Practical information for EU students

Do you already have a room before you arrive to the Netherlands?

For information about student housing, see the website about Student Housing. If you already have a room with Idealis, you can collect your key at Idealis (Bornsesteeg 3).

These are official organisations that rent rooms:

- Idealis or Room.nl

- Hospi Housing

- Duivendaal

Avoid Housing Scams

When renting a house not through official organizations, ensure it's not a scam. Housing scams are common in The Netherlands as well as in Wageningen. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Too Good to Be True? - Be wary of deals that seem too good, especially cheap rentals in the city centre.
• Verify Landlords - Avoid landlords who only provide an email or mobile number. Ask for a business or residential address and proof of ID.
• Check Ownership - Use the Kadaster property register (€2.95) to verify ownership. If the owner and landlord differ, ask for written authorization.
• Inspect the Apartment - Always see the apartment before renting. Ask someone you trust to inspect it if you're not in the country.
• Beware of Online Ads - Be cautious of ads on sites like Facebook, Marktplaats, and Craigslist. Illegal sublets are common.
• Payment Methods - Prefer bank transfers. Be wary of requests for Western Union, Airbnb, or cash payments. Always get a signed receipt for cash payments.

More information and source: Wooninfo

Have you registered for AID? Register before 1 August.

What is the AID? The Annual Introduction Days (AID) for 2024 take place from August 16th to 21st. It’s a great way to start your time in Wageningen!

For whom? New students at Wageningen University and Research or Aeres Hogeschool.

What to Expect?

• Get to know the city, university, and fellow students.
• Participate in fun and informative activities.
• Meet your study group

What more?

• Approximately 95% of new students join the AID.
• Activities include sports, cultural events, festivals, and more.
• No activities are mandatory; focus is on having fun!

For more information you can visit this website: AID website.

What to bring to Wageningen when you are going to study here? In this blog you can find all the useful information and packing list.

This is a summary:

For studying:

• Laptop:Bring your own laptop or buy it in Wageningen. A laptop is indispensable for students. For activities such as computer practicals and group work, using your own laptop is standard. Additionally, for exams, it is important to have a laptop that meets the WUR requirements. If you have any questions or need help with any laptop model:

  • Visit: ServicePoint IT at the Forum reception desk
  • Call: IT Service Desk at (31) 317 4 88888
  • Email: servicedesk.it@wur.nl
• Router: Some housing doesn’t provide routers (e.g., Bornsesteeg, Hoevestein). Bring one or buy locally.

Clothing

• Seasonal Clothes: Pack according to the season (winter or autumn). Rain jackets are crucial. Bulky winter clothes can be bought in The Netherlands too.

Miscellaneous

• Medicine: Personal medicines

Documents

• Important Documents: Passport, ID, visa, letter of acceptance, insurance certificate.

Final Tips

• Customs: Check what food items are allowed through customs.
• Local Resources: Join local student groups for additional support and tips. This is a general Whatsapp group made by WUR students for WUR students: https://chat.whatsapp.com/B79x2ATGzxb4RmbS84JO8Z

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Seasonal overview:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures (6°C to 15°C) and blooming tulip fields.
• Summer (June to August): Cool to warm (15°C to 25°C), perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooler temperatures (10°C to 15°C) with more rainfall and colorful foliage.
• Winter (December to February): Mild and damp (0°C to 6°C), with rare snow.

The Netherlands, famous for its canals, vibrant cities, and rich heritage, is a top choice for international students. It offers a high-quality education system with a wide range of English-taught programs.

• Diverse Culture: Experience a multicultural environment with a blend of modern and traditional influences. The Dutch are known for their openness and proficiency in English, making it easy for international students to adapt.
• Biking Culture: With its flat landscape and extensive cycling paths, biking is a primary mode of transportation. It’s a healthy, eco-friendly way to explore the cities and countryside.
• Historic and Modern Cities: Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht offer a mix of historic charm and contemporary amenities. Enjoy world-class museums, lively festivals, and diverse culinary scenes.
• Student Life: Active student associations, and numerous cultural events ensure a fulfilling student experience.
• Travel Hub: Centrally located in Europe, the Netherlands is a gateway to explore other European countries with ease.

Wageningen Campus

Our campus is a centre where expertise and talent come together. Research, studying and business unite here and the iconic building in the middle of it all is called Forum. The main library is located here and is open 14 hours per day. 

There are several places on the campus where one can relax and have a drink with friends and colleagues. For example, 'the Spot' in Orion offers drinks, dinners and different forms of indoor recreation (table tennis, pool, table soccer), whereas lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at one of the restaurants of Campus Plaza

Nearby sports centre ‘De Bongerd’ offers over 60 different sports ranging from tennis, squash and indoor biking to football, rugby and athletics. A membership of the sports centre costs only EUR20 per month.

Wageningen City

Wageningen is situated centrally in the Netherlands. It takes 25 minutes by train from Utrecht Central Station to Ede-Wageningen and from there the Campus is a 12 minute bus ride away. 

There are historic and modern buildings, high-rise student flats, works of art and botanical gardens, adding to the diversity of Wageningen. About 10.000 students study at Wageningen University & Research, accounting for 20% of the population. The many international students, professors and researchers contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. 

Wageningen has a thriving cultural and social life. Bars, restaurants, a cinema and a theatre create the elegance of a small city, in a beautiful rural setting. The nearby floodplains of the river Rhine and national park ‘de Veluwe’ are ideal for those who enjoy nature or like hiking, running or cycling.

It is always smart to check your travel details before you are leaving. Prepare yourself by reading the next section "How to get to Wageningen".

You can also read a student blog about "How to get to Wageningen".

When should I arrive in Wageningen?

It is important to arrive on time in Wageningen. We advise you to arrive a few days before the start of the AID if you are planning to join. AID starts 16 August. This will give you time to arrange things such as registering at the Municipality and opening a bank account.

The academic year will start on September 2. To avoid any delays in your studies, we strongly advise you to arrive no later than this date.

How can I connect with other new students? Where can I ask all my questions about studying and life in Wageningen? We made a Whatsappgroup for new WUR students, you can join that group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LTImvkkVtuL77E6p7tCBd9

To make it easy for yourself prepare your route to Wageningen Campus. Below here you can find all information.

Arrival and Transport:

• Arrival: Most non-EU international students arrive at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam.

• Buy a ticket: Purchase a prepaid or disposable OV-chipkaart from the yellow machines (only pay by card) or ticket offices (cash and card possible) at Schiphol Plaza.

  Dutch trains are fast, safe, and frequent, operating until after midnight. Domestic trains don’t require seat reservations, while international trains do.

  A single train ticket from Schiphol to Ede-Wageningen in 2nd class costs €18. There are two ticket types for Dutch trains: single-use tickets and prepaid rechargeable OV-chipkaarts, which can be used for all public transport.

  Remember to check in and out at the ticket readers before and after your journey to validate your ticket.

• Train to Wageningen: From Schiphol, take a train (NS) to Ede-Wageningen Station. Trains depart every 30 minutes, often requiring a transfer at Utrecht. More information:

- Follow signs for ‘trains’ at Schiphol Plaza.

- Check the screen or NS journey planner for exact travel times and routes.

Special Notice:

• 29 July - 13 August: No direct trains from Schiphol to Ede-Wageningen due to renovations. NS and RRReis will provide replacement bus transport. Check the NS journey planner before traveling.

Additional Resources:

• Journey Advice: Visit the NS website or download the NS Reisplanner Xtra app.
• Disability Assistance:  visit the NS website’s page on traveling with a
  disability.
• For additional support, including mobility, sight, or hearing impairments, visit the Angloinfo website.
• Detailed Planning: Use the 9292 app for door-to-door journey planning and accessibility info.

Safety Tip:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in busy areas like airports and train stations.

You might need furniture, kitchen items, or study supplies. For affordable options, visit stores in the city center like Action and Hema, which sell a variety of household goods. A sustainable option is buying from students who are moving out. Join the Wageningen Student Plaza Facebook Group or WhatsApp group for secondhand deals

Moving Large Items

If you have an unfurnished room, consider these options:

• Rent a cargo bike if you live in an Idealis building: Cargo Bike Rental
• Buy from someone in the same building.
• Purchase from secondhand shops that offer delivery.

Shops in city centre

Most of the shops are located along and around the main street in the city centre (Hoogstraat). Every Wednesday (8:30 –13:00) and Saturday (8:30–17:00) there is an open market located in the city centre around the big church (Grote Kerk in Dutch). You can find all kinds of foods and products generally cheaper than in the supermarkets and shops.

You can find ATM in all banks, but also at Jumbo (Tarthorst 1223) and Hema (Hoogstraat 59).

Tips from students:

Free Lebara SIM Card: "For a quick and temporary option, you can get a free Lebara SIM card at supermarkets like Albert Heijn at Schiphol Airport and Azam in Wageningen."

Simple Sim Card: "It's a good price (it covers Europe with data, and if you recommend it to friends, both of you get a €10 discount). However, it's only available on a yearly basis, and most of the information is in Dutch. Despite this, it is cheaper than the free SIM card, for which you usually have to get a new package each month. This is the Link."

All foreign students staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months must register with the municipality. For international students (who will be living in Wageningen and not Ede), the municipality will come to our campus on the following dates and times:

• 12 to 15 August
• 23 August
• 26 to 30 August

The registration will take place from 09:00 to 16:00.

Soon, you will receive an email with information how to register for a time slot via Osiris. Make sure to check your email! -->

Important 1) We advise you to register on campus via our booking system rather than through the municipality's website. By registering on campus, you will receive your BSN number immediately. If you register in the city center, it will take a few weeks to receive your BSN number.

Important 2) The municipality registration is not for new exchange students who will be living in Wageningen. They need to make an appointment at the municipality in the city center via this website. Select 'Moving to Wageningen'.

After your municipality registration, you will receive your BSN (Citizen Service Number). Note: your BSN number is not the same as Residence permit! check step 8) for information about Residence permit. You need to fulfill both steps.

For the registration you need to bring:

• a printed and completed municipality registration form (download form)

• your passport or ID and a copy passport or ID

• copy visa sticker (if applicable)

• your rental agreement and copy rental agreement

-->IMPORTANT: Make sure to bring all the above documents, if your documents are not complete, it is NOT possible to register (and it will take longer for you to receive your BSN - which you need to open bank account etc.)

Municipality Ede

Are you living in Bennekom or in Ede you can make an appointment for municipality Ede via the link appointment Ede (it is in Dutch). Address Raadhuisplein 3, Ede.

After you received your BSN, we advise you to apply for your DigiD. Your DigiD allows you to identify yourself when making arrangements on the internet, such as with the government, educational institutes or/and healthcare institutions. For example making appointment with a GP or with the GGD vaccination centre.

For more information how to apply for Digid you can visit this website.

International students only need a Dutch bank account when they do not have a SEPA account in another EU country.

If you don’t have a SEPA account, we recommend opening one upon arrival. The ABN AMRO will be in the Forum building to help you to open a Dutch bank account on Tuesday, August 13 from 10:00 to 15:00 hrs.

The main banks are ABN AMRO, Revolut, ING and Rabobank. Unfortunately not all of them are in the English language. (Are you younger than 18 years and from a NON-EU country, you can only open bank account via Revolut).

General information:

• Student accounts have special conditions for international students. Check what’s needed in advance.
• Download proof of enrolment from Osiris if required.
• Banks may charge a monthly fee from €0 to €4.

After AID, from August 28 to 30, the university will organize various activities such as traffic rules lessons, bike lessons, health care information sessions, and social activities.

These activities are open to all WUR students, including those who could not attend AID or those who wish to learn more about the Netherlands and make more social connections with other students.

You can also find the programme here.

28 August | Health & Support

Link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/BauJYCBMXB

Student Guidance – We Are Here for You!
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Location: Forum C0222 (Second floor)

Discover the various support options available to WUR students. From training courses designed to enhance your study skills to specialized facilities for students with functional limitations or psychological support.
Speakers: Olav Wissink (Student Dean) and Heleen Franssen (Student Training & Support)

Meet & Greet with WUR Support (with Coffee/Tea and Biscuits)
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location: Outside Forum C0222

Get answers to all your questions from the Student Psychologist, Confidential Counsellor, Peer Coach, Student Training & Support, and Students-Support-Students. This is a great opportunity to connect and learn about the resources available to you at WUR.

Health Care HUB
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Location: Global Lounge

The Health Care HUB is here to answer questions from Wageningen students about Dutch healthcare in person and help you find the right care during your stay in Wageningen.

29 August | Traffic rules & Biking in The Netherlands

Link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/pGJFGV0U5g

Traffic rules in the Netherlands:

•  10:30-11:30
•  De Bongerd (Sport Centre)
•  29 August

Are you familiar with all the traffic rules in the Netherlands, or do you feel you could use a refresher? Join our traffic rules lecture, where we'll cover the basic guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This session is FREE for students!

Bike lessons (LIMITED SPOTS)

•  13:00-14:00
•  De Bongerd (Sport Centre)
•  29 August

After learning the traffic rules, join our "Learn How to Bike" workshop. This training is designed for students who are new to biking or who don’t feel confident cycling in the Netherlands. The session will be conducted in a safe environment by professionals. This activity is also FREE for students.

Bike Scavenger Hunt

•  16:00-17:00
•  Starting from Campus to City Centre
•  29 August

Now that you’ve learned the traffic rules, it’s time to put them into practice! Join fellow WUR students for a bike scavenger hunt from the campus to the city centre. If you follow the rules and complete the hunt successfully, you’ll be rewarded with something very delicious! Please note: A bike is required for this activity.

29 August | Culture Shock

• Time: 14:00-15:00
• Location: Forum C0222 (Second floor)
• Date: 29 August
  

Join this presentation exploring the topics of education, culture and classroom habits. Learn about your new life at Wageningen University and get ready to kickstart your new life at Wageningen University  

30 August | Eat & Meet

Link to register: https://forms.office.com/e/29i0Pxbia8

•  18:30 – 21:00
•  Global Lounge
•  Join us for a relaxed evening at the Global Lounge, where we’ll be hosting a “Meet and Eat” event. There will be delicious food. The evening will feature a variety of activities, including board games, creative projects like air-dry clay and painting, and more. This event is a great opportunity for students to meet others, especially those who may have missed AID or are looking to expand their social circle.

Students from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows you to receive medical care in the Netherlands.

Requirement
You are required by Dutch law to have health insurance for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. Read more about the consequences of not having health insurance.

Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Apply for an EHIC card, free of charge, through your local health authority, national health service, or health insurance provider. Apply well before coming to the Netherlands, as it can take a few weeks to arrive.

EHIC Coverage

With the EHIC, you’ll receive necessary state-provided medical care in the Netherlands with the same rights and costs as Dutch citizens. EHIC covers:

• Essential healthcare (doctor visits, GP, maternity care, hospital care)
• Emergency healthcare
• Medical care for pre-existing conditions (e.g., diabetes)
• Medicines

Not Covered

• EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and does not cover repatriation.
• Dental costs are not covered if you are over 18. Check if your home insurance covers dental care abroad.

Note
EHIC does not guarantee free services. Healthcare systems vary, and you might pay for services in the Netherlands that are free in your home country. When using your EHIC at a pharmacy, you will be charged the same price for medicines as Dutch citizens.

Supplemental Private Health Insurance

We recommend supplemental private health insurance to cover costs not covered by EHIC. Many insurance companies offer special deals for students, such as AON health insurance for students.

Questions

If you have questions about your health insurance situation, please contact Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl

FAQ's about Health insurance:

Do I need health insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, it's important to be well insured if you have pre-existing medical conditions, psychological conditions, HIV/AIDS, or other regular medical costs. Check with your insurance company to see if they will continue to cover you while you are in the Netherlands. If not, we strongly recommend obtaining supplemental private health insurance to cover these costs.

What kind of health insurance do I need if I plan to work or do volunteer work in the Netherlands?

If you plan on working or doing volunteer work, you must purchase standard Dutch health insurance, even if you are already insured elsewhere. Read more about this under "Other useful information"

When all registration requirements have been fulfilled and your request for registration has been processed by the Student Service Centre (SSC), you will be able to download a proof of enrollment letter via your personal webpage in Osiris. All students enrolled at Wageningen University receive a WURcard, which contains your personal data, photo, and rights within the organization.

The WURcard has the following functions:

• Identification as a student of Wageningen University
• Library card
• Identification for access to WUR buildings
• Identification for entrance to sport facilities at the University Sport Centre ‘De Bongerd’ (once the required subscription has been paid)
• EWallet payment method

The WURcard is issued to all students. In principle, you will receive the WURcard only once and you can use it until you are no longer enrolled as a student at Wageningen University. If you are enrolled as a student at Wageningen University, you will be sent an email with information about your WUR account. The email will also contain instructions on how to upload your photo for your WURcard.

How will I receive my WURcard?

Before the start of the academic year, we will send the card by post to your address (if you have an address in The Netherlands) as stated in Studielink. Students who do not have an address in The Netherlands yet will receive an email with information on when they can collect the card at the Student Desk in the Forum building.

Did you upload your picture after the academic year started? (Monday, September 9 or later) In that case, you can pick up your WURcard at the Student Desk in the Forum building. Please bring a valid ID with you when you stop by to pick up your card. The Student Desk is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Note: During the holiday season, the Student Desk has adjusted opening hours. From Monday, July 1 up to and including Friday, August 16, the desk will be open from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Monday to Friday). For the latest information, check our website.

More information can be found here.

General Practitioner (huisarts)

In The Netherlands your General Practitioner (huisarts) should always be your initial contact for all medical matters. The General Practitioner (GP) is key in the world of health care, treating patients for basic non-surgical problems and providing consultations for most of your general health questions. The GP also serves as your link to most other services such as hospitalisation, specialists, midwifery, physiotherapy, etc. If necessary, the GP can refer you to a medical specialist at short notice. The GP keeps your medical record up to date and prescribes your medication.

How to find a GP?

You should register with a GP upon arrival in The Netherlands. You can choose your GP yourself. When choosing a GP, make sure you feel comfortable with them, as changing a GP once registered is discouraged and rarely done. Some GP’s may not accept any new patients as they are already filled to capacity. To find a local GP you can search on this website. The Student Medical Center Wageningen(not part of Wageningen University) accepts new patients and are experienced in typical student related problems. You can register here.

Visiting your GP

In case of illness as well as for general consultations on less urgent matters, first phone your GP. A trained medical assistant will answer your call and note your complaints in order to properly schedule your appointment.

Wageningen has several dental (tandarts) centers where you can register, which is advisable if you are staying in the Netherlands for an extended period.

Dental treatment is not always covered by medical insurance, so please check with your insurance company about their dental coverage policies. For AON insurance, refer to their website.

Looking for a dentist in Wageningen? On this website, you can search for a dentist by location, zip code, or dentist's name. There is also a quality register for dentists (KRT) that includes several dentists in Wageningen. You can check their website (in Dutch) for more information.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 112.

Urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues:

Medical Emergencies:

For urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next day and occur after office hours (weekends/evenings/nights), visit the Huisartsenpost Gelderse Vallei at Willy Brandtlaan 10, 6716 RP Ede.

1.Call Ahead: It is essential to call for an appointment at (0318) 200 800.

2.Follow Signs: When you arrive at Gelderse Vallei Ziekenhuis, follow the signs for "Spoedzorg."

3.Insurance Check: Before going to the hospital, always check if your required treatment is covered by your insurance.

Emergency Dentist:

For dental emergencies after working hours, during the weekend, or on national holidays, you can reach an emergency dentist by phone at 0318-611888. The dental emergency post is located in the hospital in Ede at Willy Brandtlaan 10, 6716 RP Ede.

Carry your ID with you everywhere you go so you can be identified and receive care asap/admitted to the hospital.

There is plenty to do besides your studies at Wageningen University. You can join Study and student associations or Cultural organisations.

There are also excellent sporting venues including the University Sport Centre Wageningen and other sport clubs that you can join.

International students

Please check the website for International students for information about activities, studying and living in Wageningen.

More information can be found here.

If you plan to work or volunteer while studying in the Netherlands, you must have Dutch health insurance, regardless of any other insurance you may have.

Requirements

• Dutch Health Insurance: Mandatory for working students (part-time, volunteer work, or internships earning the Dutch minimum wage or more).
• Study Only: If you’re only studying and not working, you cannot apply for Dutch health insurance.

Switching Insurance

If you have private health insurance, you must switch to Dutch health insurance ('basisverzekering') when you start working and switch back when you stop.

Costs

• Annual Cost: Around €1,500
• Insurance Excess: €385 (2023), which is the initial amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before insurance covers costs. This excess doesn’t apply to GP visits, obstetric/gynecological care, maternity care, or dental care if under 18.

Financial Aid

You may qualify for healthcare benefit ('zorgtoeslag') if you:

• Are 18 or older
• Have Dutch health insurance
• Have a residence permit and a BSN (citizen service number)
• Earn below a certain amount (varies yearly)

For more details, visit the Dutch tax administration website.

Coverage

Standard Dutch health insurance covers:

• Essential healthcare (doctor/GP visits, maternity care, hospital care)
• Emergency medical care
• Essential medicines

Not Covered:

• Dental costs (if over 18)
• Paramedical services (physiotherapy, chiropractic services)

Taking Out Dutch Health Insurance

1. Get a BSN: Obtain a citizen service number by registering with the municipality.
2. Choose an Insurance Company: Compare policies on Zorgwijzer.nl and choose one that allows easy switching between private and Dutch health insurance. Some insurance agencies offer special deals for students, such as the AON student health insurance.

Questions

If you have any questions, contact Zorgverzekeringslijn.nl.

Where can I find internet and WiFi on campus?

More information can be found here: mobile device.

Where can I buy WUR Merchandise?

There is not a WUR merchandise shop on campus. Sometimes there will be events where WUR sweaters are being sold for discount price. You can buy them online.

Where can I learn Dutch?

Are you a student who would like to be able to speak Dutch? Or read labels in the supermarket, ask a shop assistant where you can find a particular item or have a chat with your neighbours? And on top of that, would you like to know about typical aspects of Dutch culture, both within and outside the academic world? In that case, the Social Dutch courses of Wageningen in’to Languages are just the thing for you.

Where can I find my study advisor?

More information about study advisor can be found here.