Tilburg Survival Kit
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Contents
Welcome to Tilburg!
Whether you are planning to stay for weeks, years or even for a lifetime, this vibrant city offers you everything you need. With one research university, two universities of applied sciences, and a student population of almost 30,000, there is a dynamic vibe to the city. With over 200,000 inhabitants and thousands of visitors staying here for long or short periods, our city has grown accustomed to the needs of both our national and international guests. This brochure will tell you about many of the benefits of life in Tilburg, but I am sure that you will discover many more! Do you want to get to know the city and its people? Explore the city by bicycle to learn about our city with a village atmosphere. Talk to us - ‘Tilburgers’ are welcoming to guests and we love talking about our city and telling you about ourselves. We enjoy living in Tilburg, enjoy our work or studies, our daily lives, sports and hobbies, all within easy reach. Where can you find us? A good place to start would be at one of the many events held in the town throughout the year, when the centre of Tilburg becomes a meeting place for everybody.
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Occasionally, you may want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and Tilburg has parks, gardens and forests in abundance both in and around the city where you can do just this. A fifteen-minute bicycle ride will take you into the green countryside that surrounds the city, with its unique natural beauty. Or you can simply enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many pubs and pavement cafés. The desire to experiment is typical of Tilburg - we like to try new things, to face new challenges and discover creative solutions. I am pleased to welcome you to Tilburg and would like to thank you all in advance for joining us in the search for both questions and answers concerning the challenges which we face today. Welcome to Tilburg. I am sure that you will feel at home right from the start. Peter Noordanus LLM Mayor of Tilburg
Preface
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Living with the Dutch Traditions and Customs Religion and Places of Worship Typical Dutch Festivities
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Financial Matters Bank Exchange Office Prepaid Chip Card/Chipknip Credit Cards Use
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Transport By Air By Bus, Tram, or Metro By Train and Train-Taxi Car Rental A True Cycling Country
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Medical Assistance General Practitioners Hospitals in Tilburg Public Health Department Dentists Insurance Confidential Advisers What to do in case of an Emergency
9 9 10 10 10 11 11 11
Communication Postal and Telephone Services International Calls Yellow Pages
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Shops and Shopping Shops Department Stores Supermarkets Markets
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Bookshops
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Second-hand Furniture Shops
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Culture and Leisure Culture and Leisure Tourist Destinations The Tilburg Area Cities near Tilburg Theme Parks Public Library Holidays Museums Theatres, Cinemas and Concerts Sports Pubs and Cafés Pubs with affordable Meals Restaurants Summer Festivals Cultural Events Calendar
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Hotels in Tilburg
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Contact General Contact Information Tilburg University Staff
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Maps Map of the Netherlands Map of Tilburg Map of Tilburg University’s Campus
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Disclaimer All information provided in this brochure is for information purposes only and does not constitute a legal contract between Tilburg University and any person or entity unless otherwise specified. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Tilburg University makes no guarantees of any kind.
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You may have the impression that the Dutch are serious, mild-mannered people who tend to mind their own business. In fact, the Dutch have a very special way of having a good time. It is expressed by the Dutch word ‘gezelligheid’, which describes an atmosphere of warm, relaxed congeniality.
Living with the Dutch
Like all people, the Dutch have their own traditions and customs. Because other publications deal with these issues extensively, we will only mention things that international guests might find unusual during their first few days and weeks in the Netherlands.
If you live in a Dutch student house, you will probably see evidence of the independent, separate lives that people lead. Resources are not generally pooled in such households; everyone keeps track of his or her own spending and consumption. Cooking is sometimes done individually, but the residents of many student houses cook and have dinner together. Food placed in a communal refrigerator is considered personal property; if necessary, it is marked as such. This deeply rooted independence is something that most newcomers must learn to live with. More information on living in the Netherlands can be found at: www.nuffic.nl/international-students
Traditions and Customs The first time you take a train, you may notice that Dutch people can be rather aloof towards strangers. The seats will fill up in a fashion that postpones proximity as long as possible, and people will seldom speak to each other unless they are acquainted. Although you may regard this behaviour as unfriendly, it also reflects a respect for the privacy of others, perhaps combined with a certain reserve. The latter interpretation is probably more accurate, and it can certainly make living among the Dutch more enjoyable. The Dutch respect for privacy is evident in many ways. For example, famous people can usually go about their business freely in public without being disturbed. In contrast to their generally reserved character, the Dutch have a direct manner of communicating that may startle those who are not used to it. The Dutch tend to come straight to the point when they have something to say. In fact, the Dutch consider this directness to be a positive personality trait. Dutch people meeting each other for the first time do not usually wait to be introduced. They offer their hand for a handshake, make eye contact, say their names and listen for the name of the other person.
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On social occasions, people who already know each other also shake hands if they have not seen each another for a while. Good friends or relatives will also exchange three kisses on the cheeks. The Dutch tend to be less competitive than many other Westerners. They place great value on teamwork and consensus, and those who try too hard to excel will be criticized for not being ‘team players’ and excluded from the ‘group’. Young people often go to discos, clubs, pubs or cafés to be with friends and meet new people. This usually takes place during the weekend, although Tuesday and Thursday are the nights for going out in many student cities. Food does not play as large a role in hospitality in the Netherlands as it does in many other cultures. When visiting Dutch people, you will always be offered something to drink, but do not expect a meal unless the invitation specifically mentions this. What matters in the Netherlands is not so much the food, but the company. When you welcome Dutch guests into your home in the Netherlands, you normally start by serving coffee and cake or cookies before soft drinks and/or alcoholic drinks and snacks are served.
Typical Dutch Festivities Queen’s Day On 30 April we celebrate the birthday of the (Dutch: former Queen, Wilhelmina. Everyone wears Koninginnedag) orange, in honour of the name of the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange. This festival is celebrated all across the Netherlands. St Nicholas 5 December is an exciting day for Dutch (Dutch: children, who wonder what will ‘Sinterklaas’ Sinterklaas) bring them? This celebration is on the name day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Gifts are given on the evening of St Nicholas Day, which is called ‘pakjesavond’ (‘presents evening’). Traditionally, presents are creatively wrapped up and called surprises. Presents are also traditionally accompanied by a poem from Saint Nicholas.
Flowers - Bloemen Wooden Shoes - Klompen Windmill - Molen
Religion and Places of Worship The Netherlands has a Christian tradition. About two-thirds of people are either from a Roman Catholic or a Protestant background. Some 800,000 Muslims also live in the Netherlands and many ethnic groups practice Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions. Each religion has its own place of worship. For more information, please visit: www.tilburguniversity.nl/religion In the middle of the Tilburg University campus, you can find the Zwijsen building (also called the ‘Stiltecentrum’). It is the university’s centre for reflection, meditation and prayer, which gives reflection a central role at the university. This location (see photo on the right) offers you a place to pray, search for inspiration, meditate individually or in a group, or just to spend some time in the building quietly and relax.
In the Netherlands you are obliged to have your ID with you in public at all times
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Bank
Prepaid Chip Card/Chipknip
For the benefit of our international students and staff, Tilburg University works in partnership with the Rabobank. When opening a bank account you can use a simple application form created by the International Office and the Rabobank branch,located at Westermarkt 4, near the campus. For information please check www.rabobank.nl and click ‘English pages’).
Chipknip is the electronic cash system used in the Netherlands. All ATM cards issued by Dutch banks have a chip/smart card that can be loaded with value via Chipknip loading stations next to ATMs. All bank cards are interoperable. Chipknip can be used for payments at vending and copy machines on campus, parking meters, and in shops.
This branch is open: Monday Tuesday to Thursday Friday
You can use credit cards in the Netherlands, although it is not as common to do so as in some other countries. Many stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards because of high transaction costs. In larger cities such as Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, paying with credit cards is more common. When using a credit card you will probably need a PIN number and some form of Money - Geld Pay - Betalen identification. Cash Machine Geldautomaat
13:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 18:00 09:00 - 20:00
If you would like to contact the bank by telephone, please call: +31 (0) 13 537 99 11. Cash dispensers can be found all over Tilburg.
Exchange Office You can change money at exchange offices, as well as at all banks and larger post offices. The exchange office, GWK Travelex, in the entrance hall of Tilburg Central railway station is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00, on Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Transport
Credit Cards Use
By Air
By Train and Train-Taxi
The following airports are located in the Netherlands: Schiphol near Amsterdam, Rotterdam Airport near Rotterdam, Eindhoven Airport near Eindhoven, Maastricht-Aachen Airport near Maastricht, and Groningen Airport Eelde near Groningen. In addition to these, two other airports are located within reach of Tilburg: Zaventem near Brussels in Belgium, and Düsseldorf International near Düsseldorf in Germany. Tilburg is a gateway to Europe with several capitals within a few hours reach: Amsterdam: 95 km, Berlin: 585 km, Brussels: 95 km, London: 360 km, Paris: 360 km, and many more. You can book a cheap flight by flying with low-budget airways such as Sky Europe, Wizz Air, Ryan Air and Easy Jet, which all fly to and from the Netherlands.
Dutch trains operate frequently; many people commute by train daily. An electronic train timetable for travelling in the Netherlands can be found at: www.ns.nl. We also advise you to read the ‘Holland by Train’ leaflet (available in several languages): www.tilburguniversity.nl/hollandbytrain. If you intend to travel by train frequently, you might consider buying a season ticket. Please call +31 (0)900-9292 or check http://journeyplanner.9292.nl for more detailed information. It is important to know that you need to buy your train ticket at the railway station, before you get on the train.
By Bus, Tram, or Metro In Tilburg you can buy a multi-journey ticket (strippenkaart), which is valid on all buses. In the larger cities of the Netherlands, you can also travel by tram and/or metro, as well as by bus. Depending on the city you are in, you may be able to use the multi-journey ticket or you may need an ‘OV-chipcard’, a new system which is currently being introduced in parts of the Netherlands. The OV-chipcard will eventually replace the multi-journey ticket across the whole country. More information about travelling the Netherlands with public transport can be found on: http://journeyplanner.9292.nl or by calling +31 (0) 900-9292 for personal advice. You can also phone this number for information on season tickets.
Financial Matters 6
When visiting one of the larger cities in the Netherlands by train, you can also buy a train-taxi ticket at the railway station. This taxi takes people to destinations within city limits. Bear in mind that there may be other passengers in the taxi; taxi drivers wait for about ten minutes for any other passengers who may be going in the same direction.
Car Rental You can rent a car from several car rental companies within Tilburg. Please visit the following website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/carrental for more detailed information on how and where to rent a car. The following website can help you plan your route within the Netherlands: www.routenet.nl. 7
A True Cycling Country
How to buy a bicycle
General Practitioners
Cycling is part of daily life in the Netherlands - there are 16 million people in the Netherlands and approximately 12 million bicycles. The Dutch use the bicycle not only for recreation but also as a means of transport, using their bike for daily shopping and commuting to work. The mild climate, short distances, and flat roads all mean that cycling is the logical choice for getting around. Add to this the beautiful scenery and about 15,000 kilometres (9,300 miles) of specially designated bicycle paths and routes, and you will understand why cycling is not only practical, but also very enjoyable.
If you would like to be mobile during your stay in Tilburg, we advise you to buy a bicycle. Tilburg University recommends the following bicycle shops:
A general practitioner (GP) is called huisarts in Dutch. A GP can be found via the on-line yellow pages* under the heading ‘huisarts’. Call the practice to ask whether they are accepting new patients (each practice has a maximum number of patients that they are allowed to see). Another option is to contact your health insurance company to request a list of practices that are accepting new patients. You need to make an appointment if you need to see your GP. You can make an appointment by phone. Each patient is allowed approximately ten minutes. It is possible to ask for a double appointment in advance, if you feel it is necessary.
For your own safety and that of other road users, and because there are so many bicycles, special traffic rules apply to bicycles and mopeds.
Spijkers Fietsen Ringbaan Noord 136 Phone: +31 (0) 13 542 17 67
The following rules apply to all road users: Give way to all traffic approaching from the right, unless signposts state otherwise. Pedestrians must give way to cars, bicycles, lorries, and motorbikes, unless signposts state otherwise.
Profile, Cees van de Ven Jacq. Oppenheimstraat 17 Phone: +31 (0) 13 468 59 26 J. van Huigevoort Groenstraat 248 / 250 Phone: +31 (0) 13 542 16 40
Bicycle - Fiets Traffic - Verkeer Bicycle Path Fietspad
In the city centre, you will find two GP’s who deal regularly with international students: Dr. Hilbrink Korvelplein 10, 5025 JN Tilburg Tel: +31 (0)13-5420505 By appointment only. Dr. Wouts Tuinstraat 85, 5038 DB Tilburg Tel: +31 (0)13-5423225 Consulting hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 9:30 am (without an appointment) Afternoons by appointment only. Closed on Thursday afternoon. For information check the website: http://wouts.praktijkinfo.nl/pagina/36/information-in-english/
Medical Assistance
Throughout continental Europe, traffic coming from the right has right of way. This traffic rule only applies in places where roads of equal status intersect. The rule applies to cyclists and mopeds too. Other rules for cyclists are: Cycling side-by-side (maximum 2 persons) is only allowed if other traffic is not inconvenienced. Lights are compulsory after dark. Cyclists are not allowed on motorways. You need to indicate when you are going to change direction by using arm signals.
Please note that while it can be quite difficult to find your own GP, it is important to be registered with one during your stay. Exchange students do not need to register at a GP’s surgery.
House calls are kept to a minimum. If, in case of an emergency, you need a GP outside office hours, you should contact the ‘Centrale Huisartsenpost’. About 100 GPs work together to guarantee medical care through the night, at the weekend, and on official holidays. Before going to the ‘Centrale Huisartenpost’ you must first call this phonenumber: +31 (0) 900 332 22 22 Visiting address: Lage Witsiebaan 2a, Tilburg
* For more detailed information on the on-line yellow pages, see page 13
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You should only go to the Accident and Emergency Department (EHBO) in a hospital in the case of severe illness and/or injury. Your medical insurance will not reimburse the high costs of a consultation in a hospital, if this visit is for an illness which could have been handled by a GP or the Huisartsenpost. EU students have to take their EU health card to every consultation. Students from outside the EU have to pay for each consultation in cash and send the invoice to their insurance company for reimbursement.
Hospitals in Tilburg To consult a specialist, you will first need a referral from your GP. Before you see the specialist, you will need to have a ‘ponskaart’. You will be given this by the administrative staff at the hospital. You can find the reception area near the entrance. Once you have your card, you will need it for all subsequent hospital visits. Please note that it is common to contact and/ or visit a GP before you visit a hospital in the Netherlands. Tilburg hosts two hospitals:
How to get to the hospital from Tilburg Central Station: • Bus line 1 (direction: Goirle - Noord) • Bus line 6 (direction: Noord - West) If you take bus line 1, get off at the ‘Dr. Deelenlaan’ bus stop. If you take bus line 6, get off at the ‘Postelse Hoeflaan’ bus stop.
Public Health Department Information about vaccinations, STDs and similar issues can be obtained from the local Public Health Department (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst or GGD). GGD Hart voor Brabant Visiting address: Ringbaan West 227 Phone: +31 (0) 900 463 64 43 (local rate) In Dutch, a pharmacy is called an apotheek. There is always a pharmacy in town that stays open outside normal business hours, which will be indicated on the door of all pharmacies.
Insurance Health Insurance Medical Care in the Netherlands is of high quality. However, it is very important and legally mandatory for all exchange students to be properly insured. Medical costs can be very high, especially if you need specialized help from a hospital. In the Netherlands, insurance is not included in the enrolment at University.
What to do in case of an Emergency • call 112; • state where help is needed; • state what kind of help is needed: police, ambulance or fire department; • you will be connected to the service nearest to you, and you can report what has happened and where.
Personal Liability Insurance You are obliged to have personal liability insurance for the duration of your studies in the Netherlands. Personal liability insurance covers costs if you should accidentally injure another person or cause damage to someone else’s property.
For non-emergency police assistance anywhere in the Netherlands, please dial 0900 88 44. From outside the Netherlands, please call +31 (0) 343 57 88 44. You will be connected to the nearest police station. For general questions or information involving the police, please contact Tilburg’s local police department:
Confidential Advisers At Tilburg University we have several confidential advisers. You can read more about the services they offer at: www.tilburguniversity.nl/confidentialadvisers.
Politie Tilburg Stationsstraat 22 You can also visit the website www.politie.nl and click on ‘English’
Dentists
St Elisabeth Ziekenhuis Hilvarenbeekseweg 60 Phone: +31 (0) 13 539 13 13 How to get to this hospital from Tilburg Central Station: • Bus line 1 (direction: Stappegoor) • Bus line 3 (direction: Elisabeth Ziekenhuis) • Regional bus line 142 (direction: Best, stop: Oude Hilvarenbeekseweg) • Regional bus line 143 (direction: Reusel, stop: Oude Hilvarenbeekseweg) • Community bus lines B1 and B3 (Westermarkt Korvel - Oerle - St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis) TweeSteden Ziekenhuis Tilburg Dr. Deelenlaan 5 Phone: +31 (0) 13 465 56 55
The Dutch word for dentist is tandarts. You can find a dentist via the on-line yellow pages* under the heading ‘tandarts’. As with GPs, call the practice to ask whether they are accepting new patients (each practice has a maximum number of patients that they are allowed to see). Another option is to contact your health insurance company to request a list of practices that are accepting new patients. In general, dental treatment is not covered by medical insurance, but you can purchase special dental coverage. A dentist will give you an estimate of the cost of treatment during your first visit. Please note that you must pay the bill immediately after the consultation. You can pay using a bankcard or in cash; paying by credit card is not possible. Always ask for a receipt in order to get a reimbursement from your insurance company.
Hospital - Ziekenhuis Insurance - Verzekering Health - Gezondheid
* For more detailed information on the on-line yellow pages, see page 13
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Fire - Brand Police - Politie Emergency Noodgeval
Communication
Postal and Telephone Services Post offices (TNT Post) in the Netherlands offer a variety of services. They sell stamps, multi-journey tickets and insurance; some also exchange foreign currency and operate as a bank (the ING service desk within a large TNT Post branch). Post offices are open every day except Sunday. You can find several post offices around the city, including at the Westermarkt, near the university campus. Those who wish to have a private telephone at their temporary address can call KPN at 0900 0244 (10 cent per minute), press: 1 and then 2 in the menu to speak with a KPN staff member to ask for a subscription. You will be asked to provide a copy of your residence permit. It is also possible to visit KPN to request a telephone. If you enter into a contract for a telephone, ask about the rules on cancelling the contract before you sign it. There is often a notice period of three months before you can cancel the service, which is important to know beforehand. Don’t forget to cancel it at the appropriate time. Many international visitors make use of mobile phones, which can be purchased at several addresses in Tilburg, including the following:
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KPN Heuvelstraat 44
Phone: 0900 0244
Belcompany (near the university) (in the city centre) Westermarkt 28 Heuvelstraat 66 Phone: +31 (0) 13 468 44 85 Phone: +31 (0) 13 545 09 73 You can use fax services at KPN and Copy Plus, located near campus: Prof. Verbernelaan 80.
International Calls To Phone Abroad: • dial 00 to begin the international call; • dial the country code and the area code (omit the 0 of the area code); • dial the subscriber’s number.
Visit www.firstnumber.nl (click the English button) for cheaper calls outside the Netherlands from a Dutch mobile phone or landline. Another option for saving money on international calls is using a prepaid telephone card from Lebara or Lyca. For more information, please see the websites: www.lebara-mobile.nl/en and www.lycatel.com. It is also possible to make international phone calls or buy prepaid phone cards at an international phone shop in Tilburg. You can visit:
Yellow Pages If you need the contact details of a company, such as an address or phone number, you can use the Dutch on-line yellow pages via: www.yellowpages.nl. If you need particular person’s contact details, please refer to www.detelefoongids.nl and click the tab for ’English’. It is also possible to phone for the contact details of a company or person, please dial +31 (0) 20 - 567 67 67.
Call Centre and Internetcafe Mundial Besterdring 153 Phone: +31 (0) 13 544 51 77 Most public telephones require a phone card, which can be bought at railway stations, post offices and most tobacconists. You can also make use of Skype for free calls via the internet. Please see the website www.skype.nl and select your language.
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Hello - Hallo How are you? Hoe gaat het? Goodbye Tot ziens
Shops and Shopping
Bookshops
Second-hand Furniture Shops
Selexyz Gianotten, located on the university campus as well as in the city centre: Emmapassage 17 Phone: +31 (0) 13 465 11 11 E-mail: emma-gianotten@selexyz.nl
If you wish to furnish your room, you could look around the following second-hand shops:
Boekhandel Livius Nieuwlandstraat 56 Phone: +31 (0) 13 543 59 44 E-mail: boekhandellivius@planet.nl
Shops
Supermarkets
Tilburg is central Brabant’s regional centre, and its shopping facilities reflect this status. Tilburg’s main shopping street is the Heuvelstraat. The latest development is the Pieter Vreedeplein, a stylish shopping area in the middle of town. Closer to the University, you will find the Westermarkt shopping centre. Shops in the city centre and Westermarket are open on Sunday once a month, when opening hours are from 12:00 - 17:00 hours.
Supermarkets are easy to find in Tilburg. For an overview of all supermarkets please visit www.ilocal.nl and search for ‘supermarkt Tilburg’. Supermarkets are open every day except Sundays. One of the Albert Heijn supermarkets in Tilburg is open from 7:00 - 22:00 from Monday to Saturday, and occasionally on Sunday. This supermarket, the largest supermarket in the Netherlands, is located at the Jan Heijnsstraat 10. Tilburg also has international supermarkets, including the Polish Food Store ‘Mazowszanka’ and ‘Asiana Superstore’, which specializes in Asian food products.
Department Stores There are two large department stores in the centre of Tilburg. One is V&D at Heuvelstraat 33, and the other is HEMA at Heuvelstraat 24. In general, the opening hours of shops and stores are as follows: Monday 13:00 - 18:00 Tuesday and Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00 Thursday 09:00 - 21:00 Friday 09:00 - 18:00 Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
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De Slegte (new and second-hand) Heuvelstraat 101c Phone: +31 (0) 13 544 30 11 E-mail: tilburg@deslegte.com
La Poubelle (furniture, clothing, audio, and books) Havendijk 20 Shop - Winkel Phone: +31 (0) 13 543 92 22 Market - Markt Book - Boek Peerke (furniture) Korvelseweg 159 Phone: +31 (0) 13 535 98 58 www.2ndhand-furniture.com You could also go to a low-budget store, such as ‘IKEA’ (located near Tilburg in Breda and Eindhoven) or visit ‘Xenos’ (located in Tilburg’s city centre) for decorations, cutlery and crockery.
Books 4 Life (second-hand) Tilburg University campus Building C, room 044 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 36 80 E-mail: info@books4life.nl www.books4life.nl/tilburg
Markets You can buy food, clothing and many other items at the Tilburg open-air markets. Markets are held on the following days: Day: Tuesday morning Tuesday afternoon Wednesday morning Thursday morning Thursday afternoon Friday morning Friday afternoon Saturday
Location: Burgemeester van de Mortelplein Campenhoefdreef Pater van den Elsenplein Besterdplein Westermarkt Heyhoef Koningsplein Wagnerplein Koningsplein
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Tourist Destinations The ANWB provides information about tourist destinations throughout the world, especially in Europe and the Netherlands.
the Efteling and the Beekse Bergen (including a safari park). Have a look at the website for more information on these theme parks: www.tilburguniversity.nl/tilburg/themeparks.html.
Public Library
ANWB Emmapassage 14-16 Phone: +31 (0) 13 535 44 55 www.anwb.nl
The public library has a large collection of books (in several languages), magazines, reviews, newspapers, video-cassettes, sheet music, compact discs, multi-media resources, computer files, and the internet. You will need to purchase a library card in order to actually borrow books.
The Tilburg Area If you need information on the Tilburg area, please visit the VVV (Tourist Information Centre). There you will find all sorts of information about museums, theatres, concerts, restaurants, pubs, hotels, cycling tours, walking tours, fun fairs, and other activities.
Bibliotheek Midden-Brabant Koningsplein 10 Phone: +31 (0) 13 464 85 00
Cities near Tilburg If you want to visit other cities near Tilburg, and you want some background information, please visit the following website: www.tilburguniversity.nl/tilburg/surrounding.html.
Theme Parks There are several theme parks in the Tilburg area, such as
Autumn break Christmas break Carnival Good Friday Easter Monday Queen’s Day Liberation Day Ascension Day Pentecost Whit Monday Summer Holiday
Museums There are several museums located in Tilburg, varying from Modern Art up to Wine Museum. For a complete overview, please take a look at: www.tilburg.nl click ‘English site’ and click ‘Museums’ in the ‘Quick links’ section.
Theatres, Cinemas and Concerts Tilburg has four theatres, four cinemas and two concert halls. For all locations and related websites, you can visit: www.tilburguniversity.nl/tilburg/culture.html.
Holidays
VVV/Tourist Information Centre Nieuwlandstraat 34 Phone: +31 (0) 900 202 08 15 E-mail: vvv@tilburg.nl www.vvvtilburg.nl
Please note that the university is closed on: 27-31 December 2010 1 January 2011 22 April 2011 24-23 April 2011 30 April 2011 5-6 May 2011 2-3 June 2011 12-13 June 2011
18 - 22 October 2010 25 December 2010 - 2 January 2011 7 - 8 March 2011 22 April 2011 25 April 2011 30 April 2011 5 May 2011 2 - 3 June 2011 12 June 2011 13 June 2011 11 July - 26 August 2011
Sports Tilburg is a city with plenty of space for sports and recreation. A few years ago the city was one of the host cities for the World Football Championships for professionals under 20. The Willem II football club and the Tilburg Trappers ice hockey club are the city’s two professional sports teams. Please see: www.tilburg.nl, go to the English site and search for ‘Sports’.
Restaurants Tilburg offers a wide variety of restaurants and whatever price range or type of cuisine you are looking for, you are sure to find it. There are numerous Chinese, Greek, and Italian restaurants located all over the city. For an overview of restaurants located in Tilburg, please take a look at: www.tilburguniversity.nl/tilburg/restaurants.html. If you want to have dinner at a more exclusive restaurant, you might consider the following establishments: Auberge du Bonheur +31 (0) 13 468 69 42 Bredaseweg 441 Bij wijze van Klijsen Heuvel 43
+31 (0) 13 543 33 86
L’Olivo Heuvel 41
+31 (0) 13 542 67 31
L’Orangerie sur la Butte Heuvel 39
+31 (0) 13 543 11 32
Pubs and Cafés There are many pubs and cafés in Tilburg, and most are in the centre, around De (Korte) Heuvel and Piusplein.
Pubs with affordable meals You can eat out affordably in an ‘eetcafé’, in a very friendly and informal atmosphere. In the city centre, on the Heuvel, the Oude Markt, the Heuvelring, and the Piusplein you can find several eetcafés, but there are others around town.
Culture and Leisure 16
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Summer Festivals Throughout the summer months, visitors to Tilburg are greeted by one colourful festival after another, including the Festival Mundial, the Tilburgse Kermis (the largest funfair in the Benelux), the Tilburg City of Wine festival, the Hap Stap Festival (food and drink event), and the Muzenconcerten (weekly outdoor music event at Tilburg University’s campus every Wednesday in July and August). All of these events take place every year.
Summer - Zomer Theme Park - Pretpark Cinema - Bioscoop
More information on events in Tilburg can be found at: www.tilburg.nl, click ‘English site’ and search for ‘events’.
Cultural Events Calendar A cultural events calendar (called ‘Uitloper’) is published every week. It contains information on social and cultural events taking place in Tilburg. You can pick it up in cafés, bars or theatres, as well as in the hallway between buildings K and C at Tilburg University.
Hotels in Tilburg If you need to book a hotel, Tilburg University recommends the following hotels: • Near Tilburg University: Auberge du Bonheur Bredaseweg 441 Phone: +31 (0) 13 468 69 42 www.aubergedubonheur.info
• Opposite Tilburg Central railway station: Central Spoorlaan 422 Phone: +31 (0) 13 543 62 34 www.hotelcentraltilburg.nl
• In Tilburg’s city centre: Hotel Mercure Heuvelpoort 300 Phone: +31 (0)13 535 46 75 www.mercure-tilburg.nl
• Near Tilburg Central railway station: Het Wapen van Tilburg Spoorlaan 362 Phone: +31 (0) 13 542 26 92 www.hetwapenvantilburg.nl
• Hotel - Restaurant - Congres: De Postelse Hoeve Dr. Deelenlaan 10 Phone: +31 (0) 13 463 63 35 www.depostelsehoeve.nl
• Ibis Hotel Dr. Hub van Doorneweg 105 Phone: +31 (0) 13 463 64 65 www.ibishotel.com
Hotels in Tilburg 18
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Contact Person for Exchange Students and Free Mover Students • University Office International Office Ms Gerdien Zijlstra Room: P-2.222 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 30 76 E-mail: G.Zijlstra@uvt.nl (exclusively for students visiting Tilburg University via a university-wide exchange)
Contact
General Contact Information Tilburg University Visiting address: Postal address: Phone number: Security Emergency
Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB Tilburg P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg Reception +31 (0) 13 466 91 11 +31 (0) 13 466 30 00 +31 (0) 13 466 25 25
• Law School International Affairs Office Ms Tessa Barten Room: M-101b Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 31 41 E-mail: law.int.office@uvt.nl • School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Student Information Desk Room: P-306 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 20 88 E-mail: international.fsw@uvt.nl
Tilburg University Staff Contact Person For Bachelor’s and Master’s Programme Students • School of Economics and Management International Programmes Office Ms Janneke van den Boom Ms Alejandra van Delft Ms Loes Vaessen Room: K-08 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 25 12 E-mail: bsc.tisem@uvt.nl msc.tisem@uvt.nl
• School of Humanities International Relations Office Ms Paulien Staal Room: D-124 Phone: +31 (0) 466 21 40 E-mail: p.m.g.staal@uvt.nl • School of Theology International officer Ms Annemarie Latour Room: S-725 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 89 94 E-mail: internationaltheology@uvt.nl
• School of Economics and Management CentER Graduate Office Ms Corine Struis Ms Ank Habraken Room: K-215/217 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 31 02 E-mail: center-gs@uvt.nl 20
• School of Economics and Management International Programmes Office Ms Maaike Wachters Ms Elena Åseby Ms Linda van der Tuijn Room: K-09 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 25 12 E-mail: tisem-exchange@uvt.nl • Law School International Affairs Office Ms Eline van Scherpenzeel Room: M-101b Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 83 77 E-mail: law-exchange@uvt.nl • School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Education Office Ms Kim Horsten Room: P-318 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 29 77 E-mail: international.fsw@uvt.nl • School of Humanities International Relations Office Ms Nadia Ptashchenko Room: D-146 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 35 80 E-mail: n.ptashchenko@uvt.nl
• School of Theology International officer
• School of Humanities Department of Personnel and
Ms Annemarie Latour Room: S-725 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 89 94 E-mail: internationaltheology@uvt.nl Contact Person for International Staff • University Office Department of Personnel and Organisation Mr Erik van Beers Room: C-182 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 22 04 E-mail: E.P.vanBeers@uvt.nl • School of Economics and Management Department of Personnel and Organisation Room: K-136 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 23 56 E-mail: hrm-tisem@uvt.nl • Law School Department of Personnel and Organisation Ms Yuke van der Boon Room: M-208 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 81 33 E-mail: Y.vdrBoon@uvt.nl • School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Department of Personnel and Organisation Ms Liesbeth Bout Room: P-2.112 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 32 31 E-mail: E.Bout@uvt.nl
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Organisation Ms Monique van Alphen Room: D-323 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 24 47 E-mail: M.P.A.M.vanAlphen@uvt.nl • School of Theology Department of Personnel and Organisation Ms Monique van Alphen Room: D-323 Phone: +31 (0) 13 466 24 47 E-mail: M.P.A.M.vanAlphen@uvt.nl
Dongen
Map of Tilburg
Viln
Waalwijk - Kaatsheuvel - Loon op Zand
Tilburg
For a more detailed map of Tilburg, please request a copy from your Tilburg University contact person. Degree and non-degree students receive this map upon arrival in their Welcome Package.
N261
Rijen
Den Bosch
Copenhagen
Maps
Tilburg West
P
Eindhoven
Gilze Breda
A65
11 Goirle
A58
E312
Goirle Hilvarenbeek
Amsterdam
Tilburg
London
Warsaw
Berlin
Map of Tilburg University’s Campus C D E F G K L M O P S T V W Z
DĂźsseldorf Brussels
Paris 22
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Cobbenhagen Building Dante Building Esplanade Building Food Plaza Goossens Building Koopmans Building Library Montesquieu Building Olympia Building Prisma Building Simon Building Tias Building Vigilant Building Warande Building Zwijsen Building
Tilburg Survival Kit This brochure is designed for all international visitors to Tilburg University and Tilburg: including Tilburg University students, staff, temporary guests, and visitors. It provides information on Dutch culture, financial issues, transport, medical aid, communication, shops/shopping, culture and leisure, and contact information in other words, some general tips on how to survive your stay in Tilburg. Visiting address:
Tilburg University Warandelaan 2 5037 AB Tilburg 24