Upon arrival

This is your guide to beginning life in Amsterdam when studying at the AUAS. Some of the items are compulsory, others will help you on your way. Be aware that you must arrange some things yourself before you get here, such as health insurance.

Arrival webinars

To help you prepare for your arrival in the Netherlands, the arrival team hosts interactive webinars before the start of each semester.

Find out more about the webinars

Getting around Amsterdam

All you need to know from public transport to bikes to trams to student discount cards.

More about transport in Amsterdam

Please note that arranging these matters is first and foremost your own responsibility. The AUAS provides useful info here to help guide you, so you can get off to a great start.

Housing

Check in at AUAS Housing

If you've arranged accommodation through AUAS, you can pick up the keys to your new place as soon as your rental contract begins.

Find out more

Immigration (non EU only)

Collect your residence permit

AUAS notifies you when your permit is ready. You must then make an appointment to pick it up from IND.

Find out how

Immigration

Register with the municipality

Registering with the municipality is essential for opening a bank account, visiting a doctor or starting work.

How to register

Financial matters

Open a Dutch bank account

Once you have arrived in the Netherlands, it is very convenient to open a Dutch bank account. With the debit card which you receive when opening a Dutch bank account, it is easy and free of charge to pay at supermarkets, cafes and restaurants.

Find out how

Insurances

Health insurance

You must have health insurance when coming to the Netherlands. Find out what applies to you and if you need to take out local Dutch insurance. Other types of insurance are also strongly recommended, in addition to health insurance.

Find out more

Student ID card

Collect your student ID

Your student ID is easy to organise. It is essential for life on campus and accessing student discounts.

Find out more

Meet other students

Find out about our thriving student networks created for you to make friends, learn from others and enjoy great cultural and music events. They are especially designed to help you settle in as an international student and get your AUAS experience off to a flying start.

Discover student networks

Warm winter welcome

The AUAS is looking forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam! We organise an Introduction morning (free of charge) on 30 January 2025 to help you have a fun start to your exchange. You will also be invited by your specific study programme or international office to attend other welcome events (free of charge) and the ESN Introduction days (payment required). Keep an eye on your AUAS inbox in December!

ESN Introduction

(opens in new window)

Useful links

How can we help?

Ask the Arrival Team

Contact: uponarrival@hva.nl(opens in new window)