Student Life in the Netherlands
Academic culture, daily life, the social scene and practical tips — including the 2026 rules for part-time work, minimum wage and health insurance.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
3 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Academic culture
Teaching style
- Lectures combined with tutorials and seminars.
- Independent study is expected.
- Critical thinking is valued.
- Office hours are available.
Assessment
Expect a mix of exams, papers and presentations, with group projects common. Academic integrity rules are strict, and grading varies by institution. For the Dutch 1–10 grading scale explained, see During Studies in our Study in Holland guide.
Daily life
Classes, library, social life and exploring.
Markets, canteens and street food.
Public transit and student passes.
Insurance and doctor access.
Opening an account abroad.
Finding the best SIM deals.
Culture shock
The wind never stops
The country is flat and windy. Cycling into a headwind is daily exercise — get a rain jacket.
The housing crisis is brutal
It's the number-one challenge. Start searching 6–12 months early; 20+ viewings is normal, and people camp outside viewings. See the accommodation guide.
Parties end on time
An invitation for 15:00–18:00 means people leave at 18:00. That's Dutch time management.
A GP referral is required
You can't see specialists directly. Register with a huisarts (GP) first.
Stroopwafels are addictive
Place one on a hot coffee for 2 minutes. The caramel melts, and you'll never eat one cold again.
Did you know?
| Myth or habit | The reality |
|---|---|
| Everyone speaks English | The vast majority speak good English. Great for daily life, hard for learning Dutch. |
| Bikes rule everything | There are more bikes than people. Buy second-hand from shops, not on the street. |
| Dutch directness isn't rude | Told your presentation was bad? They're being helpful — sugarcoating counts as dishonest. |
| Hagelslag is breakfast | Chocolate sprinkles on buttered bread. Every. Day. Seriously. |
| Always split the bill | Going Dutch is real. Everyone pays their share, even on dates. |
| The housing crisis is real | Finding a room takes months. |
Part-time work
Non-EU students may work either up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August; the IND says you must choose one of the two. The employer needs a work permit (TWV) from UWV for you. EU/EEA students can work without limits.
The statutory minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over was €14.71 an hour from 1 January 2026 and rose to €14.99 from 1 July 2026; younger workers have lower youth rates. Since 2024 there is only an hourly minimum, so your monthly pay depends on the hours you work.
For non-EU students, any paid job, even a few hours a week, means you must switch to Dutch public health insurance (about €130–159 a month, our estimate). You can then claim zorgtoeslag of up to €129 a month in 2026. Details are on the cost of living page.
Weather
| Season | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 5–15°C | Tulips! King's Day in April. |
| Summer | 15–25°C | The best months, with festivals. |
| Autumn | 5–15°C | Rainy, windy, cosy. |
| Winter | −2 to 6°C | Damp cold. Oliebollen! |