Choosing the right course is a big step and can sometimes feel overwhelming. Take your time with it. It’s important to choose something that really fits you.
"}},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Start by listing your interests, skills, and passions to find a study path that fits you. You can also use online tools such as study choice test to get a clearer idea of what matches your profile.
It’s also a great idea to visit open days, talk to students and teachers, or even participate in a trial study day. These experiences give you a much better sense of what to expect and help you make a more informed decision.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Find the study that fits you
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Made your choice? Nice! Now it’s time to apply. You can easily do this through Studielink, the central application system for universities and universities of applied sciences.
Make sure you keep an eye on the application deadlines, as they can vary depending on the institution. Also, don’t forget to check if there are any extra requirements, like an entrance exam or a motivation letter. That way, you’ll be fully prepared to complete your application smoothly and successfully
"}}],"title":{"value":"Apply for your studies
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Did you know that between 20% and 30% of first-year students drop out during or right after their first year? You definitely want to avoid that. Don’t rush your decision, getting it right from the start can make a huge difference.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Take your time to choose
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Staying at home or moving into student housing?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If you know already where you will be studying, then you probably should think about where to live. Will you stay at home, or move into a student housing?
"}},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If the distance makes it possible, you can choose to stay at home. This helps you save on rent and gives you a comfortable environment to focus on your studies. Sometimes parents may ask for a contribution to household expenses, so it’s important to agree on this together.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Staying at Home
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"If your study is a bit further away, many students choose to move out and get their own place. Finding a room can be pretty challenging especially in popular student cities.
Check out platforms like Kamernet, which specialize in student housing. There are also organizations that specialize in affordable student housing, such as:
Don’t forget to use your network too, friends and family can sometimes help you find the best opportunities through word of mouth.
"}}],"title":{"value":"
Moving out? Start your search early
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"On average, a student room costs around €660 per month, but prices vary significantly depending on the city. It’s smart to look into this early and plan ahead.
Here are some average monthly rent prices:
Keep in mind that these are averages. Within each city, prices can differ greatly depending on location, size, and type of housing. Smaller rooms are usually cheaper, while more central locations tend to be more expensive.
How much does a room cost?
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Found a room you like? Then you’ll probably be invited for a housing viewing or interview. This is your moment to show why you’d be the perfect roommate. It might feel a bit nerve‑wracking, but it can also be a fun experience. The key is to stand out: be yourself, show interest, and bring good energy!
Have a few questions ready about how things work in the house, and don’t forget: being on time matters.
Housing Viewing: make sure you’re ready!
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Some students choose to rent a studio or apartment together with friends or classmates. It’s a great option; you get to split the costs and have your own place, with your friends around you. That said, it’s important to set clear agreements from the beginning. Think about: Rent payments, cleaning responsibilities, shared expenses or house rules.
Having a joint rental contract, where everyone is responsible for the rent and maintenance, can help prevent misunderstandings later on.
"}}],"title":{"value":"Living with flatmates
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What else do you need to arrange?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Besides your studies and your place to live, there are quite a few other things you’ll need to arrange before starting your student life.
Don’t stress, we’ve listed the most important ones for you!
Let’s be real, student life in the Netherlands can get expensive. The good news? Student financial support is there to help.
As an MBO, HBO, or university student, you can apply for different types of support: from a basic grant to an additional grant (if eligible), plus a public transport card, student loans, and even a tuition fee loan.
It’s important to know that the amount you receive depends on your situation, whether you live at home or away from home.
Make sure you apply on time through DUO (the Dutch student finance system), ideally at least eight weeks in advance, so you don’t miss out.
On top of that, there are also a few extra allowances that can give you some financial breathing room:
Student financial support and allowances
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"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 insurance
without breaking the bank. Once you turn 18, you’re no longer insured for free, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Here are a few tips:
Student health insurance
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"You may not think about it every day, but as a student you will also have to deal with the tax authorities. From reclaiming too much tax paid on your part-time job to tax benefits for students, It can actually work in your favor!
Here are a few things you should know:
"}}],"title":{"value":"
Taxes
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Students often benefit from discounts at gyms and stores, so make sure you always have your student ID with you. It can help you save on everything from new clothes to your gym membership. Cultural activities also become much more affordable with a student card or a CJP card (free for mbo students), giving you discounted access to museums, theaters, and movies.
Another must-have is the Knaek app. 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.
Saving money as a student
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Study books are a significant expense. Luckly, there are smart ways to buy them and save money:
Buy your study books
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"actionAccordionList":[{"paragraphs":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"When you start studying, you’ll need more than just books. Here are some essentials that will make your student life a lot easier:
Useful things to buy before you start studying
"}}],"componentType":"actionAccordion"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Making new friends"},{"alignedImage":{"position":"top","extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1fff0179fc410c41/original/Four-friends-laugh-and-play-a-card-game-on-the-balcony-while-touching-hands-on-the-table.jpg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/28305b92-4e13-424a-8ac7-8e915ee46c3e/Four-friends-laugh-and-play-a-card-game-on-the-balcony-while-touching-hands-on-the-table"},"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Finding your way in a new environment is much easier when you’re not alone, having some friends around definitely helps. But how do you actually meet people? Here are a few tips to help you:
Opening a dedicated student account can be really beneficial if you’re over 18 and studying full-time. It’s free to open and comes with a range of benefits, such as:
"},"title":"Extra benefits with an ING Student Account"},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"text":"Learn more about the Student Account","url":"/en/personal/payments/bank-accounts/student-account"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"8f18cfec-100c-4a52-b4a0-136e6848bad4","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Banking for students","url":"/en/personal/students"}},"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Student life comes with a whole new world of experiences (and responsibilities), so it’s easy to miss something important along the way. No stress, we’ve put together a complete overview of the key things you should keep in mind to help you get started. On top of that, we share tips on how to stay in control of your finances, so you’re not broke at the end of every month.","headerImage":{"extension":"jpeg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6adc6e52683edef9/original/A-female-business-woman-in-an-orange-sweater-smiles-and-chats-with-a-colleague-crop.jpeg","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/160593ce-cf4d-432a-8b60-f826640b7b45/A-female-business-woman-in-an-orange-sweater-smiles-and-chats-with-a-colleague-crop","type":"image","width":722},"subtitle":"Ready to kick off your studies?","title":"Starting your studies: what you actually need to take care of"}},"publishDate":"2026-05-28T15:53:43.012+02:00"}}