Living in Amsterdam

Finding affordable accommodation in the summer in Amsterdam can be challenging. If you join our summer programme it means you are also able to use our additional accommodation service, with no additional service costs! 

We offer different accommodation options in different parts of Amsterdam. The price for accommodation differs and is between €36 and €55 a night. Fees differ based on type of accommodation and location. You will be able to choose from a room in a shared dormitory, a private room with shared facilities and a private room with private facilities. 

Registrations are based on a first-come-first-serve basis (the earliest you apply and pay for your course, the earlier you can select your accommodation preference based on availability). The application deadline for housing is 1 June but please be aware that housing could fill up before this date. 

Questions? Please reach out to us via amsterdamsummerschool@vu.nl or you can leave your contact details. 

Session 1: two-week course: 2-16 July 2022

Arrival on Saturday 2 July and departure on Saturday 16 July (14 nights, fixed dates)

Session 2: two-week course | 17-31 July 2022

Arrival on Sunday 17 July and departure on Sunday 31 July  (14 nights, fixed dates)

Session 2a: one-week course | 17-24 July 2022

Arrival on Sunday 17 July and departure on Sunday 24 July (7 nights, fixed dates)

Extending your stay in our accommodation options is unfortunately not possible via our service and rates. If you wish to stay longer in Amsterdam (or arrive sooner) we recommend you to contact the locations yourself or use the following websites to search for a place to stay:

• Via Hostel
• Stayokay
• Hotel Jansen
• Booking.com
• Airbnb.com

If due to unforeseen circumstances you need to cancel your accommodation, the following refunds will be given: 

• Cancellation before 1 May: 100% of total fee will be refunded
• Cancellation before 1 June: 50% of total fee will be refunded
• Cancellation after 1 June: no refund will be given

With more than 880,000 bicycles - four times the number of cars - Amsterdam is a city of bikes. With an extensive network of cycle lanes, bicycle parking and specific traffic lights the city is perfect to traverse by bike. Everything in Amsterdam is within reasonable biking distance. Even though cycling in Amsterdam is fun and an essential part of living the Amsterdam life, it is not without risk. Check out this handy guide before cycling in Amsterdam.

How to get a bike? We will share tips and tricks with our summer participants in our regular newsletters.

The city of Amsterdam has an extensive public transport network consisting of trams, metro services, buses, ferries and trains. Extensive maps and timetables of all routes can be found on the GVB (municipal transport company) website . 

Public transport smart card (OV-chipkaart) 
The most convenient and affordable method of paying for public transport is by 'OV-chipkaart'. You can buy a refillable anonymous OV-chipkaart at ticket vending machines, GVB Tickets & Info locations, certain newsagents and supermarkets. Find more detailed information on the GVB website.

Check in, check out 
It is important to remember to check both in and out when using your OV-chipkaart. This can be done by holding the card against the reader present on platforms for trains and metro, or on board of the vehicle in buses and trams. You must also check in and out when changing to a different line or mode of transport.

Apart from housing, you may consider the following estimated living expenses per two weeks:

• Food, minimum €100 if you cook for yourself, eating out will be more expensive
• Insurance, approx. €20
• Public transport or bike rental, approx. €50 
• Other expenses during your stay, minimum €100, this increases if you wish to engage in more cultural and social activities

You could consider bringing a small amount of cash for the first day, but overall there are plenty of ATM’s available. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants. Bear in mind that most ticket machines for the tram and metro do not accept cash and some shops, such as grocery stores, do not accept foreign credit cards.

The summers in the Netherlands can be described as mild. On average the temperature will be around 22 degrees Celsius (or 72 degrees Fahrenheit). It may occasionally rain so consider bringing an umbrella or light raincoat. A jacket that you can wear during the evenings is recommended.

VU Amsterdam is a campus university: almost all university buildings are situated on one site, with teaching and research facilities and several leisure activities all together. It is located in the business district of Amsterdam, so that during your studies you can also get a glimpse of the business world.

Our cam­pus is:
• a modern international campus
• situated in the middle of the most dynamic and fastest growing business district in Europe
• well connected to public transport
• a 15 minute tram or bike ride away from the historic city centre
• an 8 minute train journey away from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
• rich in possibilities for grocery's, drink/ food and sport options

VU Amsterdam has a clear vision about sustainability. Core values are: stewardship for planet Earth and responsibility to achieve a sustainable future. Not only teaching and research programmes have a focus on sustainability but environmental sustainability is also a major consideration when construction and refurbishment activities are carried out. VU Amsterdam offers several Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in the field of Sustainability & Energy, collectively known as Science for Sustainability. Flexibility, sustainability and cost consciousness are important drivers for the development of the Campus. New sustainable buildings are delivered according to BREEAM standards, the top of environmental sustainability assessments. Old buildings are refurbished to meet current sustainability standards as much as possible.

Read more about Sustainable campus.

When you come to Amsterdam you can be assured that you will be safe. In fact, Amsterdam is ranked Europe's safest city on the Economist Safe City Index. Of course like in any major city you should be aware of pickpockets in busy areas. 

Read more about the safety measures at VU Amsterdam campus.

Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency (police, ambulance, fire): 112 
VU emergency number, available 24/7: +31 (0)20 598 22 22
Police (theft and other queries): 0900-8844 or +31 (0)343 57 8844