Starting a postdoc at the University of Twente can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the Netherlands. This checklist helps you navigate your first weeks and settle in quickly.
Administrative essentials
Arranging Accommodation
Finding housing in the Netherlands can take time, so it’s important to start early.
Register at the municipality (gemeente)
If you are moving from abroad, you will need a BSN (citizen service number).
Open a Dutch bank account
This is needed for salary, rent, and daily payments.
Arrange health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands.
Activate your UT account and card
You will need access to buildings, systems, and platforms.
At work
Meet your supervisor
Clarify expectations early including research goals, meeting frequency, and opportunities. Ask about contract duration and possible extensions, performance and evaluation moments, available training or development options, opportunities such as conferences or fieldwork travel.
Meet with HR
Early in your postdoc, you may have a meeting with your faculty’s HR advisor. This is a good opportunity to clarify practical matters about your employment and ask questions.
Set up your workspace and tools
Make sure you have access to equired software, lab facilities (if applicable), and shared drives and repositories.
Daily life in Enschede
- Register with a general practitioner (GP)
- Arrange a SIM card and/or wifi
- Arrange transport (bike or OV-chipkaart) - including weekend free travel subscription!
- Learn basic Dutch systems (e.g. DigiD)
- Explore campus and local facilities
- Sign up for sports: Gym and fitness facilities; Group classes (e.g. yoga, spinning, strength training); Team sports (e.g. football, volleyball, basketball); Individual sports (e.g. tennis, swimming, climbing)
- Register online via the UT Sports Centre
- Choose a sports card subscription
- Activate your access using your UT card - Sign up for Dutch lessons.
- Get your Museumkaart to get free access to all museums in the Netherlands!
Enschede things not to miss!
- Explore the Oude Markt with its cafés, terraces, and events.
- Visit Rijksmuseum Twenthe. A great art museum right and with a Museumkaart, you can visit for free (and access hundreds of museums across the Netherlands).
- Try the Enschede self-guided walking tour.
- Walk or bike through beautiful green areas like Volkspark or the surrounding Twente countryside.
- Visit the Saturday and Tuesday market at the Oude Markt for fresh produce, snacks, and local atmosphere. Try some Kibbeling, a stroopwafel, or some local beers!
- Cities of Zwolle, Deventer, Utrecht, Den Haag, and Amsterdam are only a train ride away!
Build your network early
- Join the Postdoc Board mailing list or WhatsApp group
- Attend a meet-and-greet or event
- Connect with other postdocs in your faculty
Don’t try to figure everything out alone. Many systems are not obvious at first - ask colleagues, HR, or the Postdoc Board if you are unsure.