Well, you have completed your preparations and are counting your days until you fly to the Netherlands. It’s time to recheck your packing list . People always forget to pack at least one of their most essential items for their carry-on bags. To avoid such pitfalls, we recommend you create a list a few days before departure and recheck the list the night before your flight.
So, you’re all set to fly. Hold on for a few more minutes and go through your packing list for the Netherlands.
Letter of acceptance
Proof of financial stability
You need to show 1-year tuition fees in the bank.
You need to show 1-year living cost (includes rent, food, travel expenses, etc.) [Generally, You need to show Euro 900 x 12 months]
Note that monthly living expenses vary from city to city.
Entry Residence Permit (MVV) and Temporary Residence Permit
Photocopy all your papers (degrees, certificates, transcripts, etc.)
English language test and other test certificates
Travel and health insurance for the Netherlands
Booked airline ticket and have confirmed your flight
Check baggage and custom's limitations
Learn Basic Dutch
Make a killer CV
Learn to cook and ride a bicycle. Cycling in the Netherlands is the most common medium of transportation, for short distances.
Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying. Medication checklist / Restricted medications
Download the app 9292 or NS (Helps you find public transportation)
Things to do after you land in the Netherlands
Register your residence with the municipality or city.
Show proof of a Negative TB Test
Find your eligibility for the rent benefit and insurance benefit
Understand the medical system (If you get sick, you need to go to your family doctor’s clinic. If your family doctor clinic cannot provide you with the best care, they will refer you to a hospital. You can’t seek treatment from the hospital if a Family Doctor does not send you.)
To find a family doctor, ask for help from your institution, your registered municipality or fellow students, if you want.
Get a Student Discount card to enjoy your life the most. (International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and JCP discount card )
Emergency Note:
If you need emergency help for any cause, don’t forget to call 112 . (The same number applies to the whole of Europe). If you are sick with seasonal flu, sore throat, etc., you can buy medicine in the Netherlands from Kruidvat of Etos. If you need vitamins or Functional food, you can buy it from Holland and Barrett.
Transportation in the Netherlands:
After arriving in Holland, buy a railcard to travel between cities, and to get around town, purchase a bicycle (recommend purchasing a 2nd hand one. It will save you a LOT of money). Make sure that you buy a strong lock. To travel around the Netherlands, you need to get familiar with the public transportation system.
Tips regarding bicycles in the Netherlands:
Don’t buy stolen bicycles. Before buying one, ask to see the purchase document for the bike, from the seller. If the seller does not have one, it is could be a stolen bike. Please be aware that you might run into trouble with the police if you buy a stolen bike. Please check Stolen bike registry by Dutch law.
Register your bike as soon as you purchase it, either at the place of purchase or online;
Write down the model number, manufacture, color, and if possible, have some photos of your bike so that if it gets stolen, you have enough details to give to the police for its retrieval.
For more protection, engrave a serial number or seal in your bike, install a theft prevention chip or a small GPS tracker and buy a hardened steel lock or a U-lock. These things can be expensive in the Netherlands (e.g., a strong lock can cost you up to Euro 120), so buy it from your home country, or online, if it's cheaper.
Biking in Holland is very common. You will enjoy cycling here. Just make sure you follow the rules of the road.
Helpful cycling links: