Five Things I learned really quickly as an Exchange Student in Amsterdam
Noemie
A double degree in a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and a Bachelor of International Relations
2024 Semester 2, Exchange at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Coming to Amsterdam for my semester abroad, I expected a lot: beautiful canals, exciting nightlife, and a taste of independence in a foreign city. What I didn’t fully anticipate were the quirks and daily realities of living here as a student. If you’re planning an exchange in Amsterdam or just curious about student life here, these are five things I learned very quickly.
1. Get a Raincoat – Seriously
If there’s one piece of advice I can pass on to anyone studying in Amsterdam, it’s this: invest in a good raincoat! Amsterdam weather loves to keep you guessing. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, you’re caught in a storm on your way to class. I learned the hard way that umbrellas aren’t very practical here, especially when you’re on a bike (more on that in a bit). A waterproof raincoat with a hood quickly became my best friend.
2. Get a Bike – and Learn the Rules of the Road
Getting around Amsterdam as a student basically means one thing: biking. The city’s infrastructure is built for it, and you’ll quickly find that owning a bike is cheaper and easier than public transportation. It’s especially useful after nights out in the city when the public transportation has stopped for the day. At first, cycling through the narrow streets and busy intersections was nerve-wracking, especially since Dutch cyclists can be… scary. But once you get used to it, biking becomes second nature, and even makes your day better. Just remember: stick to the bike lanes, use hand signals, and brace yourself for the occasional drizzle that turns into a downpour within seconds!
3. WhatsApp Is Your Social Lifeline
Back home, I used a mix of messaging apps to stay connected with friends and family, but here, everything revolves around WhatsApp because of the such high volume of international students. From group projects to spontaneous outings with new friends, everyone communicates on WhatsApp. Sometimes professors even use it for exams! If you’re not already on it, download it before you get here – it’ll save you a lot of time and keep you in the loop for everything from study groups to weekend trips.
4. Make an Effort to Learn Dutch
I came to Amsterdam thinking that I could get by with just English, and it’s true – most people here speak fantastic English. However, I found that making an effort to learn some Dutch goes a long way. Even a few basic phrases like “dank je wel" (thank you) and "alsjeblieft" (please) can make interactions friendlier. Plus, it feels great to be able to order a coffee or ask for directions in the local language. Dutch classes for beginners are widely available, and some universities even offer free language courses for exchange students, so take advantage if you can!
5. Second-Hand Shopping is Everywhere, so don’t pack your suitcase too much.
One of the most unexpected and fun discoveries I made here is Amsterdam’s love for second-hand markets and thrift stores. There are so many places to score unique and affordable finds! The IJ-Hallen flea market, one of the largest in Europe, is a treasure trove of vintage clothes, retro furniture, and quirky accessories – it’s an experience in itself. For everyday thrifting, stores like Episode and Kiloshop are packed with unique fashion pieces, often at student-friendly prices. Shopping second-hand not only fits into the city’s eco-friendly vibe but also lets you try get on the fashion level of the Amsterdam locals (I’ve never seen a casually dressed person out, not even at the grocery store).
Reflecting on my semester abroad in Amsterdam, I realise how much I’ve learned outside of the classroom. Adjusting to Amsterdam’s quirks and rhythms has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace spontaneity, and make the most of this short but impactful journey. For anyone considering coming here on exchange, run don’t walk to putting this as your top preference.