Checklist for international students
As a new student in a new city you can feel quite lost, probably even more as an international as you are moving to a different country. Therefore we created a checklist for international students moving to Groningen so you can see everything you need to arrange before you move, when you arrive and you are settled in Groningen.
Before you move
- IWCN
- Go to (online) open days
- Apply to a Dutch educational institution
- Receive confirmation of enrolment
- Sort out study financing
- Make sure to closely read the universities’ requirements for deadlines and study payments: University of Groningen, Hanze, NHL Stenden, Van Hall Larenstein, TIO
- Arrange your visa (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange your residence permit (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange travel insurance
- Arrange international health insurance
- Arrange your (short-term) accommodation on arrival
- Prepare the necessary documents and get them translated and legalized (for non-EU/EEA citizens)
- Book your flight or transport to the Netherlands
- Find a school or childcare provider for your children
- Check how to import a pet
- Check how to import your car and get mandatory Third-party liability insurance
- Check out the map of Groningen
- Pack rain-proof clothes ;)
When you arrive
- Arrange transport to Groningen
- Check in to your (short-term) accommodation
- Register at your municipality to get your BSN
- Collect your residence document (when coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Take a TB test if necessary. Find out which nationalities are required to do so
- Obtain a DigiD: a secure digital identification system in the Netherlands that allows residents to access a variety of government services online
- Open a bank account
- Get a Dutch phone number
- Arrange your utilities
- Register with a general practitioner (GP), pharmacy, and dentist for your medical needs
When settling in
- Arrange your (long-term) accommodation
- Obtain an ov chip card
- Get a bike (and learn how to cycle)
- Find a part-time job if you would like to earn some money besides studying
- Apply for basic Dutch health insurance
- Start learning Dutch
- Exchange your drivers license
- Apply for a parking permit
- Think about joining an association like a study, student, sports or cultural association
- Join welcome events in Groningen: KEI week, ESN introduction week
- Fall in love with Groningen!
The original checklist from International Welcome Center North was used to create this checklist. On their website you can find a lot more information on living, working, and settling in Groningen.