What should you pack when studying in the Netherlands?

The Dutch healthcare system is famous for being top-notch. It’s also infamous for having a bit of a reputation with how enthusiastically general practitioners (GPs) give out Paracetamol, which to me is both hilarious and concerning for all parties involved. Regardless, the Netherlands has an excellent standard for healthcare, and it often shows up at the top of the rankings for best healthcare systems in the world. However, what else is there to know as an international student? In this article, I’ll tell you all about the Dutch healthcare system, so you are prepared for your stay in the Netherlands.

It is quite literally impossible not to care about the weather here in the Netherlands. Should you go out, should you stay at home, should you go for groceries, should you order in – a lot of your daily activities depend on what the Earth is looking to throw your way, partly because life here is so… outdoors-y. It’s therefore no surprise that there exist many proverbs about the weather, universal across all languages. However, the Dutch saying April doet wat hij wil (April does what it wants) is unique to the Netherlands, mainly since April is a bit… spontaneous about how it feels.

Feeling lonely during the winter holidays is more common than we often admit, hidden behind the season’s festive facade.