AM ST E RDA M
Welcome to
your new home
A guide for students preparing to join us at
Holland International Study Centre Amsterdam
hollandisc.com
Welcome
to your new
home
Amsterdam is a fantastic place to live and
study. This friendly and welcoming city will be
your new, exciting home away from home,
a place where you will create new memories
that you’ll treasure for life.
We want to help you settle into your new home quickly and easily,
so that you can concentrate on your studies and start enjoying student
life in Amsterdam. This guide provides all of the important information you
need to prepare for travelling to Holland as well as living and studying
at the Holland International Study Centre (ISC).
For up-to-date information before your arrival, visit:
hollandisc.com/about-holland-isc/before-you-arrive
Contact details
Address:
Holland International Study Centre
Piet Heinkade 55
1019 GM Amsterdam
Contents
Telephone number:
+ 31 (0) 20 3032075
Emergency telephone number:
+31 (0) 6 47947183
Useful websites:
hollandisc.com
studyinholland.nl/
iamsterdam.com/en-GB
Get ready to join us
1
What to bring with you to Holland
3
Arriving in Holland
5
Getting to Holland
International Study Centre
7
Location map
11
Your induction programme
13
Your International Study Centre
15
Your checklist
17
Get ready to join us
at the International
Study Centre
Before you join us, there are five things
you need to do first.
1 Apply for your visa
Now that you have confirmed your place,
you will be sent information on how to apply
for your visa including what documents and
finances are required. Your university of
choice will apply for your visa on your behalf
– you cannot apply yourself.
2 Book your accommodation
You need to book accommodation, either The
Student Hotel or other private accommodation
before arriving in Amsterdam, to ensure there are
no difficulties at immigration, with confirming your
course and for cityhall registration.
To book a room at the Student Hotel, you can book
directly online. Visit hollandisc.com/about-hollandisc/accommodation
Rooms are subject to availability and we are unable
to guarantee a room if you apply late.
3 Book your travel
Once you receive your visa, you can book your
travel. You should arrive ready for the first day of
term to get a good start to your studies.
You should book any flights home after the official
end of term date, which can be found in your
offer letter.
4 Complete our pre-arrival form
At around one month before term starts, we will
email you with a link to an online form. You will need
to complete this with your travel information - so we
know when to expect you - and your visa details.
If you would like us to arrange your taxi from the
airport, please let us know by ticking the box on the
form. If you are staying at the Student Hotel please
list which of the two Student Hotels you need to go
to: Student Hotel WEST or Student Hotel CITY check your room reservation for details.
If you are not staying at the Student Hotel, we can
only organise a taxi for you if your accommodation
is located in Amsterdam.
We are unable to process any requests received
less than 48 hours before your arrival.
5 Ensure you are insured
In our experience, it is essential that international
students have the protection of personal insurance
for the duration of their time in Holland. In fact it is
compulsory for getting a residence permit.
When you applied to the International Study Centre,
you will have had the option of taking insurance
cover with AON Student Insurance. This insurance
policy covers loss of personal possessions as well
as providing health and medical insurance. If you
have not taken this option, please make sure you
have secured your own policy.
If you need help and advice,
your local representative
or your student enrolment
adviser can help you.
Please see page 7 for your suggested arrival airport.
1
2
What to
bring with
you to
Holland
Top Tips
Check with your airline on what you
can bring in terms of size and weight
for hand and checked luggage.
Calling from Holland? Once you’re
in Holland and calling from a Dutch
phone, you don’t need to include the
+31, just replace it with a 0 for example
+3120 303 2075 becomes 020 303 2075.
You’ll need to pack some
important items, such as your
passport and visa, in your hand
luggage for easy access, while
other non-essential items can
be packed away in your suitcase.
Things to pack in your hand luggage
Passport and visa letter
Conditional offer letter from your university
Your offer letter
Diplomas and transcripts (original and
notarised translations)
IELTS certificate or other original Secure
English Language Test result
Notarised copy of your Birth Certificate
Accommodation documents
Four passport-sized photographs
Any insurance documents
Medical certificates including vaccination
records
3
Essential toiletries and medications (please
check with your airline what’s permitted). Don’t
forget to bring a prescription from your doctor
with you.
Enough money to live on in the first few weeks.
We advise using traveller’s cheques and not
bringing large amounts of cash.
Things to pack in your suitcase
Amsterdam has a variety of shops so you’ll be
able to buy everything you need to live
comfortably. Many of the personal items you wish
to bring with you, such as clothes, accessories
and books can go in your suitcase.
We recommend that you bring:
• Comfortable clothing such as trainers,
jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat.
The dress code at the International Study
Centre is informal.
• Study supplies e.g. pens and paper notepads
– these may be less expensive in your country.
• Laptop computer and charger – you can set
English as the main language choice. This will
help you to improve your English.
• Mobile phone and charger.
• At least one travel adaptor plug – 230v with
a two-pin plug.
• Towel and bed linen.
If you are staying at the Student Hotel you will
need to bring a set of bed linen. Alternatively,
you can buy this at the Student Hotel, along
with a kitchen-set (cutlery, non-stick pan etc).
If you would like to purchase this before you
arrive, email [email protected] with
your full name and room type.
If you have booked private accommodation,
you will need to check what is supplied.
4
Arriving
in Holland
Travelling to a new country can be a
little overwhelming. To make it easier for
you, we’ve outlined the process below
so that you know exactly what to expect
when you arrive.
At the airport
Whoever enters Holland from outside the European
Union (EU) must have a valid passport and in some
cases you will need a visa as well. If you are a
passenger arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
(the fifth largest airport in Europe) or any other Dutch
or closeby European airport, this will be checked on
your departure to Holland and again on arrival.
Follow the Arrivals and Exit signs to
Passport Control. After passing through the control
desk, you will arrive at the luggage carrousels located
on the ground floor. Once you have reclaimed your
belongings, you can go to the Customs Security
Control. If you have nothing to declare, you may simply
pass through.
Be prepared for an interview with Dutch immigration
staff - you might have to answer questions and have a
basic conversation with the help of an interpreter.
Imports
As a student it is not very probable that you will be
carrying large amounts of money, but nevertheless you
should be aware of the fact that all passengers entering
or leaving the European Union with € 10,000 or more
in cash must declare this to the Customs officials.
In addition to banknotes, this regulation also applies
to other negotiable instruments such as cheques.
All merchandise imports must be reported to the
Customs office too. Please note that not all medicines
or medicinal herbs are allowed.
Welcome to Holland!
5
Top Tip
Make sure you have original, paper
copies of all your documents, not in
digital formats on smart phones,
tablets or other electronic devices.
Keep them in your hand luggage in
case you need to show them at
the Dutch border.
6
Getting to
Holland ISC from
Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport is the closest international airport.
By plane and pre-booked taxi transfer
If you are arriving by plane and have asked for a
taxi transfer via the pre-arrival form, you will need
to go to the Schiphol Travel Taxi at the Schiphol
Transfer Assisance (STA) desk located in Arrivals 4.
Please go immediately after customs.
Please do not pay the taxi driver as your fare
will be added to your account.
If you are heading directly to your accommodation
the taxi driver will take you to collect your keys –
they will have been informed where you will be
staying, but it is a good idea for you to have the
details to hand.
Check your room confirmation for details of where
and when to collect your keys, particularly if you
are arriving late at night or early in the morning.
If you are arriving when the reception is not open,
check your room confirmation for out of hours key
collection information.
If you are staying in private accommodation,
provided you have given us the address in
advance, the driver should have this information.
What if my plans change?
If you have booked a taxi transfer but your arrival
date changes or you decide to arrange your own
taxi transfer, you will need to let us know as soon
as possible. We will require two business days’
notice to be able to change or cancel your booking.
Please email: [email protected]
7
Top Tip
Don’t forget to email or phone your
parent or guardian to let them know
you have arrived.
Making your own way
At www.ns.nl or www.journeyplanner.9292.nl
you can plan your trip and see how long it will
take and how much it will cost you to get to your
destination. Both websites are available in English
and provide information on the trains (NS) including
door to door travel advice (9292).
The traditional Strippenkaart (card strip ticket)
used for bus and tram is gradually being replaced
by the so-called OV-chipkaart (OV stands for
openbaar vervoer, meaning public transport).
Instead of paying per zone as was the case with
the strippenkaart, now you pay for the exact
distance travelled. Depending on where you stay,
you may already be able to travel with the
OV-chipkaart. To buy a personal OV-chipkaart
visit www.ov-chipkaart.nl
An anonymous OV-chipkaart can be purchased
easily at most railway stations. To travel on trains
there must be a minimum credit of €20 on the
card. Alternatively, you can purchase a personal
OV-chipkaart (a card with your name and
photograph on it - a good option if you intend on
using trains frequently). It may be something you
wish to look into once you are settled in Holland.
In cities where the OV-chip system is already in
use, you will need to swipe the card whenever
you get on or off the bus, tram and metro.
Travelling (also by train) in areas that still have
not introduced the OV-chipkaart system means
you will have to buy a ticket.
See pages 9-10
for more nformation
on Schiphol airport.
8
Upstairs
Upstairs
to Departures
3
H
12
Upstairs
to Departures
50
11
3
Arrivals
3
Q
B
Arrivals
F
C
D
9
5
17
Arrivals
G
15
18
E
6
26
J
K
31
27
30
3
O
29
N
A
1
33
assistance
Baggage lockers
Car rental
Cash and change
35
34
Communication zone
37
38
39
L
door 16 – Unaccompanied
baggage reclaim
41
dutch Railways/Ticket desk
excursions
M
Parking
Sheraton
Hilton
WTC
airport Business Point
Buses
First aid
Food/ Coffee bar
CitizenM
46
accor hotel desk
Bar
40
52
48
a-company eventdesk
Baggage storage – Pick up on return
Arrivals
32
45
51
1-2
Downstairs
43
44
to Departures
amsterdam shuttle desk
28
8
2
21
4
4
2
to Departures
Upstairs
I
7
42
Legenda
Upstairs
Hearing loop
Holland Tourist Information
Hotel
P
Hotel reservation
Tunnel to
parking garage P2
Information desk
Mailbox
Meeting Point
nS Hispeed lounge
ArrivAls & schiphol plAzA
Panorama terrace
Parking
Police – Koninklijke Marechaussee
BaRS & ReSTaURanTS
D Burger King*
CHoCoLaTeS
26 Leonidas
M Café Rembrandt
dePaRTMenT SToRe
Q Coffee Bar
N délifrance*
O HeMa Food
K Hot ’n Cold
I
Juggle Juice Bar*
J
Juggle Sandwich Bar*
P Multivlaai
F Per Tutti!
A E Starbucks
51 BLoeM!
6 Fleurtiek
FaSHIon
41 aRTitIS
37 america Today
33 expo
29 global Brands
50 Planes@Plaza
15 Paolo Salotto menswear
35 Shirleys lingerie
9 Suitsupply
7 Tie Rack
21 Wonder Woman
G Vlaamse Frites
11 dufry liquors of the world
neWS & BooKS
38 Libris
PeRSonaL CaRe
34 etos
32 Perfumes & Colors
17 Hennes & Mauritz
4 Mexx, esprit, InWear/Matinique
LIqUoR
27 43 45 aKo
gIFTS
C Pronto
H Segafredo espresso Bar
28 aviflora
44 HeMa
B grand Café Plaza*
L Hello There
FLoWeRS, BULBS & gIFTS
HaIRdReSSeR
40 Coiffure en Vogue
JeWeLRy & WaTCHeS
3 gassan Plaza
LeaTHeR & TRaVeL
8 The Body Shop
PHoTo, eLeCTRonICS &
enTeRTaInMenT
SeRVICe CenTRe
52 Jill & James
(Telepresence,
Restaurant
Schiphol Transfer assistance
TNT Post Service, Randstad, Fred Butler,
Seal & go
Medsen pharmacy) opening soon.
Self-service information point
SHoeS
Shuttles
48 Crocs
Taxis
5 Paolo Salotto Shoes
Ticket desk
SPoRTS
42 nike Schiphol
Trains
Train tickets
Wheelchair rental
SUPeRMaRKeT
46 aH to go
12 Food Village
30 Capi
39 Capi
TeLeCoM
31 airport Telecom Shop
18 Paolo Salotto Luxury Leathergoods
* these food and beverage facilities are open 24 hours a day
9
10
Location
map
Student Hotel
Amsterdam West
s10
0
Central Station
Anne Frank House
s100
ht
rac
eng
Roz
Rembrandt
House Museum
Artis Royal Zoo
straat
Vijzel
A10
t
traa
ers
s100
Amsterdam Centraal to:
00
s1
esp
Rijksmuseum
We
Schiphol Airport
Student Hotel
Amsterdam City
Holland ISC
15 min walk
1 tram stop
Student Hotel Amsterdam West
18 min by car
26 min by train
Schiphol Airport
17 min by car
22 min by train
Student Hotel Amsterdam City
15 min by car
10 min by car
A1
0
11
12
Your Induction
Programme
Top Tip
When you arrive, continue to view your
fees online and select how you want
to pay - login details are in your offer
letter and statements.
On your first, exciting day with us it is important that
you arrive on time. During your induction you will have
a complete introduction to Holland and the
International Study Centre.
It’s vital that you arrive on time so that you don’t
miss out on meeting your new classmates and
enjoying all of the great social activities that have
been planned for you.
We will work with you in your first week to find out
about your academic levels and how we can best
support you in your studies.
What to bring with you on your
first day
Please bring the following documents, so that
we can register you on the course:
✓✓ Passport
✓✓ Dutch home address
During your Induction Programme
you will learn about:
• Opening a bank account
You will need a Dutch social security number
(or BSN). You will obtain a BSN two weeks after
your regisration at the Amsterdam city hall.
In order to open a bank account you will need:
✓✓ a passport
✓✓ proof you are a student – we will issue you
with a letter
✓✓ proof of a Dutch address
• Registering at Amsterdam city hall
Obtaining your residence permit
A residence permit looks like a credit card
and proves that you are residing legally in
the Netherlands. You will need to obtain a
residence permit if you are a citizen of a
country outside the European Union/
European Economic Area or Switzerland
and in case you will be staying here for a
period of more than three months. The ISC
will have to apply for a residence permit on
your behalf within five days of your arrival in
the Netherlands.
• Your chosen programme
Get your all-important timetable and find out
what you need to achieve to progress to the
University.
• Registering with the International
Study Centre
Once you are registered with the International
Study Centre you will receive your card to enter
the UP-building. The Holland ISC is located on
the 2nd floor.
• Taking a tuberculosis test at the
Area Health Authority in Amsterdam
If you are an international student from
a non-EU country, you are required by
Dutch Immigration Law to have a
tuberculosis (TB) test at a local GGD
office (Dutch Health Service). Participating
in TB testing is important for your health,
but most importantly it is necessary
for obtaining your (temporary)
residence permit.
Advice on settling in
1. Say hello to your new neighbours.
Living in a student residence is a great
way to make new, life-long friends.
Other students around you, both from
Holland and abroad, will be feeling the
same as you. Talking to each other will
really help you settle in. Why not take
the first step by introducing yourself?
2. Join in! There will be lots of events
planned at the International Study
Centre.
3. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm
on your first day – you’ll need plenty
of time to get ready.
We want you to feel at home as quickly as
possible. If you have any worries, you can
always approach any of our friendly staff
and they will be very happy to help.
13
14
Your
International
Study Centre
15
16
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ible
As soon as poss
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required fees for yo
Have you paid the
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tuition, accommod
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valid for at
d your passport is
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Have you applied
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Up to one month
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Have you complet
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em
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form (sent
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with you?
ed money to bring
Have you organis
ur
confirmation of yo
Have you received
room allocation?
port
a copy of your pass
Have you made
documents?
and other essential
ed photos?
d four passport-siz
Have you obtaine
ith you on your
What to bring w
first day
ments, so that
lowing docu
Please bring the fol
on the course:
u
yo
we can register
Passport
ess
Dutch home addr
Evidence of your
Get involved!
Why not join our social network
facebook.com/Hollandisc
weibo.com/HollandISC
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Holland International Study Centre is part of Study Group.
For more information visit: studygroup.com
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