Student Life in the Netherlands
Life as a student in the Netherlands is very different albeit unique in its own sense. With good time students begin to notice the very interesting yet different facets of being a student in the country.
Many foreign students when they first arrive tend to find solace amongst other foreign students. It is no surprise that internationals first connect with each other owing to the fact that the experience is new for each of them.
Student culture among the Dutch is more than just the occasional pub crawls and dance parties. Foreign students that venture out of their comfort zone can find that they can form really crucial friendships among Dutch natives.
Every university in the Netherlands has it’s own unique intricacies that their student's revere. Institutions in smaller towns have a more relaxed atmosphere, while the universities in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam have a more bustling environment.
In the same vein, the majority of students from other countries particularly prefer campus housing. More often you will find many university halls of residence and dormitories filled with international students.
Campus housing and room sharing are also common with Dutch students, the latter being the most opted for. Students on campus find a very vibrant and multinational environment to be quite enjoyable.
The combination of many cultures, languages, foods, and dressing makes for quintessential Dutch student experience. Sharing a room or a flat with Dutch natives is educative it's own allowing students to easily learn the Dutch language, culture, and lifestyle.
Equally, student life is not complete without the many avenues with which students can associate and collaborate. There are student volunteer gigs that enable students to be a part of many worthy causes.
In the Netherlands, student associations and groups are very huge and somewhat influential as well. Not only are they useful, but they are also well respected for their influence on modern society in the Netherlands.
There is a network of student bodies and associations fondly called ‘ Studentverenigingen’ that organizes various events, meetings, and even recreational activities. This has been proven to better foster a wholesome student personal and career development.
Students' participation does not only serve as an incredible means to build their portfolio, but it is also an important leadership and career step on their journey. Many international-based student associations are quite global and have branches across the world.
Student life is not all serious, there are countless student parties and hang-outs organized during the week. Large student communities in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht are well famous for their very active student bodies. Interestingly student partying happens during the week as weekends are reserved for family time, preparing for the new week and personal student time.
New students have an entire week devoted to their introduction and orientation which usually is crowned with a welcome party that is as over the top as you can imagine.
Sports and sporting activities on campus are available but not in the capacity as other Western European or North American countries.
All in all, students make the best of their time in the Netherlands, learning positive traits like independent thinking, hard work, communal impact, and professionalism which the Dutch experience readily teaches.
