We hosted 2 live webinars for upcoming students in which we discussed practical information on what to know and prepare before your arrival in The Netherlands.

Webinar 1: 

In this first webinar we discussed the application process, visa and insurance, financial matters, the Goin’ app and housing. Date soon to be published

Webinar 2:

In this webinar we discussed the introduction week, your travels to The Netherlands, VHL culture and Dutch culture. Date soon to be published

To help you with everything you need to arrange, we created the VHL survival guide: When in the Netherlands! This booklet contains all kinds of useful information for international students. Download it here to get all the details on opening a bank account, registering at the local municipality and healthcare in the Netherlands.

As you prepare for your study abroad adventure, one of the key things on your to-do list is finding a cozy place to call home. You'll be in charge of arranging your own accommodation, so before you depart to the Netherlands, make sure you've got this sorted (even if it's just temporary). Given the current housing shortage in The Netherlands, it can be a bit tricky to find a place. That's why we recommend starting your search in Springtime. But don't worry, we're here to help! We've mapped out different routes to guide you in finding a place to stay:

Take the train from the airport

If you fly to the Netherlands, you can take a train from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to Velp. We would like to warn you about taxis, as they are extremely expensive, even for short distances. Public transport is well-organised in the Netherlands, so it’s really best to take the train! You can plan your journey via NS.nl. This is also where you can buy your tickets online, or do this at the NS desk or machine at the airport. Alternatively, you can check in with a contactless debit card using OVpay.

Travel to the Netherlands by international train or bus

A sustainable option is to travel by international train to the Netherlands. You can visit the website of the railway company in your own country, or go the website of the Dutch Railways at nsinternational.com. If you prefer to travel to the Netherlands by bus, the budget option Flixbus.com is worth checking out.

Public transport in the Netherlands

Once you’ve arrived in the Netherlands and need to take a bus from the train station to get to your final destination, please have a look at 9292.nl for routes and bus numbers. You can buy a single ticket on the bus or check in with your contactless debit card. If you plan to travel more often with Dutch public transport, please check NS.nl for discount subscriptions.

Bicycle

All students in the Netherlands cycle! It’s really the best way to get around. Most people get a second-hand bike at a bike shop, via student Facebook pages, or via marktplaats.nl (Dutch eBay). Alternatively, you can rent a bike from swapfiets.nl.

Before you start your study programme, you will receive a list of the software you will be using during your studies, tailored to your specific programme. You will also receive tips on where to download the software most easily and at the best price.

Depending on the study programme you choose, you will receive advice on which laptop to purchase. There are three categories with different specifications:

A. Standard
B. Advanced
C. Specialist

The table below shows which study programme recommends which laptop category. Underneath the table, you will find the technical specifications for each laptop category.

Laptop requirements

Have you found out which laptop category applies to your study programme? Below you will find the specifications for each category:

You will need a VHL account during your studies. This account grants you access to all the digital facilities of the university of applied sciences. Such as your class schedule and the digital learning environment. Your VHL account consists of an e-mail address (firstname.lastname@hvhl.nl) and a password you set yourself. From the start of your programme, VHL will only send you information via this e-mail address.

Logging in from home is not necessary. You will do this together with your lecturers during the first week of classes.

Complete enrolment first, then VHL account
You will only receive an email to activate your VHL account once your enrolment is complete. Is there anything you still need to submit to guarantee your start at VHL? Please do so as soon as possible, so that we can have enough time to process your information, and ensure you are able to participate on the first day without worries.

Vanaf de introductieweek kun je je inloggen bij MyHVHL. Deze portal is jouw digitale werkomgeving. Het is de online vindplaats voor alle (vak)informatie en applicaties, die je nodig hebt om gemakkelijk je opleiding te kunnen volgen. Je hoeft maar 1 keer in te loggen om toegang te krijgen tot het lesrooster, applicaties, het smoelenboek, achtergrondinformatie en nieuws. Ideaal, je kunt in MyHVHL ook snel informatie met je medestudenten delen.