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!
Arriving on campus
When I arrive for the first time, what should I do?
Duncan: Tell the guards at the gate, that you are a new student. Go to the helpdesk in the main Albert Heijn building, to receive your key for the room. Find your room and dump your stuff. Go back to the main building and find the staff Program Management on the 2nd floor Albert Heijn. Chat to them and see who else has arrived, and what to expect for the next couple of days. Go back and set up your room. Congratulate yourself on a painless start at your new school!
Duncan: Tell the guards at the gate, that you are a new student. Go to the helpdesk in the main Albert Heijn building, to receive your key for the room. Find your room and dump your stuff. Go back to the main building and find the staff Program Management on the 2nd floor Albert Heijn. Chat to them and see who else has arrived, and what to expect for the next couple of days. Go back and set up your room. Congratulate yourself on a painless start at your new school!
How long before start of class should I plan to be on campus?
Naz: You should plan to be at Nyenrode at least three days before the start of the block so that you can be able to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and also become acquainted with the outgoing students. I strongly recommend you start the visa process as early as possible as getting here a week after classes have started is no fun.
Naz: You should plan to be at Nyenrode at least three days before the start of the block so that you can be able to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and also become acquainted with the outgoing students. I strongly recommend you start the visa process as early as possible as getting here a week after classes have started is no fun.
What can I expect from the time I will be on campus?
Naz: My advice is come with an open mind. This is the only place where you will have a chance to interact and live with people from over 20 cultures at the time. It is like a roller coaster ride with busy course schedule and fun-filled nights. Therefore expect the unexpected!
Naz: My advice is come with an open mind. This is the only place where you will have a chance to interact and live with people from over 20 cultures at the time. It is like a roller coaster ride with busy course schedule and fun-filled nights. Therefore expect the unexpected!
Is it possible to change rooms after my first move?
Naz: Yes, housing will allow you to change rooms one more time. But you need to inform them of your intention well in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements. I addition, you need to inform the municipality of your change of address.
Naz: Yes, housing will allow you to change rooms one more time. But you need to inform them of your intention well in advance so that they can make the necessary arrangements. I addition, you need to inform the municipality of your change of address.
Is it possible to share a room with another student?
Naz: Yes, this is also possible and again you need to inform the housing department of this arrangement.
Naz: Yes, this is also possible and again you need to inform the housing department of this arrangement.
Living on-campus at Nyenrode
What is the advantages of living on- campus compared with outside campus? If I have to pick, which one should I choose?
Adri: Of course, on-campus! First you will save money due to travelling expenses and, secondly, how many opportunities will you have to spend the whole 12 months with your fellow classmates that fly half around the globe to share your life and experiences. Not to mention those delicious Indian curries in Indian night, awesome Noodle soup in Asian Night, with parties and birthday bashes here and there.
Adri: Of course, on-campus! First you will save money due to travelling expenses and, secondly, how many opportunities will you have to spend the whole 12 months with your fellow classmates that fly half around the globe to share your life and experiences. Not to mention those delicious Indian curries in Indian night, awesome Noodle soup in Asian Night, with parties and birthday bashes here and there.
What is provided in my room?
Duncan: If you have opted for the kitchen room (highly recommended) you will find:
A bed, and duvet and pillow already provided. A kitchen unit consisting of a 2 plate stove, sink, and cupboards and shelves. Additionally a kettle. And a half size fridge. Some chairs, side tables, cupboards, a bookshelf and some lights.
Duncan: If you have opted for the kitchen room (highly recommended) you will find:
A bed, and duvet and pillow already provided. A kitchen unit consisting of a 2 plate stove, sink, and cupboards and shelves. Additionally a kettle. And a half size fridge. Some chairs, side tables, cupboards, a bookshelf and some lights.
Sandeep: The furnished rooms for MBA candidates has a single bed with comforter and pillow, 1 desk with file cabinets, 2 comfortable chairs, 1 revolving office chair, 1 wardrobe, and 2 big racks for books, etc.
Should I buy a printer/copier?
Sandeep: Most of the reading material is either delivered electronically or provided by the university; however there would be instances where you would need to print assignments, and other important documents. Buying a printer/copier can reduce the expenses; however, the library has printer/copier facility that is available 24/7.
Sandeep: Most of the reading material is either delivered electronically or provided by the university; however there would be instances where you would need to print assignments, and other important documents. Buying a printer/copier can reduce the expenses; however, the library has printer/copier facility that is available 24/7.
What is the dress code on-campus?
Duncan: Most sessions are casual dress code, but sessions with external non faculty such as meet the CEO sessions are business attire. You can expect to dress business once or maximum twice a week normally.
Duncan: Most sessions are casual dress code, but sessions with external non faculty such as meet the CEO sessions are business attire. You can expect to dress business once or maximum twice a week normally.
Naz: You will require a combination of both casual and formal. Formal dressing is required for the Friday sessions where you will have a chance to meet with CEOs both from Dutch and international companies: first impression is always key and for this reason students are expected to dress in their business suits. If you are into fitness don't forget to bring your exercise gear.
Which part of Nyenrode castle estate is the most beautiful and why?
Adri: Your own in-campus room is the best part ever! You will suddenly realize how much you miss your on-campus room during your international trip and being away from campus for quite a time. Nothing beats that room layout that you have set for yourselves, and the feeling of being at home. Next to that is, of course, the castle and all that surrounding it itself (eg. castle moat, garden).
Adri: Your own in-campus room is the best part ever! You will suddenly realize how much you miss your on-campus room during your international trip and being away from campus for quite a time. Nothing beats that room layout that you have set for yourselves, and the feeling of being at home. Next to that is, of course, the castle and all that surrounding it itself (eg. castle moat, garden).
Tell me more about the unique aspects of the Nyenrode estate.
Adri: A beautiful deer park with lovely deer as permanent residence of the park. A peacock who walks here and there around lush and green campus area, and a breathtaking lake just behind the campus.
Adri: A beautiful deer park with lovely deer as permanent residence of the park. A peacock who walks here and there around lush and green campus area, and a breathtaking lake just behind the campus.
Hamdi: Campus is in the middle of an amazing natural environment and wild life. Here you live in a forest with lots of different kind of plants and many different types of animals (swans, ducks, cats, deer, ostriches, peacock, a large variety of birds and cats).
Is tap water drinkable?
Hamdi: Thanks to rich fresh water resources of the nature in the Netherlands, all tap water is drinkable.
Hamdi: Thanks to rich fresh water resources of the nature in the Netherlands, all tap water is drinkable.
What about breaks in the school year?
Hamdi: The longest holiday is Christmas period. The school gives a break for two weeks. Beside that, due to the heavy workload is it difficult to leave the school for a long time. There are some Fridays off, so there are going to be a couple of chanced to travel around during weekends.
Hamdi: The longest holiday is Christmas period. The school gives a break for two weeks. Beside that, due to the heavy workload is it difficult to leave the school for a long time. There are some Fridays off, so there are going to be a couple of chanced to travel around during weekends.
Sandeep: Yes, there is a break of about 2 weeks during the Christmas and at other points in the year. Usually people leave the campus to spend time outside during the vacations.
Studying on-campus
Are all lectures given in the castle?
Hamdi: In general, most of the lectures are given in the Albert Heijn building where you can find many classrooms with all modern education tools. However for special events (such as CEO meetings, important presentations etc.) the old and impressive rooms of the castle are utilized.
Hamdi: In general, most of the lectures are given in the Albert Heijn building where you can find many classrooms with all modern education tools. However for special events (such as CEO meetings, important presentations etc.) the old and impressive rooms of the castle are utilized.
What is a typical weekday in Nyenrode?
Hamdi: Usually lectures start at 9.30 am and last until 4.30 pm. There is usually a 1-hour lunch break during the day.
Hamdi: Usually lectures start at 9.30 am and last until 4.30 pm. There is usually a 1-hour lunch break during the day.
How long it takes to reach the classrooms from the housing?
Sandeep: the walk to lecture hall is about 5 minutes, the terrain is friendly and umbrellas are provided in the university in case of rainy weather.
Sandeep: the walk to lecture hall is about 5 minutes, the terrain is friendly and umbrellas are provided in the university in case of rainy weather.
Where can I study on the campus?
Hamdi: There is a library that you can utilize 24 hours/day for study purposes.
Hamdi: There is a library that you can utilize 24 hours/day for study purposes.
I love reading in natural light, and fresh air – will the dorm rooms provide me with this?
Sandeep: Be assured, you would be living in very natural environment. The windows in the rooms are huge, and you won’t need any artificial lights during the daytime. The ventilation in the rooms provides fresh air. The rooms are also equipped with heaters for the winters.
Sandeep: Be assured, you would be living in very natural environment. The windows in the rooms are huge, and you won’t need any artificial lights during the daytime. The ventilation in the rooms provides fresh air. The rooms are also equipped with heaters for the winters.
What are the facilities available in library?
Sandeep: Apart from books that you can check online, and the magazines that can be read online, the library is equipped with various cubicles where students can meet and have discussions. The library also houses computer system that can used for assignments, and other related work.
Sandeep: Apart from books that you can check online, and the magazines that can be read online, the library is equipped with various cubicles where students can meet and have discussions. The library also houses computer system that can used for assignments, and other related work.
How is the approach of the Program management and the professors to the students?
Hamdi: At Nyenrode, if you have a problem with anything, you can share it with the program
management and the professors. They really put a lot of effort to help you in all aspects. Especially if there is a problem or suggestion related to lectures or the program, Program Management immediately takes the necessary actions to improve the quality of the program.
Hamdi: At Nyenrode, if you have a problem with anything, you can share it with the program
management and the professors. They really put a lot of effort to help you in all aspects. Especially if there is a problem or suggestion related to lectures or the program, Program Management immediately takes the necessary actions to improve the quality of the program.
How can I buy my study books?
Duncan: The school can order books for you, but it is cheaper in most cases to find them yourself online. Bol.com and the UK based 2nd hand bookstore Abebooks.com are good bets. I buy most of my books from Abebooks and get them posted here for a fraction of the price offered by the school.
Duncan: The school can order books for you, but it is cheaper in most cases to find them yourself online. Bol.com and the UK based 2nd hand bookstore Abebooks.com are good bets. I buy most of my books from Abebooks and get them posted here for a fraction of the price offered by the school.
Socializing on-campus
What is a typical way to spend my weekend at Nyenrode?
Adri:
Morning – Breakfast, Jogging around the bike trail, and shower
Noon – Lunch, reading some good book in a cozy couch while enjoying the weather outside
Afternoon – Attend a dinner invitation at a fellow classmate's room, have some drinks and better yet, watch a movie together to spend the night. Chill out!
Adri:
Morning – Breakfast, Jogging around the bike trail, and shower
Noon – Lunch, reading some good book in a cozy couch while enjoying the weather outside
Afternoon – Attend a dinner invitation at a fellow classmate's room, have some drinks and better yet, watch a movie together to spend the night. Chill out!
What is the best party you have attended at Nyenrode?
Adri: Believe it or not, the best party is not the one that we have in bar or another big event, but rather the student party that was run by our fellow classmates via cultural night (Asian Night, Indian Night, Spanish Night, etc). These private parties are run by and intended for fellow students are just awesome and unforgettable.
Adri: Believe it or not, the best party is not the one that we have in bar or another big event, but rather the student party that was run by our fellow classmates via cultural night (Asian Night, Indian Night, Spanish Night, etc). These private parties are run by and intended for fellow students are just awesome and unforgettable.
What can I expect from the student association, called the NCV?
Naz: NCV is an association for all types of students from MSC to International MBA. It is not compulsory to join but I would recommend it especially if you are a social butterfly. They have all kinds of groups within the NCV from finance and marketing to a wine tasting committee, meaning there is definitely something for everyone. And the initiation day is the best of all.
Naz: NCV is an association for all types of students from MSC to International MBA. It is not compulsory to join but I would recommend it especially if you are a social butterfly. They have all kinds of groups within the NCV from finance and marketing to a wine tasting committee, meaning there is definitely something for everyone. And the initiation day is the best of all.
How many student committees are there in Nyenrode?
Adri: There are more than 35 student committees at Nyenrode, ranging from educational related (Finance, Management, etc) to hobbies (Boxing, Rugby, etc). You can always set up a new club or student committee should the purpose of such new organization align with and further foster Nyenrode’s collegial spirit and interest.
Adri: There are more than 35 student committees at Nyenrode, ranging from educational related (Finance, Management, etc) to hobbies (Boxing, Rugby, etc). You can always set up a new club or student committee should the purpose of such new organization align with and further foster Nyenrode’s collegial spirit and interest.
Will I ever get bored living on Nyenrode's campus estate?
Adri: Not at all, there will be a social life that you need to attend to, group discussions to be finished, and parties to be celebrated each and every day of the week.
Adri: Not at all, there will be a social life that you need to attend to, group discussions to be finished, and parties to be celebrated each and every day of the week.
What are the social options on campus?
Adri: You can have an unforgettable night in our Zolderbar that located in the Coach House’s attic, or a bit of rustic & gothic feel inside our Kelderbar that is located in the basement of the castle. Nothing beats good music, drinks and good friends when it comes to party. Both bars are student run by the way.
Duncan: Breukelen is quite a quiet place, so most action happens on campus. A lot of the time is socializing in other students bedrooms. There are 3 bars on campus. One student bar open on weekends, called the Zolderbar. The Kelderbar is a special bar in the castle which only opens from Midnight onwards, during weekdays, so you need to be particularly committed to make it there. There is also a more upmarket bar for guests attached to one of the Nyenrode buildings, which is good for more business-like meetings.
Naz: There a lot of activities such playing football or basketball, for those who are not into fitness we have other entertainment spots like the Zoldebar and Kelderbar which are open to students. If you are the type who likes to travel, Amsterdam is only 25 minutes away. My group has an interesting way of spending weekends: we hold culturally themed dinners once every month and so far we have had Indian night, Spanish night, Asian night and African night. Of course I have to be biased and say African night was the best ever!
Adri: You can have an unforgettable night in our Zolderbar that located in the Coach House’s attic, or a bit of rustic & gothic feel inside our Kelderbar that is located in the basement of the castle. Nothing beats good music, drinks and good friends when it comes to party. Both bars are student run by the way.
Duncan: Breukelen is quite a quiet place, so most action happens on campus. A lot of the time is socializing in other students bedrooms. There are 3 bars on campus. One student bar open on weekends, called the Zolderbar. The Kelderbar is a special bar in the castle which only opens from Midnight onwards, during weekdays, so you need to be particularly committed to make it there. There is also a more upmarket bar for guests attached to one of the Nyenrode buildings, which is good for more business-like meetings.
Naz: There a lot of activities such playing football or basketball, for those who are not into fitness we have other entertainment spots like the Zoldebar and Kelderbar which are open to students. If you are the type who likes to travel, Amsterdam is only 25 minutes away. My group has an interesting way of spending weekends: we hold culturally themed dinners once every month and so far we have had Indian night, Spanish night, Asian night and African night. Of course I have to be biased and say African night was the best ever!
Sandeep: There are things apart from academics at Nyenrode. NCV is the students association, and it has various committees that organize events based on their interests. Gym can be your favorite place if you are workout freak. The indoor ground is used by students for various sports, such as soccer, and cricket.
Sports on-campus
What is the best way to get in shape on-campus?
Adri: Jog for 8km around beautiful landscape of Breukelen, go to the treadmill and lift some weights in our campus gym. Better yet, you can bike to Utrecht every Saturday (45minutes ride) to buy cheap food and basic groceries in, for example, the Turkish shop area. Healthy and you save your money at the same time!
What is the best way to get in shape on-campus?
Adri: Jog for 8km around beautiful landscape of Breukelen, go to the treadmill and lift some weights in our campus gym. Better yet, you can bike to Utrecht every Saturday (45minutes ride) to buy cheap food and basic groceries in, for example, the Turkish shop area. Healthy and you save your money at the same time!
Are there sports facilities on-campus?
Hamdi: There is a large Sport hall that you can do lots of indoor sport activities year round. There is a gym inside equipped with lots of fitness training equipment. You can use the Sport Hall 24 hours a day and during the whole year. There is a large football field that you can use in summer months. And, finally, in the winter all canals in the campus becomes a ice skating rink that you can skate and play ice hockey.
Hamdi: There is a large Sport hall that you can do lots of indoor sport activities year round. There is a gym inside equipped with lots of fitness training equipment. You can use the Sport Hall 24 hours a day and during the whole year. There is a large football field that you can use in summer months. And, finally, in the winter all canals in the campus becomes a ice skating rink that you can skate and play ice hockey.
Duncan: There is a gym on campus. It is not totally complete but will suffice for most people. There is also a sports hall and a field for soccer, cricket or whatever you fancy. There is a running track around campus, which is quite fun. Otherwise many people run down the road to Maarssen and back for exercise.
Visitors on-campus
If I live on-campus, can my family or friends visit me?
Hamdi: Yes. There is a very well designed “Campus Hotel” in the campus that your family and friend can utilize when they come to visit you.
If I live on-campus, can my family or friends visit me?
Hamdi: Yes. There is a very well designed “Campus Hotel” in the campus that your family and friend can utilize when they come to visit you.
Can my spouse and children accompany me to my new life at Nyenrode?
Sandeep: It depends on various factors such as nationality. Please visit http://ind.nl/ for more details. Sometimes the processing of dependent visa (MVV) for spouse can take time; it is advisable to get all the details from the immigration department or ask Nyenrode's Program Management.
Sandeep: It depends on various factors such as nationality. Please visit http://ind.nl/ for more details. Sometimes the processing of dependent visa (MVV) for spouse can take time; it is advisable to get all the details from the immigration department or ask Nyenrode's Program Management.
Eating on-campus
I can’t cook, how can I survive during my program?
Adri: Easy, buy groceries from the nearest Albert Heijn supermarket and ask your fellow neighbor to cook it for you. You provide the ingredients and he/she can cook for you both, fair and square. What else better than having dinner together with a fellow friend? No pre-cooked meat- all fresh and healthy food. Share the love!
Sandeep: There are always frozen food available that can be cooked in microwave. And there are easy dishes such as pasta, noodles, omelet, etc.
Where can I eat on-campus?
Hamdi: A Student cafeteria, “Menza”, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a reasonable price. If you stay on the campus, usually you eat in your room or in your friend’s rooms. There are also food delivery options from various restaurants around. There also vending machines in lots of locations around campus.
Sandeep: Although we have Menza café on the campus, however, it still depends a lot on your taste. Most of the time the food in Menza for lunch is sandwiches. The restaurants are a little far away from the campus, and most of them close early. So, it always helps to know how to cook.
Hamdi: A Student cafeteria, “Menza”, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a reasonable price. If you stay on the campus, usually you eat in your room or in your friend’s rooms. There are also food delivery options from various restaurants around. There also vending machines in lots of locations around campus.
Sandeep: Although we have Menza café on the campus, however, it still depends a lot on your taste. Most of the time the food in Menza for lunch is sandwiches. The restaurants are a little far away from the campus, and most of them close early. So, it always helps to know how to cook.
Is there an shop on-campus?
Hamdi: There is a small shop in the campus that is opened a couple of times a week for basic grocery needs. What students do is generally going to the Breukelen city center once a week to do shopping.
Hamdi: There is a small shop in the campus that is opened a couple of times a week for basic grocery needs. What students do is generally going to the Breukelen city center once a week to do shopping.
Can food be delivered on-campus?
Sandeep: Yes. There are restaurants that offer free delivery based on a minimum order. Checkout http://justeat.nl for more details
Sandeep: Yes. There are restaurants that offer free delivery based on a minimum order. Checkout http://justeat.nl for more details
Connectivity & electronic considerations
What kind of phone network is used in NL? Can I bring my current GSM phone there? Any compatibility issues?
Adri: No issues at all. You can always bring your GSM phone to NL and it will work just fine, You can then use various mobile provider (T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc) that suits your need. An internet plan for Blackberry and iPhone users are also available in the nearest supermarket or mobile shop in Breukelen city center, a 5 minute bike ride from campus.
Adri: No issues at all. You can always bring your GSM phone to NL and it will work just fine, You can then use various mobile provider (T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc) that suits your need. An internet plan for Blackberry and iPhone users are also available in the nearest supermarket or mobile shop in Breukelen city center, a 5 minute bike ride from campus.
Duncan: You can buy SIM card packages for your cell phone at any supermarket. It is best to look online for deals before you commit. The major networks are KPN, Vodafone, Telfort, Orange and T-Mobile
Do I get a phone in my on-campus room?
Duncan: In your room you will have a landline phone, which you can call any of the rooms or offices within Nyenrode for free, like the helpdesk at 1234. If you wish to phone outside you will have to get connected by asking at the helpdesk, and it has a monthly charge. No one that I know of in our group did this as they all got cell phones.
Duncan: In your room you will have a landline phone, which you can call any of the rooms or offices within Nyenrode for free, like the helpdesk at 1234. If you wish to phone outside you will have to get connected by asking at the helpdesk, and it has a monthly charge. No one that I know of in our group did this as they all got cell phones.
How can I cheap call home?
Sandeep: There are various VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), over the internet calling services available that are cheap and can be used for calling around the world. For example, the one we mostly use is ActionVOIP; it provides 1000 minutes to India for 10 Euros.
Sandeep: There are various VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), over the internet calling services available that are cheap and can be used for calling around the world. For example, the one we mostly use is ActionVOIP; it provides 1000 minutes to India for 10 Euros.
How is the internet connection on-campus?
Hamdi: There is a very well established wireless network that covers all off the buildings in the campus. You can reach a high bandwidth internet connection almost everywhere in the Campus.
Duncan: There is wireless almost everywhere in Nyenrode buildings. You can connect without a password to the guest wireless, that is what you will use 90% of the time. It is recommended to get a network cable as well for your room, it is not supplied. The leaving students are good bets. The reason is if you want to access some internal network sources you need to be on the wired network itself.
Sandeep: Nyenrode campus is completely equipped with high speed WiFi. However, if you are in the woods, don’t expect to get coverage there.
Hamdi: There is a very well established wireless network that covers all off the buildings in the campus. You can reach a high bandwidth internet connection almost everywhere in the Campus.
Duncan: There is wireless almost everywhere in Nyenrode buildings. You can connect without a password to the guest wireless, that is what you will use 90% of the time. It is recommended to get a network cable as well for your room, it is not supplied. The leaving students are good bets. The reason is if you want to access some internal network sources you need to be on the wired network itself.
Sandeep: Nyenrode campus is completely equipped with high speed WiFi. However, if you are in the woods, don’t expect to get coverage there.
Do I get an email address?
Duncan: You are provided with a Nyenrode email for your stay on campus, which is used for most official administration stuff. It is exchange based and can be hooked up to most email clients.
Duncan: You are provided with a Nyenrode email for your stay on campus, which is used for most official administration stuff. It is exchange based and can be hooked up to most email clients.
What about sending and receiving post?
Duncan: Each building has a postbox for each room in the entrance to the building. If you are sent packages they will be taken to the document center on campus called the Graphic Center. The Graphic Center will send you an email to your Nyenrode account alerting you, and you can go pick it up.
Duncan: Each building has a postbox for each room in the entrance to the building. If you are sent packages they will be taken to the document center on campus called the Graphic Center. The Graphic Center will send you an email to your Nyenrode account alerting you, and you can go pick it up.
Naz: There is an on campus postal service at the Graphic Center which is on your way to the castle. In addition to sending out documents you can also buy your stationaries at a reasonable price. This service has saved me the otherwise many trips I would have had to make to send out urgent mails.
Will my electric gadgets work in Netherlands without any problem?
Sandeep: Netherlands has 220 Volts electric system; make sure your gadget supports 220 Volts. You will need converters for plugs, make sure you carry an appropriate converter. You can get them here also, but it is better to get few from your country, so that you can charge important life saving gadgets such as cellphone, and laptop.
Sandeep: Netherlands has 220 Volts electric system; make sure your gadget supports 220 Volts. You will need converters for plugs, make sure you carry an appropriate converter. You can get them here also, but it is better to get few from your country, so that you can charge important life saving gadgets such as cellphone, and laptop.
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