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<\/p>\nMy name is Charlie Groenewegen and I\u2019m an exchange student from The Netherlands. My home university is The Technical University of Delft. I\u2019m currently doing my Masters in Sustainable Energy Technology, second year. I had the opportunity to do an exchange program with QUT for one semester. In this blog I\u2019ll explain to you how it is to live in the Netherlands, and Delft, socially and money wise. Also, I\u2019ll give recommendations on what to do and where to go in my country.<\/p>\n
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Delft is a pretty small town in comparison to other big cities such as Amsterdam but that does make it a cozy one. Most student activities, such as sports, are hosted at the university and all the parties can be at external locations or at fraternities. Dutch people are quite direct but very fun to be around with. They\u2019re always in to chill, joke around or just go out and do something. The rent in Delft averages from 300-500 euros per month and it comes with a decent amount of space for your room. Finding a room is quite easy by just applying to the Facebook groups or kamernet.nl. You\u2019ll undergo a trial day in which the people who already live in the house will check who you are and whether you fit into the house atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Most houses are close by the university and pretty much everything else is too, which makes it very convenient. Going to Holland you\u2019ll definitely need a bike to getaround and public transportation is pretty easy to figure out. Food is the same price as in Australia, maybe slightly cheaper in the long run. Overall, if you have 1600 AUD per month available you\u2019ll be good to go. You can always go cheaper but you\u2019ll want to do some exploring and hang out with friends\/go out etc.<\/p>\n
There are a decent amount of international people at the university if you don\u2019t have the chance to socialise with the locals and there are enough gatherings in the beginning of the year so that you can meet new friends. Don\u2019t be afraid to step off to a Dutch person as they might seem quite to themselves or their friends, we\u2019re quite friendly!<\/p>\n
I would definitely recommend going to a football or hockey game, these the biggest sports in the country and will attract a lot of fun crowds and good moments. Ajax is the biggest football club in the Netherlands and have the best atmospheres in the game. The country is quite small so really get out of the city and explore the country, from Amsterdam to the beach and try to check out Rotterdam.<\/p>\n
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