Netherlands – manchester: on the road

Why you shouldn’t romanticise your perfect dutch home in Amsterdam

November 13, 2023 augustaarronLeave a comment

By Augusta Arron, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands

As many know navigating the housing market as a student in Amsterdam right now is a little stressful to say the least. While everyone I know from Manchester has faced no problem with it at all, getting a place through UvA’s limited accommodation lottery system, I made a very silly mistake in the process which in sum left me basically homeless. In this blog I’ll run you through how this happened and offer some tips you don’t follow in my mindless footsteps.

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Sampling the four pillars of Bruge

November 10, 2023November 9, 2023 rosevollumLeave a comment

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.

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How does UVA differ from UOM?

September 21, 2023September 18, 2023 mollyjanehaywardLeave a comment

by Molly Hayward, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Having done a year studying Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, and two years studying Geography at University of Manchester these are just five overall differences I noticed in university teaching style.

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Nice places to eat in Amsterdam

September 20, 2023September 18, 2023 mollyjanehaywardLeave a comment

by Molly Hayward, the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to the gastronomic wonderland that is Amsterdam. Nestled along picturesque canals and charming cobblestone streets, this city is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for food enthusiasts. From quaint cafes serving buttery stroopwafels to trendy eateries offering innovative fusion cuisine, Amsterdam has something to tantalize every palate. In this blog, I will guide you to the hidden gems and well-known favourites that make Amsterdam a true food lover’s haven.

Join us as we meander through the city’s historic neighbourhoods, discovering the stories and flavours that make each dining spot unique. From traditional Dutch dishes like bitterballen and poffertjes to international delights from every corner of the globe, Amsterdam’s dining scene is as diverse as its residents. Get ready to indulge your senses and ignite your taste buds as we uncover the best places to eat in Amsterdam, one delectable bite at a time.

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Is the MuseumKaart worth it?

September 9, 2023September 6, 2023 mollyjanehaywardLeave a comment

By Molly Hayward, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam can be a very expensive city so any ways to save money are always welcome. I decided at the beginning of the year to buy the MuseumKaart for 64.90 Euros. In this post I will outline some of the galleries it covers in Amsterdam and how much money was saved.

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A guide to your year abroad and academic development in the ‘Dam

July 23, 2023July 20, 2023 niaclarke10Leave a comment

by Nia Clarke, Universiteit van Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Sat round the dinner table with my Manchester-Amsterdam friends, we do a quickfire round of advice to prospective students. This is a mixture of personal reflections and academic insights that I have collated and hope they are valuable to somebody.

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Reflections on Amsterdam

July 4, 2023 hannahcartermooreLeave a comment

By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Two days ago I moved back to the UK. There’s a lot to process so please do get comfy and indulge in the sentimentality with me for a sec. It honestly feels like last week since I made the move to Amsterdam in the first place. To put it in just a few words, it’s been a transformative year.

The process of moving to a new country, nurturing new friendships and finding my feet as an outsider-turned-local seemed intimidating at first but has turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. There’s something about being dropped into a totally different environment – new culture, new language, new people – that fast-tracks your confidence and resilience as an individual. It’s seen me grow hugely as both a person and student. If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone at university, it would be to study abroad, even if just for a semester.

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Academics in Amsterdam: My Experience of Studying at UvA

June 29, 2023June 29, 2023 hannahcartermooreLeave a comment

By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Now that I’ve finished my year in Amsterdam it feels like a good time to recap what uni has been like at UvA compared to UoM. If you’re considering studying in Amsterdam for your exchange, these might be some things you’d like to consider. Pros, cons, and everything in between!

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Reclaiming the city (Amsterdam and beyond)

June 15, 2023 niaclarke10Leave a comment

by Nia Clarke, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Last night I went to a talk with a friend in Pakhuis de Zwijer on reclaiming the city. This made me reflect that design is political. Amsterdam has some fantastic urban design, but much to improve.

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Lovely things lately in Amsterdam (summer’s a-coming)

May 27, 2023May 26, 2023 hannahcartermooreLeave a comment

By Hannah Carter-Moore, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

While your year abroad certainly brings both its ups and downs, time in Amsterdam lately has been filled with those moments of god I love my life. The weeks connecting April to May are a pretty unparalleled time for UvA students as, bar Christmas, it’s the only time you get an official break. Writing this post was so nice for me as it’s put some of my highlights in one place, and will maybe also offer some things to look forward to if Amsterdam is your study abroad destination.