Universiteit Utrecht (Utrecht University), the Netherlands

EU citizens can study in the Netherlands without a visa or a residence permit, provided they have a valid passport. If you are a non-EU citizen, please refer to the University of Utrecht's visa and residency permit information.

You should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip, and for at least six months after you return to the UK. You should scan your passport and keep a copy for your records.

If you are a European Union national, you will not require a visa and may enter the European Union countries with your passport or national identity card. Please note that you may have to comply with legal obligations, such as registering your address with the local authorities.

If you are an international student who has a visa to study in the UK, and you have any questions about the implications of studying or working abroad whilst matriculated at St Andrews, you should consult Student Services by emailing advint@st-andrews.ac.uk. You can also check the passports and visas page for further information.

As an exchange student, you will not pay tuition fees to your host university, and will only be liable for your normal St Andrews tuition fees.

Research Council students should make sure that they have their funding body’s permission to study abroad, notifying them particularly for any mobility grants that they may be receiving.

Utrecht provides information about estimated costs of living in the Netherlands. You will be responsible for meeting any additional costs accruing from accommodation, food, travel, etc.

Opening a bank account

The University recommends opening a Dutch bank account to facilitate easy payment around the city, as many machines will only accept Maestro cards. You may require a burgerservicenummer (a civil service number) to open an account. This will be set up during registration but may take a few weeks to arrive. Previous exchange students have recommended ING and ABN-AMRO and have advised that ING have an agreement in place to set up accounts for registered students who have not yet received their BSN.

The Netherlands has a very good public transportation network, which makes it easy to get around.

By train

From Amsterdam Airport Schiphol there are direct inter-city trains to Utrecht Centraal every thirty minutes, and the journey takes around half an hour.

Utrecht Centraal also serves as a major travel hub, hosting local commuter trains, intercity links to major Dutch cities and international services to Germany, Belgium and France.

By bus

Utrecht’s main bus station is located next to the train station and provides local and national services.

In and around Utrecht

A reliable local bus service runs at regular intervals until approximately 1am. The Janskerkhof bus stop is near to the History Department, located in the city centre, and there is a high-frequency service to the Uithof university district.  

The purchase of an OV-chipkaart (similar to the Oyster card used in London) is recommended for regular users of public transport.

For everyday travel, the most economical, and by far the most Dutch way, to get around is by bicycle. Several bicycle shops in the town stock a selection of second-hand bicycles, and Utrecht also has an excellent student-run bike workshop, situated on the Uithof campus.

Identification

People above the age of 14 must be able to present valid ID at any time should the police or other law enforcement authorities request it. A valid driving license, passport or identity card from your country of origin (if EU or EEA) can be used.