Preparing for your move to The Hague

Are you a student moving to The Hague for the upcoming school semester? Are you not quite sure how to prepare for such a move? Then you have come to the right place. This post will help facilitate your transition process with a few simple steps.

Contacting your international advisor

I can say from personal experience that one of the most important factors in the move-in process is building a good relationship with your international advisor. Once you have been accepted into your study, you will be assigned an advisor that will be your main contact point during your stay in the Netherlands. I highly recommend that you contact your advisor as soon as possible and inform them of any of your questions.

Arranging Your Housing Early

Although it may seem as though you have months of vacation before your study begins, starting your housing search early will place you at an advantage.  To successfully receive a student visa or residence permit, you will need to provide your Admissions Office with a ‘proof of address’. Whether this address be a university residence or a rented apartment, such proof will be required to register at the town hall. Beginning your search early will reduce the stress of finding housing and ensure that you get the best student deals.

Choosing the Right Housing Option for You

As an international student, you will have the choice of two main housing options—university housing or private accommodation. Both options have their pros and cons and the choice finally comes down to your personal preference and budget.

University Housing

The advantage of choosing university housing is that it will guarantee you a housing spot. At Leiden University - Campus The Hague, university housing is offered only to international students and university guests. By completing the housing application and paying the housing fee, international students can be placed in university housing. Another advantage of selecting this option is that you will be living alongside your fellow international students. When living abroad, it is often helpful to meet other international students who are similarly discovering their new home.

Private Accommodation

Many students prefer to find their own accommodation in The Hague. The benefit of this choice is that tends to be more affordable than university housing. Thanks to the numerous housing websites dedicated specifically to student accommodations, the process of finding a private residence is greatly simplified. With a few useful search tips, renting a room in The Hague may be the right choice for you!

The Student Hotel in The Hague

Another popular housing option is the Student Hotel. You can join a community of international and Dutch students within the student hotel. The duration of your stay in the student hotel is flexible. You can choose between a 5, 10 or 12-month package. As a guest in the hotel, you can select your choice of room and kitchen. If you do choose the Student Hotel, I would highly recommend the selection of a shared kitchen with your floor mates. This unique setup offers you the privacy of your own room as well as the opportunity to socialize and cook together with your floor mates.

Register for Student Orientation and Get Involved

Now that you have navigated the housing websites and found your accommodation, it is time to prepare for your arrival. Traveling to a new country and meeting new people may seem overwhelming at first, but by registering for orientation, The Hague will seem like home right away. Orientation will introduce you to the new country and your fellow classmates.
It is also important to research the various student groups on Facebook. If you are going to be attending Leiden University –The Hague Campus, make sure to join the ISN Leiden—The Hague Committee on Facebook. The International Student Network (ISN) is tailored specifically towards international students and interested Dutch students. You will find all upcoming events and social gatherings on their Facebook page.

By completing these four simple steps, you will be more than prepared to begin your study and feel at home in The Hague as an international student!