While Eindhoven might not initially catch your eye, your exchange will surely be unforgettable, especially if you share an apartment with roommates. You’ll enjoy a rich cultural environment with both Dutch and international students.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Eindhoven
Here are some pros and cons of living in shared flats in this Dutch city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Eindhoven
- If one of your flatmates is from Eindhoven, they might seem a bit reserved at first. However, once they warm up to you, you'll find they are friendly and love sharing their culture.
- Many apartments are in buildings or student residences with amenities like gyms, laundry facilities, and even free bicycles.
- You can find shared apartments in popular student areas like Centrum, Oud-Woensel, Villapark, and Binnenstad.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Eindhoven
- Some apartments might not come fully furnished, so you might need to spend extra to buy the essentials.
- If the basic rules (regarding visits, smoking, noise, etc.) aren’t clear, it can lead to frequent discussions and conflicts.
Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Eindhoven
Erasmus+ apps make planning your exchange much simpler, offering relevant information from universities and other organisations, as well as tips from students. For example, Eindhoven airport has several low-cost routes to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe, so make sure to explore as much as you can!
How to meet people in Eindhoven
In addition to befriending your flatmates, here are some great ways to meet new people in Eindhoven:
Student associations in Eindhoven
At the Technical University of Eindhoven (TU/e), you can join a variety of student communities and associations in diverse fields. Whether you're into music, theatre, photography, or sports like rugby, badminton, handball, table tennis, rowing, and golf, there’s something for everyone!
Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Eindhoven
Most Facebook groups for international students are organised by academic year. Join the group that corresponds to your exchange period to meet other students before you even arrive in the city. It's a great way to make friends and find people with similar interests.
WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Eindhoven
Joining WhatsApp groups is another easy way to stay in direct contact with other young people in Eindhoven. You’ll be able to join plans and even propose your own activities!
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Eindhoven
Keep these tips in mind when living in shared flats in this Dutch city:
- Bicycles are the preferred means of transport for students. They help you save on transport costs and let you enjoy the city even more. Check if your apartment has good bike routes to popular locations and your university.
- Besides enjoying King's Day at the end of April, don't miss the Eindhoven Carnival in mid-February! The city transforms into Lampegat with parades, presentations, live music, activities, and plenty of partying. Whether you dress up or not, you're sure to have a blast during this festive time!