Study abroad in Amsterdam
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Amsterdam.
Country
NetherlandsStudent Budget
EUR 1,250 – 2,000/month
Transport Card
Bike first; GVB monthly or NS discount if you commute from Diemen, Zaandam, Haarlem, or Utrecht.
Population
Approx. 920k city / 2.5M metro
City Vibe
The Netherlands' biggest international student magnet: beautiful, intense, English-friendly, expensive, and only worth it if you solve housing early.
Who loves this city?
Students who want a very international city, strong English use, culture, nightlife, startups, museums, and an easy landing into Dutch life.
What makes it special
Amsterdam gives exchange students a dense international network and a city that is small enough to bike but globally connected.
Newcomer shocks
- Housing is not a small admin task; it is the main challenge.
- The center can feel more tourist than student, especially near canals and Red Light District routes.
- Dutch directness shows up in class feedback, flatmate chats, and rental emails.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 1°C | Rain and drizzle | 8h daylight; grey and wet |
| February | 6°C / 1°C | Rain, occasional sleet | Canal ice rare but possible |
| March | 9°C / 3°C | Showers | Tulip season begins; cool winds |
| April | 13°C / 6°C | Showers | Keukenhof open; still need jacket |
| May | 17°C / 9°C | Occasional showers | Pleasant; light layers |
| June | 20°C / 12°C | Mostly dry | Long evenings; terrace season |
| July | 22°C / 14°C | Occasional showers | Peak tourist month; book ahead |
| August | 22°C / 14°C | Some rain | Warm; sunscreen + compact rain jacket |
| September | 18°C / 11°C | Rain picks up | Quieter crowds; bring layers |
| October | 13°C / 7°C | Frequent rain | Waterproof jacket essential |
| November | 9°C / 4°C | Grey and rainy | Dark and wet; reflective cycling gear |
| December | 6°C / 2°C | Rain, possible frost | Festive markets; warmest coat |
Cold rain and wind matter more than snow. A waterproof jacket and reliable bike lights are not optional.
Packing checklist
- Waterproof jacket always
- Bike lock + cycling poncho
- Layers for variable spring
- Sunscreen and hat July–Aug
- Warm boots November–February
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
80.8 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | EUR 650 – 1,100/month | Rooms below market get hundreds of replies. Treat very cheap central listings as suspicious. |
| Groceries | EUR 220 – 360/month | Lidl, Dirk, and market shopping beat central Albert Heijn prices. |
| Transport | EUR 20 – 90/month | Cycling can make daily transport very cheap; train commutes change the budget quickly. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Diemen
Varies by street, room type, and season.UvA or VU students who need a realistic room and can commute.. Commute: Good train/metro/tram links
Amstelveen / Uilenstede
Varies by street, room type, and season.VU students and anyone prioritising student housing over central romance.. Commute: Strong for VU, longer to UvA city campuses
Oost
Varies by street, room type, and season.UvA students, parks, cafes, and a less touristy daily rhythm.. Commute: Good bike/tram/metro access
Noord
Varies by street, room type, and season.More space and creative areas if you accept ferry/metro routines.. Commute: Metro/ferry dependent
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Safety
Safety Index
70.2 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
29.8 / 100
Low crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Generally safe, but pickpocketing around Centraal, Damrak, Leidseplein, and tourist nightlife is common. Bike theft is the everyday risk.
Top risks
- Bike theft
- Pickpocketing in tourist areas
- Housing scams
Transport
🚇 GVB (tram, bus, metro)
Exchange students do NOT get the free OV-Studentenkaart — that is for Dutch nationals. Buy GVB month €100 or take the bike route. Anonymous OV-chipkaart works on all transit.
NOT for exchange students; Dutch nationals only
🚲 Bike (own)
Amsterdam runs on bikes. Get one in week one from Marktplaats or a second-hand shop (NOT from a guy on the street — likely stolen). Lock with TWO locks, one through frame to a fixed object.
N/A
🚶 Walking
Central canal belt is fully walkable. Watch for trams (they are silent and FAST) and bike lanes (cyclists do not slow down).
Events & Activities
King's Day
April 27
Mostly free
The city turns into one giant orange street party.
Amsterdam Dance Event
October
Free to premium
Electronic music, talks, parties, and citywide energy.
Museum evenings
Year-round
Low to mid-cost
Good winter social plan beyond bars.
Vondelpark Open Air Theatre
May – August
Free
Free outdoor concerts, comedy and theatre in the city's most beloved park — perfect summer evening
Albert Cuyp Market
Mon–Sat
Free
Biggest outdoor street market in the Netherlands — cheap stroopwafels, fresh herring, vintage clothing; a lively daily ritual in De Pijp.
Heineken Experience & Jordaan canal walk
Year-round
€21
Interactive brewery museum in the original 1867 factory, then stroll Amsterdam's most photogenic canal neighbourhood with 17th-century merchant houses.
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
ISIC (International Student Identity Card) Discounts
Get international student discounts at main museums, galleries, cultural sites, and tourist attractions.
VisitLocal Museum Youth/Student Days
Many national and municipal museums offer free or highly discounted entry for students and young residents under 26.
VisitFood Savings
The OV-chipkaart is the national transit card. Students registered at Dutch universities can apply for the Student Travel Product (Studentenreisproduct) for free or discounted travel. Fares & passes
Universities
University of Amsterdam
A broad, research-heavy Amsterdam exchange option with strong social sciences, humanities, business, law, communication, and a very international classroom culture.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
A campus-based Amsterdam exchange option with strong business, psychology, sciences, health, and social-science routes, plus easier daily structure than scattered central campuses.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 4
Public Groups 3
ESN Amsterdam
Main Erasmus and exchange student social network.
ISN Amsterdam
International Student Network with events and practical onboarding.
Amsterdam Language Exchange
Useful public social layer beyond only university groups.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: r/Amsterdam
Useful for housing realism and neighborhood checks; read rules before posting.