r/VUAmsterdam

Hi everyone! I was accepted into three master's programs in the Netherlands (VU Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Leiden), all related to sustainability and resource management.

I have financing figured out from my home country (I am from the American continent) and my own resources, and I am leaning towards going to VU. I also have housing secured.

What I would like to know is how recommended it would be for me to keep my current job? As context, I have been working for the past three years in a reputable sustainability NGO that is based in Amsterdam, my work is fully remote and I don’t even live in the same country as my boss.

I sort of need to have a conversation with my boss about this soon, since I know I can only work 16 hours a week. The main thing I would like to know is if anyone here has experience with working while doing their master's and how much that would interfere with the coursework?

Initially, my boss and I were under the assumption that I would leave, especially since they want me to have the whole “student experience”, but I feel the world is not as it used to be and that I should also be practical.

I know circumstances might change, but I would like to know if anyone has experience with this! Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some honest advice because this decision feels huge.

I’m a Portuguese citizen currently living and working in France, and I applied to several English-taught bachelor’s programs in Psychology. I was accepted into the online Psychology program at the University of Padua, and I was also accepted to VU Amsterdam, which is a place I’m genuinely very interested in.

The problem is cost.

I know Amsterdam is an extremely expensive city, and that’s exactly what’s making me doubt whether this is the right choice. I would be fully financially independent and would need to support myself throughout the entire degree, so rent, food, transport, everything. That means I’d have to work during my whole bachelor’s, probably in jobs like hotels, hospitality, customer service, or similar minimum-wage work.

I speak several languages, and I’m absolutely willing to learn Dutch (at least basic before arriving) to improve my job options.

My question is: how realistic is this?

Is it genuinely possible to study Psychology at VU while working enough to fully support yourself in Amsterdam, or is the cost of living/work-study balance likely to become overwhelming? I know the program itself can also be demanding, so I’m trying to be realistic and not romanticize the move.

Basically: if you were in my position, would you take the chance on Amsterdam, or choose the more financially stable option?

I’d really value honest opinions, especially from students, expats, or anyone who has worked while studying in Amsterdam. Thanks so much.

Hi everyone!

I'm an EU students starting the Master in Semptember. I just paid the housing fee (like, yesterday) and I was curious to ask you a few doubts I have.

So, from what I've understood the housing registration started in October so it's not very probable that I will get an house, and if I get it it will be in the high range, like 1000. Right?

Lastly, if I don't get an house this time, can I wait October and paid the housing fee for the next year?

Do you have any other tips for me? Thanks in advance

Hello everyone !

I applied for accommodation in Vrije Universiteit and paid the fee in the end of March. During April I paid the fee for my partner as well in order to be able to book a studio. Although, they told me that there were some studios available, I am extremely anxious about that. Can someone please share their experiences?
My biggest fear is not finding anything at all, even though we will be in the platform in time. In addition, we are flexible with the budget, we can even afford a studio for 1400€ but I don’t know which our options are, how competitive is booking a studio and how fast couple rooms are booked.

June 1st-June 30
Lelylaan, Postjesweg, 5 mins walk from Postjesweg metro station
Rent: 850€ inclusive
No registration
Dm me on Reddit for more info or send me a message on WhatsApp +31 644588126!