Erasmus in Rotterdam
The official links people use most when they arrive in Rotterdam. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- EUR: come to Rotterdam on exchangeErasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (EUR)
You need a nomination from your home university; each faculty has its own calendar, application and courses, and the page links to all of them.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Rotterdam UAS: Centre of International AffairsHogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam UAS)
The Centre of International Affairs handles applications from incoming exchange students and helps them prepare their stay.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- ESN RotterdamESN Rotterdam
Local ESN section: intro days, ESN Tuesday, buddy programme and ESNcard discounts.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Rotterdam International CenterGemeente Rotterdam (Rotterdam International Center)
The city's desk for internationals: appointments to register and get a BSN, plus practical help settling in.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- ESN Rotterdam: EUR Buddy ProgrammeESN Rotterdam
An Erasmus University student introduces you to Dutch life as part of a large group of newcomers.
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 Rotterdam: events for international studentsESN Rotterdam
Calendar of the Erasmus University section: intro days, charity runs, the EURvision contest and other activities.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- ESN Rotterdam: Intro DaysESN Rotterdam
Two days of city activities at the start of the semester, for exchange and full-degree students. Sign up early.
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 Rotterdam: committees, including the City Trip CommitteeESN Rotterdam
The City Trip Committee runs a monthly trip to cities near the Netherlands, with transport, accommodation and activities.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- Registering with the municipality and getting a BSNGemeente Rotterdam
If you will stay at least 4 of the next 6 months and have no BSN yet, book an appointment to register in person; the page lists the documents you need.
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.
- RET: Rotterdam public transport tickets and passesRET
The city's public transport operator. Pay with your bank card (OVpay) or buy day tickets and passes at machines or in the app.
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
- OV-fiets: rental bikes at stationsNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
Rented per 24 hours at almost 300 locations and returned to the same place. You need a personal OV-chipkaart with the free NS Flex Basis subscription.
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.
- Rotterdampas for studentsRotterdampas
Leisure pass with free entry and discounts in and around Rotterdam. If you live and study in the city it costs €20 a year instead of €65; you order it with DigiD.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
- 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.
- Rotterdam.info: what to do in the cityRotterdam.info
The city's promotion website with events, museums and neighbourhoods; it also hosts the Rotterdam International Center section.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Rotterdam Public LibraryBibliotheek Rotterdam
The city's public library network: branches, opening hours, membership and activities. Website in Dutch.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Rotterdam: 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.