New to the Netherlands: My First Impressions and Tips for Settling In
Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging. For those of us arriving in the Netherlands, every day is a new experience filled with opportunities to learn and adapt. Here’s a look at my journey, from the first days of settling in to gradually finding my way in this wonderful country.
Discovering Dutch Culture
One of the first things that struck me about the Netherlands is its unique culture. Dutch people are known for being direct and practical, which might seem a bit different if you come from a culture where communication is more indirect. At first, it was a bit too much (and if I have to be completely honest, at times it hurt my feelings). However, once I adapted to it, I found this openness refreshing—it helps you get to the point and understand each other faster!
The Dutch also love their bicycles. Cycling is the most popular mode of transportation, and it didn’t take long for me to realise that a bike is almost essential here. Dedicated bike paths and more than enough parking spaces make it easy to get around. As a Vietnamese, it felt a bit weird biking through the city at first, especially when I was so used to being surrounded by cars and scooters all the time, but I quickly got the hang of it. And surprise surprise, I quite enjoy it, as it brings this sense of calmness inside of me. If you’re new to biking, don’t worry—everyone is a beginner at some point!
Getting Started: The First Few Days
From navigating Dutch paperwork to setting up a bank account, there were quite a few steps to take before I could truly settle in. Here are a few things that you should know pre-arriving to the Netherlands:
Registering with the local municipality
One of my first stops was the Gemeentekantoor (city hall) to register as a resident. This gave me my BSN (citizen service number), a critical ID for life in the Netherlands. Make sure you have your proper identification and your rental contract with you!
Opening a Dutch bank account
Surprisingly, cash isn’t very popular here. Dutch people love their digital payments, and setting up a local bank account made it easier to pay rent, shop, and even ride public transport. For this, you would need the BSN mentioned above. Some banks like Bunq, ING, and Rabobank offer services tailored to internationals.
Finding a bike
In the Netherlands, bikes are a way of life. Buying a used bike was the best decision to get around quickly and feel part of the Dutch way of life. Pro tip: you can rent a bike at Swapfiets. Fietsenwinkel and Marktplaats are great for finding a bike!
Finding a Community and Support
One of the most challenging parts of moving abroad is building a new social circle. Fortunately, the Netherlands has a welcoming community of internationals and various resources to help new arrivals:
Joining different clubs and associations
When I came to the Netherlands, one of the first things I did was searching up Vietnamese communities. I quickly found Facebook groups and became a member of VSNL - Vietnamese Student Association in the Netherlands, which opened many networking opportunities (well, I did work in the External Department though).
I also joined and later became the president of VSL - Vietnamese Students in Leeuwarden (the city I’m living in). Now I also get the chance to host events and build a community where Vietnamese students feel welcomed and at home.
Ambassadors and Nuffic programs
A great source of information for me was my school’s website. And the great thing about it is that it shares students’ stories and experiences! This was very helpful as later on I made a friend through this platform and learnt more about potential struggles as an international student in the Netherlands through them.
I didn’t know about Nuffic until later, but thanks to it, I connected with more students and we shared our tips and experiences with each other. It’s great to know there are people to lean on during tough days and friends to celebrate with during good times.
These connections made a big difference, helping me feel less like an outsider and more like a part of the Dutch community.
Financial Support
Students in the Netherlands may be eligible for government allowances/benefits, such as housing benefit (huurtoeslag) or healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag). These can help reduce costs for rent or insurance, making it easier to focus on studies and settling in. And don’t forget the Dutch government’s DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs), which offers student loans and grants for eligible students, which can significantly ease the financial burden of studying and living in the Netherlands. Just make sure that you meet all the criteria and have the necessary documentations ready at hand!
Final Thoughts: Tips for Future Newcomers
Looking back, moving to the Netherlands has been a life-changing experience. From navigating practicalities to making new friends, every part of the journey has contributed to my growth. If you’re considering this journey, remember to keep an open mind and embrace the changes. Trying Dutch food, joining local events, and learning about Dutch customs can help you feel like part of the community. Also, stay curious! Every day here is a learning opportunity. Whether it’s figuring out Dutch public transportation or exploring a new neighbourhood, staying curious keeps things exciting.
The Netherlands may be a small country, but it has a big heart, and for anyone new here, I’d say: take it one day at a time and embrace the adventure!
