Checklist International Students
Moving to a new country is like embarking on an exciting adventure with a sprinkle of chaos along the way.
Picture this: you’ve decided to study in the charming and picturesque Northern provinces of the Netherlands. With its beautiful canals, cozy cafes, and vibrant student life, it’s the perfect backdrop for your academic journey. But how do you navigate public transport? What about health insurance? And is finding housing a breeze or a challenge? Don’t worry—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Before you can dive into the Dutch lifestyle, there’s a lot to prepare. From securing the right documents to understanding local procedures, this checklist will guide you through everything you need to know for a smooth transition to your new home in the Northern Netherlands. Let’s get started!
Before you move:
- Apply to a Dutch university
- Receive confirmation of enrolment
- Sort out study financing (scholarship, or proof non-EU: financial proof of ability to live here for 12 months, which will be transferred to your Dutch bank account once it opens – studienorm – €957.87 per month)
- Make sure to closely read the universities’ requirements for deadlines and study payments: University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, NHL Stenden, Van Hall Larenstein
- Arrange your visa (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange your residence permit (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange travel insurance
- Arrange international health insurance
- Arrange your (short-term) accommodation on arrival
- Prepare the necessary documents and get them translated and legalized
- Book your flight or transport to the Netherlands
- Find a school or childcare provider for your children
- Arrange your removable goods move (e.g., furniture from your home country)
- Check how to import a pet
- Check how to import your car and get mandatory Third-party liability insurance
Upon arrival
- Arrange transport to your new city
- Check in to your (short-term) accommodation
- Register at your municipality to get your BSN
- Collect your residence document (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Take a TB test if necessary. Find out which nationalities are required to do so.
- Obtain a DigiD, a secure digital identification system in the Netherlands that allows residents to access a variety of government services online
- Open a bank account
- Get a Dutch phone number
- Arrange your utilities
- Register with a family doctor, pharmacy, and dentist for your medical needs
Settling in
- Check out our free Settling In Guide
- Arrange your (long-term) accommodation
- Obtain an ov chip card
- Get a bike
- Find a part-time job
- Apply for basic Dutch health insurance when starting your job
- Start learning Dutch
- Exchange your driving license
- Apply for a parking permit
- Find a gym close to you
- Invest in a Museumkaart to visit unlimited museums in the Netherlands with a one-time subscription per year
- Read our welcome guide
- Join a student association
- Join welcome events in your area like: KEI week, ESN introduction week, LEIP week
- Join our events to meet new people and discover the North
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn for local updates and tips
- Enjoy your new city!
Now that you’ve mastered the essentials, how about staying in the loop with all the exciting activities happening around you? From upcoming events to fun socials with fellow internationals, there’s always something to look forward to. Don’t miss out—sign up for the IWCN’s newsletter and be the first to know about all the buzz!
Are you relocating to the Netherlands as an employee or researcher? Download the Relocation NL App for personalized guidance on making your move seamless and settling in smoothly. Get started with the app here.