General

Arriving in the Netherlands as a non-EU student is an overwhelming experience, especially for those of us in smaller educational institutions that cannot provide the structural support that big universities do. Once you are accepted in the Rietveld/Sandberg, there are a whole host of administrative, bureaucratic, and legal tasks that need to take place simultaneously to the process of moving across the world, adjusting to a new city and culture, finding housing, and beginning your studies. There seems to be no better word for the information below than ‘general’, it mostly relates…

If you are moving to Amsterdam from abroad and have not lived in the Netherlands before, you need to register as a resident here. When looking for housing, always check if you can register there. You have to make an appointment within 5 days of arrival and register in person. Make this appointment before you arrive. If you do not register, you risk a fine. Every time you move you need to deregister via the municipality website, and reregister at your new address. After registering, you will receive your BSN number. To register you need: A valid proof of identity: a passport or an ID card (not…

The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Everyone who registers with the BRP is automatically given a BSN. It is used by the government, healthcare, education, and for housing and healthcare allowances. You need to apply for a BSN as soon as you arrive, you do this by making an appointment to register at the local municipality/gemeente. Read more about the BSN here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

DigiD (short for Digital Identification) is a form of online ID that allows you to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands. The DigiD consists of a username and password that are linked to your personal public service number (BSN). You need your DigiD to do your administration online in the Netherlands. You can apply for your DigiD on the official DigiD application page⁠⁠⁠⁠. Once you have your DigiD it is recommended to download the app on your phone, as often logging in to official websites requires you to verify it via the…

On MijnOverheid you can receive your messages from the government and view your personal data. For example, you can receive digital mail from the government in the message box, such as an assessment from the tax authorities, or an update about your housing allowance. You can activate your MijnOverheid account on the official MijnOverheid webpage⁠⁠⁠⁠. Read more about MijnOverheid here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In order to pay rent, receive salary etc. you need to set-up a Dutch bank account. You can do this by setting up an appointment at a bank directly. To set-up a bank account you will need the following: Your BSN number (Burgerservicenummer) A valid form of ID (passport or identity card - often a drivers licence is not acceptable) Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract) Residency permit if you come from outside of the EU

Thankfully, life isn’t all bureaucracy and administration. Here are some tips to life in the Netherlands that make it a little better. Finding a bike Having a bike is a pretty good way to get around Amsterdam, however, sourcing a good bike that doesn’t break every couple of months or get pilfered off the street can be a bit of a mission. A good source for second-hand bikes is the Rietveld/Sandberg FB page⁠⁠⁠⁠, where at least the person you are buying it from isn’t a complete stranger. Be careful of buying it secondhand from a…