LIVING AND

STUDYING AT THE UT
A practical guide for new
international students
WELCOME TO THE
UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE
On behalf of the University of Twente I would like to welcome you
to the Netherlands and to the University of Twente, the only true
campus university in the Netherlands. Every year, more than 1100
international students study and live at the UT.

Studying abroad means new experience, opportunity and per-

sonal development, but also means adapting to a new country,
climate and culture. This booklet is meant as a practical guide to
show you what the UT campus and Enschede city have to offer,
and provide some insight into Dutch culture in general and in
educational settings.

We wish you all the best in your studies and hope you enjoy your
time in the Netherlands!

Kind regards,

Drs. Karin Paardenkooper

Head International Office,
University of Twente

2
CONTENTS

IMPORTANT CONTACTS
International Office 6
Faculty Internationalization Coordinators 7
International Student Associations 8

CAMPUS LIFE
Xtra-card 13
Internet 14
Mobile Phone 15
Chipknip 15
Sports 16
Culture 17
Libraries & Books 18
On-campus Stores 19
Student Chaplaincy 20
Canteens, Restaurants & Bars 21
Health Services 22

GETTING AROUND IN ENSCHEDE

Enschede - Student City of the East 26
Enschede City Centre 28
Transportation 30
Places of Worship 33

DUTCH CULTURE
Managing Expectations 36
UT Academic Culture 38
Helping you adjust 40
Student Counseling Service 42

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4
IMPORTANT CONTACTS

5
 IMPORTANT CONTACTS

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
The International Office of the Univer- INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
sity of Twente is a faculty independent Campus location: Bastille building room
general office for all international stu- 320, PO Box 217
dents’ general needs and questions, Office hours: Mon - Thu 12:00 to 17:00
but also to help you arrange important Telephone inquiries: Mon - Fri 09:00 to
formalities like scholarship, housing, 17:00
visa, bank account etc. Please feel free T: (+31)(0)53 489 5424
to contact us with all your general F: (+31)(0)53 489 3844
questions and needs. E: international@so.utwente.nl
W: http://www.utwente.nl/
internationalstudents

Visit www.utwente.nl/internationalstudents for news, informa-

tion about visa, housing, bank account and other practical in-
formation.

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 IMPORTANT CONTACTS

FACULTY INTERNATIONALIZATION
COORDINATORS
Every faculty has its own faculty interna-
tionalization coordinator, who provide
you with information about all kinds of
study related issues. The internationaliza-
tion coordinator should be one of per-
sons most important to you.

Faculty of Behavioural Sciences Faculty of Science and Technology

Mr. J.M.J. Nelissen Ing. H.A. Akse
E: j.m.j.nelissen@utwente.nl E: h.a.akse@utwente.nl
T: 053-489 3588 T: 053-489 2886
Room: CU C104 Room: HT 615

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, School of Management and

Mathematics and Computer Science Governance
Drs. J. Schut Ms. B.J.G. Hartjes
E: j.schut@utwente.nl E: b.j.g.hartjes@utwente.nl
T: 053-489 4350 T: 053 - 489 2874
Room: Zi A108 Room: RA 2351

Faculty of Engineering Technology

Dr. Ir. J.G. Ferwerda
E: j.g.ferwerda@.utwente.nl
T: 053-489 3398
Room: HR Z-212

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 IMPORTANT CONTACTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS
International student associa-
tions are networks of students
dedicated to helping make
international students feel at
home, assist with everyday
situations and promote inte-
gration of Dutch and interna-
tional students. There are sev-
eral international student as-
sociations at the UT.
Study or student association?
In addition to the Interna-
tional Student Associations,
all study programmes have
their own study association,
organising various activities
and trips and providing op-
portunities to socialize with
other students. Through
study associations, students
can usually get discounts on
study books as well. Contact
your faculty internationalisa-
tion coordinator for more
information.
ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) provides opportunities for
cultural understanding and self development under the principle
of students helping students. Your ESN mentor will guide you
during your first days in Enschede, assist with necessary formali-
ties and and introduce you to the UT campus and Enschede city.
ESN Twente organizes many activities for international students;
you are invited to participate and enjoy all of them! ESN activities
are a great way to meet other international and Dutch students.
Weekly drinks are held every Tuesday at the UT Vestingbar and
monthly theme parties in the city centre. Other ESN activities in-
clude ice-skating, dance workshops, city trips and football/soccer
practice. You can also join the ESN Language Project to learn
Dutch from a Dutch student, teach a Dutch student your langua-
ge and make Dutch friends.
ESN TWENTE
Campus location: Bastille building room 319
Office hours: Mon - Fri between 12:30 and 13:30
Weekly International drink: every Tuesday, 22:30
@ UT Vestingbar
T: +31 (0)53 489 4052
E: info@esntwente.nl
W: www.esntwente.nl
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 IMPORTANT CONTACTS

AEGEE-ENSCHEDE

AEGEE-Enschede is part of Europe’s largest stu-

dent network, AEGEE-Europe. Besides organi-
zing many activities in Enschede, members also
have the opportunity to travel abroad and visit
conferences, parties and cultural events anyw- AEGEE ENSCHEDE
here in Europe together with other AEGEE Location: Oude Markt 24, Enschede
members. Pub hours: Tue/Thu 21:30 - 04:00
T: +31 (0)53 432 1040
E: board@aegee-enschede.nl
W: www.aegee-enschede.nl

Some international student associations focus

on more specifc students groups, but organize
activities for all UT students.

ASSOCIATION OF INDONESIAN STUDENT

CHINESE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION ENSCHEDE
E: w.bai@tnw.utwente.nl (PPIE)
W: wesp.snt.utwente.nl/ E: ppie@ppienschede.com
aacssnl/ W: www.ppienschede.com/

LATIN AMERICAN STUDENT PAKISTANI STUDENT

ASSOCIATION “LA VOZ” ASSOCIATION
W: www.voz.utwente.nl T: (+)31 (0)53 489 3146
E: w.ahmed@utwente.nl
and adeelyaqoob@gmail.com

INDIAN STUDENT TURKISH STUDENT

ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION TWENTE
E: isaut@isa.utwente.nl E: info@tusat.org
W: www.isa.utwente.nl W: www.tusat.org

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10
CAMPUS LIFE

11
CAMPUS LIFE

12
 CAMPUS LIFE

XTRA CARD
The X-tra card is an addition to your student
card. You need an Xtra Card to join a sport- or
cultural association, when using the university
swimming pool, tennis courts or the music stu-
dios in the Vrijhof building. Other X-tra card
benefits include:

• Use of diverse on-campus sport facilities (e.g. The Xtra Card costs €60 per year. An additional
swimming pool, tennis, squash courts) fitness card is required to use the university’s
• Access to over 60 different sport and cultural fitness centre. The fitness card has to be ordered
associations (additional contribution re- together with the Xtra Card. The added costs of
quired) the fitness card are €65 for one year and €45 for
• Wide array of sport and cultural courses half a year.
• Up to 50% discount on art and culture (e.g.
performances)
• Free use of variety of studios (e.g. music stu-
dios)
• Free membership of the Enschede public
library (regular price €33,-)

For more information and to order your Xtra-card,

please visit www.xtra-card.nl/en/

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 CAMPUS LIFE

INTERNET
To get access to an internet connection, you need a student number and
password. With these you can log on to computers in the UT library or in
your faculty building, or set up a wireless internet connection on your lap-
top.

Bachelor students and students who did
not attend the introduction day for
international students can request their
student number and password at the
ICTS Service Desk.
Exchange and Master students will receive their stu-
dent number and password during the mandatory
introduction day for international students if they have
handed in all required documents.
PhD students will receive their student number and
password on the first day of work through their faculty
contact person.

Studenten Net Twente (SNT) helps UT

students connect to the internet on
campus. For problems with (wireless)
internet connection please contact SNT;
SNT HELPDESK
their website provides manuals for
Campus location: Horstring West 130
setting up a (wireless) internet connec-
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00
tion on campus.
T: (053) - 489 3266
E: helpdesk@snt.utwente.nl
W: www.snt.utwente.nl

For questions about web applications,

UT software, passwords and other gene-
ral ICT questions, please contact the ICT
service desk.
ICTS SERVICE DESK
Campus location: Horstring West 122
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00
T: (053) - 489 5577
E: icts.servicedesk@utwente.nl
W: www.utwente.nl/icts/en/

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 CAMPUS LIFE

MOBILE PHONE
Most students prefer using mobile phones over landline phones.
As a result, most student houses do not have a regular phone con-
nection.

SHORT STAY: PRE-PAID CARD LONG STAY: CONTRACT

If you already have a mobile phone and you are
staying in the Netherlands for less than a year,
the best option is to buy a prepaid SIM-card. A
prepaid SIM-card costs around €10. ESN Twente
can help you buy a prepaid card. Please keep in
mind that your mobile phone SIM-lock has to be
unlocked in your home country in order to use a
Dutch SIM-card.
Contracts with mobile phone providers are usu-
ally one or two years in duration, paid monthly.
For more information visit one of the many tele-
phone stores in Enschede and ask about their
offers. Be careful not to sign a contract right
away, but investigate different providers and
inquire at different stores. The four largest tele-
phone providers in the Netherlands are KPN Hi,
T-Mobile, Telfort and Vodafone.

For information about tariffs please visit

www.justlanded.com/ and go to: Netherlands >
Telephone & Internet > Tariffs

A Chipknip is an electronic purse, automatically
included in the gold coloured chip on your
regular Dutch bank card. It is used to pay small
amounts at stores or phone booths without the
need to provide your PIN number.
You can use your Chipknip to pay at catering
facilities, vending machines and all photocopi-
ers and printers on the university campus. You
can charge your Chipknip at charging machines
that bear the Chipknip logo.

You get a 10% discount at the UT student restaurant

if you pay with Chipknip.

15
 CAMPUS LIFE

SPORTS
The University of Twente has
39 student run sports associa-
tions, representing 70 differ-
ent sports. Most sports are
practiced at the on campus
Sports Centre. You can join
any sports association for fairly
low contributions (€30 to €50
yearly), provided you have an
Xtra-card.
In addition to practicing
sports, sports associations are
also socially active and pro-
vide opportunities to meet
Dutch and international stu-
dents at tournaments, theme
nights, cocktail parties or
karaoke.

SPORTS AT UT

Aerofit Fencing Mountaineering Softball Spinning

Alpinism Fitness Nordic Walking Sports climbing
Aquarobics Frisbee Pilates Street dance
Athletics Gliding Power sports Swimming
Badminton Gymnastics Power Step Table tennis
Baseball Handball Pukulan Taekwondo
Basketball Hockey Rafting Taiji
Billiards Horseback riding Road surfing Tennis
Body Pump Ice hockey Rowing Triathlon
Body Shape Indoor soccer Rugby Underwater hockey
Bow shooting Inline skating Running Volleyball
Canoeing Jiu-jitsu Sailing Wall climbing
Canoeing polo Judo Shooting sports Waterpolo
Chess Go-Karting Skating Width-sports
Club-ball Kitesurfing Snooker Windsurfing
Cycle racing Korfball Snowboarding Yoga
Diving Motorsports Soccer

For more information about sports contact the Sportraad

(sports council) at sportraad@sportraadut.nl or visit
www.sport.utwente.nl

16

CULTURE
There are 19 cultural associa-
tions at the UT run by the cul-
ture council Apollo, practicing
all kinds of different cultural
activities. Most of these asso-
ciations are located in the
Vrijhof building, the cultural
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AT UT
Music: Dance:
Classical choir Modern dance
Close Harmony Ballroom dance
Orchestra Latin dance
Big band Break-dance
Jazz Stage
Pop concerts
CULTURAL COURSES
Throughout the year, the UT
offers over 50 cultural courses,
a rich variety of cultural per-
formances by students, thea-
tre productions, lectures or
musical performances by pro-
fessional musicians. With your
Xtra-card you can always buy
a ticket at a reduced price. For
more information visit the
Apollo website.
centre of the UT campus. At
the Vrijhof there are sound
studios, an audio-room with
good acoustics and two stage-
halls, which are suitable for
concerts and theatre.
Other:
Photography
Juggling
Campus TV
Sci-fi / comics
library
Gaming
APOLLO CULTURAL
COUNCIL
Campus location: Vrijhof
building room 129/130
T: +31 (0)53 489 4404
E: apollo@apollo.utwente.nl
W: www.apollo.utwente.nl
17
CAMPUS LIFE
If you live on campus you can
borrow art from Vrijhof Cul-
tural Department. There are
paintings, photos or drawings
available to decorate your
room. For more information
please visit the Apollo website.
Theatre:
General Theatre
Theatre sports
Cabaret
Check out ‘Broodje Cultuur’ on
Monday’s 12:30 at the Vrijhof
building to enjoy a cultural
performance during your
lunchbreak!
 CAMPUS LIFE
LIBRARY & BOOKS
Use your student card to bor-
row books at the on-campus
UT library. The library also of-
fers a quiet computer area and
small library rooms for study
purposes.
The Belletrie library offers nov-
els in English. Wednesday
night is movie night, with
showings of less known mov-
ies worth watching.
UT LIBRARY
Campus location: Vrijhof building, second floor
Opening hours: Weekdays: 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday: 11.30 - 16.30
Sunday (exam periods only): 09.00 -17.00
T: +31 (0) 53 489 2777
E: InfoUB@utwente.nl
W: www.utwente.nl/ub
BELLETRIE LIBRARY
Campus location: Bastille building room 105
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 12.45 - 13.30 and 18.30 -
20.00
E: bellettrie@bellettrie.utwente.nl
W: www.bellettrie.utwente.nl
18

ON CAMPUS STORES
COOP SUPERMARKET
Campus location: between Sport Centre and
Bastille building
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 - 19:00,
Sat & summer holidays 09:00 - 18:00
HAIRDRESSER ‘DE BARREBOKS’
Campus location: between Sport Centre and
Bastille building
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 18:00
T: +31 (0) 53 489 4158
W: www.kapsalondebarreboks.nl/
19
CAMPUS LIFE
The Union Shop sells readers, UT gifts and
clothing, barrels of Grolsch beer, office supplies
and post cards.
UNION SHOP
Campus location: Bastille building, first floor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00
T: +31 (0) 53 489 4215
E: info@unionshop.nl
W: www.studentunion.utwente.nl/
unionshop-en/
IAPC is a student foundation providing compu-
ter/laptop advise to UT students and employ-
ees . IAPC also has a shop selling PC equipment.
IAPC -SHOP
Campus location: Zilverling E105
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12:30 - 13:45
(not during holidays and exam period)
T: +31 (0) 53 489 3927
W: iapc.cs.utwente.nl
 CAMPUS LIFE

STUDENT CHAPLAINCY
The Student Chaplaincy (Studenten
Pastoraat Enschede; SPE) organizes
activities related to religion, science
and culture. Examples of activities are
movie nights, a mosque visit, a monas-
tery weekend, meditation and a Taizé
STUDENT CHAPLAINCY
celebration.
Campus location:
Vrijhof building room 214
The Student Chaplaincy also offers op-
Rev. Mrs. Janneke Bekhof
portunities for debate about science,
T: +31 (0)53 489 2369
ethics, modern philosophy, culture,
E: spe@so.utwente.nl
various religions, your beliefs or your
W: www.utwente.nl/spe/en
own life in an open atmosphere. Per-
sonal counselling is also available.
> Meditation room
Vrijhof building room 228
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri 08:30 - 22:30
Sat-Sun 09:00-17:00

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 CAMPUS LIFE

CANTEENS, RESTAURANTS & BARS

Most UT buildings have canteens where you can
get coffee, tea, fresh sandwiches and candy
bars. Opening hours may vary per building, but
all canteens are opened at least between 12:00
and 13:30.
There are also several restaurants and bars on
campus. The UT Student Restaurant offers stan-
dard menus.

RESTAURANTS BARS

UT Student Restaurant Vestingbar

Campus location: Waaier building, first floor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12:00 - 13:30, Mon-Fri
17:00 - 19:00
Average price: €3-5 per meal (must pay with
ChipKnip)
De Stek
Campus location: Bastille building first floor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 19:30
Average price: €7 per meal
Campus location : Bastille building second floor
Opening hours: Mon, Thu-Sun 21:00 - 04:00, Tue-
Wed 20:30 - 04:00
Theathercafé
Campus location: Vrijhof building, first floor
Opening hours: all days until 23:00
Average price: €2 per drink

WIST JE DAT… (DID YOU KNOW THAT):

..every Tuesday ESN Twente organises a drink at the Vestingbar
where Dutch and international students meet up.
..the Vestingbar is open 364 days a year.
..the Vestingbar organizes movie nights every week.

21
 CAMPUS LIFE

HEALTH SERVICES
The University of Twente offers general medical service on cam-
pus, including emergency service, a general practitioner, dentist
and physiotherapist.

Referrals to visit specialised Prescription drugs can only be

medical services at a general
hospital are given at appoint-
ments only. Specialised medi-
cal services include surgeons,
eye specialists, ENT doctors,
gynaecologists and orthopae-
dists.
provided through a pharmacy
if you have a prescription from
a doctor/general practitioner
in the Netherlands. These pre-
scriptions are only provided
during appointments with a
general practitioner.

If you are insured through AON (ICS Complete Cover Insurance

or Basic Health Care Insurance) and registered at the UT Campus
Doctor’s office, consultations are free of charge. Visit
www.utwente.nl/internationalstudents for information about
getting AON insurance and arranging other practical matters.

In case of emergency:
• call 2222 when on campus or
• call 112 when off campus

22
 CAMPUS LIFE

CAMPUS DOCTOR

One of the first things to do upon arrival is regis-

ter online with the campus doctor. Please be
aware it is mandatory to be registered with a
general practitioner (doctor) when you are stay-
ing in the Netherlands longer than six months.
You can only make an appointment if you have UT Campus Doctor
been registered at the doctor’s office. Campus location: Building 58 (De Sleutel)
Appointments: by phone Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00
The doctor will help and advise you with all or online 24/7
medical questions or complaints you may have. T: +31(0)53 203 0204
If necessary, the doctor can make an appoint- E: info@campushuisarts.nl
ment for specialised medical service at the gen- W: www.campushuisarts.nl/en
eral hospital and/or prescribe drugs.

The University of Twente also has an on-campus UT Campus Dentist

dentist and physical therapist. Depending on
your health insurance policy, you might be able
to reclaim the costs of dental treatment or
physical therapy through your insurance com-
pany.
Campus location: Langezijds building
Appointments: by phone Mon-Fri 08:00 - 16:00
T: +31 (0)53 489 4600
Immediate dental problems outside office
hours: +31 (0)900 128 2632

UT Campus Physical Therapist

Campus location: Langezijds building
Appointments: by phone Mon-Fri 08:00 - 16:00
T: +31 (0)53 489 4181
E: info@renepolman.nl

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24
GETTING AROUND
IN ENSCHEDE

25
 GETTING AROUND
ENSCHEDE :
STUDENT CITY OF THE EAST
Enschede is the largest city of the east-
ern Netherlands with a total population
of 157.000, and is a lively student town
with 20.000 students. Enschede has a
bit of everything; around the Van Heek
Plein you can find a large number of
boutiques, clothing stores and other
shops; at the Oude Markt square you
will find lots of places to have a coffee
or go out for dinner.
26
 GETTING AROUND

When looking at a map of the Netherlands, it

seems that Enschede lies on the outskirts of
the country. In fact, the city is located centrally
within Europe, halfway between London, Ber-
lin and Paris. Amsterdam is only two hours
away with an hourly direct train connection.

STUFF TO KNOW

Smoking marihuana or hashish Please note that smoking is not

has been decriminalized in the allowed at any bar, pub, disco or
Netherlands, meaning that you restaurant in the Netherlands.
may purchase and consume small
quantities (5 grams) for personal
use at certified coffee shops.
Please keep in mind though that
using, selling or buying any drug
on the streets is punishable by
law.

You can watch the latest popular

movie at the Cinestar theatre; the
largest cinema in the region. Al-
ternative movies are played at
cinema club Concordia, located
at the Oude Markt square. For Fun thing to do: Enschede has an ice skating
schedules and reservations rink, which is opened from 1 October until 31
please see their websites. March. Ice skating is a favourite pastime of the
Dutch; give it a try! You’ll get a discount on the
entry fee with your Xtra-card. The rink is located
Cinestar: www.cinestar.nl
near the UT Campus, close to the soccer sta-
Concordia: www.concordia.nl/
dium (Grolsch Veste).
cinema/

27
 GETTING AROUND

ENSCHEDE CITY CENTRE

28

Central Station
Both inter-city trains and inner
-city buses depart from this
terminal. Don’t forget to buy a
ticket; the fines for travelling
without a valid ticket are quite
expensive.
Supermarket
A one-stop shop for your basic
groceries. Keep in mind that
prices at different supermar-
kets can vary significantly. In
general, Aldi, Lidl and Dirk van
den Boer are more economical
than Plus, Albert Heijn and
Super de Boer.
Toko
Toko’s are smaller than super-
markets and sell non-western
products. Most toko’s focus on
Asian groceries (vegetables/
meat/fish/noodles), but some
specialize in African/Middle-
Eastern groceries.
29
GETTING AROUND
Oude Markt
Most of Enschede’s student
nightlife takes place at the
Oude Markt. Many bars, discos
and pubs are located at and
around this square.
Van Heekplein
The shopping centre of En-
schede. Many department
stores and drugstores are lo-
cated here. The Van Heekplein
is the city’s largest square,
which hosts a large open air
market twice a week. Here
you can buy fresh fruit and
vegetables, fish, but also
clothing, jewellery and hobby
supplies. Market days are
Tuesdays from 09:00 to 18:00
and on Saturdays from 09:00
to 17:00.
TIP: Buying fruit and vegeta-
bles at the open-air market is
cheaper than in supermarkets.
 GETTING AROUND

TRANSPORTATION

BICYLCE GETTING A BIKE DURING

For short distances most
Dutch people use their bikes.
Riding your bicycle is also
quite convenient at busy
spots like the city centre and is
often faster than travelling by
car or bus. Just remember that
traffic rules apply to bicycles
as well.
THE INTRODUCTION DAY
You can buy a second hand bike from Rowi-
Bikes during the introduction day for interna-
tional students or at their store. A second-hand
bike costs between €30 and €150, less than half
the price of a new bike.
Rowi-bikes
Location: Kanaalstraat 131, Enschede
T: +31 (0)629 626 572

• Always attach your bike to a tree or other unmovable object

with a decent lock (around €20).
• Make sure your bicycle lights and reflectors are working (€20
fine) and obey the traffic rules (€50 fine or more). It is not al-
lowed to ride a bike in certain areas, especially in the city cen-
tre. Cycling through these pedestrian areas can result in a €20
fine.
30

BUS
A relatively cheap way to
travel in Enschede and the
Twente region is by bus. Buy a
multiple-ride ticket called
strippenkaart and let the bus
driver stamp one strip for each
zone you pass. You can buy a
strippenkaart from the bus
driver, but it’s cheaper to buy
it at the post office, a maga-
zine store or the COOP super-
market on campus.
You can reach the University
of Twente by bus if you de-
part from Enschede Central
station and take bus number
1 marked Universiteit. Bus 1
can have two directions; ask
the driver to make sure you
are in the right bus. If you
want to travel to the centre
of campus or get to the Inter-
national Office, get off at the
Bastille bus stop.
GETTING AROUND
TRAIN
The fastest way to travel to another city is by train. Buy a ticket
either with cash at the central station’s ticket desk or with your
debit card at the ticket machine. A Dutch train ticket is valid only
on the day you bought it and only in the direction of your desti-
nation. You can also buy a ticket without date, and stamp it on
the day of your trip at the station’s yellow stamp-machine.
• For a €55 a year subscription, you receive 40% discount on
train tickets (weekdays after 09:00) for you and up to three
fellow passengers. Please visit the Student Service Desk to
apply for a reduction card.
• When you are travelling with your Dutch friend who has a OV
-jaarkaart, you get a 40% discount (weekdays after 09:00).
• One return ticket is cheaper than two one-way tickets.
• Intercity trains only stop at large railway stations, stop trains
stop at all railway stations.
• Few trains in the Netherlands run at night time; Enschede has
no night trains.
• Make sure you have a valid ticket with the right date and des-
tination on it; fines are €35 plus the ticket price.
• The website of the Dutch Railways (www.ns.nl) is available in
English and provides information about timetables, timeta-
ble changes and prices.
31
 GETTING AROUND

NEW PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The traditional paper tickets (train tickets and

strippenkaart) are being replaced by the so-
called OV-chipkaart. This electronic card allows
travel with all public transportation in the Neth- To use your ov-chipkaart,
erlands. With this card you pay for the distance swipe your card past the card
travelled instead of paying for every zone you reader marked with the ov-
pass. chipkaart-logo whenever you
get on of off the bus, tram or
In some large Dutch cities you can only pay for metro. Travelling (also by
public transport with an ov-chipkaart. For (bus)- train) in areas that have not
travels in Enschede or the Twente-region you yet introduced the OV-
can also use traditional paper tickets. If you chipkaart system means that
have a Dutch bank account you can purchase a you will have to buy a paper
personal ov-chipkaart at www.ov-chipkaart.nl. ticket.

If you have an ov-chipkaart you can buy daytrip tickets for a reduced
price at www.ov-chipkaart.nl. Daytrip tickets allow free travel in Rotter-
dam or Amsterdam, so they are great for day trips or weekend breaks.

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 GETTING AROUND

PLACES OF WORSHIP
Buddhist
SPe Student Chaplaincy
T: (+31) (0) 53 4892369
E: spe@so.utwente.nl
Roman Catholic
H. Jacobus de Meerdere
Location: Oude Markt
Service: every Sunday at 09:30

Jewish
Synagoge Enschede
Location: Prinsestraat 18
T: +31 (0)53 432 4507
E: info@synagoge-enschede.nl
W: www.synagoge-enschede.nl
Islamic
Islamic Association Enschede
Location: 2e Emmastraat 50
T: +31 (0)53 435 1078
Protestant
ITC Hotel
Lcoation: Boulevard 1945, 4
Service: every Sunday 10:30
E: chaplain@planet.nl

Regional newspaper TC Tubantia publishes detailed

opening hours of places of worship.

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DUTCH CULTURE

35
 DUTCH CULTURE
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
Many things in the Nether-
lands will be different from
your home country, like cli-
mate, traffic, food, clothes and
religion. Dutch culture may
also be different from your
own. For example, Dutch peo-
ple find it very important to be
on time, and will offer you cof-
fee and cookies when visiting
but do not expected you to
stay for dinner (unless explic-
itly invited). Several other
common cultural differences
are discussed here.
INDEPENDENCE
Because you are seen as an
independent student, teach-
ers will inform you of the ma-
terial to learn but leave the
specific planning up to you.
Assignments might come with
few instructions and will leave
space to choose your own ap-
proach.
YOUR OWN OPINIONS
‘Having your own opinion’ and ‘being critical’
are important values for Dutch people. Students
do not need to master all existing knowledge
before formulating their own opinion. When
writing a paper, summarizing information from
other authors will not be sufficient. You will
have to make your own selection of available
sources, develop your own line of thinking and
include your own conclusions and/or recom-
mendations.
RELATIVE LACK OF COMPETITION
Competition hardly plays a role in Dutch educa-
tional culture: students are seldom graded
against each other. The teacher sets a minimum
score and passes all students that meet this cri-
terion. Dutch students are usually not very inter-
ested how they rank in class; they are mainly
concerned with passing the course. Students
striving to be the best will not talk about it as it
is not done in the Netherlands to be too com-
petitive or work too hard.
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 DUTCH CULTURE

BRUTAL HONESTY INTERCULTURAL FRIENDSHIPS

Honesty is highly valued in the
Dutch communication style:
avoiding loosing face plays a
less important role. As Dutch
society is quite individualistic,
Dutch students prefer to show
the class how critical they are,
rather than strive to being
loyal classmates.
Because of these cultural differences, Dutch students might think
of international students as passive, easily offended students who
only memorize and reproduce study material while not saying
what they really think. International students might see the Dutch
students as noisy in class, disrespectful to teachers and class-
mates, showing off, lazy and negative. It is a challenge for every-
one in international classrooms to overcome these prejudices and
become friends.

The Dutch eagerness for group

discussions and strong opin-
“ You do not just call and say “hey, let’s go to a movie tonight”
no, you might have to take out your agenda and make an ap-
pointment – most likely for two weeks ahead. “I have a free
ions might make your first
presentation a difficult experi- timeslot for you in about two weeks”, they’ll say. In Sardinia, if
ence. Keep in mind that if a
professor or fellow student
you make an appointment to meet in two weeks, you forget.
”
- Federico Cheri (Italy)
'burns' your ideas in public, it's
nothing personal. Likewise,
you are expected to have a
critical mindset, so questioning
your fellow students, profes-
sors and people in senior posi-
tions on study-related issues is
encouraged.

RULES ARE RULES

Dutch society runs on rules:
individual exceptions are rare.
Trying to get a higher mark or
request an additional re-exam
will easily irritate your teacher.
The same rules apply to all and Join the online University of Twente community
aim to guarantee fair and on Facebook and stay in touch with hundreds of
equal treatment of everyone. upcoming students, current students and alumni.

37
 DUTCH CULTURE

UT ACADEMIC CULTURE
The academic culture at the
University of Twente is quite
distinct when compared to
other countries. There is little
hierarchy and professors tend
to be easily approachable.
Students usually only receive
feedback when the work they
deliver is unsatisfactory. Not
getting feedback on work
done is usually a good sign.
Compliments are uncommon.
Professors expect students to
work independently, also dur- INTERACTION IN CLASS
ing project work. Your best Dutch people in general and academics in par-
teachers are often your fellow ticular tend to be very opinionated; they enjoy a
students. good discussion, attacking each other's ideas
relentlessly and with great passion. Teachers
EDUCATIONAL PROCESS appreciate these critical and passionate discus-
If a professor asks a question, sions in class, as they are usually seen as marks
you are expected to come up of highly involved and interested students. Ask-
with a reasonable solution, ing questions is seen as being interested in the
not ‘the right and perfect one’. topic, not as being disrespectful towards the
The process of finding a solu- lecturer.
tion, dealing with new infor-
mation and creativity are Students are expected to think about the pre-
paramount. The quality of the sented knowledge, develop and express their
actual solution is often less own opinion and look for possible weaknesses
important. in what was presented. For the Dutch it is noth-
ing personal and does not lead to loosing face;
it is all about the content and optimal learning.

38
 DUTCH CULTURE

Students are expected to be

self-reliant. If something is
troubling them they are ex-
pected to take the initiative in
finding a solution. You must
make the first step and con-
tact a study adviser or some-
one else to help you. Waiting
to be 'saved' will get you no-
where.

ACTIVE LEARNING DISCUS ISSUES OPENLY

The Dutch believe that learning actively is the
best way to learn. The essence of active learning
is asking yourself questions that you try to an-
swer by studying. What am I going to learn?
What do I know already about this question?
Does what I read answer my question? Do I
agree? What do I miss? Are alternative solutions
possible? What are the consequences? Memo-
rizing and understanding are considered valu-
able but only as first steps in learning. There is
more emphasis on the development of aca-
demic and/or professional skills.
At every university, things go wrong. Some-
times a lecture is disappointing, there might be
strange twists in the curriculum or unreason-
able exams. If you encounter such a problem
you are expected to first confront the professor
(as scary as that may seem) to see if you can find
a solution. If that doesn't work, you can always
contact the course committee (OLC), the people
dealing with education at your study associa-
tion (Dutch: studievereniging), study adviser,
course director or faculty internationalization
coordinator.

For questions about dealing with culture shock or problems with adjusting to life in the
Netherlands, please contact International Office or Student Counselling Service. They
can help you manage cultural difficulties and related issues.

If you have the possibility, consider partaking in activities be-

sides your studies; it can provide a valuable learning experi-
ence and is an excellent way to get to know new people.

39
 DUTCH CULTURE
HELPING YOU ADJUST
Throughout the academic
year, the University of Twente
organizes many activities for
international students to get
used to living and studying in
the Netherlands.
WORKSHOP DUTCH
CULTURE IN EDUCATION
Shortly after your arrival, the
International Office will invite
you to attend workshops on
Dutch culture in education.
The workshop will address
cultural differences in educa-
tion between the Netherlands
and other countries.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
MEET ENSCHEDE
International Students Meet
Enschede is a free event held
every year to welcome all new
international students to En-
schede. The event aims to
help students become familiar
with the city, meet other inter-
national students and to help
them feel at home in En-
schede. You will discover the
culture of the Netherlands and
learn what Enschede has to
offer in terms of leisure, sports
facilities, clubs, bars and res-
taurants.
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 DUTCH CULTURE

INTERNATIONAL FOOD
FESTIVAL
During the International Food
Festival students of different
nationalities prepare food and
dishes typical of their country
and get the opportunity to
taste foods from all over the
world.

DUTCH LANGUAGE COURSE

Even though most Dutch have
sufficient English skills for a
conversation, it might be use-
ful to learn some Dutch your-
self. The UT’s Language Coor-
dination Center (TCP) offers
Dutch Language course for
beginners.

TCP LANGUAGE CENTER

Lianne Peper
Campus location:
Vrijhof room 207
T: 053-489 2040
E: tcp@utwente.nl
W: www.utwente.nl/tcp

To stay up to date on these and other international student activi-

ties, visit www.utwente.nl/internationalstudents and sign up for
the International Office News Mail.

41
 DUTCH CULTURE

STUDENT COUNSELING SERVICE

Even though studying in a new country can be Privacy/confidentiality
lots of fun, some students experience problems All counselling sessions are strictly confiden-
adjusting to life in such a new environment. It tial. Moreover student psychologists have a
can be difficult to make new friends, govern- privacy-regulation register with the Dutch In-
ment regulations can be confusing or your stud- stitute of Psychologists. This states that infor-
ies are not progressing as planned. It is not un- mation can only be passed on to a third party
common for international students to some- with the student’s explicit consent as stipu-
times feel lonely and a bit lost at a university in lated in the privacy regulations. These regula-
another country. The UT Student Counselling tions can be consulted at the SCS information
Service (SCS) supports international students desk.
who experience problems in managing expec-
tations, feelings of loneliness and study delays Whether your problem is
resulting from adapting to life in the Nether- vague or clear, everyone is
lands. welcome to make an appoint-
ment with the student psy-
Other students have visited SCS for help with chologist. SCS aims to locate
adopting to life in the Netherlands, managing the source of the problem and
expectations about culture or education, man- help solve it. Visiting SCS in an
aging study delays, problems concentrating on early stage will facilitate reach-
studies, dealing with (government) administra- ing a satisfactory and efficient
tion or complicated regulation, issues involving solution to your problems.
family matters or personal circumstances, ques-
tions about financial support due to exceptional
STUDENT COUNSELING
circumstances, and overall feelings of loneliness
SERVICE
or discomfort.
Campus location: Bastille
building first floor, red desk
Office hours: Mon - Fri from
08:30 to 17:00
T: (+31)(0)53 489 2035

All UT students can visit SCS free of charge.

42
 DUTCH CULTURE

Disclaimer: Government rules and regulations, prices and opening hours are sub-
ject to change during the academic year. No rights can be derived from the infor-
mation presented in this document. For further questions, please contact the Inter-
national Office of University of Twente, the Netherlands.

43