Information and tips for Erasmus students in Amsterdam
Erasmus in Amsterdam
| Private rooms Amsterdam | 105 | 1320/month |
| Studios Amsterdam | 5 | 1905/month |
| Apartments Amsterdam | 203 | 3628/month |
Do you want to live a great experience? In one of Europe's most iconic cities? Do your Erasmus in Amsterdam!
The capital of the Netherlands is one of the favorite destinations for Erasmus students. With its characteristic canals, its international atmosphere and the prestigious University of Amsterdam (Universiteit van Amsterdam), this city offers an ideal combination of culture, academic life and leisure.
In addition to its fame for its nightlife and the freedom that permeates its streets, Amsterdam is also a cultural epicentre with a large number of museums, festivals, and academic events.
While the weather may be rainy in some months, the city always has something to offer, whether indoors or outdoors.
Let's learn more about Amsterdam and what it offers Erasmus students!
Cost of living in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Living in this Dutch city can be expensive, so it’s important to plan your budget well.
The accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students. A room in a shared apartment costs approximately between 650-1200 € per month, depending on the area. University residences, on the other hand, have prices that vary between 700-800 € monthly, but demand is high and it’s necessary to request them in advance.
Transportation is another expense to consider. The best option for students is the bicycle, the most used and most famous means of transportation in the city. However, if you prefer public transportation, the “OV-chipkaart” is the main card in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, and costs 7,50 €.
In total, including accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment, an Erasmus student in Amsterdam spends approximately €975-1500 per month.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Amsterdam
If you've already seen some information about Amsterdam and have searched for places where you can party, you've probably heard of the Red Light District, right? This area’s very popular. In it, you’ll find bars and pubs of many styles. Also, in this part of the city there are a large number of the well-known "coffee shops", where you can have a drink with your friends.
If you feel like going out to a nightclub, the best areas are Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Some places we recommend are Club Prime or Escape. The prices of the drinks inside nightclubs are very expensive, so most students have a drink with their friends before heading in, making the night out more affordable!
If you prefer quieter plans, the city offers many options. You can take a boat ride through the canals, have a picnic in the Vondelpark or tour the Albert Cuyp market to try local food.
Culture and gastronomy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
The streets of Amsterdam are full of art and culture. The city has a lot of fascinating museums, like Anne Frank’s House (Anne Frank Huis), the Van Gogh Museum and the National Museum of Amsterdam (Rijksmuseum). There are actually more than 50 museums in this city, in addition to other exhibitions, theatres, live music, and festivals.
For lovers of architecture and history, touring the neighbourhood of Jordaan and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam) is an excellent option.
Another way to get to know the city, its traditions and culture a little better is by tasting the most typical dishes of its cuisine. Dutch cuisine offers a wide variety of options, among which we can mention the "bitterballen" (a kind of fried meatballs served with mustard), the "stroopwafel" (caramel waffle cookies), the "broodje haring" (made with raw herring) or the "poffertjes" (some very typical sweets). These are some among many other dishes that you have to try!
The most popular dining places among students are Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx, Mr.Tom Snackbar, or FEBO Amsterdam.
Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Amsterdam
Discover the pros and cons of doing an Erasmus in the Dutch city and decide if it's the ideal city for you.
Advantages
- Living in Amsterdam means living in a city with people from all over the world, with a lot of diversity and culture.
- The large amount of museums and cultural activities in this city will allow you to discover it while enjoying incredible experiences.
- If you’d like to learn a little Dutch, what better time than when you live in a country where it’s spoken daily! And you’ll also be able to practice your English with other international students.
- The academic level of its universities is very high and offers a wide variety of programmes in English.
- Another advantage is the quality of life. Amsterdam is a safe city, with excellent public transportation and plenty of leisure and cultural options.
- Its compact size allows you to get around easily by bike, saving money on transportation.
- If you like nature, the city has numerous parks and green areas.
- Thanks to its location, travelling to other European cities is very easy and economical.
Disadvantages
- The main drawback of living in Amsterdam is its high cost of living.
- The accommodation can be difficult to find and quite expensive, which forces students to search in advance.
- Another aspect to consider is the weather in winter. The days are short and rainy, which can affect your mood if you're not used to this type of weather.
- Although the leisure offer is varied, some activities can be expensive, so it's important to look for student discounts and plan your budget well.
Cheap student accommodation in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Do you need accommodation in Amsterdam and don't know how to get it? At Erasmus Play you can find the best offers in apartments, rooms and student residences in Amsterdam. All accommodations are verified, so you can book them easily from our platform.
FAQ about an Erasmus in Amsterdam
How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam as a student?
A student can expect to spend around 975-1,500€ per month in Amsterdam. The biggest expense is rent, so it's best to start looking early to find good deals.
What’s student life like in Amsterdam?
It's a city filled with young people from all over the world. A wide variety of cultures coexist there, and the student atmosphere is very lively, thanks to the city's numerous events and festivals.
How much does student accommodation cost in Amsterdam?
You can find rooms in shared apartments for prices between €650 and €1200 per month, although this may vary depending on the location or type of accommodation. University residences have prices ranging from 700€ to 800€ per month, but demand is high and it’s necessary to book in advance.
How much is the Erasmus grant to study in Amsterdam?
The Erasmus scholarship varies depending on the country that offers it to its students. For the exact information applicable to you, we recommend consulting the international relations office at your home university.
What are the best areas to live in Amsterdam as a student?
The most central areas tend to be the most expensive, but don't worry, you can easily get anywhere by bike. Most students stay in the areas close to their university, including neighbourhoods like Amsterdam-Oost, De Wallen, Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, Grachtengordel, Leidseplein, and Jordaan.
