Choosing the right study program is an important step in your life and can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to start early: make a list of your interests, skills, and passions to find a program that suits you. Use online tools such as a study choice test to get a clearer picture of the programs that match your profile. It’s also a good idea to visit open days and talk to students and lecturers. Trial studying or spending a day shadowing is another great way to see if a program is right for you.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Tip: Take the time to make the right choice. Did you know that between 20 and 30 percent of first‑year students quit their studies during or after the first year? That’s something you’ll obviously want to avoid! So don’t rush this decision — a strong start is half the work. And if you do end up stopping your studies, you may be able to get part of your tuition fee refunded. This depends on when you deregister. After deregistration, you receive 1/12 of the tuition fee back for each month you are no longer enrolled. Please note: if you stop in July or August, you will not receive a refund for those months.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Apply for a study"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Made your choice? Great! Then it’s time to apply. You can easily do this via Studielink, the central application system for universities and universities of applied sciences. Make sure to keep a close eye on the application deadlines, as these may differ per institution. Also, don’t forget to check whether there are any additional requirements, such as an entrance exam or a motivation letter. This way, you’ll be fully prepared to complete your application smoothly and successfully.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Staying at home or moving into student housing?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Do you already know where you’re going to study? Then you’ve probably also thought about your living situation: will you stay at home, or move into student housing?
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Staying at home","richBody":{"value":"If the distance makes it feasible, you can continue living at home. This saves you money on rent and allows you to focus calmly on your studies. Sometimes parents may ask for a contribution towards the costs, so it’s important to make clear agreements together.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Moving out? Start your search early","richBody":{"value":"If your study program is farther away, many students choose to move into student housing. Finding a room can be quite a challenge, especially in popular student cities. Start your search early on websites such as Kamernet, which specialize in student accommodation. Don’t forget to tap into your network of friends and family, often the best housing opportunities come through word of mouth. There are also organizations that specialize in affordable student housing, such as:
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Tip: If you’re moving, don’t forget to register with your new municipality, find a new general practitioner (GP), and transfer your subscriptions to your new address. For example, consider using verhuisservice for your post!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How much does a room cost?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"On average, rent for a student room is around €551, but there are fairly large differences between cities. It’s wise to look into this early so you can prepare properly. Keep in mind that these are city averages, rent prices can also vary widely per house, with smaller rooms usually having lower rent.
Here are some average rent prices average monthly rents per city:
Tip: Some student housing agencies open registration for the upcoming academic year as early as January. So in these cities, be sure to start searching and registering on time! And on Facebook, you’ll find plenty of communities dedicated to finding rooms in different cities.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"House viewing: make sure you’re ready!"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Do you already have a room in mind? Then you’ll probably have to attend a house viewing (hospiteren). That’s your moment to show why you’re the perfect new housemate. A viewing evening might sound a bit nerve‑racking, but it’s actually a lot of fun. Make sure you stand out: be yourself, show interest, and bring some energy. Prepare a few questions about what life in the house is like, and don’t forget, being on time matters. This is your chance not only to secure a room, but also to make friends for life, so choose the house you want to live in carefully!
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/119a81a5-d68f-466a-9c08-9fa17ec31993/A-man-with-bleached-hair-and-a-pearl-necklace-stands-in-a-bedroom","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/3e5721c439577f6a/original/A-man-with-bleached-hair-and-a-pearl-necklace-stands-in-a-bedroom.jpg","extension":"jpg"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Living with housemates"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Some students choose to rent a studio or apartment together with friends or fellow students. Great, because you share all the costs and have your own place! It’s important, though, to make clear agreements (and stick to them) about how the rent is divided, cleaning responsibilities, and how to deal with any issues that come up. A joint lease, where everyone is responsible for the rent and maintenance, can help prevent a lot of problems.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Get it sorted: apply for the basic grant. Make sure you do it on time!"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"It’s the financial lifeline of every student in the Netherlands: student financial support. As an MBO, HBO, or university student, you can apply for different types of financial support. From a basic grant to a supplementary grant if you’re eligible, and from a public transport travel card to the option of taking out a loan or a tuition fee loan. It’s also important to know that the amount of student financial support you receive differs depending on whether you live independently or at home. Don’t forget to apply for your student financial support in time through the Education Executive Agency (DUO), preferably eight weeks before you’re entitled to it, to make sure you don’t miss out. Also, be sure you understand the rules around earning extra income and repayment to avoid any financial surprises.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Get it sorted: buy your study books"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Study books can be a significant expense. Luckily, there are ways to save money:
Buy second-hand via Bookmatch:
On Bookmatch, you can find second-hand textbooks for HBO, MBO, and university programmes. You can search by school or university and by course of study.
Order through Studiewinkel.nl:
This website offers a wide range of study books for all types of programmes. You can easily enter your book list and order the correct titles.
Buy from another student:
Sometimes you can purchase second-hand books directly from other students. This can be done via Marktplaats or through Facebook groups related to your programme.
Tip: You might consider joining a study association. A study association is linked to a specific programme or faculty within a university or university of applied sciences. As a member, you can often get discounts on study books.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Other useful things to buy before you start studying"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"When you start studying, you’ll need more than just books. These are other items that will make your student life easier:
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"left","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/fb7ccb06-5567-4a72-a528-d855a9698a44/Check-het-gesprek","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/257c8ba53f53b9d9/original/Check-het-gesprek.jpg","extension":"jpg"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Sort out your finances"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"
Are you already standing on your own financially? It’s important to develop financial independence during your studies. You’ll be dealing with various costs, such as tuition fees, books, rent, and everyday expenses, and of course, you want to avoid running out of money at the end of the month.
This is the perfect moment to get everything sorted: from applying for student finance to gaining a clear overview of your income and expenses. With solid financial planning now, you’ll have fewer worries later.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Insight into your financial flows","richBody":{"value":"What are your sources of income, what do you spend money on, and how much? What do you have to pay for, and what do you want to buy? The best way to avoid financial stress is to have insight into your cash flow. In My ING and the ING app, you can indicate that you want this insight. We’ll then automatically categorise your income and expenses into categories such as sports, groceries, or going out.
"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"Tip: Another handy way to get a grip on your money: with ING payment requests in the ING app, you can split expenses without having to calculate anything yourself and easily send them to your friends. That way, you can quickly get your money back after a fun night out with friends.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Saving money: discounts with your student ID"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Students often receive discounts at gyms and shops, so make sure to always carry your student ID with you. That way, you can save a lot on everything from new clothes to your gym membership. Cultural outings also become much more affordable with a student ID or a CJP card, which is free for MBO students. This gives you discounted access to museums, theatres, and movies.
In addition, the Knaek app is a must-have for every student. For a small monthly fee, the app offers great discounts at many shops and services. It quickly pays for itself and helps stretch your student budget even further.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Get it sorted: extra benefits with an ING Student Account"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Opening a Student Account can be very beneficial for students aged 18 and over who are enrolled in a full‑time study programme. Such an account is free to open and comes with various perks, for example:
Sometimes it can be a challenge to make ends meet during your studies. There are several allowances you may be eligible for as a student, which can give you some extra financial breathing room, such as:
You might not think about it every day, but as a student you’ll also have to deal with the tax authorities. From reclaiming tax you’ve overpaid on your part‑time job to tax benefits for students, it can have a significant impact on your finances, in a positive way!
As a student, you may benefit from several tax advantages, such as:
Exemption from municipal taxes:
Many students can apply for an exemption from local taxes. Whether you’re eligible depends on your income. Please note: you can only apply for exemption on amounts you haven’t paid yet, or that you paid less than three months ago.
Reclaiming tax from a part‑time job:
If you have a side job, too much wage tax may sometimes be withheld. You can reclaim this by filing a tax return.
Deductible healthcare costs:
While the number is limited, some healthcare expenses are tax‑deductible. These can include costs such as dental treatment.
Tip: The tax authorities have a handy app that can help you file your tax return!
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Get it sorted: student health insurance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"As a student, you already have enough on your plate without worrying about high healthcare costs. Luckily, with a few smart steps, you can arrange a good health care isurance plan without breaking the bank. Once you turn 18, you’re no longer insured for free, but that doesn’t have to be a strain on your budget. Here are a few tips:
Compare and save:
Compare different insurers, as many offer student discounts. Don’t just look at the price , also check whether the coverage fits your needs.
Higher deductible, lower premium:
If you’re young and healthy, you might consider increasing your deductible. This can significantly lower your monthly premium, perfect if you rarely visit the doctor!
Healthcare allowance to the rescue:
If you have a low income, you may be eligible for healthcare allowance. This can cover a substantial part of your insurance costs.
Check coverage when studying abroad:
Are you going abroad for a semester? Make sure to check whether you need additional coverage for healthcare outside the Netherlands.
TIP: Also think a bit further about insurance. A contents, aacident, and liability insurance is also a good idea, after all, accidents can happen when you least expect them. And if you ever end up in a dispute with your landlord (you wouldn’t be the first!), legal expenses insurance can be a real lifesaver.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Making new friends"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Finding your way in a new environment is something you’d rather not do alone, having some friends around definitely helps. But how do you find them? Here are a few tips to get you started:
Sign up for your university’s introduction week:
In most student cities, universities and colleges organise an introduction week. During this week, you get to know the city, the school or university, study and student associations, and plenty of first‑year students who are starting their studies just like you.
Join clubs or organisations:
This could be a sports club, a student association, or a hobby group.
Become a volunteer:
You’ll be doing something good, and it’s also a great way to meet new people.
Take part in organised events:
These can be events organised by the municipality, schools or universities, cultural festivals, or social gatherings.
Organise something yourself:
You can host your own event or activity and invite others — anything from a board game night to a walking group.
Get a part‑time job:
Colleagues can turn into friends, and you’ll earn some money at the same time
TIP: Finding a job as a student in a new city can be quite a challenge. You can explore opportunities online, but you can also simply walk into places to ask whether they’re looking for staff.
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