Breukelen?
Adri: Stroopwafel- a is a typical Dutch waffle made from two thin layers with syrup waffle melted in between. Eat it while it’s hot, you will certainly want more. Kibbeling- a typical utch fried fish served with sauce, it’s so fresh and tasty. Herring- a very Dutch way of easting sashimi, raw herring and fresh onion pickles eaten with a distinct way upside down. Beware though… this only for the brave.
Adri: Stroopwafel- a is a typical Dutch waffle made from two thin layers with syrup waffle melted in between. Eat it while it’s hot, you will certainly want more. Kibbeling- a typical utch fried fish served with sauce, it’s so fresh and tasty. Herring- a very Dutch way of easting sashimi, raw herring and fresh onion pickles eaten with a distinct way upside down. Beware though… this only for the brave.
In Breukelen city center, what kind of shops and facilities can we find?
Hamdi: There are supermarkets, electronic shops, bicycle shop, bank branches, lots of different types of restaurants, hairdresser, bars etc.
Duncan: In Breukelen you find the closest stores for everyday shopping. There is a supermarket, Albert Heijn, which caters for most grocery needs. A bit further along there is an Aldi which is a discount supermarket with less selection but lower prices. I normally split my shopping between the two.
Hamdi: There are supermarkets, electronic shops, bicycle shop, bank branches, lots of different types of restaurants, hairdresser, bars etc.
Duncan: In Breukelen you find the closest stores for everyday shopping. There is a supermarket, Albert Heijn, which caters for most grocery needs. A bit further along there is an Aldi which is a discount supermarket with less selection but lower prices. I normally split my shopping between the two.
Where can I get some more essentials for my room?
Duncan: When the new students are arriving, the previous students are leaving. This means you can usually pick up many of the essentials like pots and pans at very little cost, we just want to get rid of our stuff. You can pick up any number of things, from spoons to microwaves to couches. Later in the year, other students also leave (around January), this is another opportunity to get stuff cheaply. If you need other stuff urgently than there is a store called Marskramer in Breukelen which sells homeware, otherwise a trip to Maarsen or Utrecht, or even Amsterdam may be in order. In Amsterdam you can find an IKEA, although you will probably need a car if that is your plan, depending on the scale of things you are buying.
Duncan: When the new students are arriving, the previous students are leaving. This means you can usually pick up many of the essentials like pots and pans at very little cost, we just want to get rid of our stuff. You can pick up any number of things, from spoons to microwaves to couches. Later in the year, other students also leave (around January), this is another opportunity to get stuff cheaply. If you need other stuff urgently than there is a store called Marskramer in Breukelen which sells homeware, otherwise a trip to Maarsen or Utrecht, or even Amsterdam may be in order. In Amsterdam you can find an IKEA, although you will probably need a car if that is your plan, depending on the scale of things you are buying.
Is there a pharmacy?
Duncan: Yes, there is one in Breukelen but it is difficult to find. Search on oogle maps for this address: De Angstel 34, 3621 WC Breukelen Ut, Nederland
The quickest way to get there is to cycle along the canal side leaving from the back entrance of Nyenrode.
Duncan: Yes, there is one in Breukelen but it is difficult to find. Search on oogle maps for this address: De Angstel 34, 3621 WC Breukelen Ut, Nederland
The quickest way to get there is to cycle along the canal side leaving from the back entrance of Nyenrode.
Is there a drugstore?
Duncan: Near the Aldi you can find a Drugstore selling over the counter drugs and other miscellaneous items. Its name is Kruidvat.
Duncan: Near the Aldi you can find a Drugstore selling over the counter drugs and other miscellaneous items. Its name is Kruidvat.
Can I buy things online?
Duncan: Bol.com is an Amazon-like seller in the Netherlands
Sandeep: There are few websites (Amazon.de, bBol.com) from where you can shop online, and the payment system that is accepted is iDeal which is linked with Debit Cards, and Bank accounts.
Duncan: Bol.com is an Amazon-like seller in the Netherlands
Sandeep: There are few websites (Amazon.de, bBol.com) from where you can shop online, and the payment system that is accepted is iDeal which is linked with Debit Cards, and Bank accounts.
Are there any discounts for students in Netherlands?
Sandeep: Yes, there are few places where you can get discounts in Netherlands, check the website http://www.studenten.nl/ for more details.
Sandeep: Yes, there are few places where you can get discounts in Netherlands, check the website http://www.studenten.nl/ for more details.
How costly is the Netherland for food, etc?
Adri: Surprisingly, the basic price for staple foods that you usually buy from the groceries is pretty reasonable here in Holland. You can buy one kilogram of chicken (yes, that four big pieces of drumsticks) for EUR2.50, and one reasonably big bread loaf by EUR1.50. Not that expensive after all.
Adri: Surprisingly, the basic price for staple foods that you usually buy from the groceries is pretty reasonable here in Holland. You can buy one kilogram of chicken (yes, that four big pieces of drumsticks) for EUR2.50, and one reasonably big bread loaf by EUR1.50. Not that expensive after all.
Healthcare during my study
What if I have a health issue during my stay?
Adri: You can go to a GP (general practitioner). Just arrange necessary appointment beforehand. A GP will help you in initial diagnoses. However, should further treatment needed, the GP will usher you to the nearest hospital or medical center. Don’t forget to bring your health insurance card for this visit-depends on insurance plan that you have. The GP and pharmacy is located in the Breukelen city center just 5 minutes bike from campus.
Hamdi: If it is an urgent case, you can always call Emergency lines 24 hours/day. If you need to see a doctor for a regular visit, there is a local practitioner in the Breukelen that you can see.
Duncan: You receive a factbook when you arrive on campus with some names of possible healthcare professionals. I know that people have had pleasant experiences with the professionals mentioned.
What if I have a health issue during my stay?
Adri: You can go to a GP (general practitioner). Just arrange necessary appointment beforehand. A GP will help you in initial diagnoses. However, should further treatment needed, the GP will usher you to the nearest hospital or medical center. Don’t forget to bring your health insurance card for this visit-depends on insurance plan that you have. The GP and pharmacy is located in the Breukelen city center just 5 minutes bike from campus.
Hamdi: If it is an urgent case, you can always call Emergency lines 24 hours/day. If you need to see a doctor for a regular visit, there is a local practitioner in the Breukelen that you can see.
Duncan: You receive a factbook when you arrive on campus with some names of possible healthcare professionals. I know that people have had pleasant experiences with the professionals mentioned.
Banking in the Netherlands
How do I sort out a bank account?
Duncan: Program management usually helps with this. They have an agreement with ABN-Amro to sort out accounts. If you want to go with another provider such as ING you will need to sort this out yourself. Different banks have different charge rates which you will need to investigate. They all provide some form of internet banking. With the account you will usually get a bank card which you can use to withdraw cash at an ATM or use in shops such as Albert Heijn. You can also load Chipknip onto the same card at a machine to use on campus for things such as the laundry room. Withdrawals are free from all machines, even from other ATMs so do not worry when drawing cash about charges.
Duncan: Program management usually helps with this. They have an agreement with ABN-Amro to sort out accounts. If you want to go with another provider such as ING you will need to sort this out yourself. Different banks have different charge rates which you will need to investigate. They all provide some form of internet banking. With the account you will usually get a bank card which you can use to withdraw cash at an ATM or use in shops such as Albert Heijn. You can also load Chipknip onto the same card at a machine to use on campus for things such as the laundry room. Withdrawals are free from all machines, even from other ATMs so do not worry when drawing cash about charges.
What documents do I require to open an account?
Naz: You will need a number of documents most of which will be provided by the university. The additional documents you require is a copy of your passport and your visa. Once you have these you can start the process which will last two to three weeks depending on which bank you want to open an account with.
Naz: You will need a number of documents most of which will be provided by the university. The additional documents you require is a copy of your passport and your visa. Once you have these you can start the process which will last two to three weeks depending on which bank you want to open an account with.
How easy is it to get local credit card and use it?
Sandeep: The Dutch system is not that friendly to credit cards. Debit cards are the most popular ones and accepted widely. For credit cards, you need to be earning and paying tax in Netherlands.
Sandeep: The Dutch system is not that friendly to credit cards. Debit cards are the most popular ones and accepted widely. For credit cards, you need to be earning and paying tax in Netherlands.
When I need cash, where can I withdraw money?
Hamdi: In the campus area, there is an ATM that you can withdraw money 24 hours/day
Hamdi: In the campus area, there is an ATM that you can withdraw money 24 hours/day
Where are the nearest banks?
Naz: The nearest banks are less than a kilometer from campus. You have the option of choosing from two of the major banks that is ING and ABN Amro. Both have student friendly procedures and you can open an account with either of them.
Naz: The nearest banks are less than a kilometer from campus. You have the option of choosing from two of the major banks that is ING and ABN Amro. Both have student friendly procedures and you can open an account with either of them.
How do I pay my rent?
Duncan: You can set up a monthly stop order from your account by filling in a form from housing, or using internet banking, which is my preferred choice. You can also pay with your credit card at the helpdesk.
Duncan: You can set up a monthly stop order from your account by filling in a form from housing, or using internet banking, which is my preferred choice. You can also pay with your credit card at the helpdesk.
My funds are in my country right now, how can I transfer money in Netherlands?
Sandeep: There are various services available to transfer the funds to Netherlands. For example, XOOM.com offers cheap, fast and online service at competitive exchange rates from many countries. However, due to countries specific restrictions it may not work in your country. Check Xoom.com for more details.
Sandeep: There are various services available to transfer the funds to Netherlands. For example, XOOM.com offers cheap, fast and online service at competitive exchange rates from many countries. However, due to countries specific restrictions it may not work in your country. Check Xoom.com for more details.
Read FAQ's about 'Around the Netherlands' here.
+31 (0)346 291 211
