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A tourists guide to Amsterdam
By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Becoming a hostess with the mostess is a rite of passage when doing a year abroad, especially when you’re just an hour flight away from home. Throughout my year in Amsterdam, I’ve had many friends and family come to visit! It’s always fun to become a tour guide, as it allows you to see the city in a different light and explore places you wouldn’t normally. However, initially, due to the wealth of activities available in Amsterdam, I found it a bit daunting trying to decide what to do and where to show people. Here is a list of all my favourite touristy…
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A hidden perk of doing a year abroad
By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands One of the hidden perks of international study is getting to visit fellow year-abroaders. It means you have free accommodation and a knowledgeable tour guide for a weekend away! After eight months apart, Emily and I decided it was about time we visited each other in our respective cities. Emily is currently studying French in Lyon, while I’m doing geography in Amsterdam.
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A guide to Amsterdam in the Summer
By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Given that good weather is such a rarity in Amsterdam, it can be tough to know what to do when the sun finally arrives. After our recent heatwave, I thought it might be useful to compile a guide to the best spots to visit when it’s hot!
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Embracing Life in Amsterdam: Tips for Settling In
By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Moving abroad can be daunting! While I now feel completely integrated into the Amsterdam lifestyle, it took some time before I felt adjusted into my new flat and routine. Here are some tips for settling in during your first few weeks: 1. Embrace the new way of life I think getting a bike is essential for feeling at home in Amsterdam. It gives you so much freedom and is the fastest way to get about! I got my bike, Ranger, for 80 euros from Waterlooplein market. And while we have had some tough moments, including 4 punctures and a broken brake, she has…
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Sampling the four pillars of Bruge
By Rose Vollum, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands After a tough week of in-person exams, two friends and I decided we deserved a holiday. So, the following Monday, we met up at Kiriteron (our local café) to get planning. After a couple of hot chocolates and much deliberating we settled on Bruge, a small city in Belgium, known for its medieval architecture and delicious food.













