To-do before moving to The Hague
- Choose your study and apply (via Studielink)
- Check your admissions offer
- If necessary file for a residence permit and visa (non-EU/EEA)
- Check the current travel restrictions and coronavirus measures before coming to The Hague. The restrictions may impact how you can travel, if you need to provide negative test before and whether you need to self-quarantine upon arrival
- Find short-term accommodation if needed
- Sign up for the introduction week
To-do on arrival
- Find long-term housing/accommodation
- Register at the municipality and obtain a citizen service number (BSN)
- Prepare to start studying (onboarding university)
- Open a bank account
- Take out Dutch health insurance
- Register with a general practitioner
- Get a phone with a Dutch plan
- Connect with fellow students and make new friends!
Packing list
This short checklist may help you pack for your new adventure.
Take this with you:
- Passport (make sure it is valid) and in some cases your birth certificate
- If necessary: your entry visa (you need to pick this up at the embassy or consultate before travelling)
- Diplomas of certificates you already possess (make a copy and leave the originals at home)
- Official letter from your host institution (stating that you have been accepted)
- Insurance papers – healthcare, liability etc.
- Driver’s license – make sure that it’s valid for the duration of your stay abroad
- Housing contract (if you have already arranged for a place to stay)
- Money (preferably euro’s, enough to help you through the first days) and/or a credit card
- Devices like phone, laptop, camera + chargers!
- Summer and winter clothes
- Medicine: make sure to bring your medication with you if you cannot go without them. But be aware that not all medicines or medical herbs are allowed
- Important phone numbers: emergency numbers, contact person from your education institution
Checks on arrival in The Hague
When you arrive in the Netherlands, you will face lots of new things, places and people! Now that you have moved to The Hague and (hopefully) found a place to stay, you want to make yourself ‘feel at home’ in The Hague. The Hague International Centre also provides information about the basics of living in The Hague.