Erasmus in Haarlem
Information and tips for Erasmus students in Haarlem
| Private rooms Haarlem | 4 | 800/month |
| Apartments Haarlem | 10 | 2787/month |
Famous for its tulip fields, Haarlem is located at the mouth of the river Spaarne. It’s one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the Netherlands and it’s part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area. It’s full of historical attractions and it houses a lively community of 165,000 inhabitants. Despite not being that big, it still has that cosmopolitan vibe that young people love. Do you want to know why you should go on Erasmus to Haarlem? Keep reading to know everything about the capital of North Holland. Ga verder!
Cost of living in Haarlem, Netherlands
Living in Haarlem can vary greatly in costs, depending on the type of accommodation and the lifestyle you lead. However, it’s normally quite expensive compared to other European destinations.
Accommodation is, precisely, the biggest outlay that you’ll have as a student. Rooms in shared apartments are generally the most common choice for young people, and the lowest prices tend to be around €500 and €800. This can increase depending on how close you are to the centre.
Other expenses include food, transportation, personal shopping, leisure and entertainment. In general, in a month, the approximate total outlay, including accommodation, can range from €700 to €1,000.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Haarlem
Although it’s a smaller and quieter city than Amsterdam, it also offers various entertainment options that contribute to a vibrant student life. It has places for all tastes, from pubs, bars and clubs, to festivals, parks, beaches and recreational spaces for outdoor activities.
Some of the best options for young people and college students to go out and have fun at night include the Stiel's Café, known for its live music and relaxed atmosphere; the Club Stalker with electronic, techno and house music, and the Patronaat, which offers everything from concerts to theme parties.
One of the largest free festivals in the Netherlands, the Bevrijdingspop, is held in Haarlem. It’s more than a music festival: it also celebrates freedom, marked by the end of the Nazi occupation in the country. In addition to live performances, it offers other cultural and educational activities such as workshops or exhibitions that promote peace, democracy, inclusion and equality. All this makes it a cosy and safe space for the thousands of visitors it receives each year.
If you like to stay fit, the surroundings of the city are perfect for cycling! Additionally, you have the Spaarnwoude Recreation Area at your disposal, where you can hike or play golf.
Culture and gastronomy in Haarlem
Haarlem offers an environment rich in culture and history. The city has several museums, like the Frans Hals, dedicated to the painter of the same name, and the Teylers Museum, the oldest in the Netherlands, with its collections of art, fossils, minerals and peculiar books and scientific instruments.
This Dutch city also has some art galleries. Among them stand out the Galerie Bart, which houses contemporary works of painting, sculpture and photography, and the Galerie Haarlemse Kunselkring, which organises not only exhibitions but also cultural events and workshops.
On the other hand, gastronomy in Haarlem is characterised by the Dutch style and other international flavours. The city offers a variety of dishes such as the famous “Haring” (herring), which is eaten raw and often accompanied by onion and pickles. In Dutch restaurants you can enjoy a nice “Stamppot”, made of mashed potatoes with vegetables such as kale, carrots or spinach, and served with sausages. For dessert, “Appeltaart” is a classic apple pie with cinnamon and raisins, which is usually served with whipped cream.
Advantages of doing Erasmus in Haarlem, Netherlands
- The city of flowers is a great option to live in due to its safety and the historical beauty of its surroundings, with picturesque streets, canals and beautiful architectural works.
- You’ll have access to a high quality education in excellent institutions such as the University of Applied Sciences of Inholland, or even the University of Amsterdam.
- In just 15 or 20 minutes by train you can get from Haarlem to Amsterdam! Proximity is what makes it possible to enjoy the advantages of the big city but live in a quieter environment.
- Although the official language of the country is Dutch, English is also widely spoken. This will make the experience easier for you, as you’ll be able to better communicate in your classes and outside of them.
- As in many cities in Europe, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is present in Haarlem. You can join as a member and use the card (ESNcard) that they offer to access welcome days, exclusive events and parties. It's a great opportunity to meet and make new friends!
Cheap student accommodation in Haarlem
Are you searching for student accommodation in Haarlem but still don't know where to find it? Don't worry! In Erasmus Play we offer selected and verified options of flats and rooms to make your task easier.
Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Haarlem
How much does it cost to live in Haarlem as a student? |
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| Living in Haarlem as a student can vary in costs depending on where you stay and your lifestyle. In total, monthly expenses can range between €700 and €1,000. Of this amount, accommodation, mainly rooms or residences, can cost between €500 and €800. |
What’s student life like in Haarlem? |
| Students in Haarlem lead a life that combines quality education with a great cultural and leisure offer. If you go on an exchange to this welcoming city, you’ll enjoy a safe environment, beautiful landscapes, streets full of history and architectural art, and many activities and events organised by universities or institutions such as ESN. |
How much does student accommodation cost in Haarlem? |
| Student accommodation in Haarlem can cost between €500 and €800, but this price can go up depending on the area or type of accommodation. Most commonly, you can opt for a room in a shared apartment. |
How much is the Erasmus scholarship to study in Haarlem? |
| The Netherlands is included in the first group of countries: those with the highest cost of living. The European Union offers a scholarship of approximately €350 per month to Erasmus students with these destinations. However, remember that it also depends on factors such as where your home university is, so it may vary depending on each one. |
What App to download for my Erasmus in Haarlem? |
| To make your stay in Haarlem better, we recommend downloading our Erasmus Play app. With it, in addition to finding safe accommodation, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other students, and live the experience in company. |
