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2016-2017 Pepare before you leave
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Contents
1. Welcome 3 2. Student life 4 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5
Life in The Netherlands and in Tilburg 4 Student life at Tilburg University 4 Study/ Student associations 5 Sport facilities 5 Dutch language 5
3. Financial matters 6 3.1 Cost of living 6 3.2 Tuition fees 2016-2017 6 3.3 Tilburg University Scholarship 6 3.4 Working during your studies 7 3.5 Dutch bank account 7
4. Admissions, Registration and Enrollment 9 4.1 Definitions 9 4.2 Admission 9 4.2.1 Certified copy 9 4.2.2 Translation 10 4.3 Enrolment 11
5. Immigration 12 6. Accommodation 13 7. Insurance 15 8. Arrival 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5
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Map of Tilburg University Campus 17 Arrival days 18 Tilburg Orientation Program (TOP) 18 Program introduction 19 Start Academic Year 19
9. Tilburg University Student card 19 10. Pre-departure checklist 20
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1. Welcome CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance on one of Tilburg University’s international programs of study! There are a few things which you need to arrange before you come to Tilburg. We have created this Prepare before you leave Guide to answer the most important questions which our international students ask us in the weeks and months leading up to the start of their study program. Information in this guide includes everything about financial matters (such as the cost of living in the Netherlands and working here after your arrival), what happens after your arrival in Tilburg and how to find accommodation. But there is a lot of other useful information as well. We have also included a Pre-Departure Checklist so that you can’t forget anything! Please read this information carefully. And if you still have questions, please contact your Admission Officer. Remember, we’re here to help! Good luck in preparing for your studies at Tilburg University and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Tilburg University‘s Recruitment and Admissions team
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2. Student life 2.1 Life in The Netherlands and in Tilburg When it comes to making the Netherlands home, you will discover a country in which it is safe and easy to get around. With English as an unofficial ‘second language’, it is also easy to communicate. The Netherlands ranks 6th in the world for quality of life and embraces no less than 160 different nationalities amongst its population. Like any other country and people, the Dutch have their own traditions and customs. Among other things, Dutch people are known as independent, non-hierarchical and have a direct way of acting and speaking. With a population of nearly 211,000, Tilburg is the 6th largest city in the Netherlands. There are over 29,000 students in Tilburg, so the student way of life has an important impact on what happens in Tilburg. The city has something for everyone: a thriving café and restaurant culture, sports, art films, world-class pop music at pop music venue 013, classical music at the Tilburg Concert Hall and great contemporary art at the De Pont Museum. Combined with numerous festivals, exhibitions and conferences, you will enjoy an exciting and challenging student life. The city of Tilburg is also conveniently located. Getting around in the Netherlands is easy as the public transportation system is excellent. It is just a short train ride to cities like Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam and European capitals like Brussels, Paris and London are also within easy reach.
2.2 Student life at Tilburg University Tilburg University has a green campus and is located on the edge of a forest, intertwined with footpaths and bike trails, an environment that invites quiet reflection. The campus itself however, is bustling with student activity and all kinds of research, business and cultural events – a contrast that makes it an attractive and dynamic place for learning. The 15 buildings that comprise Tilburg University, including our state-of-the-art University Library and excellent Sports Center, are all within easy walking distance of each other. In each building, you will find student work spaces equipped with all the modern facilities needed to make studying on campus a pleasant experience. The relaxed environment – which features several cafés and restaurants – encourages informal socializing with your fellow students between lectures and study periods. www.tilburguniversity.edu/campustour *The online campustour is also available on Youku
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2.3 Study/ Student associations Tilburg University is home to a whole range of student associations and societies. They are a great way to meet like-minded students and make friends. There are organizations for arts and culture, sports, student politics and philosophy as well as study-related associations. You will also find organizations aimed specifically at international students that organize all kinds of social activities. Tilburg University believes that these associations provide the ideal opportunity for every student to develop skills and talents, both personally and academically. Visit http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/student-organizations for an overview of the different associations.
2.4 Sport facilities The Tilburg University Sports Center offers a broad program of activities and facilities for both recreational users and those who wish to play sports at a competitive level. You can work out at any time from early morning to late evening. A membership of the Sports Center costs approximately â‚Ź 120 per year. Visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/sportscenter for more information
2.5 Dutch language Although you can speak English with practically anyone in the Netherlands, learning the local language helps you to get to know the country and its culture and society. EP-Nuffic (the organization behind Study in Holland) has developed a serious game called Hoi Holland! that can help you learn some basics of Dutch, even before arrival! You can download the app at www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/learn-dutch/hoi-holland Moreover, all registered students at Tilburg University receive one set of language vouchers for 12 ECTS. With the vouchers, you can take a course at our Language Center. You can choose for a Dutch language course or one of the many other languages taught at the Language Center like Chinese, German, French or Italian. For more information, please visit the website of the Language Center: www.tilburguniversity.edu/languagecenter.
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3. Financial matters 3.1. Cost of living The cost of living in Tilburg is relatively cheap compared to other Dutch university cities, such as Amsterdam or Utrecht. Approximate monthly living expenses are between €730 and €850 per month. Below is an approximate annual overview of the cost of living in Tilburg, but costs can vary per person and according to lifestyle. Keep in mind that tuition fees are not included.
Accommodation Food Books and readers Health, liability and travel insurance Total
Annual Expenses €4,500 - €5,700 €3,000 €800 €450 €8,750 - €10,250
You can compare the cost of living in the Netherlands with your home country on this website: http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries.jsp
3.2 Tuition fees 2016-2017* You will be informed about the tuition fee which is applicable to you, as these can vary per program, or go to www.tilburguniversity.edu/tuitionfees. Below is an overview of the standard tuition fees.
Program Bachelor Pre-Master
EEA Nationals Non-EEA Nationals €1,984 €8,000 - €14,000 Tuition fees are dependent on the number of ECTS credits per program Master + Research Master €1,984 €14,000
You will be instructed about how to pay your tuition fees via Studielink in June – either in a one-off payment by 1 September or in eight installments. Full details will be sent to you via e-mail. *January (Spring) intake 2017 belongs to 2016-2017 academic year
3.3 Tilburg University Scholarship A limited number of Tilburg University Scholarships are available at some Schools. If you are awarded a Tilburg University Scholarship, details of the Scholarship amount and the conditions under which it is awarded will be sent to you by mid-May at the latest. Other Scholar-
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ship schemes have different deadlines. If you are still looking for sources of Scholarships, please go to www.grantfinder.nl or contact your local NESO office.
3.4 Working during your studies Although it is easy to survive in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch, it is difficult to get a part-time job without some knowledge of the Dutch language. There may also be restrictions about how many hours you are allowed to work, depending on your nationality. Please take this into account when planning your finances. Nationality EU/EEA + Switzerland + Japan (except Croatia)
Documents required No Work Permit required
Working hours Unlimited
Non-EU/EEA (with a Dutch residence permit for study purposes)
Work Permit required (applied for by employer)
Maximum of 10 hours per week OR full time in June, July and August
Croatia (with Verification against EU Community Law)
Work Permit required (applied for by employer)
Maximum of 10 hours per week OR full time in June, July and August
For more information visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/work-during-study Useful websites for finding information about part-time jobs include: www.undutchables.nl www.dutchisnotrequired.nl www.togetherabroad.nl European Job Mobility Portal: ec.europa.eu/eures
3.5 Dutch bank account If you have a bank account in a country that is not a member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), you are advised to open a Dutch bank account. This is particularly important if you have been awarded a Scholarship or living expenses by Tilburg University, in order that we can transfer the funds to you. Tilburg University works in partnership with the ABN AMRO bank which makes it easy and quick to open a Dutch bank account - within only two weeks of your arrival in Tilburg! If you have a bank account in a country that is a member of Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) it is not strictly necessary to open a Dutch bank account. You are advised to contact your own bank for more information. For more information on opening a bank account, including an overview of the SEPA countries, visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/bankaccount
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4. Admissions, Registration and Enrollment 4.1 Definitions Conditional Admission
You will be admitted to the program of study AFTER you have met the admission conditions detailed in your conditional admission letter. Unconditional Admission You have met all the admission requirements and have provided all the documents required to start the program of study. Registration All applicants for a program of study in the Netherlands must register in Studielink, the Dutch national database for university admissions. Enrolment You must take additional actions (see table below) in order to be enrolled as a student at Tilburg University.
4.2 Admission You have already received your admission letter. For some, this will be unconditional, but for the majority, this will be conditional. The conditions of your admission are given in your admission letter. Examples of the conditions of admission are that we receive certified copies of the following documents: • Your diploma • Your Transcript of Records or list of grades • Your language test results which meet our requirements • Your GRE / GMAT test score report We require certified copies of the above documents and a translation, if the above documents are not provided in the Dutch, English, German of French language. 4.2.1 Certified copy A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document WITH a stamp and signature on it confirming that the copy is a copy of an original document. The stamp and signature must be put on the document by: • the awarding University or school OR • a notary public (or lawyer) OR • an official translator
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4.2.2 Translation Translations of these documents will only be required if the document is not in French, German, Dutch or English and will only be accepted if made by an official translator. Translations made by you or by the issuing university will not be accepted. The translator must also attach a copy of the original document which s/he has translated to the translated version of the document. PLEASE REMEMBER: your Admissions Officer must receive these documents by the date given in the admission letter and you must meet all other conditions of admission as detailed in your individual admission letter.
4.3 Enrolment To complete your enrolment, you must follow the steps listed below. If you have any questions regarding each step, please refer to the CONTACT given for each step.
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Admission deadline: see admission letter
Registration deadline: see admission letter
Enrolment must be completed by 1 September
My Student Application System (MySAS)
Studielink (www.studielink.nl)
Student Information System (Osiris)
STEP 1: Your application for admission has been accepted (either conditionally or unconditionally)
STEP 2: Register in Studielink for the program of study for which you have been accepted; please refer to your admission letter for confirmation of the program for which you must register. Please make a note of your login details, as you will need these for the duration of your studies.
CONTACT: Admission Officer
CONTACT: Admission Officer
STEP 3: After you have registered in Studielink, your details will automatically be transferred to our student information system, Osiris. You do not have to do anything. You will receive your Tilburg University student number and login details to our digital learning environment automatically. Please make note of your login details, as you will need these for the duration of your studies.
Some applicants may apply in Studielink before applying via MySAS.
CONTACT: LIS HELPDESK www. tilburguniversity.edu/ict-servicedesk
STEP 4: All (conditionally) accepted international students will be contacted by our Immigration Officer regarding the immigration procedure from the middle of April onwards. Follow the instructions given, and by the deadlines provided, to make sure you will arrive in Tilburg on time! CONTACT: immigration@tilburguniversity.edu Admission deadline: see admission letter
Registration deadline: see admission letter
Enrolment must be completed by 1 September
My Student Application System (MySAS)
Studielink (www.studielink.nl)
Student Information System (Osiris)
STEP 5: You must meet the conditions of admission detailed in your conditional admission letter by the date given. CONTACT: Admission Officer STEP 6: When you have met all the conditions of admission, you will be sent an unconditional admission letter via e-mail*.
STEP 7: Make arrangements to pay your tuition fee; details about the amount of tuition fee and how to pay will be sent to you via Studielink after June.
STEP 8: Give a scanned copy of your Dutch residence permit – front and back - to our immigration office (if you are a non-EU/EEA national).
CONTACT: Admission Officer
CONTACT: Student desk
CONTACT: immigration@tilburguniversity.edu
*Students who have been admitted to a Research Master in Economics or Business will receive their unconditional admission letter by regular mail.
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When you have completed all the above steps successfully, your enrolment as a student at Tilburg University will be complete and you will receive your Certificate of Enrolment! CONTACT: STUDENT DESK - www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/studentdesk/ PLEASE NOTE: If you have been accepted onto one of our Bachelor’s programs, you may be required to complete additional steps. If so, your Admissions Officer will inform you about these separately. You can find the contact details of your Admissions Officer at www.tilburguniversity.edu/admission-officers
5. Immigration Tilburg University’s Immigration Officers will assist you throughout all of the immigration procedures that apply to your particular circumstances. Their assistance is free of charge. However, an immigration fee may apply. CONTACT: immigration@tilburguniversity.edu Process
Non-EU/EEA Nationals
EU/EEA Nationals
Some nationalities
No
Dutch Residence Permit
Dutch Entry visa
Yes
No
Registration at the Dutch City Hall in the area where you live
Yes
Yes
Verification against EU Community Law
No
Optional for Croatian nationals
Source: www.tilburguniversity.edu/immigration Our Immigration Office will contact all international students, as soon as they have been accepted for a program of study, but not earlier than the middle of April. Please follow the instructions given to you in a timely manner to ensure that you will be able to arrive at Tilburg University on time. You are not required to have a medical check before coming to the Netherlands. We would, however, recommend the following: • Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, particularly for mumps, measles and rubella. • Contact the public health organization in your own country to confirm if they recommend any specific precautions.
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6. Accommodation Tilburg University does not have its own accommodation but we can help you to find a place to live. There are various options for housing in Tilburg:
TalentSquare TalentSquare provides accommodation for students from all over the world at a central location in Tilburg, only about 10 minutes from the University’s campus. TalentSquare offers 250 fully furnished rooms (approximately 18 square meters) for international graduate or undergraduate students of Tilburg University. You will live in a shared home together with four other international students, with whom you will share the fully equipped kitchen. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. You have high speed internet in your room through the fiber network (wired). Accommodation costs are approximately € 470 per month. For more information on TalentSquare and how to reserve a room visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/accommodation
Private Market You can look for alternative housing options around the city via: • the internet, such as www.kamernet.nl • Facebook groups and pages • advertisements on messages boards • around Tilburg University’s campus • on I*ESN’s website: www.iesntilburg.nl • via Tilburg University’s student portal Please remember the following rules when renting from a private landlord: • Make sure you understand the contract before you sign it! • Make sure that you can register at City Hall from that address.
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7. Insurance It is important to arrange your own insurance before you travel so that you are covered from the moment of your arrival in the Netherlands.
Insurance type Health Insurance - Legal requirement - Dutch medical costs can be high
Public Liability Insurance - Legal requirement Travel Insurance
EU/EEA Nationals Non-EU/EEA Nationals Check the cover offered by European Health Insurance your existing policy with your Card (EHIC) should be sufficient. Visit ec.europa.eu for insurance company (if you have one). more information and check with your own Department of Health. Check the cover offered by your existing policy with your insurance company (if you have one). Strongly recommended, particularly if you plan to travel during your studies.
If sufficient cover is not offered by your existing policy/policies, you must take out private insurance for which we recommend IPS or AON. These policies include: • Medical costs • Public liability • Home contents • Baggage • Legal costs • Travel insurance Please remember: • It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct insurance cover. • Check your policy to make sure that you have the cover you need. • If you are planning to find a part-time job, you will be required to take out the Dutch Public Health Insurance. For more information about insurance, visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/insurances
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8. Arrival 8.1 Map of Tilburg University Campus Tilburg University campus consists of 14 buildings. Each School or service is located in one of these buildings.
• Tilburg School of Humanities (TSH): Dante building • Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST): Koopmans building • Tilburg Law School (TLS): Montesquieu building • Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB): Simon Building • Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM): Koopmans Building Another important location for you, especially at the beginning of your study at Tilburg University, is Academia building which houses departments and facilities such as the Student Desk, Academic Services, Language Center, International Office and many others. www.tilburguniversity.edu/contact/campus-map
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8.2 Arrival days To make sure that your arrival at Tilburg University goes smoothly and that you start to feel at home from the moment you arrive, we have arranged two Arrival Days to welcome you to the University. And it’s our chance to meet you! When?
Thursday August 18 and Friday August 19 2016, from 9 am till 7:00 pm. You (and your luggage!) will be collected by minibus from Tilburg Universiteit railway station and brought to Tilburg University. Where? On arrival at the University, you can take a well-earned rest to recover from your journey! Then you can: • Collect your welcome package, including your International Student Handbook • Meet I*ESN, our international student association • Register for TOP Week, if you have not already done so • Make an appointment to open your Dutch bank account • Collect a Dutch sim card for your mobile phone • Meet other international students • Buy a bicycle – a ‘must-have’ in the Netherlands! And then..? When you have finished the above, you (and your luggage!) will be taken to your accommodation at TalentSquare OR you will be taken to Tilburg Central railway station. What?
During your first weekend here in Tilburg, various events will be arranged by I*ESN to help you get to know Tilburg and your fellow students. If you do not arrive on the Arrival Days, you will have to arrange all of the above yourself, which will probably take you much longer! We therefore strongly recommend that you plan your travel to the Netherlands to arrive on one of the Arrival Days. For the latest information about the Arrival Days, visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/arrivaldays
8.3 Tilburg Orientation Program (TOP) Tilburg University offers an extensive introduction program called TOP Week. You will receive an invitation to register for TOP Week from about May onwards When? How?
What?
Monday August 22 to Friday 26 August 2016 Students will be divided into small groups of between 15 and 20 and will be guided by a mentor for the whole week. The mentor will: • show you the city • answer your questions about student life • make sure you arrive at the right place (and at the right time!) to take part in the various activities and events, such as the famous Beer Cantus, the Games Day at the Leijpark and the City Festival For more information about the program for the week visit www.top-week.nl/en
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Registration? Participants are required to register and pay a fee. Details of how to register and the fee to be paid will be sent to you separately. PLEASE NOTE: 1. For most programs, the Program Introduction will take place during TOP Week. You will receive more details about the Program Introduction for your program from your School in June/July. 2. Students studying at CentER will not be able to take part in TOP Week.
8.4 Program Introduction Each School organizes a Program Introduction (PI) for new incoming students. Participation is obligatory and Schools arrange these at different times. If your Program Introduction takes place during the TOP Week, you will be expected to attend this introduction and not take part in the TOP Week program at that moment. Of course we will do our best to align both programs in the best way possible. During the Program Introduction you will be introduced to your study program, get to know your way around Tilburg University’s campus and meet your fellow students. You will be sent information about the schedule for your Program Introduction by your School in June/July.
8.5 Start Academic Year Lectures will start in the week beginning August 29, 2016. For details of your program schedule, please go to https://mystudy.uvt.nl/it10.home?taal=e. This will be updated for September 2016 by the middle of July. Other important dates, such as the Christmas holiday, are included in the academic calendar (available at https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/lectures/calendar.htm). Dates can vary per School.
9. Tilburg university STUDENT card The Tilburg University student card has your photograph, name, administration number and card number. The card is used to gain access to buildings, to borrow books from the Library, and to use the printing facilities. It is also possible to connect the card with your e-wallet which you can use to pay at the printers and vending machines (coffee, tea, soda and snacks). You can request your Tilburg University student card online by going to universitycard.uvt.nl. After logging in with your Tilburg University username and password, you are able to upload your photograph and request your card. Within two weeks, you will be notified via your Tilburg University e-mail address that you can collect your card. You can collect your card in person at the Student Desk after showing proof of identity.
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10. Pre-departure checklist GENERAL □ Read this Prepare before you Leave Guide! □ Register in Studielink □ Complete payment details in Studielink □ Apply online for your Tilburg University student card □ Join the Facebook page/group for your School (you will receive an invitation to join in the beginning of May via your School) □ Complete the immigration process (if required) □ Register for TOP Week1 HEALTH □ Arrange your health, travel and liability insurance. □ Check that your vaccinations are up-to-date. □ Contact the public health organization in your own country to check whether you need to take any specific precautions. DOCUMENTS □ Give the documents for unconditional admission to your Admission Officer by the deadline given □ Bring photocopies of your insurance policies and your passport with you. □ Make sure you have scanned copies of your insurance policies and your passport (including your entry visa) OR EU/EEA/Swiss national ID card within easy reach, for example by saving them in the cloud or emailing them to yourself. ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL □ Book your accommodation. □ Book your travel tickets to arrive in Tilburg on one of the official Arrival Days; if you need an entry visa, book your travel only after you have received your entry visa. FINANCIAL □ If applicable, complete the application form to open a Dutch bank account. Print it and bring it with you to Tilburg. □ Make sure you have cash in euros to cover your costs in the first two weeks. PACK YOUR BAGS! □ Pack a voltage converter and/or adapter. □ Pack your clothes! The Netherlands has cool summers and generally mild winters; we normally experience a short spell of cold weather in the winter, often with snow in January/ February. Rain is common throughout the year. It is therefore best to pack clothes for all weather conditions! 1
Not applicable for Research Master students at CentER
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