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Preparing to study

Preparing to study

Before the study period

There are a number of preparations you must make before you arrive in the Netherlands. Of course we expect you to read about the Netherlands (especially the pages on this website) and to prepare yourself for the cultural differences that you will experience. Besides making sure you can afford a study period in the Netherlands, you also have to think of some other issues. A check list is mentioned below:

Before acceptance at Tio

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Have you looked at information about the Netherlands and are you aware what you can expect of the city / area you will live in?

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Have you looked at the study options and have you discussed whether a study period at Tio will be accepted with your home university contact person?

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Have you made sure you understand the conditions of housing at Tio?

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Did you fill in, sign and send the application form to Tio before the deadline?

After acceptance at Tio

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Have you found housing in the Netherlands?

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Have you prepared all the documents needed for entering the Netherlands (visa)?

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Are you properly insured for health, dental expenses and liability? (You will need to bring proof in English to Tio after arrival)

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Do you have sufficient financial means for your stay in the Netherlands? It depends on your spending habits, but in general we can say a month in the Netherlands (including all expenses) will cost approximately € 800

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Do you have a recent (copy of your) birth certificate needed for registration at city hall and for opening a bank account?

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Have you checked whether or not your (household) appliances can be used (different voltage and sockets)?

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Have you informed your current landlord/landlady of your departure?

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Have you informed all the necessary organisations of your temporary stay abroad by sending a change of address notice?

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Have you made sure your identification papers are valid at least 6 months after the final date of the study semester?

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Did you consider buying a student discount card? (Check if Dutch organisations and shops accept this card for discounts before buying it. You can also check http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm)

Just before departure to the Netherlands

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Have you informed your new landlord/landlady of your arrival and arranged hand-over of the keys?

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Do you have phone numbers of certain contacts in case you are delayed and cannot arrive at the agreed time?

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Did you inform the contact person at Tio of your arrival date?

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If you arrive during the weekend, please remember that shops close on Saturday afternoon at 18.00 hours and are closed on Sundays and Monday mornings!

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Have you left your contact details for your stay in the Netherlands with those who might need them (family, friends)?

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Have you confirmed your travel arrangements?

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Do you have all the necessary documents from your home university (such as confirmation of stay form) that you need to bring to Tio?

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Have you looked into the means of transport to accommodation and the costs? Do you have some local currency (euros) to hand?

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Do you have a list of useful phone numbers in your wallet in case anything goes wrong upon arrival in the Netherlands and you need to get in touch with Tio, your housing agency, the police, medical services and so on?

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Have you looked at information about social activities or organisations for leisure activities?

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Do you know where and how you can get cash (We have plenty of cash machines, but will your bank card work in Dutch machines? Is it useful to bring a credit card?)

During the study period

 

Just after arrival in the Netherlands

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Have you informed the people at home that you have arrived safely?

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Have you contacted immigration if you are a visa student to announce your arrival and apply for a residence permit?

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Have you registered at city hall if you are a EU/EEA or designated country resident?

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Have you already obtained a Dutch mobile phone number and informed Tio and your home university of the new number?

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Have you asked your fellow students about discount supermarkets, sports clubs, activities and other important information?

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Did you consider buying a discount card for the train?

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Did you consider opening a bank account? (ABN AMRO accepts students who will stay for only one semester)


Just before departure to home

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Have you informed your housing agent of your departure?

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Have you made sure you have paid all bills?

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Have you handed in all reports/essays/assignments?

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Have you cancelled your bank account in the Netherlands?

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Have you cancelled any subscriptions you may have had (for Internet, phone, gas/electricity and so on)?

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Have you made sure all the necessary documents that you need to take home to your university are signed by Tio?

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Have you informed Tio of your departure date?

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Have you had an evaluation interview at Tio about the study period?

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Have you notified city hall and/or immigration of your departure?

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Have you confirmed your travel arrangements?

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Have you returned all borrowed items (books from library, friends, DVDs and so on)?

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Have you bought some souvenirs for back home?

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Have you exchanged (email) addresses with those with whom you would like to remain in touch?