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Finding housing in Wageningen can be difficult. Especially in the first semester, when a lot of first year students arrive.
To help you out, we have gathered some of our best tips:
TIP 1
Join the ESN Roomswap platform
Are you coming to Wageningen or leaving Wageningen for an exchange? Especially for you, we have set up a “room swap platform” to help you on your way. On this platform, you can find and reach out to incoming/outgoing exchange students to swap rooms with during your exchange. This way, you do not only help yourself but also an exchange student!
Of course, we cannot guarantee that you will find a partner to swap with, but hopefully this platform will help you!
TIP 2: Subscribe to room.nl via Idealis. This is the biggest student housing corporation in Wageningen. Be quick, because the sooner you apply, the bigger your chances of getting a room! If you are a non-EU student, there is a period where you get priority on housing.
Check 9292 for up-to-date, door to door travel information. You can simply fill in your current location and your desired location. Keep in mind that the train station “Ede- Wageningen” is still a 20-25 bus ride away from Wageningen. This website also updates you on railway interruptions/delays!
You can use an ‘OV-chipcard’ for the whole Dutch public transport. With this card, you can enter and pay for any bus/train company. You can buy a number of different OV-chipcards. Using an OV-chipcard is cheaper than buying single tickets at the bus/train station.
Single tickets for the bus can be bought in the bus. You can purchase a ticket from the NS (the main railway company) ticket machine or the NS service counter. You can also buy a ticket online. Find more info on the website of NS, or ask us!
Dutch people are very direct. Depending on your point of view, this can be rude, tactless or refreshing.
Dutch people, and especially Dutch students, are not necessarily known for their generosity. That is, when having a meal with someone, do not be too surprised to receive a “tikkie” (a payment request) afterwards. It is called “going Dutch” for a reason 😉
Almost all Dutch can speak English and are willing to do so. In fact, it might be difficult to try to learn Dutch in the Netherlands, because many people will just automatically switch to English even though you want them to speak Dutch. After English, German is the most commonly spoken foreign language.
There are bicycles (“fietsen”) everywhere. In Wageningen, we cycle everywhere. Do not expect to find many students with their own car. Aside from having absolute priority everywhere on the roads, they also make drinking nights a hazard. Trained Dutchies are experts at cycling while drunk, but international students might need some practice before hopping on their bike after a few beers.
The Dutch have some unique holidays. Especially Sinterklaas, Koningsdag (King’s day) and Liberation Day (on the 5th of May) are celebrated intensely in Wageningen. Make sure you join the parties and traditions when you are here!
Although the Netherlands is known for its tolerant marihuana policy, most drugs in the Netherlands are still illegal. The police, however, allow you to have a small amount (5 grams) of marihuana for usage at home or at a coffee shop. The usage of drugs is forbidden in public places and student associations. Never mix drugs with alcohol.
It’s no problem if you smoke on the streets, but when you enter any kind of building you should not smoke. In most student residences it is not allowed to smoke in the common areas. It is also prohibited to smoke cigarettes inside of restaurants, bars and clubs. You will have to go outside or into a special smoking area inside. The whole campus of Wageningen University is smoke free too. If you wish to smoke at university, you have to leave the premises.
It is required (by law) to have your passport or European ID card with you all the time. If the police ask you to show your identification, you have to be able to show it. The fines for not carrying a valid ID card are high.