Moving is always a challenge, but moving to a new country where you don’t speak the language adds a layer of complexity. In this blog, I will walk you through how I prepared financially for my move to the Netherlands! 

Step one – Calculate your cost of living 

Having an overview of your monthly expenses is very crucial. Your budget should include your rent, groceries, uni-supplies, and “fun money”. It is important to have an overview of this as a base for how much you need per month. 

It is also important to remember that the University of Groningen does not offer housing for students, so it is your responsibility to find something!

Rent 

One of the biggest expenses you will come across is your rent. These are some things to keep in mind when coming up with your budget. 

Furnished vs unfurnished - Many places in the city are unfurnished, which means you will need to account for getting a new bed, table, and even cooking supplies, etc.. Have a look at Suzanne’s blog for some tips about where to find your essentials.

Are you 23+? Then you may be eligible for the ‘huurtoeslag’. This is a government housing subsidy designed to help lower the cost of living. However, there are conditions to be met, alongside age! 

Groceries  

There are many grocery stores in Groningen, ranging in affordability. There is also the weekly market which occurs three times a week (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00). At the market, you can find fresh produce, poultry, seafood, etc., often for a fraction of the prices in the supermarket. 

Pro tip!  On some days, if you go a bit closer to closing, some of the stalls offer discounts on their fruits and vegetables. 

Step Two – Banking EC card vs Credit Card 

Having a bank account in the Netherlands is very important! It allows you to make both online and in-person charges. Many places do not accept credit cards and sometimes even cash, so having a normal bank/debit card is very helpful! 

In order to open a bank account in the Netherlands, you also need to have your BSN (Burgerservicenummer). We recommend you get your BSN as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands. You will need your rental contract and personal identification (ID card, Passport) and, where applicable, your residence permit, to apply for your BSN. 

Step Three – Health insurance 

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives in the Netherlands. As an international student, you are not automatically insured, so you must arrange it yourself! You can use this insurance advice to determine what kind of health insurance you will need. 

If you are an EU student, you do not qualify for the Dutch public health insurance. You can, however, still use your home insurance as long as it is an EHIC. 

Step 4 – Study materials

Each programme has a different estimate on how much you will need to spend on equipment, books and excursions. The University recommends calculating approximately 80 euros a month for your study materials. 

Tip! Sometimes, the university has your reading materials as PDFs or physical copies that you can borrow. Just have a look at the Smartcat website! 

This blog offered a broad overview of what steps to take and expect financially when moving to the Netherlands. Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different, but I hope it gives you a solid starting point for when you move to Groningen!

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you soon!