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ACTIVITIES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS IN NIJMEGEN

Here is a list of what can be done in and around Nijmegen, based on suggestions from foreign students already here (including myself) and helpful staff at Radboud University External Relations. Feel free to add more useful tips and suggestions!

email For comments, mail to ton.ammerlaan@han.nl


Placing advertisements. | Arts in Nijmegen
Banks in Nijmegen | Bikes and cycling | BlackBoard courses at the HAN | Books | Student Buddies
Cheap student subscription | Churches | Cinema | Nijmegen City Hall: programme for non Dutch | Costs of living in Nijmegen | Computers
Drugs | Dutch | Dutch language | Dutch culture
Email at HAN university of Applied Sciences | Education courses in general | Embassies | English for Science | Expatriates (also Meeting other students)
Festivities | Food and eating | Foreigner Police (see also Registration)
Getting to the HAN Nijmegen campus | Going Out (see Arts, Cinemas, Restaurants)
Health Issues | Housing and getting it (see also Rooms) | Hotels, hostels and BB (see Yellow Pages) | Hospitals
Information Resources of the HAN University Faculties and Departments | Information Resources of the Radboud University Nijmegen for Foreign Students | International Students in Nijmegen
Language Courses | Language Skills | Laundrette | Learning skills | Libraries in Nijmegen | Links on Nijmegen
Meet foreign student organisations | Money (also see Scholarships) | Museums
Netherlands (background) | News from home | Nijmegen (background)
Passport photographs | Postoffice | Police
Registering with local authorities | Research in Nijmegen (some English language institutions) | Restaurants | Rooms (see also Housing) | Romans (see also Nijmegen) | Rules and Regulations at the HAN
Possible Scholarships, Money and HAN student admin | Secondhand and pre-loved goods | Shopping in Nijmegen | Software | Sports in Nijmegen | Study effectively and efficiently | Student Counsellors HAN | Student Discount
Telephone | Tipping | Travel arrangements
Generally useful URLs and Links
Work | What is on | Writing Skills
Yellow Pages Terms | Youth Hostelling

ADVERTISEMENTS (placing these)

(HLO) Institute of Applied Science students: Use the first floor Notice boards near the DNA staircase. Students at the HAN can advertise free in the Sensor mail sensor@han.nl (length 35 words max, goods no more than 500 euro in value) and on Insite http://insite.han.nl using the Cross Icon and on the HAN intranet site Insite.
National advertisements can be read on www.viavia.nl and via www.marketplace.nl
Other Nijmegen students can try the local www.gelderlander.nl rag, or use the Radboud University Nijmegen VOX.

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ARTS

Alternative Arts scene activities are organized by www.plu.nl the Old Umbrella factories, Van Oldenbarneveldstr near Central Station.

Student discounts: only HAN students with a valid ID card can obtain last minute tickets at 9.40 euro 15 minutes before the start of any concert, show or event at the Vereniging and Schouwburg theatres around the Keizer Karel square www.schouwburgnijmegen.nl.

Each year Radboud University organizes a Cultural Week in October involving all cultural institutions in Nijmegen. Workshops, shows, exhibitions inform you what is on here. You can meet them all.

The city of Nijmegen offers a wide variety of cultural activities. Some theaters and cultural centres are mentioned below. For more information, please check the homepage of the town hall ‘Stad en Cultuur’ (only in Dutch). Discounts for various events can be obtained with your cultural passport www.cjp.nl  or sometimes your Youth Hostel pass www.youthhostel.org

Concertgebouw De Vereeniging
Keizer Karelplein 2
6511 NC Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3228344

Nijmegen Stadsschouwburg
Keizer Karelplein 32
6511 NH Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3228344

Openluchttheater De Goffert
Steinweglaan 2
6532 AE Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3500345

Het Steigertheater
Fortstraat 7
6523 DG Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3606346

De Lindenberg
Ridderstraat 17/23
6511 TM Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3273911

Doornroosje Cultureel Centrum
Groenewoudseweg 322
6525 EL Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3559887

Theater Teneeter
Daalseweg 262
6523 CD Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3600588

Centrum Beeldende Kunst Nijmegen
Oude Haven 102
6511 XH Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3600760

Activities in city parks http://www.circuscolourfulcity.nl/english.htm

For national events, try Holland.Com by the Tourist Board with events, tours, trips, discounts, Foreign Friends and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites.

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BANKING

ABN has a student campus bank on Thomas v Aquino street near the Erasmus buildings www.abnamro.nl of Radboud University. In 2006 an ABN bank opened on the HAN Nijmegen campus in the GGM building (entrance hall). Naturally there are other banks as well, like www.ing.nl, www.postbank.nl, www.geldshop.nl but not many with English language service, I am afraid. Ask your HAN buddy to help out or see the Yellow Pages below.

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BIKES

The Dutch travel by bike, even in hilly areas like Nijmegen. The sooner you get a bike, the more you will begin to like the Nijmegen areas. You can roam the Neolithic burial sites and castle in Wijchen, ride along the prehistoric river in Overasselt, bike to medieval Appeltern and Batenburg, visit the smallest town Persingen in the Ooi Polders, visit the beaches in Lent, explore the marshes near Millingen, ride in the hills of Berg en Dal to Germany, or even put the bike on the train to explore places further afield.

Naturally, bikes are useful for going out as well. Make sure you have adequate light on your bike, as Nijmegen police impounds improper bikes. Beware of bike thieves. Get a decent lock (solid steel) or two to protect your Iron Horse, and visit the National Dutch Bike museum near Nijmegen port (waalkade) called Velorama.
The Bike rental from the railway stations is cheap, and second hand bikes are available in town from second hand shops, bike shops (trade ins at a cheap rate) and the like (see Yellow Pages):

here can I find a bycicle repairman?

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BLACKBOARD and SCHOLAR

HAN Course materials are offered via the Scholar e-learning platform that replaced Blackboard. You can access Scholar on https://online.han.nl as follows:
1. Get a HAN Email account .... from www.han.nl that looks like @student.han.nl from www.elearn.han.nl or from www.han.nl > studenten > HANDS (you will see the manuals here as well)

2. Get into Scholar Course on online.han.nl using the information from your Students' Statute / Prospectus thru self-enrolment

5. Go to the COURSE TAB (top of screen and do a COURSE SEARCH by typing in the course name, and register by clicking on ENROL. Online is used by all 31,000 HAN students.

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BOOKS

New students in Applied Sciences get a full package with includes books and Course readers.
Second year students get their materials through www.studystore.nl and find the list on HAN Insite and www.han.nl > Bachelor programmes .
The Academic bookshop in Nijmegen is Dekker www.dekker.nl but you also find a second hand academic bookshop www.deslegte.nl in town (see Yellow Pages below) and online Secondhand books.
For new books online you have lots of choices, like www.bol.com and www.amazon.com. Bookshops in Amsterdam, like the American Bookstore and WH Smith in Amsterdam, also offer many titles. University towns like Utrecht, Amsterdam and Leiden have lots of choice, are good fun to shop around in, and have many foreign students. You are bound to bump into a fellow countryperson.

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BUDDIES

When you are new you need to find your way around, and that is not always easy. HAN therefore finds a buddy for you, a student at this department who already is familiar with Dutch customs, the language, student life and HLO/Life Sciences working practises.
Culture shock is what all students go through: it is so different here, which is exciting at first, but then may become tiring and exasperating. It takes time to get used to the Dutch and to a new school, before you can accept the new situation and see the benefits. Symptoms of culture shock are drowsiness, fatigue, anger, frustration, lack of motivation, uncaring. For more, consult any internet search.
Each year we try and allocate one experienced student to a novice in Life Sciences. Past experience has shown us this is fun as well as educational for both sides. But particularly fun when buddies help one another in learning more about an international perspective on many aspects. Contact your local Faculty for details on registration

MEETUP.com
If you care to meet up with others, try the www.meetup.com website and find a group to join up with. Joining is free, and local groups regularly organise events. Nijmegen has an active Expats group which organises dinners and drinks, excursions and meetings, and a Nijmegen Hikers groups which does nature trails, biking trips, city historical tours and trips abroad. The hiking group often charges a nominal fee to pay the organisers for setting up the MeetUp Websites.

BUDDIES FOR WOMEN
IVC Nijmegen organises get togethers for all non -Dutch women in Nijmegen regularly. International Women's Centre www.IVC-nijmegen.nl offers interactive and practice oriented language courses in Dutch. In addition to introductory courses, IVC also offers integration and Dutch NT@ examination courses, covering the advanced level as well. IVC focuses on integration and networking, offering women the opportunity to meeet other non-Dutch women in Nijmegen and promoting self-help. Fees range from 35 euro for one morning or afternoon a week to 55 for 2 morninggs or afternoons a week. Please contact info@ivc-nijmegen.nl

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CHEAP SUBSCRIPTION

The site www.campus.abonnee.nl provides various cheap subscriptions to Dutch and other magazines and papers.
The Nijmegen railway station kiosk offers a range of foreign language newspapers (you can ask them to supply your very own) if you like.
Foreign newspapers can often be rad in the local libraries or even online.

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CHURCH

A small nearby prayer room can be found in the GGM building on HAN campus, and in the Radboud University campus on route 5.06 in St Radboud Academic hospital, near the main entrance. Prayer rugs are provided. It is an 8 min walk from HAN Nijmegen campus. Bigger facilities are 11 min walk: The Students Church opposite the Erasmus building hosts regular services for students (Erasmuslaan 15, info@studentenkerk.azn.nl). www.ru.nl/studentenkerk/ (Erasmuslaan 1). A Quiet Room and Muslim Prayer Room are available (Mon-Friday 10.00-16.00).
  Apart from the University Chaplaincy above, English services are held by the Anglican Church. Nijmegen also hosts mosques, synagogues as well as Buddhist, Hindu and Baha'i organisations. The Chaplaincy can help you find these. Pinkstere Jozua: malderbuchstrt 11
Gereformeerd: bron de gilderkamp 6002
Catholic (www.mariageboorte.nl) on Berg en Dalseweg 40, Nijmegen
Indonesian church (like "Bethany" in Ind): symphoniestrt 202
English/Anglican http://arnhemnijmegenchaplaincy.nl hold our church services in the DoRe Church (Doopsgezinde-Remonstrante Kerk) Prof. Regoutstraat 23, 6524 RZ Nijmegen

Local clubs in Arnhem and Nijmegen may have their own language church services. You could try and find these via your embassy in The Hague as each has their own internet site and education and information officers or try Foreign Friends and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites..

English language services http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/8858/churches.htm

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CINEMA

Nijmegen has four mainstream cinemas, and two non-commercial ones. To find out what is on, try www.belbios.nl. Local Dutch language booklets also tell you each month what is on... in Dutch. Available in town at bars.

In the Netherlands movies are shown in the original language with Dutch subtitles. There are cinemas which mainly show popular movies, and there is one (Lux/Cinemarienburg) which offers less commercial and perhaps also less well-known movies. You can see the latest movies in Nijmegen, and save by using a Cultural Youth Pass CJP (from Youth Hostels).

Calypso Theater
Tweede Walstraat 16
6511 LV Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3606448

Carolus Theater
Plein 1944 28
6511 JD Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3656499

Lux/Cinemariënburg
Marienburg 59
6511 PS Nijmegen
Tel.: +31-24-3221612

SEE YELLOW PAGES FOR MORE

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Nijmegen CITY HALL SUPPORT
Welcome to non-Dutch guests in Nijmegen

Who is City Hall support for?
Everybody aged 18 years and older, who has a staying permit since less than a year and risks falling behind in Dutch society. This concerns the following people:
Activities of Bureau Nieuwkomers in Nijmegen.
You can approach us with the following questions:
'Bureau Nieuwkomers' will inform you about all the important organisations, but especially about possibilities of education and finding a suitable job. An employee of Bureau Nieuwkomers (an assistant to the program, the so called 'trajectbegeleider') will assist you personally. The trajectbegeleider is well informed about all this and often speaks your own language. Together with him/her you establish a program, geared towards learning the Dutch language and finding work. This program takes your wishes and possibilities into account.

Contract for the duration of the program
Bureau Nieuwkomers will draw up a contract -a so called 'trajectovereenkomst'- in which your program will be integrated.
If you or your partner receive a state benefit you are obliged -following the law- to sign this trajectovereenkomst. This means that you have to follow a program of 500 hours:

Even if you do not receive a state benefit, you can nevertheless participate and sign a contract.

Bureau Nieuwkomers
Dienst Educatie en Welzijn
Stadhuis, Korte Nieuwstraat 6
6511 PP Nijmegen
The visiting hours are from 9.00 tot 16.30 hours.
Wednesday from 13.00 tot 16.30 hours.

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COST OF LIVING IN NIJMEGEN

Sublet your own room if possible to cut down on the costs here. Set up a contract if possible to avoid disappintments and misunderstanding.
Pay off your own bills before you depart to Nijmegen. If bills are left unpaid you may be fined, or worse, face unpleasant court action on your return. Some students were forced to return home in the past, resulting in increased travel expenses.
A Dutch student usually needs approximately 577,16 Euro per month for accomdation, clothing and food. Non-EU students must prove to the Dutch Immigration Board that they have at least 677,96 Euro per month, ten months of the year, to get a residence permit. Money goes to rent (often 350 euro a month!), foods, mobile phones and going out, though at the beginning of the year you also need to pay for readers and books. Check www.nuffic.nl for the latest numbers.

See

http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm  Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

Updated information on the costs of living in the Netherlands is found on NUFFIC homepages.

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DRUGS

Although the Netherlands has a reputation for being a liberal country for drug use. do not be mistaken. Drug (pills, smoke, mushrooms, fungi) use is only condoned, and is still illegal. If the police want to they can still pick you up, and provided you have too much on you decide to terminate your visa.
Check www.drugsinfo.nl for details and research on DrugText.org.
For medicinal drugs you can go to the 'Apotheker' See Yellow Pages)

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Computers

Computers are available at the university. If you wish to use your own, consider buying the notebook offered to HAN students. These laptops come complete with warrantee, software and LAN card for access in the HAN buildings.

Second hand stores abound, if you are not prepared to buy new. Augustijnenstraat has a few computer stores with a good reputation. More expensive are Vobis and Dixons in town.

Radboud University of Nijmegen also hosts a computer shop at nearby URC building on the Heyendalseweg.

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DUTCH LANGUAGE AND PEOPLE

The Dutch as a nation have only existed for 200 odd years (although Belgium segregated as recently as 1830 from the other low countries). Before that, the Netherlands (plural) consisted of various co-operating counties (provinces) and before that much was either part of Spain, France or Germany. In early medieval times Nijmegen was the second capital of Charlemagne’s European empire, and before that the Romans had a town here (Novio Magnus) together with the Batavian tribe. Earlier settlements are reported from across the Waal river in Elst where prehistoric canoes were found, and which has the remains of the largetst temples north of the Alps undr the church. Try also to visit Schokland in the Flevopolder, a former island in the then South Lake near Amsterdam. Schokland has World Heritage status as being the most ancient spot in the Netherlands as far as habitation is concerned.

The Dutch are a mixture of various ethnic groups, remnants of which are still evident; Spanish/French blood down south means these people have darker hair, Frisian/viking blood up north left its trace in taller blond people. And there are lots of Germanic influences.

The Dutch are also multi-ethnic: former colonialists settled from Indonesia in the Arnhem/Nijmegen region, Turks and Moroccans were imported en masse in the 1960s to build up Dutch wealth. Native residents from former Empirial Colonies like Surinam (South America) and the Dutch Antilles (near Cuba) and from South Africa make up a large proportion of the 1 million ‘foreign nationals’. Hence, if you ask a Dutch person what is typically Dutch, chances are they come up with something that originally was not Dutch at all...

A humoristic, sometimes very true to life account of the Dutch can be read in The Undutchables (any bookstore. .
Revealing insights intothe Dutch culture are offerd by Dutch Expats sites which lists everyting they miss about the Netherlands. Try Australie Pagina, Foreign Friends, or Dutch in Australia for starters.

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DUTCH LANGUAGE

If you wish to enter a Dutch language programme, your level of Dutch must be such that you can understand lectureres, ask questions to lecturers, write up notes, consult libraries, report your findings and discuss your results in a meeting. These requirements are set in the Dutch State Examination, the final exam of the Dutch as a Second Language course programmes.

Almost everybody in the Netherlands understands English, and many speak English well. Neverthless, Dutch is often used in regulations, notices, homepages and other resources. You are well advised to pick up some Dutch. You can start in your home country by using CD ROMs, Internet sites and local courses.
Once in the Netherlands you can start practising, and go to Dutch schools and courses. UTN offers free Social Dutch courses to Exchange Students at Radboud University Nijmegen. They are popular and registration must be as early as possible. They start in September and February. HAN University students need to pay at this stage.

Dutch Language Courses IVC, Intercultureel centrum voor emancipatie en participatie www.IVC-nijmegen.nl offers interactive and practice oriented language courses in Dutch. In addition to introductory courses, IVC also offers integration and Dutch NT2 examination courses, covering the advanced level as well. IVC focuses on integration and networking, offering women the opportunity to meet other non-Dutch women in Nijmegen and promoting self-help. Please contact info@ivc-nijmegen.nl

jaaa  = yes

Neee = no

Misschien = maybe

Twee bier = two beers

Hai betaalt = he is paying

And check out internet sites like DUTCH.HTM and www.learndutch.org or use www.worldlingo.com for Dutch dictionaries online.

Dutch dictionaries

http://www.vandale.nl or http://www.ectaco.com/online/ and BAB LA
Public Library at Marienbrug, http://www.bibliotheeknijmegen.nl/
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DUTCH CULTURE

You should for your arrival in Nijmegen around the last week of August. This is the Orientation or Introduction week, when thousands of Freshmen and Women try to get to know one another, the city and its institutions. Theatre plays, free outdoor movies, execursions, sporting activities, introduction camp on nearby camping sites form an excellent way of integrating quickly into Dutch student culture. Serious suggestions on Study In Holland
Foreign Students at the University of Nijmegen (KUN) are particularly blessed because Committee Welcome organises many social activities during their year, such as excursions to Amsterdam, the Delta Works, medieval VOC ships (replicas), Keukenhof gardens, medieval castles, nature walks, St Nicolaas parties and Christmas gatherings. The Radboud Univ students programme runs on weekends. Contact Ms i.dijkstra@dsm.ru.nl or 31 24 361 2065.

HAN students can use their Buddies, Organisations for Foreign Students (see Meeting Others) and the like. Some background information on http://www.thehollandring.com/dutchculture.htm

Impress the natives by the national anthems on Sinterklaas, the Dutch patron saint: Both music and lyrics, typed and sang out, can be found on Sint Songs and the Canadian Sint Lied.
30 April is a national Holliday when everythingis Orange: Holand at its best!

For ideas on what is good in the Netherlands you could try Expatriate sites such as Aussies Expats in Holland and of course the Dutch Tourist Board.

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EMAIL

Although Hotmail and other free providers appear attractive, the emails you can send/read are limited in size. This means big mails can be delayed or even erased. In order to access HAN Insite with inside information by your faculty you need a @student.han.nl account. This account can be generated from www.elearn.han.nl with the help of your student number.

Once you have the HAN student account and password you can register for Insite and Blackboard.

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EDUCATION COURSES IN GENERAL

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EMBASSEY

Make sure your partner, friends, family and home institution has exact details of your whereabouts. In case of emergency at home, ask them to ring the university direct on 31 24 383 1140 (HLO/Life Sciences Department) or any of the lecturers. You should also try and inform your home frot of your email addresses.
Registration with your local embassy may seem bureaucratic, but also brings advantages. You have a group of fellow countrymen who know their way around Europe and who can give you advice. You also have the certainty that the homefront can find you easily. Embassies often have information about local clubs (e.g. Dutch Australian Women Association, Dutch Indonesians, Moslim communities, ) and local churches or hospitable countrymen. They even have links to other Expatriates, such as Ausie Expats.

A list of embassies is provided by http://www.retailindex.nl/ambassade.html

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ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE

Rule 1: bring your study books from home in your own language when commencing your courses: comparing your new books to the ones you know help you ease into the new language of study. The Department uses Communication for Laboratory Engineers by Van der Laan and Ammerlaan, 2006, Syntax Media.
Many internet sites for English exist, like the ones listed on www.ammerlaan.demon.nl/ENGLISH.HTM (grammar, pronunciation, dictionaries, exercises, idioms, business, taxation, Australian English, Am. English, etc.).

The University of Nijmegen Language Training Centre UTN offers courses at various levels of English. These courses are not free for HAN University students, thoiugh we are working on it.

Specialist sites like English for Science are also easy to find: try for starters http://claweb.cla.unipd.it/inglese/ssmmffnn/scienze/hotlinks.htm or Chemistry English and help me find more!

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EXPATRIATES

People from the same country of origin are called expatriates. They often interact when living elsewhere because they share so much. That common ground is both comfortable, and givs them a feeling of harmony and togetherness even when they live abroad.
Migrant, expatriate or other similar communities can be great fun for any visiting students: students enjoy seeing and experiencing a bit of home whilst away, and the expats enjoy hearing the latest about the country of origin. It helps when coping with culture shock.
How to find expats: contact the consulate or embassey in your host country, or try Foreign Friends, Meetup.com for loal groups, Aussie Expats and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites. Students could visit local AIESEC student groups.
Largest group You can meet a Nijmegen group via www.MeetUp.com: simply search for Nijmegen and you see a host of free activities for foreign students and staff

These sites list tips on accomodation, things to see, language classes that were good, bars where expats meet, media issues, useful travel agencies, sports clubs, experiences with bookshops, government regulations, the Dutch language and so on. You can also find info on the Holland.Com of the Dutch tourist board. Dutch versions are found on < a href="http://australia.pagina.nl">Pagina .nl (Australia), vietnam.pagina.nl, ghana.pagina.nl, greatbritain.pagina.nl, duitsland.pagina.nl etc.
Other sites are Foreigners in Holland.net, Access, and Expatica

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FESTIVITIES

The Dutch love a party, particularly national parties. Naturally there are Xmas traditions, here family oriented too (so consider yourself priveledged when invited along), New Year's Eve parties (Campagne, toasts, midnight hugs and fireworks), Easter and Whitsuntide when one gets Spring days off, but my best is the Queen's Birthday: 30 April everyone is in a orange mood, to celebrate the birthdays of the Old and New Queen but particularly to celebrate freedom to trade. Anyone is allowed to sell and buy almost anything, and so many citis organise Rommel Markten (second hand markets) in parks, where kids sell their toys, as well as mama's old clothes. Bargains galore. Other kids show off their talent, ranging from trumpet playing, flute playing, Punch and Jundy shows, pancake baking on campsite stoves, and what not. Although big cities offer lots to the curious and eager person, smaller towns do it their way in often more congenial way (less commercial). The new Queen (Beatrix) visits two towns and their inhibatitants, often escorted by her train of royalty. See Dutch info on What is On and http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm  Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

.
Halloween in October is not so big, nor is Homecoming. Weekends are a regular treat though, and in academia the weekend starts on Thursday night after the late night shopping.

Beware of days when the Dutch national soccer team plays at night live on television: tempers flare, and you could find yourself being sworn at or more if you support the other team. When Holland plays Germany old 'war wounds that-never-were' emerge, and Germans here have a hard time. Jeallousy amongst brothers it is.

'Family Holland' is equivalent to Sinterklaas (St Claas): the holy man from Spain (although born in Turkey) has his own festivities, starting with his arrival on a steamboat in November with his hoard of Black Peters, and culminating in Parcel Night on December 5 and his actual Name Day on December 6th. He was imported with the Dutch emigrants to the USA and turned into Santa Claus and moved to Xmas for commercial purposes. He rewards kids who are good, and punishes kids who are bad based on entries in his holy doomesday book. Bad kids are annoyed by the Black Peters, although currently Black Peters tend to have talent-based roles: You have the Laughing Peter, the Joke Peter, the Cycling Peter, the Sailor Peter, the Ridle Peter, the Juggling Peter... etc. Just lie the Smurfs. Do not plan meetings on December 5th in the afternoon or December 6th in the morning unless it is with non-Dutchies. For songs, go to Sint Songs and the Canadian Sint Lied.
For other events , try Foreign Friends and Ex-pats in the Netherlands and Holland . Com sites.

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FOOD

Getting used to a different country means trying their food as well. That is difficult. Some foreign studentsw never had to cook themselves, and now are faced with the basics like shopping, preparing and cooking a meal. This is not as hard as it sems: good advice is to cook together in groups, to cut costs and increase the exchange of good cooking tips. Another is to consult nutrition consultants who can help you prepare balanced diets. Try Anja's consultancy in Njjmegen for English-language advice on nutrition and exercise. You can also contact SENECA from HAN University.
If you want to cook, recipies are available on www.receptenweb.nl and similar sites in English, and advice on appropriate eating patterns is found on www.voedingscentrum.nl in The Hague.
Nijmegen has a lively market for food, many Tokos and other importers of African and Asian foods (Yellow Pages).
You can also live on the edge and try many restaurants and bistros in town (see Yellow Pages/restaurants) and

http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm A Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen .
If you do not want to cook: try to go regularly with youir friends to the Refter University Restaurant near the Erasmus Buildings on the Radboud University Nijmegen campus, Erasmusplein 1 (1630 onwards). Many foreign Nijmegen University students go there so you may meet people from home. Dishes vary from Dutch, vegetarian to Foreign.
You can also become a member of the ThuisZorg service (at 19 euro a year) and order in frozen meals. These are cheap, vary enormously and you can cook a healthy meal by reheating it at any time. Orders can be placed with the Servicebureau Mon-Fridays 9.00-15.00 on 0900 666 77 78. After registration you receive the meal catalogue and a number of orrder coupons. Useful during exam time!

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FOREIGNER POLICE

Details on Dutch migration laws are found on www.nuffic.nl. The Radboud University guide is intended for foreign students and student-trainees wishing to study or to do an internship in the Netherlands. It is also relevant for guest lecturers, post-doctoral students and researchers intending to come to the Netherlands. The guide describes the procedures for obtaining a visa (Authorization for Temporary Stay), a residence permit and a work permit.

First of all, you need to have a valid passport. If you plan to stay for less than three months you are not obliged to register with the police or to arrange a residence permit (Vergunning tot Verblijf: VTV). However, we do advise you to arrange a residence permit. You need one if you want to use any official civil service (housing, social security number, work, etc.). If your stay exceeds 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit (VTV) at the Police Aliens Registration Department in Town Hall, Stieltjesstraat. The VTV is valid for a maximum of 12 months. The legal fee involved is Euro 15, -. If your stay in Holland lasts longer than this, you have to obtain a temporary extension. There is no charge for this, but you must once more prove to the Alien Police that for the period in question you are enrolled at a Dutch educational institution, and that you have enough money to live on and adequate health insurance (see Registration for more details).
SINCE 2005 EVERYONE OVER !^ MUST HAVE PROOF OF IDENTITY AT ALL TIMES. Foreign students not being able to prove their identities may be treated as illigeal migrants and get deported.....

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GETTING TO THE HAN UNIVERSITY NIJMEGEN CAMPUS

When travelling by train (www.ns.nl), keep three things in mind:

  • Always check at the railway station (or if possible at home) if the scheme mentioned above is still correct for that day.

  • In the Netherlands, trains do not run all night. If you arrive on a very late international train, it is possible that you will not make it to Nijmegen that same day. The latest possible arrival time ranges between 0.30 and 1.30 A.M. Schiphol has a low budget hotel. Ask information desk staff for advice.

  • Do not buy a ticket every time you change trains. In most cases you will be able to buy a ticket to Nijmegen in your hometown. If this is not the case, buy a ticket to Nijmegen at the first station in the Netherlands where you have to buy a ticket, regardless of how many times you will have to change trains. This will save you much time (and money). You can pay by using your bankcard and personal identification number (PIN) or VISA.

    >Train tickets are quite expensive (if you come from Asia/Africa). It is possible, however, to get substantial reductions. If you are staying for a longer period of time, it might be useful to buy one of the railway passes below:

    Voordeel-urenkaart, price approx. Euro 45,-; this one-year pass enables you to travel within the Netherlands with a 40% discount after 9.00 A.M.(on weekdays) and all day during weekends and public holidays. AND you can buy More Persons Tickets Meermanskaart) if 3 or more travel, so the other two get the same 40% discount as well!

    Foreigners can buy a Holland Rail Pass: this entitles you to 3 or 5 days of unlimited travel by train in the Netherlands within one month. The price for a 3 day pass for one person is Euro 65,-, for 2 persons the price is Euro 95,-. The price for a 5 day pass for one person is Euro 99,-, for 2 persons the price is Euro 138,-. For more details, please go to the international counter at the Central Station in Nijmegen and do not forget to take your passport. If you plan to travel by rail regularly, it is worth enquiring about the many possibilities for reduced fares, in addition to the special offers mentioned above. When you plan to travel with others, make sure you inquire at the Station whether it pays to buy a ‘meermanskaart’.


    Once you have arrived at Nijmegen Central Station, the easiest way to get to the university is by bus. There are many direct lines from the station to the HAN university/St Radboud hospital: Lines 11 and 1 stop on the Heyendalseweg near the intersection with Kapittelweg (university South East)
    Lines 6, 10, 25, 53, 54, 55 and 83 from Nijmegen Central stop near St Radboud hospital and near the St Anna Molen on St Annastraat (windmill). From St Anna Molen you cross the street, go underneath the appartment building and follow the park until you are at the campus (3 min walk).
    You can als take Line number 3, with end destination Wijchen to go via the HAN campus.
    Line number 8, with end destination Hatert stops at Anna Molen.

    BUSTICKETS Dutchies have organised public transport to the hilt: one ticketsystem is used all over public transport. ‘Strippenkaarten' are valid all over the Netherlands and can be used on any bus, tram or metro in the country. Strippenkaarten can be bought at the bus, tram or metro station, but the cheapest place to buy them is at a post office or at a train station! On most buses it is the bus driver who stamps your ticket. Trams and sometimes also buses, have devices which enable you to stamp the ticket yourself. Before you stamp your ticket you need to know how many zones you will be travelling in. Zone-information is given on the information panels at bus, metro and tram stops.


    An alternative to the bus is the so-called train taxi, a prepaid taxi from a railway station. At the station you can purchase a ticket from the ticket counter or from the ticket machine. It costs Euro 3,- (or 4,50 if you buy it from the taxi driver). If you leave the station you will find the train taxi stand on your right. If there is no train taxi waiting, you can press a button and one will arrive within 10 minutes. There may be more passengers in the taxi: due to the cheap fare, taxi drivers wait 10 minutes for any other passengers going in the same direction. When you get in, state you have a train taxi ticket, and then the destimation.
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    GOING OUT

    Usually on Thursday night and the rest of the weekend. Nijmegen offers a lot of venues, but where to start? www.uitgaan.pagina.nl only offers Dutch info, and www.leukedingendoen.nl does not help. You have to rely on your buddy here or some lecturers who were educated in this region. You can book events via the Tourist Info bureau in town, www.vvv.nl or www.reserveerlijn.nl both in Nijmegen as elsewhere. A Dutch list of what is on is also found on www.tickets.nl and www.evenementen.pagina.nl in Dutch, but you could try Foreign Friends and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites. and do not forget the suggestions on Meeting Other Students (below)

    Also check out

    http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm  Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

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    HEALTH

    Mens Sana in Corpora Sano

    Study hard but also exercises hard (see Sports below). In case this does not work:
    Where can I find a general practitioner?
    Dr. W. Bijleveld, St. Jacobslaan 343, 6533 VD Nijmegen, Tel.: +31-24-355 0810
    Consultation by appointment between 8.30 A.M. - 12.00 noon. In case of emergency, go to the First Aid sections of the two hospitals in Nijmegen.

    Where can I find a dentist?
    If you need to consult a dentist you can ask the International Relations Office of the KUN or your HAN contact to recommend a dentist or look in the Yellow Pages below or the telephone book under 'Tandartsen'. Dentists often demand immediate payment in cash, so it would be wise to ask in advance for an estimate of the costs. Dental treatment is not always covered by medical insurance (see below).

    HAN university has its own Nijmegen Sports Gym, called SENECA. This is found in the GGM wing, ground floor. Fees are reasonable and expert guidance from dietist and fysiotherapists is included in the price. See also Sports for information on moving your academic body or consult NUFFIC.

    If you ever get stuck in some mental problem, a bilingual counselor is available on Ammerlaan Coaching at reasonable rates to help you remove the mental pobstacles and realise your potential.

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    HOUSING

    All BenB are on BenandBreakfast Nijmegen.nl
    Rentals can also be found on
    Huurwoningen Nijmegen
    It is important that your Nijmegen contact person informs the HAN as soon as possible that you are coming to Nijmegen, in order for us to try to arrange accommodation for you. Depending on the length of stay and on your own personal wishes and circumstances (with or without partner or family, maximum amount of money you would like to spend) we will attempt to arrange the best possible accommodation for you. This means a room with a landlady/landlord, an appartment or, if you bring your family with you, a house. Because of a housing problem in Nijmegen it is not always possible to find accommodation and a temporary stay at a hotel or guest house may be necessary. Such can be found on Casamundo. Most rooms and apartments are at a few kilometers' distance from the university and can be reached by bus or bycicle within 20 minutes. We try to accommodate you at an acceptable distance from the university and the city centre. The rooms are furnished, but we do advise you to bring your own bed linen, blankets, towels, etc.
    Prices depend on the size and location of the accommodation but can vary from about Euro 250,- to 390,- per month for a room with a landlady. Unfortunately, (affordable) appartments and houses are scarce in Nijmegen. The monthly rent starts at about Euro 600,- but most are above 800,- per month, so you need to share.

    Please inform your Nijmegen contact person on your exact date of arrival. If you decide to change your arrival dates, or to postpone or cancel your reservation, it is important to inform the department in Nijmegen as soon as possible. Note: you are responsible for the rent during the period you indicated. This means that if you do not inform your contact person in Nijmegen in time, you may be charged with the possible loss of rent. Note that HLO is the neighbour of Nijmegen Student Housing and that they have planned at least 1,000 extra student rooms for 2005-2010. If you care for a room, REGISTER BEFORE 1 JULY TO GET IN. Register now to get one (see Rooms and Yellow Pages) using INSCHRIJVING forms (registration).

    Other resources
    rentals at www.parius.com Back to top


    HOSPITAL

    Nijmegen hosts two hospitals, St Radboud Academic hospital near HLO, and the Canisius Wilhelmina hospital (CWZ) near the Goffert Park. Only CWZ has an English language site. CWZ http://canisius-wilhelmina.ziekenhuis.nl/english/englischframe.html

    If the lingo gets too much, check out Netdoktor for explanations, or go to the BBC Doctor on internet.
    The on duty doctors are found in SHN buildings opposite school off the Kapiittelweg, open 24 hours 7 days a week. These dopctors do all weekend calls.
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    HOTELS AND BB (FOR YOU OR YOUR VISITORS)

    Try http://bookings.nl   and http://hotels.hotel-helpline.com/servlet/AvailabilitySearch?city=Nijmegen&country=NL&remote=hh

    Hunting Lodge http://www.bookings.nl/hotels/mookerheide?=&lang=uk

    Bed and Breakfast Bed and Breakfast Nijmegen and http://www.bbnijmegen.nl 

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    INFORMATION RESOURCES OF THE HAN

    HAN University offers many media that help you to information: coursework info is provided in Readers and on BBoard (intranet sites) for such a course.
    Details on Examination Regulations, procedures, adminstration, schedules and marks are found in the 'OER' (student prospectus) that each department has made, and on the electronic notice boards called InSite.
    To access http://insite.han.nl you need to have a @student.han.nl HANaccount and password (from www.han.nl). Students neeed to activate this themselves prior to classes using their student nr and personal details. Once they receive an email from Student Admin (HAN SIA) they are elligible based on prior education criteria and payment of fees, only then activation is possible.
    Note that students need to regularly read this information: the argument that 'no one told you' does not apply at the HAN as you have a duty to inform yourself.

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    INFORMATION RESOURCES OF RADBOUD UNIVERSITY

    Radboud University Nijmegen offers many media that help you to information: coursework info is provided in Readers and on BlackBoard sites for such a course, details on Examination Regulations are found in the OER that each department has made.

    http://www.ru.nl/buit/ects.html PDF Radboud University ECTS Guide (on Faculties, living in the Netherlands, various issues relating to student life) and http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm A Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

    A Radboud University FILM provides an idea on the city and the University of Nijmegen.

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    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: WHERE TO FIND OTHERS

    The two Nijmegen universities are still in the beginning of combining efforts, and a good start is the Foreign Relations bureau at the Radboud University Nijmegen www.ru.nl/iro/ and http://www.ru.nl/buit/ects.html PDF Nijmegen University ECTS Guide (on Faculties, living in the Netherlands, various issues relating to student life).
    HAN University has international courses in the Departments of Education, Engineering, Economics and Health. Each have their own section on HAN University sites. Here too you find details on the Radboud university sports center activities in Nijmegen, where HAN students are granted discounts.
    Local AISEC representatives of the Radboud University of Nijmegen can help you find other nationals and also organize student activities whilst here (see Meeting Other Students below).
    On internet various options exist: Internationalstudents.com offers a starting point, as do sites on the Erasmus Students networks, Nuffic and organised trips by Studyin.nl.

    A href="http://www.iias.nl"> International Institute for Asian Studies organises many activities for Asianists and Asians in the Netherlands Festivals, exhibitions, movies from Asia, workshops, tours etc. as well as guest lectures by famous Asians are only some of its activities. Check out their celebratory Festival site in Leiden!
    Also surf to your embassey site in the Netherlands to find links, for example Indonesian Students have an extensive network PPI Arnhem Nijmegen
    Other sites are Foreigners in Holland.net, Access, and Expatica
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    LANGUAGE COURSES

    The HAN offers various courses to support your language learning. You could try some Dutch Support courses at the Faculty of Engineering ineke.knol@ft.han.nl or English Electives (keuze vak) by ton.ammerlaan@han.nl. Check your student councilor for details in other Faculties.

    Outside the HAN the Radboud University of Nijmegen language centre offers various courses in European languages www.ru.nl/utn/ukintro.html, the People's University (www.Volksuniversiteit.nl), ROC Nijmegen, and good results for specialist areas are reported from Stoffels Talen Institute on the Haterse weg (www.stoffelstalen.nl) near the campus (see Yellow Pages). They provide crash courses on specialist topics in Dutch, English and French and custom-made courses in these and other languages.
    Lease expensive is Dutch Language Courses International Women's Centre www.IVC-nijmegen.nl offers interacive and practice oriented language courses in Dutch. In addition to introductory courses, IVC also offers integration and Dutch NT2 examination courses, covering the advanced level as well. IVC focuses on integration and networking, offering women the opportunity to meeet other non-Dutch women in Nijmegen and promoting self-help. Fees range from 35 euro for one morning or afternoon a week to 55 for 2 mornings or afternoons a week. Please contact info@ivc-nijmegen.nl

    English support is supplied by the British Council in Amsterdam (and the HEAO who host Cambridge Certificate Examinations) and of course other universities nearby. www.ammerlaan.demon.nl/ENGLISH.HTm lists various sites where support is found, and your library may also have useful tools to help you get a grip of English. Some useful links are given on the English version of the University of Nijmegen site www.ru.nl Bureau Buitenland (Foreign Relations).  

    You could also go to Expatriates sites on the internet, like Australian Expats. and www.meetup.com (see Expats above)
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    LANGUAGE SKILLS

    Always bring along your own study books from the previous courses in your subjects, as they help you familiarise with the new subjects in your new environment.

    English
    It may be hard to assess your own skills. Your TOEFL scores may say a little bit, yet www.dialang.org is more accurate. It tests 3 of the 4 language skills in any European language and compares it to your own assessment. Having completed a test you will know whether your level is similar to what you thought your level was, and what the name of this level is in comparison to the European Language framework. If you have doubts about your skills, use the site to find out (free).

    Dutch
    HAN Offers Elective subjects like Dutch for foreigners. Contact your International Student Officer or info@han.nl. Some internet resources are also available:
    Crash course on D utch for distance learners with basic phrases and idioms, supported by English audio. D utch for Travellers Dutch Course comprising 12 chapters teaching the basics, such as pronunciation, including excersises. Dutch Course Dutch Course on the Internet: beginner Dutch lessons for English learners, inluding spelling, grammar and pronunciation. Dutch Course for beginners: audio, grammar, vocabulary, pictures help learners acquie Dutch. General information on courses an resources for languages are isted on Human Languages Page by Tyler Jones Learn Dutch
    Speak Dutch
    Taal Thuis
    Learn Dutch
    Dutch for Foreigners from Delft.
    Onze Taal magazine for advanced learners and teachers of Dutch, with useful links to resources on Dutch linguistics and literature.
    De Taal-Vraagbaak
  • Het Ned-web in Wenen is een van de grootste databanken voor centra van Nederlands in de wereld.
    Taal-Magazijn lists resources.
    Electronic magazine Neerlandistiek heet Neder-L van Ben Salemans in Nijmegen.
    Jobs for Dutch teachers as well as other relevant information is found on Internationale Vereniging voor Neerlandistiek
    Wat een taal radio programme on Nederlandse taal.
    De site van de Taalunie die veel geld heeft gekregen om hier iets unieks te maken.
    Via elke bibliotheek in Nederland is de Bibliografie Nederlandse Taal- en Literatuurwetenschap database op te vragen. Dutch Newspapers

    LAUNDRETTE

    Close in Nijmegen is Groenestraat textielreiniging; Groenestraat 118, 6531 HT Nijmegen, Tel. +31-24-3220460

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    LEARNING SKILLS


    You may find that certain skills are not as effective here as you had thought. For instance, learning course work by heart is of little use in a project-based context.
    A number of sites on the internet offer you help, either in helping you determine what your own learning style is (how do you learn best?) www.   and also in offering memorization tools www.   and advice on cramming for exams. A small selection is You then find useful tools on www.selfgrowth.com, www.how-to-study.com, www.mindtools.com/index.html www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/index.htm and www.psychwww.com.

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    LIBRARIES

    All catalogues of libraries in Nijmegen, and libraries at Dutch Universities, and some catalogues of universities worldwide are listed on www.ru.nl/ubn/ (with some English pages for help). Radboud University Nijmegen itself holds 1.2 million books and 40,000 periodicals, to which HAN University collections were added. The Central Library contains the largest collection in a computer-operated building, whereas Faculties have their own libraries to browse through. The catalogues are linked to other libraries: NCC is the catalogue of 400 Dutch libraries, OLC is a catalogue of articles from periodicals. Both can be combined by a search in PiCarta, which contains electronic documents, pictures and full text documents. International database can be searched on CD ROM at the library network only.

    Students of the adjoining HAN have free access to the libraries of the Radboud University Nijmegen (www.ru.nl/ubn/) by showing their HAN student card at the Library Headquarter on Erasmuslaan 36 and obtainig a Readers Pass (library card) and they are allowed to make use of the facilities of all KUN libraries, like Medical Science:

    Geert Grooteplein 15:

    -          borrowing books, articles, magazines, DVD, tapes, videos etc.

    -          searching for KUN library files with CD-rom

    -          making use of internet by using PC facilities on campus

    -          using photocopying and multimedia facilities 

    -          making use of files of all Dutch libraries via PICA or other library index.

    A KUN Readers Pass library card can be obtained at 18 Euro at Erasmuslaan 36 (near the Erasmus-building), provided that the student brings a valid HAN-student card and a personal ID (passport).

    For second years-students Life Sciences guide tours are organised in the KUN Main Library of the Science department or in the Library of Medical sciences of the KUN.

    Addresses:

    Library of Medical Sciences: Geert Grooteplein 15, Nijmegen (entrance on the first floor).

    Libary Science department: Universal Laboratories, Toernooiveld (collection Biology and Chemical Sciences)

    Internet library access page: www.ru.nl/ubn/ubmenu.html

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    LINKS ON NIJMEGEN

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    MEDICAL SERVICE

    You are required to have appropriate health insurance when staying in the Netherlands. It is recommended that you have appropriate liability insurance as well. Before coming to the Netherlands, determine whether or not your insurance will cover a stay abroad for the period of time you plan to be here. Citizens of European Union countries can apply for EU health insurance (E-128 form). This form of insurance provides you with the same rights and benefits as Dutch citizens. You should bring this form with you. For more information, contact your insurance company or the EU Information Service in your country. If your health or liability insurance does not cover your stay in the Netherlands, you should acquire an International Insurance Passport for Students which is intended for foreign students as well as foreign staff and guests coming to the Netherlands. This insurance (Euro 39,- per month, plus 2,50 policy costs per application/renewal) covers medical expenses, accidents, luggage, liability and legal assistance in the event of physical injury. The application can be arranged at the International Relations Offices but we need to have an official letter of request and the account number of the department for which you will work or study. The department will receive an invoice from the insurance company within a few weeks.

    For more information, contact:
    W.B.D. Lippmann Groep B.V.
    Casuariestraat 5
    PO Box 30706
    2500 GS Den Haag
    The Netherlands
    Tel.: +31-70-3028598
    Fax: +31-70-3925691
    E-mail: info@lippmann.nl

    The Dutch Medical Care system is different from your system at home. If you need medical treatment this is what you should do:

    If you feel ill and you wish to stay at home, always inform the secretary of your department and consult your representative (like Jan Snoeren).

    If you need medical treatment you can phone the general practitioner (huisarts):
    Dr. W. Bijleveld
    St. Jacobslaan 343
    6533 VD Nijmegen
    tel. +31-24-3550810
    consultation by appointment between 08.30 - 12.00 hrs.

    A 24 hour GP service is nearby HLO called 'Huisartensencentrale' near the Kapittelweg entrance to the Medical Library.


    First phone the HAN Faculty receptionist of the general practitioner and tell her what is the matter with you. She will then judge whether or not your complaints warrant a doctor's visit to your house. lf necessary she will arrange an appointment for you to see the doctor at his office, or otherwise give you advice on the phone.

    The doctor may prescribe medications. You can obtain these in pharmacies (apotheek). The doctor may also refer you to a specialist at the hospital. lf necessary, the specialist will arrange hospitalization for further treatment. Every time you visit your doctor or the pharmacy, bring your Insurance Certificate for Fellows (I.C.F.), 128-form or any other kind of proof of health insurance with you. The forms in the back of the booklet must be completed if you are to be covered by the provisions.

    Please take cash with you to pay for your consultation. It will cost about Euro 20,-. You will get reimbursed if you send in the claim form for medical expenses (available at the International Relations Office) and the original bill from the general practitioner to the insurance company.

    For emergencies during the day call: (o24) 356 7940.
    For emergencies after 17.00 hrs and at the weekend call: (024) 323 5266.

    In case of acute circumstances you can visit the First Aid Department of the Radboudhospital, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 12, open also during the night and on Sunday.

    If you need further information please contact the International Relations Office or Jan Snoeren, snr@FT.han.nl.

    Mental health care advice is offered by Ammerlaan Counseling who offer an English language service.

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    MEETING OTHER STUDENTS IN STUDENT ORGANISATIONS

    Students at Radboud University and HAN university are very eager to promote international contacts. They realise that when foreign students come to Nijmegen it is essential for them to feel at home. Therefore, foreign students are cordially invited to participate on a fully equal basis in a number of student organisations, also via the Students Church at Radboud, Expats groups (see above) or Meetup.om groups and in language courses.

    Students Without Frontiers (SZG)
    The aim of the SZG is to promote contacts between students of different countries. This means that they take care of the reception of international students, providing them with pointers concerning their integration into Dutch student life, helping them with bureaucratic and other problems, etc. Twice a year SZG organises an introduction, in which you can learn more about studying and living in Nijmegen.

    SZG
    Thomas van Aquinostraat 2.00.10
    Postal address:
    Thomas van Aquinostraat 6
    6525 GD Nijmegen
    Office hours: on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.30 P.M. - 1.30 P.M.
    Tel.: +31-24-3612520
    E-mail: szg@student.ru.nl

    AEGEE Nijmegen
    AEGEE is short for Association des Etats Generaux des Etudiants de l’Europe.
    AEGEE was established in April 1985 in Paris as a non-political, European student club. At present AEGEE has approximately 150 antennae (branches) with 12,000 members. The aim of AEGEE is to promote contacts between young people in Europe by organising informative and R&R activities both on a local level (lectures, social gatherings) as well as on an international level (conferences, sports events). Members of AEGEE can take part in all AEGEE activities (very often in English) in Nijmegen as well as in all other antennae. Being a member of AEGEE is an ideal opportunity to meet other Europeans who are fond of travelling.

    AEGEE Nijmegen is open to KUN and HAN students, and mets regularly every Wednesday at O'Shea Irish Pub in the Houtstraat (21.00 onwards).

    AEGEE Nijmegen
    Gymnasion Northbuilding, Heyendaalseweg 141, office hours Monday-Thursday 1230-1330
    Room: -1.290, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, 024 361 1585
    E-mail: nijmegen@aegee.org

    AIESEC
    AIESEC stands for Association Internationale des Etudiants Scientific Economics et Commerciales.
    This is a non-profit and non-political international student organisation, which is entirely organised by and for students. It offers students the opportunity to gain international experience by means of practical training periods, organised in one of the 87 countries where AIESEC is active. The AIESEC team of the country where the training period is carried out will provide housing, visas, and work and residence permits.

    AIESEC Nijmegen
    Thomas van Aquinostraat 4
    6525 GD Nijmegen
    Tel.: +31-24-3615951 on Tuesdays from 11.00 A.M - 4.00 P.M.
    E-mail: AIESEC-N@student.ru.nl


    Radboud University Nijmegen students should check http://www.ru.nl/buit/ects.html PDF Nijmegen University ECTS Guide (on Faculties, living in the Netherlands, various issues relating to student life) Including a FILM
    Erasmus Students on an exchange have their own networks.
    Indonesian Students have an extensive network PPI Arnhem Nijmegen
    Alternatives, try Foreign Friends, ACCESS on living in the Netherlands, and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites. Back to top
    MONEY

    Study costs time and money. Part time employment may help out. Many students need to work on the side so competition abounds.
    You need tto check how much you can work. It depends on your visa (= country of origin). If your permit allows you to work maximally 10 hours a week, try:
    Homework assistance / language teaching to Dutch students in your best subjects
    Call center telephone work BSC van Wissen 024 324 0422
    Tele Marketing ISI Marketing 024 379 0053
    German telemarketeers for GTA Arnhem 026 388 23 23
    Newspaper rounds for Gelderlander 024 365 0654
    Newspapers for Tip Top Distribution 0485 319 050 www.tiptopbv.nl
    Part time cleaning VLS Schoon 078 619 1919
    Summer Festival jobs in June/July as posted in Gelderlander
    Summer activities for AEGEE students
    If allowed to work more:
    Production work for Tatung (info@tatung.nl) via agencis Olympia (070 338 1050) or Start (024 382 2330)
    See WORK below for more info

    Subletting your room over the summer holiday (if allowed)
    Swapping rooms for the summer with a friend elswhere in Holland/Europe gives you the idea of a holiday

    NUFFIC in the Netherlands offers a number of databases for scholarships, grants, burses, subsidies and so on. I briefly list a few useful sites here:

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    MUSEUMS

    The following museums can be visited in Nijmegen:

    Not satisfied? Try the National list of museums including oddities like Aborginal Art museum in Utrecht, Windmill museum, Milk Museum, Caterpillar museum, Cartoon museum, Tin Soldiers Museum, Matchsticks Museum, Fish Museum...

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    NETHERLANDS

    Background on the country from a US point of view http://www.cghouston.org/fie_country.html

    Latest English language news on http://www.netherlands-embassy.org/f_explorer.htmlGeneral information about the Netherlands
    Foreign Policy and Defence
    Review of Foreign Policy 2000
    The Netherlands and the European Union
    Enlargement of the European Union

    The Netherlands and the Western European Union


    The Netherlands and the Council of Europe


    The Netherlands and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
    The European Union as a Single Marketplace
    Security and stability
    The Netherlands and the Schengen Agreement

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    NEWS FROM HOME

    Try your embassies but also find www.cnn.com or http://news.bbc.co.uk to find your local newspapers or internet sites at home. A listing of various useful sites is on

    NijmegenOnline http://www.nijmegenonline.nl/Talen/indexEngels.htm (some hotels, Newspapers, Going out, etc per category) **


    Many TV stations have their own internet sites, and your local rag may even publish news via the internet. Your local embassy might just have the golden tip for you and have its own collection of papers, try Foreign Friends and Ex-pats in the Netherlands sites.
    Multiband radios are for sale in car shops like Halfords.

    Find expatriate sites on the internet, such as Aussie Expats or via www.meetup.com.

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    NIJMEGEN

    The city of Nijmegen is of early Roman origin (‘Noviomagus’ meaning ‘new market’) and is one of the oldest in the Netherlands (founded in 3 AD). It is situated (map) close to the German border and on the bank of the river Waal (a branch of the Rhine), where prehistoric tribes liveed from 10.000 bc onwards. Burial sites in the village Lent above are plenty, a good example is on display in the Historical Gardens on Griftdijk opposite student housing. The beest preserved and largst roman temples are found on St Bartholemew's church in Elst (50 ad). There probably was one in Nijmegen as well on its promotory. The castle ‘Valkhof’, the highest point in the city and erected by Charlemagne, overlooks the river where the typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful view. The Romans settled here because of the splendid strategic view of the enemy territory across the river. For similar strategic reasons, kings and other rulers chose Nijmegen as their place of residence, and until a century ago Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings being the scene of fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city walls were torn down since they were an increasing handicap to the city’s prosperity. A period of spectacular growth ensued, and several decades later the railway bridge across the Waal was constructed and gas, electricity and water mains were installed in the city.
    The Second World War is a black page in Nijmegen’s history. On 22 February 1944, the Allied forces bombed the city by mistake and 800 people died, proprtionally the largest number of civilian casualties in a Dutch city. It got worse in 1945 when Nijmegen was held bij the Allied and the Germans tried to stop them for months by shelling the town. But a few months later Nijmegen was liberated thanks to the well-known Operation Market Garden, which set the southern part of the Netherlands free on 17 September 1944. In the post-war period, much was done to rebuild the city. A new city centre arose in which the remaining monuments of the rich history of Nijmegen occupy a special position.

    - More about the region on http://www.noviomagnus.nl historical society Nijmegen.

    Getting around Nijmegen
    Because Nijmegen is not such a big city (about 150,000 inhabitants) the best way to get around is by bicycle. There are plenty of places where you can buy a reasonably good second-hand bicycle for a price between Euro 40,- and 100,-. New bicycles can cost as much as 600,-. Beware of people that stop you in the streets and offer you a bicycle for, let us say, 25,-. It is highly likely that you are being offered a stolen bicycle - and to receive stolen goods is a legal offence in the Netherlands.

    For nation-wide travel, the train is the best option, due to the extensive Dutch Rail (NS) network, with its frequent services and fast trains. To give just one example: it only takes one hour and thirty minutes to go from Nijmegen to Amsterdam, which is a distance of 120 kilometres. For travel information you can check the electronic timetable of Dutch Rail via the internet: www.ns.nl/reisinfo. When you travel by bus, tram or subway (Nijmegen does not have trams nor subways) you can use the same ticket for all the buses, trams and subways throughout the country. It is called a ‘strippenkaart’. Tickets are valid for a number of travel zones and for a specific time, based on the numbers of zones crossed. You can buy tickets from the bus or tram driver, but the ticket with 15 or 45 strips that you buy at the railway station or the post office is much cheaper. If you will be travelling by bus for at least four days a week, it might be more economical for you to buy a monthly pass at the railway station. For more travel information see How to get to the campus in Nijmegen.

    Tourist information
    Apart from the rich history of the city, there are other reasons which make Nijmegen well worth visiting. You can stroll the winding streets or go shopping in the city centre. You can experience the cosy atmosphere that is so characteristic of Nijmegen at the many outdoor cafes. The centre of the city is one of the liveliest in the Netherlands. From attractive shops, cafes (one hundred different types of beer!) and restaurants to unique historic monuments; from a lovely view over the busiest river of Europe to lively traditions such as the Street Theatre and the Concert Days; everything is present, not to mention happenings such as the International Four Days Marches and the International Summer Festival. Cultural facilities are also abundant: there are nine museums, dozens of galleries, a theatre, a concert hall and a large number of cinemas.

    Picturesque are Appeltern, Hernen castle, Batenburg and castle, Kleve castle, Den Bosch city, ancient prehistoric Lent and Elst, Arnhem and its Burger’s Bush zoo, Dutch Open Air museum, Airborne museum (bridge too far) and the Van Gogh museum in the national park Hoge Veluwe. National parks like Haterse Vennen offer marches and sandhills, Veluwe offers forests and wildlife galore as well as stark heathland, and the German Emperial Forest provides hills, hauted houses and ruins.

    More information about Nijmegen and surroundings:
    - VVV Tourist information
    Keizer Karelplein 2
    6500 AD Nijmegen
    Tel.: +31-900-1122344
    Fax: +31-24-3297879
    E-mail: info@vvvnijmegen.nl
    Opening hours Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 A.M. - 5.30 P.M.
    and Saturdays from 10.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.

    - ANWB
    Maps and travel materials are a must, particularly when you decide to buy a cheap VW camper for doing Europe in. The ‘Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond’ provides you with information about the Netherlands, Europe or any other country (only in Dutch).
    Stationsplein 12, 6512 AB Nijmegen
    Tel.: +31-24-3222378
    Fax: +31-24-3604252
    Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 A.M. - 6.00 P.M.,
    and Saturdays from 9.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.

    http://www-instr.sci.ru.nl/images/nijmkaart.jpg Map of Nijmegen

    http://wwww.noviomagnus.nl/Plattegronden/novioplattegrondbot.htm Historical maps of Nijmegen from 1500

    http://www.cnn.com/WEATHER/html/NijmegenNetherlands.html Weather in Nijmegen todate

    http://earth.esrin.esa.it/ew/floods/nijmagen_nl_95/ Background to the Nijmegen Floods of 1995

    http://members1.chello.nl/~b.hagebeek01/index2.html History of Punk in Nijmegen

    http://www.fotw.net/flags/nl-ge-nm.html  History of Nijmegen flags 

    http://www.commelec2003.ca/na_nemejgne.html  Nijmegen 4 Days Walks 2003

    Svenska.mil.nijmegen.orgSwedish site on Nijmegen, the Netherlands and the 4 Days Walks

    NijmegenOnline www.nijmegenonline.nl/Talen/indexEngels.htm (some hotels, Newspapers, Going out, etc per category) and Sports facilities;

    Dutch language info is available on www.nijmegen.nl (and www.arnhem.nl) or www.nijmegen.com, or Go to Nijmegen.
    General info can be found on on www.holland.nl.
    Local events are co-organized by the Tourist Information Board www.vvv.nl on the Keizer Karel plein in town. They often miss out on university activities though.

    Andt make sure you check out Yvonne Janssen's view of Nijmegen, the Dutch, Korfbal and sinterklaas as well as the Milinger Tea Garden.

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    PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS

    Closest is the Radboud University Nijmegen campus: Thomas van Aquinostraat 5.

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    POST OFFICE

    At the Radboud University hospital, Geert Grooteplein 10

    Main post office, van Schevichavenstraat 1, Tel.: +31-24-323 9092

    Stamps can also be bought from, some drugstores in town.

    Telephone cards for my prepay GSM or phone booths can be bought from the Central railway station, post offices.

    Bustickets (strippenkaart) can be bought from the post office, the Central railway station and the tabbaconist (and at an extra charge from each busdriver).  Driving by train or bus is not free for foreign students in the Netherlands!! There are discounts which are valid for everyone though.

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    POLICE

    Dutch police tends to be armed, but not overly dangerous. They value the difference between a prank, misdemeanour and crime. Although the police in some countries is viewed as all-powerful, Dutch police tends to fairly approachable. Do go and see them if you have a question, or try
    www.police.nl.

    A special department for non-Dutch residents is called the Aliens Police or Foreigner Police (Vreemdelingen Politie). Each town has its own team. Check for details the City Hall pages.

    And have ID on you at all times
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    RESEARCH IN NIJMEGEN

    Some of the 98 Research Institutes in Nijmegen have their own English versions of their homepages.
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    REGISTRATION IN THE MUNCIPALITY

    Within 3 days of your arrival in the Netherlands, you have to call and make an appointment to register with the Police Aliens Registration Department Stieltjesstraat 1, Nijmegen (near the central railway station)
    Tel.: +31-24-3276210, office hours: Mondays to Fridays 9.00 A.M. - 12.30 noon

    What you need to bring:

    ·         Valid Passport or ID

    ·         2 passport photographs (in colour)

    ·         a legalised birth certificate

    ·         proof of income

    ·         E-128 form or other proof of health insurance

    ·         The ID letter with green stamp - let us call it a pre-ID, because you do not have your real student ID yet - issued by the International Relations Office, which is included in your information package. (In other words, do not register with the police until you have received our information package. You cannot register without the ID-letter with the green stamp.)

    After you have been at the Police Aliens Registration Department:

    ·         You will receive a giro slip for Euro 15,- or 65,- (depending on your nationality) in order to pay legal dues (it will be sent to your study address).

    ·         Again depending on your nationality, you may have to be examined for tuberculosis. In case a test is required, the Police Aliens Registration Department will give you a form with which you have to make an appointment at the ‘GGD’ (address: Groenewoudseweg 275, 6501 BC Nijmegen, tel.: +31-24-3297110, Mondays to Thursdays 1.30 P.M. - 3.00 P.M.). Please, do not forget to take your ID or passport with you!

    ·         Before the application can be approved, you have to register with the local administration offices (Town Hall, address see below).

    ·         When all this is done and everything is found to be in order, you will receive a message from the Police Aliens Registration Department to come and pick up your residence permit.

    Registration with the Municipality
    Citizens from all countries have to register with the local administration offices if their stay in Nijmegen exceeds 3 months. Within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands you should go in person to the registry office at the town hall. The registry office is called ‘Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie (GBA)’ or ‘bevolkings-register’.

    Documents required for registering with the GBA:

    ·         a valid passport proving your nationality

    ·         evidence that you have a suitable place to live (your contract as a tenant, for example)

    ·         a birth certificate indicating your name, date and place of birth

    ·         a marriage certificate if you are married.

    ·         university ID

    All documents should be in English, French or German.

    Town Hall
    Korte Nieuwstraat 6
    6511 PP Nijmegen
    Tel.: +31-24-3299111
    Office hours from 9.00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M.

    Leaving Nijmegen
    After your stay in Nijmegen, you will have to undo your registration with the Police Aliens Registrations Department. You have to make an appointment again, during the opening hours stated above. Please, take your residence permit and passport with you! (see Foreigner Police)

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    RESTAURANTS

    Check out the Student Union canteen on Kappittelweg (5.50 full warm meal) or the Radboud University REFTER on the Nijmegen campus near the 20 stories Erasmus tower (Erasmusplein 3, 1600-2000). Cheap grub and lots of students. Nearby is also the University Pub CULTUURCAFE (Mercatorpad 1) 16.30-21.00.
    Other student haunts are Grub, Spin, Poppecatepedl, DownUnder, the Pancake Boat on the river, ...............(see Yellow Pages)

    For insider suggestion see some

    http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm  Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

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    ROOMS

    In view of the costs of living, you should sublet your own room whilst in Nijmegen (your Kamer). Make sure all agreements are set in a contract, so that you are not disappointed on your return.

    On arrival, check that the International Office is processing your form for accomodation.
    Dutch specialists in rooms are found on www.woonbond.nl (student union), WBA Wonen (English), www.markplaats.nl and www.ricardo.nl (internet markets for anything), www.studentenkamers.nl, www.kamerhulp.nl and www.studentsforstudents.nl, and for letting and renting the interactive www.KamerHuren.nl
    A list of rental accomodations in Nijmegen is offered by Huurwoningen.nl
    .
    Use Expats in the region: they are generally delighted to (temporarily) help a countryman out of housing trouble. hear the latest from the home front and get you going. They know it was hard themselves. Simply Google on expats
    AIESEC and AEGEE are student groups of foreign students in the region. If they shsre housing they always look for an additional lodger.
    A larger source of rooms and appartments is offered by Pararius.com Pararius has about 15,000 rooms.
    entrée   subsidized by goverment, but the waiting list can be 4 years.

    www.portaal.nl  (same as above)

    www.talis.nl (same as above)

    www.sshn.nl student, cheap, waitinglist 1 year so you need to register via the internet before arrival or soon after to get in. Go to INSCHRIJVING registration and fill out the form as a full time HAN student and go for Vossenveld accomodation.

    http://www.directwonen.nl 

    www.dieperinkvastgoed.nl 

    http://www.rotsvast.nl/pages/english/indexe.htm

    http://www.woninggevraagd.com/

    http://www.marktplaats.nl

    http://www.studentenkamers.nl/

    http://come.to/kamergids

    http://www.huisadvertenties.nl

    http://www.studentenwonen.nl/

    http://kamers.pagina.nl/

    http://woning.pagina.nl/

    http://www.housingonline.nl/dutch.asp

    http://www.quwest.com/

    http://www.huurplek.com/

    http://www.tvnsite.nl/

    http://www.steunpuntwonen.nl/english/index.asp

    http://www.woonbond.nl/

    http://www.huisverhuren.nl/oost.html

    http://www.kamernet.nl

    http://www.come.to/kvn

    other possible actions: read gelderlander krant (Zaterdag), AIO milist, putting your advertisements on the walls(or trees) at campus. Some got their 'kamer' from networking at church....
    The local Student Housing department (next to HLO building) can also help you in urgent cases.
    For larger rooms (functions, training, group meetings, sports) see the Yellow Pages.

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    ROMANS

    The City of Nijmegen was founded by the Romans in AD 5, making Nijmegen 2 years older than Maastricht in the south. The Romans set up a camp, and as this camp was filled withj able-bodied men soon a town sprang up around the camp to provide these men with their esentials. A port was established near where now is Kronenburger park, and fortifications were built along the Valkhof ridge and further east. The Roman town was established in the plain of Neerbosch, where street names like Zon, Saturnus, Uranus and the like remind the modern spectator of the temples found there (see Noviomagus.nl for details in Dutch.
    Many of the Roman remains have gone from town itself, except in basements in the Hezelstraat. Valkhof has a neat selection in its museum. The Biblical Museum in Heilige Landstichting re-enacts scenerey from Roman times in a Biblical setting (Bijbels Openlucht Museum).
    Scola Mendacium is a tradition dating back from the 10th legion who had their own School of Liars. Each year competitions were held and the winner crowned with a laurel. This tradition is still reenacted around mid October each year. Many politicians have won this presitiguious award.
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    RULES AND REGULATIONS

    For foreign students in the Netherlands various regulations apply. You can start at www.nuffic.nl for a list and links to related sites. They need to have made a Studielink Account (and keep this up to date) to enrol at a tertiary education institute. Next they need to have submitted all relevant documents and have paid student fees and visa fees in time to avoid bureacratic difficulties. And finally, study results mus be up to scratch to avoid being barred from further education.

    Dutch students wishing to go abroad could try www.wilweg.nl for advice and suggestions, and could try www.geldbron.nl for suggestions on getting sponsors and scholarships to fund their traveling.

    Within each Faculty certain rules of conduct and regulations apply. Check your own prospectus and Insite (intranet) to avoid surprises. It will be no surprise that you are not allowed to crib during exams, but it may be new that any HAN member of staff can ask you for your ID, which you then have to show (failure to comply to the request three times can result in removal from the buildings).

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    SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDS AND STUDENT ADMIN
    The main organization managing information about scholarships in Holland is NUFFIC, the Netherlands’ Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education. Up to date information on all scholarships for Holland can always be found on their website www.nuffic.nl. NUFFIC are also the ones looking after the validation procedures for foreign diplomas and qualifications, so one can also get in touch with them about the evaluation of foreign educational documents and credentials. You can also have an overview of which grants and scholarships foreign students are eligible for, on the website www.grantfinder.nl, which is a combined search engine for scholarships offered for study in Holland, although the list of grants there need not be exhaustive. Below is an overview of the major scholarships available to foreign students in Holland:
    1) Socrates
    Socrates is a programme operating between different institutions of higher education in Europe. The scholarship is u sually issued for the period of 3-12 months and is eligible for study in the member states of the EU (therefore including Holla nd), Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein. It is meant for students who themselves come from one of those countries. This scholars hip is issued for the purpose of studying for a certain amount time in another European country after you have been accepted to a univ ersity in your own country. The home institution of the student must have been given the European University Charter by the European Com mission and must also have a bilateral agreement with an institution in Holland. The web page of the scholarship in Holland is www.socrates-programma.nl. Infor mation can also be found on the local website of the Socrates National Agency in your own country.
    2) Leonardo
    This is another European scholarship programme, concentrating on professional higher education. The grant is given from 3 to 12 months for an internship in Holland. The home institution of the student must be part of the Leonardo programme for the student to be able to participate. The amount and criteria for the grant vary according to the student’s home institution, therefore the student can either contact their own school or go to the website http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/leonardo/leonardo2/naweb_en.html.
    3) The Netherlands’ Fellowship Programmes (NFP)
    Since this programme, funded by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is meant for postgraduate students who have already started a career, stud ents can only participate in the programme if they have been nominated by their employer. The grants can be used either for Master’s studies, Doctoral studies, short cou rses, training courses or refresher courses in Holland. The programme currently operates in 57 countries, therefore not being restricted to European students. This scholarship is also administered by Dutch embassies in the participating countries. More specific information can be obtained at www.nuffic.nl/nfp.
    4) The Tempus Programme
    This programme is meant for creating partnerships between institutions of higher education in the European Union and those of Eastern Europe, Western B alkans, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Students can participate in exchange programmes within the extent of these partnerships. The student’s home institu tion provides them with information about existing partnerships. For information, consult www.etf.eu.int/tempus.nsf.
    5) DELTA – Dutch Education: Learning at Top Level Abroad
    The DELTA programme is set up for participating Dutch institutions to give scholarships to students from Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Ma laysia, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand or Vietnam, in the form of compensating their costs of study in Holland. The students must already hav e been admitted to a Dutch study programme, they must not be older than 35 at the start of the academic year, spend a minimum of three months studying in Holland, c onduct research or study at Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD level, or do an internship in Holland. There may also be specific requirements set by the students’ home institutions whi ch they must fulfill. More specific information can be seen at www.nuffic.nl/pdf/netwerk/DELTA-flyer-engels.pdf.
    6) STUNED
    This is a scholarship programme for Indonesian professionals for postgraduate studies in Holland. The programme is support ed by the Dutch government through the Netherlands Education Centre. More specific information about the scholarship can be found at www.nec.or.id/Layout3/nec_jakarta/Scholarships/STUNED.htm.
    7) WOTRO
    This is a scholarships programme for PhD or other Doctoral students. The scholarship consists of a foundation supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affair s, which aims at improving the research environment at developing countries by offering grants to individual researchers for securign appropriate research facilities. The Doctoral project must be approved by both the local instances and a Dutch sponsor, and the research itself must be realated to development studies. The duration of the sc holarship is up to 4 years and consists of alternating studies in Holland and the student’s home country. More information on the applic ation criteria at www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOP_65PD4J_Eng, or by email: wotro@nwo.nl.
    8) The Jean Monnet Fellowships Programme
    This programme is meant for Turkish students and professionals for postgraduate studies in the EU, including Holland. The application proced ure starts at the JMF Placement Agency in Ankara, Turkey. More information is available at www.jeanmonnet.org.tr/website/index.html.
    9) Matra Training for European Cooperation
    This scholarship programme is meant for students from countries which have recently joined the EU, countries that will do so in the ne ar future, or countries bordering the EU. There are scholarships for an MSc in Environmental Sciences at the Wageningen University and an L.L.M. in International and Euro pean law at the Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam. More information about the scholarship is available at www.cross-agency.nl.
    10) United Nations scholarship programmes
    The suborganisations of the United Nations give out numerous scholarships to students from certain countries for study in Holland among other countries. Information can be obtained from the repre sentations of the specific organisations in the student’s home country.
    Students can also apply for a number of other exchange programmes, for example European students have the Erasmus programme, Americans can apply for the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) or the above mentioned Fulbright programme, and there are more bilateral exchange agreements between institutions of different countries, for which information can be obtained form the student’s home institution
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    SECOND HAND

    Preloved itens are a good way to collect your essentials whilst temporarily in Nijmegen on a student budget.
    Try the local second hand shops in town, but also go to the Stichting Overal (Bredestraat 52) on Wednesday/Saturday afternoon after 1400 for recycled goodies at a reasonable price.
    Hoge Hoed, Lange Hezelstraat 73 (center)
    Quatre Coins, Toorop str 95 (Nijm east)
    AAVB (furniture), Regulierstr 75 (Nijm east)
    Waterlooplein, Kolemans Beynenstr 70 (Nijm east)
    Stichting Basta, Begynenstr 34 (center)
    Bis Bis, Titus Brandsmastr 30 (center)
    Eeuwige Jeugd (kids clothes), Walter Pyremont singel 12 (Nijm east)
    Habbekrats, In de Betouwstr 17 (center)
    Leger des Heils (salvation army), Korenpad 6 (Nijmegen West)
    Stock 69-72, Prins Hendrikstraat 20a (center)
    Orbit, second hand computers, opposite central post office
    Het Goed, Burchstraat 2 (center opposite Valkhof market square)
    These are some but do not forget the largest of all, Smuggler's Market every Saturday near Cuyk.
    Arnhem has 2Switch, westervoortsedijk 120

    You could also try the Internet markets like www.ricardo.nl or www.marktplaats.nl www.studentsforstudents.nl and www.2dehands.nl

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    SHOPPING

    The shopping district is situated between the encircling canals which in the past showed the extent of the old town’s expansion. The principal shopping streets are: the Van Welderenstraat, the Van Broeckhuijsenstraat, the Molenstraat with the Molenpoort mall, the Broerstraat, the Ziekerstraat, Plein 1944, the Koningsplein, the Houtstraat, the Hezelstraat, the Burchtstraat and the Marikenstraat.
    The shops are generally open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9.30 A.M. - 5.30 P.M. On Mondays they usually open either at 11.00 A.M. or 1.00 P.M. On Saturdays, the shops are open from 9.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M. Late night shopping is on Thursdays, until 9.00 P.M. Most supermarkets are open from 8.00 A.M. till 8.00 or 9.00 P.M. on weekdays. On certain Sundays, shops are allowed to open their doors.
    For centuries, the Grote Markt has been the place for the weekly market. There are two general markets each week, on Mondays and Saturdays, the market stalls stretching from the Grote Markt into the Burchtstraat and the surrounding streets. On Mondays from 8.00 A.M. till 2.00 P.M., there is a vegetable, fruit and plant market. The general market then begins at 10.00 and continues through to 5.00 P.M. (in winter till 4.00 P.M.) On Saturdays, you can buy your fruit and vegetables between 8.00 A.M. and 2.00 P.M., and general wares from 10.00 A.M. till 5.00 P.M.
    A very special market is the Nijmeegse Lusemert (Flea Market) which is held on Monday mornings from 8.00 A.M. till 12.00 noon around the Church of St. Stephen (St. Stevenskerk).


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    SOFTWARE

    You are never allowed to install software at any of the HAN PC rooms unless you wish to get expelled. They take this seriously. At home is different: cheap PCs are available form Orbit opposite the General Post office in town.
    You can install what you like, and legal software for students can be obtained from www.surfspot.nl and your local computer systems manager. A legal copy of Windows XP and legal copy of MsOffice Professional costs about 40 euro each. A steal. You can log in using your Radboud University or HAN University of Applied Science login name and password, but ask a Dutch speaking student for help to avoid getting caught in Dutch lingo.

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    SPORTS HAN seneca offers on our HAN campus easy rates facilities. Check out Kappittelweg 33.

    Nijmegen students can obtain their Students Sports Card to go to workout classes, join students clubs, enter programmes and participate in competitions.
    New programmes start 3 times a year from the Sports Centre at Radboud University Nijmegen. You can ask for an application form from the International Relations Office or the Sports Centre desk. With this completed official form and the stamp of your HAN department, a passport photograph you can then go to the university sports centre Gymnasion (Heyendaalseweg, opposite 20 story skyscraper) and collect your card (having paid 60 euro). Bring your ID every time you wish to enter the buildings.

    Clubs and teams can be found via www.studentensport.nl in Dutch, although a search for your sports via a search engine may also come up with a local team via another route (or try the Yellow Pages below).
    Nijmegen has an English-language cricket team, American Football, rugby club, baseball club, basketball club and icehockey team www.nijmegen.com and www.nijmegenonline.nl.

    Walkathon in summer  http://walking.about.com/library/walk/bl4dlast.htm?once=true&iam=mt&terms=+nijmegen++four++days++marches  and http://www.walker-online.com/travel/Niederrhein/Nijmegen/index.htm and http://www.pspmembers.com/nijmegen/nijmegen_days1.htm

    Videos and fotos of walking through Nijmegen http://www.channels.nl/nijmegen/station.html

    Climbing http://nijsac.climbing.nl/en/

    Volleyball http://www.vocasa.nl 

    Skating http://www.ru.nl/lacustris 

    For fun, try

    http://www.commelec2003.ca/na_nemejgne.html  Nijmegen 4 Days Walks 2003

    http://tigers_fanpage.tripod.com/nijmegen/ Nijmegen Icehockey legends

    http://home-1.tiscali.nl/~innop/main.htm Intercompany Hockey competition

    Taekwondo
    Martial arts is not so popular as in Asia but there are many dojo here (including pencaksilat) since there were many ex-soldiers brought their interest of martialarts from Indonesia (pencaksilat, kuntau/chinese-Ind-kempo-kungfu) http://www.taekwondobond.nl/ , http://www.taekwondo-nijmegen.nl/, http://www.yoo-sin.nl
    Fitness/bodybuilding
    Keepfit: Coehoornstrt 22, a good place, but too crowded Nijmegen82: thijmstrt141, mostly girls & cardio, bodybuilding is possible by selftraining
    Roostjes: Groenewoudseweg 322, cheap, nice people, bodybuilding is possible, but the place is small
    Noviomagum: Tollenstrt 211, bigger place, bodybuilding is possible, also available: karate, aikido, judo.
    RADBOUD University Sports Centre: (the 'non student fitness section') Kwekerijweg 4, mostly cardio, not complete for bodybuilding, cheap for KUN workers.
    Golf: Forget it: Much more expensive than in Indonesia Watersports: Skicentrum Wijchen Youth Hostels & Camping parks: see your lonelyplanet guide www.lonelyplanet.com Back to top


    Student Housing

    http://www.sshn.nl/engels.htm

    http://www.tempo.cz/getting/nijmegen.htm  Foreign Student’s Homepage on his adventure in Nijmegen

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    STUDYING

    Useful sites in Dutch are www.leren.nl and www.studentennet.nl but not a lot in English here.
    Instead you can consult British and US homesites using various searchengines like Altvavista or Yahoo. You then find useful tools on Study skills in various subjects on Education Atlas, www.selfgrowth.com, www.how-to-study.com, www.mindtools.com/index.html www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/index.htm and www.psychwww.com.

    NUFIC has backgro8nd info on Studying in The Netherlands on Study In Holland which also lists useful financial resources for budding students. RECOMMENDED

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    STUDENT COUNCILLORS

    Consultations with Councillors are strictly confidential. There are three special councillors for foreign students. Radboud University Nijmegen students should check out

    http://www.ru.nl/buit/ects.html PDF Radboud Nijmegen University ECTS Guide (on Faculties, living in the Netherlands, various issues relating to student life). Student Councillors at the Radboud University of Nijmegen can be rached via 31 24 361 6090 and balie@dsz.ru.nl.

    HAN: If for some reason you do not wish to consult someone in your own department (like Ton.vanamelsvoord@han.nl), try the student councilors elsewhere (see Sensor) or the HAN Ombudsman josee.briare@interstudie.nl Although rare, serious problems can be referred to the Students' Psychologists. Personal problems, like exam anxiety, can sometimes affect your studies even though they can be remedied easily. Never wait too long.

    Exteernally you can seek long-term relief via Ammerlaan Coaching who ofer bilingual service in cases of anxiety, stress, coping with life's challenges, loneliness and the like.

    Each University has its own Grievances Office, Handicap and Integration Officer, Sexual Harrassment Councillor and Minorities Councillor. Check your Dept Councillor for contact details.

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    STUDENT DISCOUNT

    CJP offers student discounts on records, subscriptions, theatres and concerts www.cjp.nl. Youth Hostel cards also offer discounts.

    See Travel for more tips.
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    TAX

    The Dutch invented tax. Check out www.nuffic.nl to see if tax agreements have been set up between you and your country of origin. Normally you need to pay income tax on any income. However, if you have not earned a lot, you may apply for a T Form from the Taxation Office which entitles you to recover this tax from the Tax Department. Your contact officer may help you out here.
    If you import goods fromoverseas you need to pay tax at the Customs Department. If the goods are new, you pay a percentage of the value ofthis product AS DETERMINED BY CUSTOMS. Cheap deals may not be so cheap on your arrival here. Please note that many animal products, products incorporating parts of protected flora and fauna, may not be imported into the Netherlands. Attempts to do so will result in huge fines and even jail. Tell your relatives!
    Sales tax (VAT) applies to just about anything, ranging from 16 to 19%. Visitors from out of the EU may apply to recoup some of this tax.
    Consult the Yellow Pages for local advice from a Tax Agent or ask your Student Advisor.

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    TELEPHONE

    In order to use the public telephone at stations one needs a Vodafone card or Visa card to activate the machines. In town public phones are either coin operated or Chip card (a small copper chip in your bank card that you need to charge with your own money in order to pay via the Chipper). Within the HLO the phone is activated by a phone card from Theo at the Reception desk.

    Mobile phones abound as a result, and you need to consult either phone shops in town or consult the Internet sites for each provider. The regulations change regularly so you need to consult experts. These phone shops offer Asia Cards, a prepaid card with interesting rates for ringing home from in Asia. Experiences are good on the whole: beware of fraudulent deals.
    Some students say it is easier and cheaper to get a Dutch cell phone than using their Asian phone on the Dutch net. Telfort, Orange, KPN are the big competitors.

    Phonenumbers. In the Netherlands. Although the Yellow Pages /Gele Gids www.goudengids.nl can help you to a number, you can also try Scoot for numbers you need www.scoot.nl. White page supply regular subscription numbers.

    International numbers. A comprehensive list of telephone directories in any country is found on TelefoonGids in Belgium. Yellow and White Pages are available. You can also use it to find Zip Codes / Postal Codes

    It helps to make a list of phone numbers of your own student team at the beginning of each academic year, to avoid lengthy discussions. And email addresses!


    TIPPING

    The Dutch do not expect any service tips, as they have calculated it in. Only on special occasions tip your assistant to avoid misunderstanding (or encourage misunderstanding if you so wish).

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    TRAVEL

    The second most adventurous way of traveling is by public transport. Apart from the OV card (public transport card) there re other options for cheap travel: you could try a 40% reduction card from the Dutch National Railways, allowing cheap travel outside peak travel times and group reduction. You can travel together with two people and all can claim reduction on 1 card, paying 40% as well. The costs are reasonable: two trips to Amsterdam by train means you have recouped the costs of the card (all subsequent ravel is cheap!). International train rides are also offered by Dutch Railways (info at the desks in stations until 2005) using www.ns.nl.

    Long distance bus trips are offered by www.eurolines.nl and active trips by www.travelactive.nl and www.happytravel.nl.
    Student Travel in the Netherlands have numerous offices, like www.nbbs.nl show you. Nijmegen hosts several travel agents, and you need to shop around the center. And of course try BasiqAir, Ryannair and other price fighters for great deals, as listed in Airtraffic.eu which lists cheap fares.. Barcelona 8 euro, 20 euro return?

    If you ever consider buying a car (together) buy a secondhand VW camper bus. They are cheap, disgustingly reliable and extremely versatile (most sleep 4 comfortably) www.vwbusclub.nl. Cars in the Netherlands involve paying road tax, at least Third Party insurance (expensive for under 25s) and annual vehicle inspections.

    IMPORTANT: in some countries, a driving licence can be obtained at the age of 16. Dutch law stipulates that the minimum age for driving a car is 18 years. Therefore, no matter how valid your licence is in your own country, you cannot drive in the Netherlands if you are under 18.
    For more information please check at the Town Hall, Korte Nieuwstraat 6, tel.: +31-24-329 2435, office hours from 9.00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M. From April till August, also open on Thursday evenings from 6.00 P.M. - 8.00 P.M.

    Main traffic rules
    In general, all traffic coming from the right has right-of-way, unless the signs indicate otherwise. On roundabouts, unless indicated otherwise, all traffic on the roundabout has right-of-way. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km per hour, 80 km per hour on non-motorway roads outside city limits and 120 km per hour on motorways.

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    GENERAL URL AND LINKS

    Travelling around the Netherlands