Choosing VHL and moving to the Netherlands

I chose to study at VHL because the atmosphere at the open day I attended made me feel like I was already “at home”. Everyone was super nice, and it felt like I was seen as a person and not just a student number that had been assigned to me. I was also looking for an English-taught study programme.
The transition was actually quite easy for me, since I had already studied at a German university, although it was very different to be further away from my parents and in a new country where I had only been on holiday before. Overall, it was a very straightforward transition, and the international team at the university made everything go very smoothly. Whenever I had questions, they always had an answer and could tell me exactly what I needed to do.

What I like about the programme

I really enjoy how much smaller and more personal my study programme is compared to the one I followed at the University of Bonn in Germany. I got to know all my lecturers by their first name at VHL, and they also knew mine. You get your own mentor from year one, who checks in with you every term, and that honestly makes you feel truly seen and heard. If you're struggling with anything, they can help you and refer you to the student counsellors at VHL.
Since our study programmes are divided into four terms, I really enjoy having exams every 7 to 10 weeks instead of every 20 or so weeks, as I did when I had semesters at my old university. I feel like the information I learn is still fresh in my mind by the time exams come around, which makes studying ten times easier.

Student life and making friends

Student life is honestly great in Velp and Arnhem, whether you like going to cafés, doing sports, having a picnic in the park, going out, or doing trivia nights at bars, you can find almost anything.
I found a few friends through the Goin app before classes had even started, made friends with my housemates (I live in a house with five of them), and also made new friends during the Intro Week and once classes got underway. I would highly recommend taking part in the Intro Week if you’ve already moved here. It was such a fun experience!

Something surprising

I think the most surprising experience I’ve had so far is how many people actually speak English here. I knew a lot of Dutch people spoke English, but I assumed it was more common in bigger cities like Amsterdam. So I was genuinely surprised by how many people spoke English in Velp and Arnhem.
That said, I would still recommend learning Dutch, especially for basic conversations in the supermarket or in other shops. It really opens more doors for you! VHL actually offered beginner Dutch courses at the start of the year, so I would highly recommend making use of those.

My tips for future students

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you’re looking for housing, make sure you start early. But here's the good news: VHL works with a housing partner to offer furnished rooms to first-year international students. It’s close to campus and a great place to start your student life in the Netherlands.
The first housing you find might not be the perfect student accommodation you imagined, but I promise it’s much easier to find something better once you're already here in Velp or Arnhem. It also takes a lot of stress off your shoulders once you know you have somewhere to stay.
And don’t let the housing situation scare you off, you will find something for the following years! Join as many Facebook groups as you can and ask current students on the Goin app if they know anyone who’s moving out. That’s actually how I found my room!