Study in Amsterdam
Make Amsterdam part of your student experience
Student life beyond the classroom
At the UvA, student life extends beyond campus. With Amsterdam’s cafés, parks and cultural spaces nearby, you can create a student life that suits you. You'll meet friends from around the world in class and through extracurricular activities.
Finding a place to live
Finding a place to live in Amsterdam can be very challenging. It is important to start your search early and understand the Amsterdam housing market before you move. Please note: The UvA cannot guarantee accommodation, so you are ultimately responsible for finding a place to live. Our webinars, tips and guidance can help you get started with your housing search.
Amsterdam is:
Compact and connected
Amsterdam is easy to explore by bike or public transport. UvA campuses, neighbourhoods and many of the city’s cultural and social hotspots are within easy reach.
International and diverse
People from all over the world live, work and study in Amsterdam. English is widely spoken and international perspectives are part of everyday life in the city.
Full of culture
Museums, music venues, cinemas, festivals and creative spaces are part of life in Amsterdam, with plenty to discover alongside your studies.
A student city
With several universities and a large student population, Amsterdam offers many ways to meet people, join activities and build a life outside the classroom.
Top-ranked for education
The UvA is a top-100 university globally and ranks as one of Europe's 20 best universities.
Studying in the Netherlands: what to expect?
Studying abroad also means adjusting to a different academic culture. At the UvA, you are expected to participate actively, work independently and keep up throughout the year. Teaching, assessment and schedules vary by programme, with exams, assignments, presentations or group work spread across the year.
Explore your future campus
The UvA has campuses across Amsterdam, each with its own character and academic community. Your main location depends on your programme. Alongside teaching spaces, you’ll find study areas, libraries and student facilities, all connected to everyday life in the city.
Student life & community
Student life at the UvA is about more than studying. Meet people through your programme, join an association, play sports, explore music and culture, or connect through shared interests and identities. There are plenty of ways to make friends, be creative and feel at home in Amsterdam.
-
Join a student community
Meet people through student and study associations or communities around shared interests and identities. -
Get active
The University Sports Centre offers a wide range of sports and activities for students. -
Explore culture and creativity
At CREA you can take courses, attend events and get involved in music, theatre, media and other creative activities. -
UvA Pride
UvA Pride is a social network, knowledge centre and emancipation movement for the LGBTQ+ community.
Practical life in Amsterdam
Moving to a new country brings practical questions: How will you get around, budget for daily life, arrange health insurance, and work alongside your studies? You do not need all the answers before choosing, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare for life in Amsterdam.
Ask a UvA student
Wondering what student life in Amsterdam is really like? One of the best ways to find out is to talk to someone who is already studying here. Ask a current UvA student about studying, finding your way around the university, making friends and settling into life in Amsterdam.