GETTING STARTED VU AMSTERDAM SUMMER SCHOOL WELCOME PACKAGE
CONTENTS About VU Amsterdam
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University facts and figures
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The VU Advantage
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University facilities
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Campus map
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The Netherlands and the Dutch
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The city of Amsterdam
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Reasons to study in Amsterdam
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Safety in Amsterdam and The Netherlands
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Pre-departure checklist
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Clothes and towels
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Money 15 Health/Travel/ Personal Liability Insurance
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Emergency contact information and the contact details of your local consulate or embassy
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Airplane Ticket/Passport/VISA
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Housing and directions
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Orientation programma
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Online learning environment and communities
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Costs of living
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Eating and dining
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Communication
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Travel
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DEAR STUDENT We are so excited to have received your application for the summer programme of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. We hope that you will get the most out of your study abroad experience with us. Get inspired by your professors and discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam with new friends from all around the world. Amsterdam is a vibrant city that will surprise you with its many faces and hidden treasures. In this getting started document we have included all practical information to make the most out of your time with us in Amsterdam. We hope it will help you prepare for your departure and with finding your way around Amsterdam and the university. We are here to help you in making your stay in Amsterdam as productive and enjoyable as possible. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need help with solving any problems before, during or after you stay. Good luck with your preparations and we’ll see you this summer! Bianca van Putten, Eva Janssen, Eduard Pasma, Ilin Sen, Jan Kostelijk, Mayke Jildou Schlatmann and Rachel Bornstein VU Amsterdam Summer School www.amsterdamsummerschool.nl Email: amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl Telephone: +31(0)205986429
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ABOUT VU AMSTERDAM Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading European research university, established in 1880. With more than 23,500 students, we are a modern organization at the cutting edge of academic higher education. Our students are challenged to ask critical questions, tackle problems and place what they are learning in a wider philosophical, ethical and social context. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide range of English taught programmes at three levels: Bachelor’s (BA, BSc), Master’s (MA, MSc) and doctoral (PhD). Twelve faculties share a single campus and cover a wide spectrum of arts, sciences, business and medicine.
UNIVERSITY FACTS AND FIGURES Facts: • 23,656 students • 2991 international Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students • 9 faculties
VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM: • is consistently listed among the world’s top universities in various rankings; • is located in one of the most dynamic and fastgrowing business districts in the Netherlands; • is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away; • helps you with housing, visas and the administrative side of studying in the Netherlands; • offers an international environment. A quarter of the students in our English-taught programmes come from abroad; • provides high-quality education in small and highly interactive classes; • is located in lively and multicultural Amsterdam, the city with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language; • is open to all cultures, nationalities and religions.
Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes: • 14 interdisciplinary research institutes • Over 70 programmes taught in English • Campus university in Amsterdam
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UNIVERSITY FACILITIES VU Amsterdam campus offers excellent facilities for research and teaching, with modern buildings and research infrastructure, and innovative facilities. In addition, the campus offers an inspiring, welcoming and lively range of related services, making it a pleasant place to be by opening its doors to a broad cross-section of the public: • Great public transport connection: 15 minute tram or bike ride to the historic city center, 8 minute train journey to Schiphol Airport • The campus is located in the middle of the most dynamic and fastest growing business districts in the Netherlands • Extensive library facilities of the VU University Library • Free WiFi is available for all students and employees on campus
• A basketball field, multiple beach volleyball fields and tennis tables are located on the campus ground, free to use for students any time of day • Sports facilities and sports programs in the Sports Centre’s multiple locations • A varied cultural programme of theatre, film, music and dance at the Griffioen Cultural Centre, currently situated at the VU Uilenstede location • A wide and tempting range of shops, cafés and restaurants
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CAMPUS MAP
MAP VU CAMPUS & VU MEDICAL CENTRE STATION AMSTERDAM ZUID (METRO/TRAIN)
A 10
GUSTAV MAHLERSTRAAT GUSTAV MAHLERLAAN
P 2 VUmc
P
ACTA 3004
1118
TAXI
VUmc Polyclinic
only for subscriptions
O|2 building
HORTUS BOTANICUS
1 3-5
Tram: 24 62, Bus:242, 176,246, 241, 341, 242, 310 Tram 24,16, bus 346, 348 en 358
Main entrance
New university 1109 building (in construction) OZW
1105 1101 Main building Filosofenhof
CCE
The Beach Basket volley
7-9
P
Faculty of Medicine
1085 1085
BelleVU 1091
1091a
Initium 1077
TenT
Mathematics Mathematics 1081 1081 and Science building
13 Childcare 8
A.J. ERNSTLAAN
Tram 5 Tram: 5, 51 BUITENVELDERTSELAAN BUITENVELDERTSELAAN
VAN DE BOECHORSTSTRAAT VD BOECHORSTSTRAAT
1117 VU Medical Centre (VUmc)
DEBOELELAAN BOELELAAN DE Transitorium
AMSTELVEENSE WEG AMSTELVEENSEWG
Tram 62, 242, 246,242, 341,310 346, 348 en 358 Tram:24, 16,bus 24 Bus: 176, 241,
P1 VUmc
Sports field
Boele tuin
Ba s ba ket ll -
CCA
A.J. ERNSTSTRAAT Ernst P(private)
WALKING ROUTES GARAGES TO THE VU CAMPUS
UILENSTEDE AMSTELVEEN
WALKING ROUTES ON THE VU CAMPUS
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THE NETHERLANDS AND THE DUTCH The Netherlands is located in the Northwestern part of continental Europe. The most important historical period of the Netherlands is called the Dutch Golden Age. During the seventeenth century the Dutch were the dominant economic, political and military power in the world. Dutch art and culture from this period, for instance painters like Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, are known all over the world. The Netherlands is known for its windmills, tulips, clogs and usage of the colour “Orange�. Less well-known is that about half of the country is below sea level, a result of Dutch inventive use of draining lakes and dykes.
The Netherlands is a safe and friendly country where English is widely spoken. The Dutch have an exceptionally good command of the English language according to the latest English Proficiency Index (EPI) published by Education First, being ranked second in the world. According to the Human Development Report by the United Nations, the Netherlands is the fourth most developed country in the world.
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THE CITY OF AMSTERDAM The capital of the Netherlands has almost 800.000 inhabitants of which about ten percent is a university student. The city counts up to 177 unique nationalities making it one of the most international cities in the world. Over five million tourists yearly visit some of the 8863 monuments in the city. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the world famous Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and the UNESCO World Heritage canal zone. The history of Amsterdam is that of a multicultural trading city that welcomes its visitors with open arms. In summer there are many activities in Amsterdam, such as the famous Vondelpark open air stage, film festivals and more. You can find information about Amsterdam and the events calendar on the I Amsterdam website.
Check also I Amsterdam recommended apps for visitors, with useful apps for transportation.
REASONS TO STUDY IN AMSTERDAM • High quality of life • Multicultural society • The Dutch speak fluent English • Excellent facilities • Access to world-class education • Many museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House • Rich in history and historical architecture • A center of bike culture • Centrally located in Europe
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SAFETY IN AMSTERDAM AND THE NETHERLANDS The Netherlands and Amsterdam are very safe to travel. While visiting Amsterdam one should realize that Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination and a true international city. Like in any metropolitan city a visitor should be cautious in busy touristic areas. By taking a few basic precautions you can avoid your belongings being lost or stolen, for instance: • Do not leave ID cards, cash cards, money, cheque books or keys lying around.
• Never leave valuable possessions in university buildings. The university is not liable for properties stolen from university premises. • Never leave your room unlocked when you leave it even if it is only for a short period of time. • Make sure all windows are closed and locked, even upper floor windows. • Insure your personal belongings.
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PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
• CLOTHES AND TOWELS • MONEY • HEALTH/TRAVEL/ PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE • EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION AND THE CONTACT DETAILS OF YOUR LOCAL CONSULATE OR EMBASSY • AIRPLANE TICKET/PASSPORT/VISA
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CLOTHES AND TOWELS
PLUG ADAPTER
July and August are Amsterdam’s warmest months – optimal for days on the beach or on sunny café terraces – but keep your umbrella nearby, as it’s also the thirdrainiest month of the year. Amsterdam in summer, with its humid days and citywide waterways, is an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be prepared with insect repellent and an itch relief remedy. Generally summer clothes should suffice but bring a warm outfit and an extra jumper in case it gets chilly at night.
It may be necessary for you to bring a plug adapter in order to make use of the electricity network in the Netherlands. See below images of Dutch plugs. The electricity has a Voltage of 220-230 and a Frequency of 50 HZ.
All rooms are fully furnished and bed linen as well as kitchen utensils are provided. You will need to bring your own towels.
HEALTH/TRAVEL/ PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE VU Amsterdam Summer School does not provide any insurance for students. Please make sure that you have your own insurance when you arrive in the Netherlands which covers medical costs, liability, accidents and expatriation to your home country in case of emergencies. If you need a doctor while being in the Netherlands you will first have to pay the bill yourself, afterwards you can send it to your insurance company to be reimbursed. Please check your home country insurance to see what is covered while in the Netherlands. You can take out additional insurance through AON or IPS.
MONEY The Netherlands uses the euro as its official currency, as do the 19 other countries in the Euro-zone. Euros come in both coins (€1 and €2, and various cents) and banknotes (€ 5, € 10, € 20, € 50, € 100, €200 and €500). You may want to bring some cash for the first day or so, but in general the vast majority of debit and credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands at ATM’s as well as shops and restaurants. Remember to call your bank to tell them that you are traveling or your bank may prevent access to your account!
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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
VU Amsterdam Summer School De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam Website: www.amsterdamsummerschool.nl E-mail: amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl Telephone: +31 (0)20 59 86429
The International Office of VU Amsterdam is there to assist you with any practical issues concerning your stay and study. In the central hall of the main building you will find the International Student Desk (ISD). The ISD will be able to help you with all day to day questions such as where to find a certain lecture room. The desk is open on weekdays from 9.00 to 14.00. However, you can also reach us in the afternoon until 17.00. Just send an email or give us a call and we’ll come and meet you. Always feel free to contact us in case you have any questions!
CONTACT DETAILS OF YOUR LOCAL CONSULATE OR EMBASSY
Bianca van Putten, Eva Janssen, Eduard Pasma, Ilin Sen, Jan Kostelijk, Mayke Jildou Schlatmann and Rachel Bornstein
We advise you to note down the contact numbers/address of your consulate or embassy in The Netherlands and keep it with you while travelling and in The Netherlands.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 112
General alarm (for emergency situations)
0900 - 8844
Police (central number)
020 - 444 4444
VU Hospital
De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam
020 - 510 3512
First Aid (VU)
De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam
020 - 642 0085
Doctor Smits (for Uilenstede, Guesthouse)
Van Nijenrodeweg 889, 1081 BH Amsterdam
020- 444 1400
VU GP Office (all students)
De Boelelaan 1131, 1081 HX Amsterdam
020 - 518 8380
ACTA ( Dentist)
Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam
020 - 555 6666
Fire Department Amsterdam
020 - 543 0112
Fire department Amstelveen
020 - 677 7777
Taxi
LOST AND FOUND 020 - 601 2325
Schiphol Airport
www.schiphol.nl/en/
020 - 649 1433
KLM
www.klm.nl
020 - 557 8544
Train (NS)
www.ns.nl
020 - 460 5858
Tram, Bus and Metro
www.gvb.nl
OTHER PHONE NUMBERS 0800 - 0410
Phone Operator (Collect call/bad connection)
0900 - 9292
Public Transport Information
www.9292.nl GETTING STARTED @ VU AMSTERDAM SUMMER SCHOOL
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AIRPORT PICK UP Make sure you have a valid ticket, passport and, if necessary, visa. If you are travelling by airplane please try to arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport between 9:00am and 15:00pm during the arrival days. The arrival day for session 1 is Saturday 6 July, the arrival day for session 2 is Saturday 20 July and the arrival day for session 3 is August 3. You will then be picked up by our airport pick-up service and brought to your accommodation. More information on the pick-up service will become available on CANVAS. (More information about CANVAS on page 24). If you arrive before the arrival days you will not be able to use the pick-up service and will have to make your own way to the University for the arrival day. In case you are staying at University Campus De Boelelaan you will have to find a hotel until that time. In case you are staying at Hotel Jansen you can send them an email to ask for (an) extra night(s) booking@hoteljansen.nl and mention you are a VU Amsterdam Summer School student in order to get the special rate. Closer to the start of the summer school, we will contact you to ask for you flight details, so we know what to expect on the arrival day. We recommend that you do not arrive after the arrival day as the first class starts on Monday and you will have limited time to acclimatize. Check-out is in the morning of the last Saturday of session 1 (20 July), session 2 (3 August) or session 3 (17 August), before 10:00 am. It is not possible to extend your stay at our accommodation at University Campus De Boelelaan. If you want to extend your stay at Hotel Jansen and ask for the special rate email them directly at booking@hoteljansen.nl.
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ACCOMMODATION AND DIRECTIONS
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DE BOELELAAN
HOTEL JANSEN
De Boelelaan 859-1043, 1082SB Amsterdam
Valschermkade 19, 1059 CD Amsterdam www.hoteljansen.nl booking@hoteljansen.nl
• Fully furnished • Shared bathroom and kitchen (with 4-6 others) • Bed linen and kitchen utensils provided • Cable internet available, no WiFi (at university there is WiFi) • 2 minute walk from the university • 5 minute walk to shopping center with grocery store. • 15 minute bike/tram ride to the city center. Directions from the Airport: • From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport take the Intercity or Sprinter train to Amsterdam Zuid station. • De Boelelaan is a 5-10 minute walk from Amsterdam Zuid station.
• Boutique style hotel • 10 minute bike ride to the university and a 10 minute bike ride to the city center (20 minutes walking distance to the university) • Private bathroom • Free WiFi • Small fridge, desk and a comfortable bed (bed linens are included) • Access to a large Club Room with shared kitchen and amenities • Can enjoy healthy dishes for an affordable price at Hotel Jansen’s restaurant Mama’s
Directions from the Airport • From Schipol Airport take the Intercity/Sprinter to Amsterdam Zuid Station • From Amsterdam Zuid Station take Metro 51 to Henk Sneevlietweg Station • Walk 14 Minutes: - Head east on Vlaardingenlaan towards Maassluisstraat 300 m - At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Overschiestraat 500 m - Continue onto Luchtvaartstraat 60 m - Turn right onto Anthony Fokkerweg 99 m - Turn left onto Valschermkade - Hotel Jansen will be on the right GETTING STARTED @ VU AMSTERDAM SUMMER SCHOOL
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SKOTEL HOTEL SCHOOL HOUSING
VIA HOSTEL
Jan Evertsenstraat 171, 1057 BW Amsterdam
Diemerhof 20, 1112 XN Diemen
Available in session 2 and 3
https://www.viahostels.com/amsterdam/ Available in Session 1
• Big rooms, you can have them private or shared • Shared kitchen • 25 minutes from the university but close to the city center - getting a bike or public transport pass is recommended • Located in a lively neighborhood • Free WiFi • Bed linen included
• 4-8 person dorm rooms • Breakfast included • Shared bathroom and kitchen • 25 minutes from VU Amsterdam and the city center by bike or public transport • Supermarkets around the corner • Beautifully designed hostel • A lot of opportunities to meet new people • Free WiFi • Bed linen included
Directions from the airport: • From Schiphol, take the train to Amsterdam Lelylaan Station • From Lelylaan Station take metro 50 to Jan van Galenstraat. • From Jan van Galenstraat, you can either walk 13 minutes to Skotel or take tram 13 to stop Admiraal Helfrichstraat (located opposite Skotel).
Directions from the Airport: • From Schiphol, take the Sprinter train to Diemen Zuid station • From Diemen Zuid station, walk 9 minutes to Via Hostel
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ORIENTATION PROGRAM ARRIVAL AND INTRODUCTION DAYS To make sure you get settled during you first days in Amsterdam, VU Amsterdam Summer School has organized a welcome on the day of arrival. The arrival day is Saturday 6 July for session 1, Saturday 20 July for session 2 and Saturday 3 August for session 3. On these days we will arrange a pick-up service from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport between 9:00 (9am) to 15:00 (3pm) to
bring you to your accommodation. Here you will receive your room key and have some time to settle in. We will provide you with a goodie bag with more information about the city and the university. In the afternoon we organize a small introduction activity so you can get to know your fellow students. The first Monday of the course we will host an introduction day. We will meet for a campus tour before class and host a word of welcome and a pubquiz in the afternoon.
Below is the schedule for Orientation: ARRIVAL DAYS SATURDAY 6 + 20 JULY & 3 AUGUST 09.00-15.00
Pick up from Schiphol
09.00-17.00
Welcome at VU University for University Campus De Boelelaan
09.00-17.00
Welcome at Hotel Jansen
From 18:00
Welcome event for all students at Hotel Jansen with food
INTRODUCTION DAY 8 + 22 JULY & 5 AUGUST 09.00
Students meet at the main entrance of the university
09.15-10.00
Campus tour
09.45-10.00
Students will be guided to their classrooms
15:00
Word of Welcome and Pubquiz
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ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES Canvas is a so-called ‘digital learning environment’, a protected website which lecturers can use to post assignments and course materials per module and where students can consult each other online. It is also possible to submit assignments on Canvas. VU Amsterdam Summer School will also publish general information. Internet allows you to work with Canvas whenever you want, wherever you want.
TIMETABLES
Around two weeks before the start of VU Amsterdam Summer School we will send you your VUnetID which is your log-in for Canvas. On Canvas we will publish more information about the airport pick-up service and arrival days. The VUnetID will also give you access to computer facilities, coffee machines and the university library.
FACEBOOK GROUP
The timetables will be published on Canvas. All of our courses consist of at least 45 contact hours. You will have classes from Monday to Friday and you will usually attend seminars/ lectures during the morning and excursions/ self-study during the afternoon.
Facebook www.facebook.com/ vuamsterdamsummerschool/ LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/edu/amsterdamsummer-school-of-the-vrije-universiteitamsterdam-188111 Instagram vu_amsterdamsummerschool
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COST OF LIVING Experience shows that to live and study in The Netherlands will cost a student €370 for a two week course. Some students manage to spend less, but this of course depends on your own lifestyle. An indication of likely expenses is given below.
EXPENDITURES
COSTS IN € EURO
Food
€200
Insurance
€20
Public transport
€50
Miscellaneous
€100
TOTAL
€370 PER TWO WEEKS
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EATING AND DINING There is a restaurant on the VU campus, which is open from 10:00am to 19:00pm. For a delicious cappuccino, lunch or dinner you can also visit our campus café The Basket. The Basket is open from Monday till Friday between 9:00am and 23:00pm. There are two coffee bars in the main building and one on the campus square called Doppio. You will find grocery stores both at the campus and at the housing area.
VU CAMPUS Main Building Restaurant Located in the main building of the university, the restaurant provides hot meals at lunchtime and in the late afternoon/early evening.
The Basket A Grand Café with a terrace.
Rendez VU You can pick up a Coffee “to go” at Rendez VU in the entrance hall of the Main Building. Pastries and light snacks are also available.
The Spar A small market, with snacks and light lunch options such as sandwiches and salads.
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DE BOELELAAN De Boelelaan is located right next to the university building. For this reason the restaurant facilities of the university are easily accessible. Also nearby is the Amsterdam Zuidas business district with lots of restaurants.
HOTEL JANSEN Mama’s A delicious restaurant located at the entrance of Hotel Jansen, where you can grab a bite to eat or just hang out with friends.
SKOTEL Skotel is located in the lively neighborhood of Amsterdam West where you will find many bars and restaurants at walking distance.
VIA HOSTEL Located inside of Via Hostel is their very own restaurant The Dude. The restaurant and bar is the hostels social element that blends all our interests with all the interesting travellers, students and locals that honour them with a visit.
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COMMUNICATION WiFi
Buying a Sim Card
Staying in touch with your family and friends while traveling is easy! There are many options for your short stay here in Amsterdam. WiFi is widely available throughout the city of Amsterdam.
Fees for international calls can be very expensive and once you are charged you will be responsible for paying your bill. Make sure to contact your cellphone company to see what options there are for international calling. We also recommend buying a prepaid SIM card. In the Netherlands you can get 1 GB of data for only 10 euros.
Campus-wide wireless network A wireless network is available throughout the whole VUcampus with high bandwidth, including hotspots with extra high bandwidth. You can access this wireless network with your own notebook free of charge. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has three wireless internet networks (see table next to this page). If you want to install WiFi on your laptop please visit the IT service desk in the VU main building. If you already have 3G or 4G on your mobile phone you can install WiFi on your mobile phone via www.vu.nl/draadloos. Students living in Hotel Jansen, Skotel and Via Hostel have access to complimentary Wi-Fi. Students living in at University Campus De Boelelaan can easily connect to the internet via an ethernet cable.
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TRAVEL Travelling within Amsterdam by public transport is straightforward and convenient. The extensive network is operated by GVB and connects the city’s neighborhoods by train, tram, metro, bus and ferry.
Trams One of the most popular modes of public transportation is the city’s tram service. Most of the city’s trams terminate in front of Central Station and radiate out towards different neighborhoods and districts. The tram is the easiest way for students to visit many of Amsterdam’s museums and shopping centers. The university is conntected to the rest of the city with Tram 5 and 24.
Metro Amsterdam’s metro system radiates from Central Station to the city’s outlying districts via four main routes. The University is connected to the rest of the city with Metro 52.
Trains (Sprinter/Intercity) Many people travelling to or from Amsterdam will often make use of the train, which not only provides a superb connection with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, but also different parts of the city, other Dutch towns and cities, plus direct connections with Belgium, France and Germany.
Buses Amsterdam’s bus network is extensive, connecting all neighborhoods with other city areas and extending outwards into the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Students can take the buses to get to areas typically unreachable by Tram or Metro. The city is also connected to the rest of Europe through an extensive bus network operated by, among others, Eurolines and Flixbus.
Bicycles Biking in Amsterdam is safe and easy, thanks to the flat landscape and multitude of wide bike paths. Planning to cycle yourself? This year we cooperate with The Bike Boys, a startup company run by two VU students. They have bikes available for our summer school students for only €25 per two-week period (excluding a €50 refundable deposit).
OV card The most convenient option for visitors is a disposable one-hour card or day card (valid for one to seven days). One-hour tickets can be bought from the conductor or driver on the tram or bus. You can also purchase a day ticket on the tram or via the GVB website. (Day cards cannot be bought from the driver on the bus.) Tickets are valid across the whole network from the time of purchase, allowing you to take as many journeys as you choose within your chosen time-frame. If you’re using public transport in Amsterdam, you can use an OV-Chipkaart for travel on trams, buses and metros. Residents in Amsterdam typically own a personalized card that can be recharged with credit or other travel tickets. However, it is also possible to purchase a non-personalized card that can be reused and recharged with credit at any time.You can purchase an OV-Chipkaart at GVB ticket vending machines, GVB Tickets & Info locations, and select newsstands and supermarkets.
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WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU HERE!
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