Why did you choose to study in the Netherlands? Why did you decide to study in Nijmegen in particular?
I am a very active person so I loved the fact that you can cycle everywhere, and it is so safe to do so. With the bike you have so much freedom, don’t have to worry about traffic jams, petrol, and it is an amazing way of transport to get to everywhere you need. Additionally, I wanted to study in English and, as Dutch Universities are ranked so well internationally, it was always an option for me. Furthermore, I love travelling and did a lot in my gap year before university. Therefore, I loved the idea of being in an international setting, and from the Netherlands, you can also do a lot of travelling to other European countries. One thing I also admire is how well organised and how environmentally friendly everything is.
How would you describe your experience adapting to Dutch culture and daily life?
It took some time to adjust to, but I admired how straight up and straightforward the Dutch are, and they will tell you what they’re thinking, which was different from the British culture that I’ve grown up with. They also eat a lot earlier, and shops close earlier than I'm used to, this was a bit annoying as I’m used to eating later and things being open later.
What differences have you noticed between studying in Nijmegen and your home country? What differences have you noticed between the Dutch education system and the one in your home country?
The grade system is very different; in the UK, I was always pushing for the top grades, and I always did well in succeeding at that. However, coming to the Netherlands, if you just pass an exam, that is already considered amazing, as it is harder to pass. For me, if I passed an exam but not the highest grade, I was disappointed, but in the Netherlands, to just pass is a good accomplishment, and retaking an exam or extending your studies feels very normalised here. In comparison, back home in the UK, I felt so much pressure. I prefer the Dutch system because the fact that you’ve got into university is amazing, so if you’re passing exams, you’re thriving.
Have you felt welcomed and supported as an international student at Radboud University in Nijmegen? Can you share an example?
I am very fortunate with my course; there are lots of internationals, so I always feel supported by my friends. Also, the university is really good at helping you to adjust to life here. I personally had meetings with a social worker from the university to help me adjust. Last year, I was part of the cultural committee in the psychology association and ran events for everyone to come and experience different cultures and countries.
What has surprised you most about studying or living in the Netherlands?
The bikes. There are so many everywhere, more bikes than people, and it is so easy and safe to do so with bike lanes everywhere and having priority on the roads. Even for a night out, you cycle to the city centre with your friends and attempt to cycle home again afterwards- you soon learn the knack of it.
What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Nijmegen, both as a student and outside the classroom?
There’s always something happening and something to do. Whether it’s new classes at the sports centre or parties/events happening. For a smaller city, a lot is going on, and outside my studies, I get involved in a lot of different activities. Furthermore, what I enjoy most in Nijmegen is going to the river to the beach, reading a book, playing sports with friends, or even having a BBQ! Then, after heading to the harbour for a drink at sunset.
How do you find the cost of living, housing, and public transport in Nijmegen as a student?
The cost of housing is cheaper here than in most of the UK. In terms of cost of living, it’s cheaper as well. You spend similarly on groceries, but other activities like drinking, clubs, activities, and public transport are cheaper, e.g., you can cycle to the club, whereas in the UK I’d spend up to £40 on Uber each night.
Would you recommend studying in Nijmegen to other students? Why or why not?
Nijmegen isn’t the biggest city, and not many people know it compared to Amsterdam, for instance. But I think if you want to be familiar with a place, create a home for yourself, and bump into people you know from university in the supermarket, I will say it’s the perfect place. You also have the benefits of cheaper accommodation, food, eating out, and the Netherlands is a small country, so you can always travel to other cities if you’re seeking that.
We are also so lucky with how green the city is. For me, having the river Waal nearby is special, as all the cafes and places you can chill out at have provided me with time to escape the stress of university.