Arrival in the Netherlands

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

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

Beware of Housing Scams!

If you are renting a room through an unofficial organisation, please make sure it's not a scam. Unfortunately, housing scams do happen in the Netherlands, including 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. Request 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 are different people, ask for written authorisation.
• 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. Contact Huurteams Wageningen if you have doubts.

The Annual Introduction Days (AID) are a great way to start your student life in Wageningen. You will get to know the city like the back of your hand and learn what it is really like to be a student here. The week is filled with activities to meet people, familiarise yourself with your study program and all the study and student associations that Wageningen has to offer.

More info about the AID & registration.

Specifically for international students, WUR Student Service Centre will host the W'meet U days once a year. This is a fun and informative kick-off to your student life in Wageningen, helping you settle in and start your studies. 

What to bring to Wageningen when you are going to study here?

Laptop

A laptop is indispensable for your studies. It’s used for computer practicals, group work, and exams, so ensure it meets WUR requirements.
For questions or support with your laptop:

Visit: ServicePoint IT at the Forum
Call: IT Service Desk at (+31) 317 4 88888
Email: servicedesk.it@wur.nl

Router

Some housing locations (e.g., Bornsesteeg, Hoevestein) may not provide a router. Bring one or purchase it locally.

Clothing

Seasonal Clothes: Pack for the season (autumn or winter). A rain jacket is essential. Bulky winter clothing can also be purchased in the Netherlands.

Medicine

Bring any personal medications you need.

Documents

Don’t forget your passport, ID, visa, letter of acceptance, and insurance certificate.

More questions?

WUR students also maintain a general WhatsApp group for new students, where you can ask questions about your arrival and life in Wageningen. Join the WA group.

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate, characterised 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 colourful 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 EUR 20 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. More than 13.000 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.

On this page you can read tips and advice from international WUR students.

It is always smart to check your travel details before you leave. Prepare yourself by reading "How to get to Wageningen" below.

This blogpost also gives valuable info.

When should I arrive in Wageningen?

It is important to arrive in Wageningen on time. If you plan to join the introduction days starting on 15 August, we advise you to arrive a few days beforehand. This will give you time to complete tasks such as registering with the municipality and opening a bank account.

Make it easy for yourself by preparing your route to the Wageningen Campus in advance. You can find all the information you need below.

Arrival and Transport

• Arrival: Most 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, and operate until after midnight. Seat reservations are not required for domestic trains, but they are for international trains.

A second-class train ticket from Schiphol to Ede-Wageningen costs €19.10 (one-way). There are two types of tickets for Dutch trains: single-use tickets and prepaid, rechargeable OV-chipcards, which can be used for all public transport (including buses).

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

• Train to Wageningen: Take a train from Schiphol to Ede-Wageningen Station. Trains depart every 30 minutes and often require a transfer at Utrecht. Follow the signs for 'Trains' at Schiphol Plaza. Check the screen or NS journey planner for exact travel times and routes.

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: Visit the website 9292 or download the 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 may need furniture, kitchen items or stationery. For affordable options, visit city centre stores such as Action and HEMA, which sell a variety of household goods. Another option is to buy from students who are moving out or visit a Kringloopwinkel (2nd-hand store). Join the Facebook group Wageningen Student Plaza to find out more, or join the 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 the main street in the city centre, Hoogstraat. There is an open market in the city centre around the church (Grote Kerk in Dutch) every Wednesday (8:30–13:00) and Saturday (8:30–17:00). You can find all kinds of food and products that are generally cheaper than in supermarkets and shops.

ATMs are available at all banks, as well as 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 every year, 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 non-Dutch students staying in the Netherlands for more than four months must register with their local municipality. For those living in Wageningen, the municipality will visit our campus on the following dates:

• Thursday 14 August
• Friday 22 August
• Monday 25 to Friday 29 August

As of August 1 you may expect an e-mail via Osiris containing information on how to book a time slot for registration.

• Important: We recommend registering on campus via our booking system rather than through the municipality website. On-campus registration gives you your BSN (Citizen Service Number) immediately, while registering in the city centre may take several weeks.

Once you have registered with your municipality, you will receive your BSN (Citizen Service Number). Please note that your BSN number is not the same as your residence permit. See step 8 for information about residence permits. You need to complete both steps.

Municipality Ede
If you live in Bennekom or Ede, you can make an appointment with the municipality of Ede via the Appointment Ede. The address is Raadhuisplein 3, Ede.

After you have 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 and healthcare institutions. For example, making an appointment with a GP or with the GGD vaccination centre.

Visit the website for more information on how to apply for Digid.

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 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.

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"

Once you have met all registration requirements and your enrolment has been processed by the Student Service Centre (SSC), you can download your proof of enrolment letter via your personal Osiris page.

As a Wageningen University student, you’ll receive a WUR card. This card includes your photo and personal data, and gives you access to various services.

The WURcard has the following functions:

• Student ID
• Library access
• Entry to WUR buildings
• Access to sports facilities at Sports Centre De Bongerd (with a valid subscription)
• E-wallet payment

You will receive your WURcard only once, and it remains valid throughout your studies at Wageningen University.

How will I receive my WURcard?

Students with a Dutch address (as listed in Studielink): Your card will be posted to you before the start of the academic year on Sept 1st 2025.

Students without a Dutch address: You’ll receive an email with instructions on when and where to collect your card from the Student Desk in the FORUM building upon presentation of a valid ID.

If you upload your photo after the start of the academic year, you’ll need to pick up your WURcard at the Student Desk. The Student Desk is open Monday to Friday, 10:00–14:30h.

More information can be found here.

General Practitioner (huisarts)

In the Netherlands, your General Practitioner (GP)—huisarts in Dutch—is your first point of contact for all medical matters. GPs handle general health concerns, treat common non-surgical issues, prescribe medication, and refer you to specialists or other services (e.g. hospitals or midwifery) if needed.

Registering with a GP

You should register with a local GP soon after arriving in the Netherlands. You’re free to choose one yourself (check this website), but it’s important to feel comfortable with them, as switching GPs later is uncommon. Some practices may be full, so it's good to check availability.

The Student Medical Center on campus (not part of the university) accepts new patients and is experienced with student-related health issues.

Visiting your GP

If you're feeling unwell or need general health advice, always call your GP first. A medical assistant will take your details and arrange an appointment if needed.

Healthcare Hub - for information & prevention

The Dutch healthcare system is excellent, though it may differ from what you're used to at home. Professional nurses at the Healthcare Hub - on campus - answer your questions and guide you to the right care. Check Healthcarehub.nl voor more info.

If you’re staying in the Netherlands for a longer period, it’s a good idea to register with a local dentist (tandarts). Wageningen has several dental practices you can choose from.

Insurance tip: Dental care is not always included in standard health insurance, so check with your provider. If you’re insured with AON, you can find details on their website.

Dentist in Wageningen

You can search by location, postcode, or name on this website. There’s also a Dutch quality register for dentists (KRT), which includes several practices in Wageningen.

In this student blog you can read more about applying for rent subsidy in The Netherlands.

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.

TIP: Always carry your ID with you 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.

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

More information can be found here.

Student life is fun and inspiring, but can also cause stress. Do you need help, support or advice? There are people at WUR who can help you. Your study adviser is your first point of contact, and you can seek help from the student psychologist or life coach for example. Also, you can follow training courses and workshops free of charge. Go to wur.eu/studentguidance for more information.

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 on the website of the Student Service Centre.

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?

Would you like to understand supermarket labels, ask for help in shops, chat with your neighbours, or get to know Dutch culture—both in and outside university life? Then Social Dutch courses of Wageningen in’to Languages are perfect for you!

Where can I find my study advisor?

You can find your study advisor in the Who, What, WUR booklet.