Erasmus in Utrecht
The official links people use most when they arrive in Utrecht. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- Utrecht University: exchange studentsUniversiteit Utrecht (UU)
Portal for exchange students at UU, with sections on arrival, housing and visas.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- HU Utrecht: exchange programmesHogeschool Utrecht (HU)
Exchange programmes at the university of applied sciences, admission requirements and partner institutions.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- ESN UtrechtESN Utrecht
Local ESN section: student info, ticketed events and an ESNcard with discounts at local businesses.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Relocation guide for students in the Utrecht regionUtrecht International Center
Guide from the region's welcome centre for internationals, covering healthcare, student finances and daily life.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- ESN Utrecht: pre-departure mentor programmeESN Utrecht
You are matched with a local student before you move to answer questions about daily life in Utrecht.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Utrecht University: buddy programmesUniversiteit Utrecht
Official page with ways to meet people: Buddy go Dutch (interest-based matching each semester), community events and ESN's pre-departure programme.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- HU Utrecht: introduction and buddy programmesHogeschool Utrecht (HU)
HU explains its introduction for internationals and the matching with Dutch students to get to know the culture and the city.
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 Utrecht: parties and events calendarESN Utrecht
Student nights, themed parties such as Halloween and social inclusion events. Open to students of Utrecht's six higher education institutions.
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 Utrecht: committees that run trips and partiesESN Utrecht
Shows who runs what: day trips and a weekend around the Netherlands, two weekends a year in neighbouring countries (Antwerp, Ghent, Luxembourg, Cologne...) and the Tuesday parties.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AEGEE-Utrecht: English informationAEGEE-Utrecht
About 300 members, weekly drinks, trips to other AEGEE locals, a hitchhiking weekend and a ski trip. Note: the usual language is Dutch, although internationals are welcome.
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 Utrecht
If you will spend more than 4 months here in the next half year, make an appointment and register within 5 days of arrival. Shorter stays use the non-resident register (RNI), which also gives a BSN.
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.
- U-OV: Utrecht public transport fares and passesU-OV
Public transport operator for the city and region. Fares, passes, offers and paying with OVpay.
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.
- Art and culture with student discounts at UUUniversiteit Utrecht (UU)
Parnassos Cultural Centre, Studium Generale and city discounts, such as the City Theatre if you buy half an hour before the show and show your student ID.
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.
- Discover Utrecht: official city guideDiscover Utrecht
What's on, museums and things to do in Utrecht.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Utrecht Public LibraryBibliotheek Utrecht
With the free FLEX membership you can book a study spot and study outside opening hours at the ZelfBieb. 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 Utrecht: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
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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.