Hogeschool Utrecht

The Netherlands is a small monarchy in the Northwest of Europe, between the North Sea, Belgium and Germany, known for much more than cheese, windmills, and tulips. The Netherlands is easy to travel in, many towns are still surrounded by canals and castle walls, and the locals are friendly and speak excellent English. The endlessly flat landscape, which inspired the nation's early artists, still stretches unbroken to the horizons and the dykes still occasionally threaten to give way.

Most historic town centers in The Netherlands date back to the Dark Ages. In Amsterdam, Leiden, or Utrecht you can see 17th century mansions once owned by the commanders of the Dutch fleet and those of the rich merchants who financed the wars with their overseas gains. Apart from the glory days of the 17th century, there is plenty in the Netherlands to attract visitors. Visitors will find a very open, relaxed and international atmosphere.

Utrecht is a charming city located in the heart of the Netherlands. Known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Utrecht offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. It is home to one of the oldest universities in the country and boasts a lively café culture, bustling shopping streets, and a thriving arts and music scene. With its compact size and excellent public transportation network, Utrecht is a great destination for exploring Dutch history, enjoying outdoor activities, and immersing oneself in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the city. Things to do in Utrecht include climbing the Dom Tower for panoramic views, exploring the charming old town and its canals, visiting the Centraal Museum for art and history, taking a boat tour along the canals, and experiencing the markets and shops.

HU was founded in 1995 through the merging of three other institutions: Hogeschool Utrecht, Hogeschool voor Economie en Management, and Central Netherlands Polytechnic. The school is located in Utrecht, approximately 30 km south of Amsterdam. It is one of the larger academic institutions in The Netherlands. HU is also one of the most internationally focused universities in The Netherlands, with a well-developed international network for students and staff mobility. To be accessible to foreign students, the university offers many programs in English in each of its faculties.

Courses in English

For a list of business courses available for exchange students, view HU's course catalogue.

Language Courses

The course catalogue also includes Dutch language courses offered by HU.

U of L students may currently only enroll in courses offered by the Faculty of Business and Management.

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time Dhillon School of Business student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

You may apply for a €70 Working Holiday Permit to be allowed to study in The Netherlands. Once you arrive, you must also apply for a Netherlands residence permit. For further details about this residence permit, contact the Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Vancouver or visit the Netherlands immigration website.

If you are going to live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must also make an appointment to register with the municipality within 5 days after your arrival.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting the Netherlands, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Utrecht is a student city. This means that the demand for student housing usually exceeds the supply, and finding a place to stay in Utrecht can be incredibly challenging. Most students in Utrecht live together with other students in shared houses. HU works with two organizations (SSH and Xior) to reserve a limited number of furnished rooms for exchange students in student houses and apartment buildings. Students typically stay in housing from SSH as they offer shorter-term contracts than Xior.

Please ensure you complete pre-registration with SSH on time and register for housing the minute the portal opens.

Reserved Housing

• Cost: €350 - €1,000/month (2024) including utilities
• Rooms are fully furnished and supplied with cooking utensils and cleaning material. Bed linen can be purchased from the rental office upon arrival.
• Most likely, you will have your own room, but bathrooms and kitchens are typically shared.
• Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, so apply as soon as registration opens. We advise students to apply before June 1^st (Fall) and November 15^th (Spring)
• SSH charges a €90 registration fee. Xior charges a €25 fee. You must pay this fee and your down payment at to finalize your registration.

Private Accommodations

• If all reserved rooms are fully booked, you will need to find your own housing.
• HU provides a number of links to housing agencies and tips for finding housing in Utrecht on their website.

Arrival Information

Your will likely arrive at the Schiphol Airport (AMS). The easiest way to travel from Schiphol Airport to Utrecht is by train. This takes approximately 30 minutes, and trains depart every 15 minutes. Simply follow the signs that say TRAINS at Schiphol Airport. Don’t forget to buy a ticket first. Train tickets are available at the yellow ticket machines near the platforms on Schiphol Plaza or from the ticket offices. Pay close attention to what kind of ticket you buy. Some tickets require you to check-in before boarding the train. You simply hold the ticket to the card reader of a check-in pole or gate, and you will hear a beep

In Utrecht

Most students ride bicycles around the city. Second-hand bicycles are widely available to buy for a small fee and are the cheapest form of transportation. HU recommends sites like Student Mobility or Swapfiets, which rent bikes to students, starting at about €20/month (2023).

Utrecht has a convenient public transportation system consisting of buses and trains. Student Mobility and the Dutch National Railway offer a number of transit pass options.

In Europe

For those planning a lot of travel throughout Europe, it is recommended to buy a Eurail pass. The pass must be purchased before going to The Netherlands.

Students going on an exchange pay regular U of L tuition and fees. For up-to-date tuition information, visit the U of L's Financial Services website.

It is MANDATORY to obtain health insurance valid in the Netherlands for the entirety of your stay. The Dutch Immigration Service will check to make sure your insurance coverage meets Dutch standards and that you are fully covered for the costs of medical and dental treatment. You must take out a private insurance policy in Canada or in the Netherlands. You should inquire at your insurance company at home if you require an extra third-person liability insurance and medical insurance in the Netherlands. If you wish to obtain private medical insurance from the Netherlands, AON insurance provides plans for non-EU citizens.

What is the best form of transportation within the city?

Biking

What was your favourite place to visit in Utrecht?

Neude square

Were there any special events, festivals, or holidays you would recommend others attend?

Kings day, liberation day, and so many festivals

On average, what was the weather like?

Rainy and windy

Any additional comments about Utrecht?

Utrecht is genuinely one of the best cities I’ve ever had the experience to be in. It is a constantly alive and the city is full of young students.

Did you have a favourite course you would recommend to future students?

Dutch beginners A1

Did HU provide the following?

• Airport pick up upon arrival - no
• Buddy program - yes

Were the following provided in your student dormitory?

• Bedding - yes
• Kitchen - yes
• Pots, pans, utensils, etc - no

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

2 minutes

Do you have suggestions for future students who are looking for accommodations?

Be early and on time when SSH says to get the room you want.

How much cash would you recommend students bring when arriving?

Minimal, Netherlands is a cashless country

Which company would you recommend students purchase a sim card/e-sim through?

Vodaphone

Do you have advice for how students should handle banking in your host country?

I just used my credit card from Canada with no international fees. If you want to make a Dutch bank account do it right away to make it worth your while.

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada if they are studying at your host university?

Rain jackets, pants, sweaters. It’s not as warm as you think.

Do you have any advice for future exchange students?

Just have fun and embrace the moment