Erasmus in Amsterdam
The official links people use most when they arrive in Amsterdam. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- UvA: incoming exchange studentsUniversiteit van Amsterdam (UvA)
Starting point for exchange students at the UvA, including Erasmus+, with each faculty's programmes.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- VU Amsterdam: exchange programmeVrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
About 1,100 courses in English for students from partner universities for one or two semesters; your home university must nominate you first.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AUAS: exchange programmes and checklistHogeschool van Amsterdam (AUAS)
Programmes for exchange students and a checklist of what to prepare, with links on insurance, arrival and the buddy programme.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- ESN Amsterdam (UvA and AUAS)ESN Amsterdam
Student association welcoming international students at the UvA and AUAS: introduction week, buddies, language exchange, trips and the ESNcard.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN VU AmsterdamESN VU Amsterdam
ESN section at the Vrije Universiteit: introduction days, activities and ESNcard discounts.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- UvA: what ESN Amsterdam offers exchange studentsUniversiteit van Amsterdam (UvA)
Official UvA page: day trips around the Netherlands, Dutch lessons, a weekly borrel and three big parties per semester. Membership costs 5 euros a year.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AUAS: find a buddy when you arriveAmsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS)
AUAS explains its buddy scheme with ESN Amsterdam, the Goin' app to meet peers and the resident assistants in its housing.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Parties and events
Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.
- ESN Amsterdam: events calendar and ticketsESN Amsterdam
ESN section for UvA and AUAS (HvA) students. It lists upcoming parties and activities and sells tickets here.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN Amsterdam: introduction week for exchange studentsESN Amsterdam
Welcome programme in mentor groups, city activities and a closing party. The August 2026 edition is over; use it as a reference for the next one.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN Amsterdam: language tandem and other programmesESN Amsterdam
You are matched with a native speaker to practise languages. There is also volunteering (SocialErasmus) and school visits (ErasmusInSchool).
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN VU Amsterdam: Introduction DaysESN VU Amsterdam
For VU students: two editions a year, in early September and early February. Tickets go on sale a month before and are announced on Instagram.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Trips and excursions
Trips and excursions for Erasmus students. Before paying, check who organises the trip and pay only on their official website.
- ESN VU Amsterdam: parties and tripsESN VU Amsterdam
Parties such as the King's Day boat party or Halloween, and trips to Oktoberfest, skiing in the Italian Alps or Efteling. Sign-ups run through Eventix.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AEGEE-Amsterdam: student travel associationAEGEE-Amsterdam
Local branch of the European AEGEE network. It runs trips across Europe and borrels (social drinks). The site is in Dutch; the office is in the CREA building.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- Registering with the municipality and getting a BSNGemeente Amsterdam
If you come for more than 4 months, visit a City Office in person within 5 days of arrival; no appointment is needed except in Weesp. You get your BSN when you register.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- When to register in the Personal Records Database (BRP)Government.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)
If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, register with your municipality within 5 days of arrival and you will get a BSN. For shorter stays you can register as a non-resident (RNI).
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Dutch health insurance: when it is compulsoryGovernment.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)
If you only study, your home insurance usually covers you; if you also work, you may have to take out Dutch basic health insurance. The page refers to Study in NL to check your case.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Transport
Public transport, passes and bikes.
- GVB: city transport tickets and passesGVB
Amsterdam's public transport operator. Pay with a contactless bank card, your phone or the OV-pas (OVpay), or buy day tickets and season passes.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- NS trains: travel with your bank card or phoneNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
You can check in and out on the train with a contactless debit or credit card or your phone, with no prior registration. Handy if you take the train now and then.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Health and emergencies
European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.
- Healthcare and insurance for international studentsNuffic (Study in NL)
Explains when the European Health Insurance Card is enough, when you need Dutch insurance (for example, if you work) and that your first stop is the GP (huisarts). In an emergency, call 112.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Comisión Europea
It is free and gives you access to necessary state healthcare on the same terms as people insured in the country. Apply for it in your home country before you travel.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Student discounts
Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.
- Where to use your student discount in AmsterdamI amsterdam
Guide on the city's official website listing museums, cinemas, theatres and services with student discounts; it also covers the Uitpas and CJP.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- CJP: culture card for under-30sCJP
Discounts on cinema, museums, theatre and festivals for people aged 12 to 30; the first year costs €10. Website in Dutch.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Culture and city life
Official tourism, events and libraries.
- I amsterdam: official city guideI amsterdam
Cultural agenda, museums, neighbourhoods and things to do in Amsterdam and the surrounding area; the city recommends it to visitors and internationals.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Amsterdam Public Library (OBA)OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam)
30 libraries with free WiFi and study spaces; the Oosterdok central library opens every day. Membership is free for under-27s.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Amsterdam: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
Almost done: we have sent you an email. Open the link and press "Confirm" to start receiving it. If you can't see it, check your spam folder.
Other cities in Netherlands
These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.