Information and tips for international and Erasmus students in Alkmaar
Erasmus in Alkmaar
| Apartments Alkmaar | 2 | 3000/month |
If doing an Erasmus in Alkmaar is a possibility for you, in this article we’ll tell you what the experience in this Dutch city would be like!
Located in the northeastern region of the Netherlands, this city’s the perfect destination for international students that are looking for a calm and cultural experience. Alkmaar is known for its canals, its old town and its cheese, which makes it a city with a lot of history and charm. Also, it’s well connected to Amsterdam, making it easy to travel to that beautiful city whenever you want (you can arrive from one city to another in little more than half an hour by train!).
Alkmaar is home to the Inholland University of Applied Sciences, where both Dutch and international students study. This creates a diverse and friendly university environment. Also, the cost of living is lower than in cities like Amsterdam which allows you to enjoy the Netherlands without wasting too much money.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make your Erasmus in Alkmaar unforgettable. Let's get started!
Cost of living in Alkmaar, Netherlands
The cost of living in Alkmaar is affordable compared to larger cities in the Netherlands.
Accommodation: single bedrooms in shared flats usually cost from €450 per month including expenses such as water and electricity.
Transport: the best way to move around Alkmaar is by bicycle. Buying a second hand one, which costs about €50, is the favourite option for students, since buying a new one costs about €200. If you prefer public transportation, a bus ticket costs €1 with the OV-chipkaart. This card can be used to travel throughout the country; simply top it up with money.
Food: shopping in supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo or Lidl costs between €150 and €200 per month. Eating out is also affordable: a set menu in local restaurants costs between €10 and €15.
As a student, you can live with a budget of between €900 and €1000 monthly, including accommodation, food, transport, and leisure.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Alkmaar
Alkmaar isn’t a city with a very active nightlife, but it does have bars and pubs where students often gather. Some popular places are Proeflokaal De Boom, a museum bar in a former brewery, or Gunnery's Irish Pub, a typical Irish pub.
For a livelier nightlife, many students travel to Amsterdam, which is less than 40 minutes away by train and offers a wide variety of nightclubs and bars. Other students decide to throw parties in flats or halls of residence.
If you're looking for more peaceful activities, you can take a stroll along the canals, have a picnic in Alkmaarderhout Park, or visit the famous cheese market, which is held every Friday in Waagplein Square.
Culture and gastronomy in Alkmaar, Netherlands
Alkmaar is a charming Dutch city. It offers unique experiences such as the Cheese Market (Kaasmarkt) in Waagplein and the Cheese Museum (Hollands Kaasmuseum) in the weigh house, which immerse you in the cheese-making tradition; the Church of St. Lawrence (Grote Sint-Laurenskerk), with its strong Gothic influence, alongside the iconic windmills, reveal the city's rich history; the Museum Stedelijk (Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar) shows the evolution of the city, and the Canal Walk (Kanaalkade) is a good option for strolling among traditional architecture.
The local gastronomy’s also a strong point of this city and the country. Some typical dishes you can try are:
- “Stroopwafels”: thin biscuits filled with caramel, perfect with coffee.
- “Haring”: raw herring with onions and gherkins, a very popular fast food.
- “Kaas”: Dutch cheese in different varieties such as Gouda or Edam, ideal for snacking.
- “Bitterballen”: meat-filled croquettes, ideal to accompany with a beer.
To enjoy these dishes, you can visit restaurants and bars such as Snackbar-eetcafé Dikke Truus, Snackbar "Danny" V.O.F., Snackhouse LOBO, or Vlaamse Hoek.
Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus Alkmaar
The experience in this Dutch city has pros and cons that are worth knowing about.
Advantages
- The city’s quiet and safe, ideal for concentrating on your studies.
- The cost of living is lower than in Amsterdam, allowing you to save money or invest it in other activities and travel.
- It’s a city with many green areas and canals, perfect for walking or playing sports.
- The transport system is efficient and makes it easy to travel to other cities. You can also use a bicycle to get around Alkmaar!
- If Dutch isn’t your main language, living in Alkmaar allows you to improve your English, as most people speak it.
Disadvantages
- The weather’s rainy and windy in winter, so you need to be prepared.
- There are few nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Finding a place to live can be quite a complicated task, due to the shortage of accommodation throughout the Netherlands.
Cheap student accommodation in Alkmaar, Netherlands
Do you need accommodation in Alkmaar and don't know how to find it? At Erasmus Play, you can find the best flats, rooms, and student residences in Alkmaar.
FAQ about doing Erasmus in Alkmaar
How much does it cost to live in Alkmaar as a student?
The cost of living is between €900 and €1,000 per month, including accommodation, food, transport and leisure activities. It’s cheaper than in Amsterdam.
What’s student life like in Alkmaar?
It’s quiet and pleasant, with many green areas. In addition, students often travel to Amsterdam on weekends for leisure and parties, due to its proximity to Alkmaar.
How much does student accommodation cost in Alkmaar?
Prices for single rooms in shared accommodation vary, but are generally between €450 and €600 per month. This price range usually includes basic expenses such as water and electricity consumption.
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Alkmaar?
It depends on the country of origin and the university. It’s advisable to check with the institution of origin to find out the exact amount.
What’s transport like in Alkmaar for students?
The best option is a bicycle, and many students choose to buy a second-hand one when they arrive in the city to use during their stay. There are also city buses, with journeys starting at €1 with the OV-chipkaart, a card that allows you to travel throughout the country.
