Netherlands
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fietsen (cycling)
a guide by Chiamaka🎀 (Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands) When you hear ‘Amsterdam’ what first comes to mind? I think of cycling (fietsen in Dutch). Everybody cycles here – it’s the most convenient and cost effective option to move around the city. Wheelchair users even have modified options ! So this blog is going to breakdown everything you need to know about bikes and cycling in the city (and the whole country, I guess). 1 why cycle?Depending on where you live in comparison to your uni (UvA is in the centre, VU is in Zuid (south)) you probably can’t walk. I personally live a 1h+ walk from UvA –…
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From Amsterdam to Dunkirk with a bike and a backpack
Written by Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands My exchange in Amsterdam ended at the start of August, and if there’s one thing I’ve spent my year doing, it’s cycling. Wondering just how good I’d gotten on a bike by now, I carved out a few days and planned a 4-day route from Amsterdam to Dunkirk entirely by bike. My student loans had mysteriously ushered themselves from my bank account by this point, so I eschewed hostels and instead planned to stay at free campsites along the way. It all seemed easy enough: 5-6 hours of cycling a day, three nights camping, and take the ferry over the Channel.…
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Last days in Amsterdam
By Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands After a year, it’s hard to say goodbye to this city. It was hard to make the choice to spend a full two semesters abroad, and nerve-wracking coming here and settling in to a whole new country. But now, ten months later, I can’t have asked for a better way to spend my year. I decided that for my last few weeks properly living in Amsterdam, before I embarked on a cross-Europe (+ Morocco) summer trip, I wanted to pack in a little of everything that made these months so special to me. Fortunately, the University of Amsterdam’s academic block system meant…
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Amsterdam: Beyond University
By Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands It’s nice to earnestly say that my exchange year in Amsterdam has been one of the most fulfilling and formative experiences of my life. I approached the year with both excitement and scepticism, not sure if it would be as life-altering and meaningful as I hoped it would. Seven months in, I wouldn’t have wanted to do anything else with my time. The university itself has, of course, had an impact. UvA’s courses are varied and detailed, and my particular exchange programme has allowed me to go in-depth on topics such as alienation, free speech, and Machiavellianism, ideas that may be covered…
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Three short moments from Amsterdam
By Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands The moon hung full and low and serene over Gaasperplas, the mile-long lake lying a short stroll from my Biljmer apartment. I was walking with a friend whose eyes seemed hand shaped to reflect moonlight back into mine. Our night had taken us halfway around the lake, stopping occasionally to watch small waves lap against the handful of shores and beaches scattered along the waterfront.
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A Trip to Berlin
By Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands The travel options during a year abroad in Europe are practically unlimited. The density and variety of cultures just outside your door practically beg to be explored, and no exchange would be compete without at least a little extra travelling. Over January, me and some of the friends I’ve made in Amsterdam were lucky enough to get a chance to visit Berlin.
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Settling In
By Will Fisher, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Believe it or not, moving to a different country can be tricky. Aside from the immigration concerns, housing issues, university work, and the rest of the practical concerns (all of which warrant their own blog post), just finding yourself can take time in a completely new environment. My experience with this is still ongoing, but after a term of living in Amsterdam, I’ve settled into more of a groove, and feel able to properly assess my time so far.
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Budget-Friendly Entertainment in Amsterdam: Jazz, Cinema, Storytelling, and Affordable Meals
By Augusta Arron, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands Being a student in Amsterdam is all about exploring its rich cultural opportunities and entertainment, and it goes far beyond its well-known bar and nightlife scene. For students looking for unique experiences that won’t break the bank, I am offering a guide to discover activities which can be just as fun, including jazz, cinema, storytelling, and food.
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(Cold water) Swimming in Amsterdam
By Augusta Arron, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands Dive into the authentic Dutch experience Amsterdam is known for it charming canals and vibrant city life, so of course, with time, locals have found a way to blend the two. Swimming allows you to experience the convenience of the city while enjoying its natural beauty, while also socialising and getting some exercise. These swimming spots offer a refreshing escape from student life and let you explore the city from a local’s view point.
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Borrels, Canal Swims and social spaces – Exploring Amsterdam through my google maps of saved gems
By Hannah Castenskiold, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Netherlands I have found it so useful creating google maps folders like this for different cities that I’ve lived in. Especially when friends come and visit, or even when I am visiting new cities, I save places so that I can remember them for the future. Having friends and family come visit is definitely one of the perks about choosing Amsterdam for your year abroad, and has given me extra excuses to do the ‘touristy’ things or take them to these special places around the city. So, I thought it would be useful for any future visitors or future year abroad-ers, to collate all…
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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.
