New student info

During the last week of August, we host Introduction Activities for all programmes. It’s a mix of fun social events and informative sessions. We’ll also guide you through practical university matters. For GRL students, the Introduction Week participation is mandatory.

Make sure you are properly insured for your stay in the Netherlands. International students are not automatically insured! Which health insurance you need depends on your situation.

This is not obligatory, but a Dutch phone number makes it easier for institutions and housing providers to contact you.

For Dutch students
If you're moving to Leeuwarden, report your move online.

For international students
You can make an appointment online at the municipality of Leeuwarden.

Don't forget to bring to your municipal appointment:

• Original valid passport/ID card
• A copy of your signed rental agreement
• Copies of all passport pages with stamps/stickers & holder (data) page

The municipality office is located at Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2 in Leeuwarden. After your registration, you will receive your citizen service number (BSN). This is your personal number for contact with Dutch authorities. If you have any questions about the procedure or this registration, you can send an email to burgerzaken leeuwarden.nl.

We advise you to make an appointment as soon as possible. If you do not register as a resident in weeks 33 - 36 you do not receive your BSN number directly at the appointment, and it may then take two to four weeks to receive it. You need a BSN to be able to request housing allowance, among other things.

With your DigiD you identify yourself when you arrange matters online with the government.

Use this application form to apply for an account. You will need your citizen service number (BSN) for your application.

Please note: DigiD is private. You are not allowed to apply for a DigiD on behalf of someone else. Do you want to help someone to arrange their affairs online? Then use DigiD Authorisation.

In the Netherlands, the General Practitioner (GP) is your first point of contact if you feel unwell. Register with a GP in Leeuwarden as soon as possible after arrival, don’t wait until you are sick. Hospitals are for emergencies only, so always contact your GP first.

• You can find GP practices by searching “huisarts Leeuwarden” on Google Maps.

Call or check the practice website to ask:

• whether they accept new patients / students, and

• whether they accept your insurance (for example EHIC, AON or Dutch health insurance).

Once you are registered, your GP will help you with most medical questions and will refer you to a specialist or hospital if needed. This referral is often required for your insurance to cover the costs.

If you are unsure how to find or register with a GP, the Student Service Desk can help you.

A Dutch bank account makes everyday payments easier and is required if you want to apply for housing allowance.

You might be eligible to receive housing allowance. These can be requested at the Dutch tax office (Belastingdienst).

In some cases you can request an exemption from the municipal waste-collection tax. This is possible once you receive a letter about this from the municipality of Leeuwarden.