What should you pack when studying in the Netherlands?

When I started getting ready for college, I looked at a bunch of websites and guides to figure out what I needed to bring abroad, and also listened to advice from my older family members. Now, a few years down the line, I’m realising that most of what my family said was a bit outdated, as they had only gone to university decades before the idea of me had ever existed. I was told to bring things that would never see the light of day from my suitcase once I got to my destination. In this article, I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen to you. No nonsense about bringing a mechanical alarm clock just because your uncles didn’t believe in modern phone alarms.

I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t believe some of these misconceptions about the Netherlands when I first came here. Especially in Asia, where you believe everything an older person tells you, there were some truly head-scratching misconceptions about the Netherlands I was told. And now I’m here to tell you that some things are simply not true.

Are you about to choose a study and a university (abroad) but have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Lots of young people find it tricky to decide what they want to do in the future. This step-by-step guide will help you get a grip on your options and discover which degree suits you best.