Introduction activities for Semester in Amsterdam students

Introduction programme

• Arrival Day: Friday 31 January 2025

  The Arrival Day is the perfect opportunity to take care of important practical matters quickly and efficiently. Whether it's registering at the municipality (Amstelveen only), arranging your health or liability insurance, opening a bank account, or getting answers to your questions from the International Office (student immigration, student accommodation, incoming exchange & the Semester in Amsterdam team). You can also pick up your student card during this time.

  Additionally, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) will be on hand to introduce you to their activities for international students, while NT2 will provide information on Dutch language courses available to you.

  DUWO key collection:
  For students with a rental contract through DUWO, this is also the day to collect your keys. DUWO will contact students directly with further details—make sure to check your email for instructions. (please do not forget to check your spam folder).

  Details:
  The Arrival Day is free of charge. Registration for the Arrival Day is not required and you can come by at your convenience, unless (!) you need to register with the municipality of Amstelveen. If you will be living at the Uilenstede campus, you need to register with the municipality of Amstelveen on Arrival Day. You can register by selecting a time-slot via the link provided in the newsletter you have received via email.

  🗓️ Date: Friday 31 January

  🕒 Time: 11:30-17:00

  📍 Location: VU Sports Centre, Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen

  Programme:

  DUWO key collection
  10:00 – 17:00
  Location: Il Caffé, Uilenstede, Amstelveen

  For students staying in DUWO accommodation only. We recommend collecting your room key first, dropping off your luggage, and then heading to the Sports Centre to take care of the remaining practical matters.

  Arrival Day Market
  11:30 – 17:00
  Location: Sports Centre Uilenstede, Amstelveen

  • Collect your student card
  • Register with the municipality of Amstelveen - please select a timeslot here. Instructions on how to register at the municipality of Amsterdam & Diemen (and Amstelveen for students arriving after 5pm) can be found here.
  • Arrange a health/liability insurance through AON Student Insurance
  • Open a Dutch bank account
  • Register with a GP (optional)
  • Meet ESN VU Amsterdam
  • Arrange matters with International Office (student immigration, student accommodation, incoming exchange and Semester in Amsterdam)

• International Introduction Day: Saturday 1 February 2025

  Starting your journey in Amsterdam
  Moving to Amsterdam for your studies is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. The Introduction Day will help you settle in by introducing you to VU Amsterdam, Dutch culture, and the city itself. You'll also have the chance to socialize and meet fellow international students, ensuring a smooth start to your life in Amsterdam.

  Details:
  The day kicks off with a welcome presentation and campus tour, followed by your choice of a fun day activity. You can either explore the Stedelijk Museum (modern art) or enjoy a guided boat tour through the iconic canals of Amsterdam. In the evening, we will wrap up with a 2000s-themed party at the Live Amsterdam Piano Bar in the city centre!

  The Introduction Day is free of charge, but registration is required. Check your email for the newsletter, which includes the registration link.

  🗓️ Date: Saturday 1 February

  🕒 Time: 10:00-23:00

  📍 Starting location: Lecture hall IN-0B60 (Initium, VU campus)

  Programme:

  • 10:00: Walk in
  • 10:30: Welcome presentation, Lecture hall IN-0B60 (Initium, VU campus)
  • 12:00: Campus Tour
  • 13.00- 14.00: free time to have lunch
  • 14:00-18:00: Day Activities
  • 18:00-20:00: free time to have dinner
  • 20:00-23:00: 2000’s party, Live Amsterdam Piano Bar

  If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to internationalintroduction@vu.nl. 

• Semester in Amsterdam Introduction Presentation: Wednesday 5 February 2025

  Catch up on everything you need to know during our introductory presentation on campus. Join us to learn about important practical matters, academic expectations, and essential insights about studying at VU Amsterdam. Learn about all available resources and get ready to dive into the vibrant experience of student life abroad.

  🗓️ Date: Wednesday 5 February

  🕒 Time: 15:00

  📍 Location: Theatre 8, NU Building

  *While this presentation is mandatory for Semester in Amsterdam students, we understand that some of you may have class during this time. If you have class on Wednesday, 5 February between 15:00 and 16:00, please go to your class instead of this presentation. 

• Semester in Amsterdam Introduction Day: Discover Amsterdam Noord: Saturday 8 February 2025

  Studying Abroad as a Semseter in Amsterdam student
  In addition to helping you get to know the campus and larger community of international students at VU Amsterdam, we also want to help you get to know your fellow Semester in Amsterdam students and the city of Amsterdam. Each semester, we organize a special introduction day just for Semester in Amsterdam students. This year, we have planned a day full of events in a unique part of the city, Amsterdam-Noord (the north of Amsterdam). Amsterdam-Noord can easily be reached with the free ferries operating on the North side of Central Station.

  Details:
  This day will begin with lunch at one of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam, the trendy beachside restaurant Pllek, followed by either an interactive tour of the street and graffiti museum or the museum of new media art, Nxt. Afterward, we will head to the Amsterdam Lookout Tower to see a beautiful, sweeping 360 view of the city followed by dinner at the cultural oasis, Tolhuistuin.

  The Semester in Amsterdam Introduction Day is mandatory and free of charge. You will receive an email with a request to choose an activity and submit any needed dietary preferences shortly before the event. Please keep an eye on your email for more details.

  🗓️ Date: Saturday 8 February

  🕒 Time: 12:30 - 20:30

  📍 Starting location: Pllek located at T.T. Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB Amsterdam

  📍 Ending location: Tolhuistuin located at IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam

  Programme:

  • 12:30: Lunch at Pllek
  • 15:00: Museum Tour of Straat Museum or Nxt Museum
  • 17:00: Visit to Amsterdam Lookout Tower and free time
  • 18:30: Dinner at Tolhuistuin