Welcome to your new homeA guide for students preparing to join us at Holland International Study Centre

hollandisc.com

Welcome to your new homeAmsterdam is a fantastic place to live and study. This friendly and welcoming city will be your new, exciting home away from home, a place where you will create new memories that you’ll treasure for life.

We want to help you settle into your new home quickly and easily, so that you can concentrate on your studies and start enjoying student life in Amsterdam. This guide provides all of the important information you need to prepare for travelling to and living in Holland as well as studying at the Holland International Study Centre (ISC).

For up-to-date information before your arrival, visit: hollandisc.com/about-holland-isc/before-you-arrive

Contents

Get ready to join us 1

What to bring with you to Holland 3

Arriving in Holland 5

Getting to Holland 7 International Study Centre

Location map 11

Your induction programme 13

Your International Study Centre 15

Your checklist 17

Contact detailsAddress:Holland International Study CentrePiet Heinkade 551019 GM Amsterdam

Telephone number:+ 31 (0) 20 3032075

Emergency telephone number:+ 31 (0) 6 33418233

Useful websites:hollandisc.comstudyinholland.nl/iamsterdam.com/en-GB

2 Book your accommodationTo book a room at The Student Hotel, you can use the link that will be sent to you by our Central Student Support Team. Visit hollandisc.com/about-holland-isc/accommodationEmail: HollandISC.CSS@studygroup.com

Rooms are subject to availability and we are unable to guarantee a room if you apply late so you are advised to apply as soon as possible. We strongly recommend you to book a room with The Student Hotel as accommodation in Amsterdam is very limited and can be expensive. There are two options available at The Student Hotel (West or City), both include all bills and provide a great social network as well as a bike and gym access.

1 Apply for your visaNow that you have confirmed your place, you will be sent information on how to apply for your visa including what documents and finances are required. Your university of choice will apply for your visa on your behalf – you cannot apply yourself.

3 Book your travelOnce you receive your visa, you can book your travel. You should arrive the weekend before the start of your induction week.

You should book any flights home after the official end of term date, which can be found in your offer letter, so you are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Please see page 7 for your suggested arrival airport.

5 Ensure you are insuredIn our experience, it is essential that international students have the protection of personal insurance for the duration of their time in Holland. In fact it is compulsory for getting a residence permit.

When you apply to the International Study Centre, we strongly advise you to take insurance cover with AON International Student Insurance. This insurance policy covers loss of personal possessions as well as providing health and medical insurance. If you have not taken this option, please make sure you have secured your own policy. Visit hollandisc.com/how-to-apply/insurance for more information.

4 Complete our pre-arrival formAt around one month before term starts, we will email you with a link to an online form. You will need to complete this with your travel information - so we know when to expect you - and your visa details.

If you would like us to arrange your taxi from the airport, please let us know by ticking the box on the form. If you are staying at the Student Hotel please list which of the two Student Hotels you need to go to: Student Hotel WEST or Student Hotel CITY - check your room reservation for details.

If you are not staying at the Student Hotel, we can only organise a taxi for you if your accommodation is located in Amsterdam.

We are unable to process any requests received less than 48 hours before your arrival.

Get ready to join us at the International Study CentreBefore you join us, there are five things you need to do first.

If you need help and advice, your local representative or your student enrolment adviser can help you.

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We recommend that you bring:• Smart yet comfortable clothing such as

trainers, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat. The dress code at the International Study Centre is casual.

• Study supplies e.g. pens and paper notepads – these may be less expensive in your country.

• Laptop computer and charger with access to Microsoft suite – you can set English as the main language choice. This will help you to improve your English.

• Mobile phone and charger.• At least one travel adaptor plug – 230v with

a two-pin plug.• Towel and bed linen.

If you are under the age of 18 our in-centre staff will be able to inform you about how to open a bank account.

If you are staying at the Student Hotel you will need to bring a set of bed linen. Alternatively, you can buy this at the Student Hotel, along with a kitchen-set (cutlery, non-stick pan etc). If you would like to purchase this before you arrive, email info@thestudenthotel.com with your full name and room type.

If you have booked private accommodation, you will need to check what is supplied.During the induction week you will be getting advice on where to buy essentials.

Things to pack in your hand luggage Passport and visa letter Conditional offer letter from your university Your offer letter Notarised and original copies of diplomas / high school grades are essential

IELTS certificate or other original Secure English Language Test result

Accommodation documents Four passport-sized photographs Any insurance documents Medical certificates including vaccination records

Essential toiletries and medications (please check with your airline what’s permitted). Don’t forget to bring a prescription from your doctor with you.

Enough money to live on in the first few weeks. We advise using traveller’s cheques or bring a credit/debit card to a bank account in your own country rather than bringing large amounts of cash.

Things to pack in your suitcaseAmsterdam has a variety of shops so you’ll be able to buy everything you need to live comfortably. Many of the personal items you wish to bring with you, such as clothes, accessories and books can go in your suitcase.

What to bring with you to HollandYou’ll need to pack some important items, such as your passport and visa, in your hand luggage for easy access, while other non-essential items can be packed away in your suitcase.

Top Tips

Check with your airline on what you can bring in terms of size and weight for hand and checked luggage.

Calling from Holland? Once you’re in Holland and calling from a Dutch phone, you don’t need to include the +31, just replace it with a 0 for example +3120 303 2075 becomes 020 303 2075.

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Arriving in HollandTravelling to a new country can be a little overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve outlined the process below so that you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.At the airport Whoever enters Holland from outside the European Union (EU) must have a valid passport and in some cases you will need a visa as well. If you are a passenger arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (the third largest airport in Europe) or any other Dutch or close by European airport, this will be checked on your departure to Holland and again on arrival.

Follow the Arrivals and Exit signs to Passport Control. After passing through the control desk, you will arrive at the luggage carousels located on the ground floor. Once you have reclaimed your belongings, you can go to the Customs Security Control. If you have nothing to declare, you may simply pass through.

Be prepared for an interview with Dutch immigration staff - you might have to answer questions and have a basic conversation with the help of an interpreter.

Imports As a student it is not very probable that you will be carrying large amounts of money, but nevertheless you should be aware of the fact that all passengers entering or leaving the European Union with € 10,000 or more in cash must declare this to the Customs officials. In addition to banknotes, this regulation also applies to other negotiable instruments such as cheques. All merchandise imports must be reported to the Customs office too. Please note that not all medicines or medicinal herbs are allowed.

Welcome to Holland!

Top TipMake sure you have original, paper copies of all your documents, not in digital formats on smart phones, tablets or other electronic devices. Keep them in your hand luggage in case you need to show them at the Dutch border.

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Getting to Holland ISC from Schiphol AirportSchiphol Airport is the closest international airport.

By plane and pre-booked taxi transferIf you are arriving by plane and have asked for a taxi transfer via the pre-arrival form, you will need to go to the Schiphol Travel Taxi at the Schiphol Transfer Assistance (STA) desk located in Arrivals 4. Please go there immediately after customs.

Please do not pay the taxi driver as your fare will be added to your account.If you are heading directly to your accommodation the taxi driver will take you to collect your keys – they will have been informed where you will be staying, but it is a good idea for you to have the details to hand.

Check your room confirmation for details of where and when to collect your keys, particularly if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning. If you are arriving when the reception is not open, check your room confirmation for out of hours key collection information.

If you are staying in private accommodation, provided you have given us the address in advance, the driver should have this information.

What if my plans change?If you have booked a taxi transfer but your arrival date changes or you decide to arrange your own taxi transfer, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. We will require two business days’ notice to be able to change or cancel your booking.

If you book a taxi but then choose not to take it, it will not be taken off your financial statement and you will still be charged.Please email: Hollandisc.css@studygroup.com

Making your own way At ns.nl/en or www.journeyplanner.9292.nl you can plan your trip and see how long it will take and how much it will cost you to get to your destination. Both websites are available in English and provide information on the trains (NS) including door to door travel advice (9292).

You can buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart at the airport for €7.50. To travel on trains there must be a minimum credit of €20 on the card, visit ov-chipkaart.nl/everything-about-travelling/price-list.htm#purchase_price for more information. Alternatively, you can purchase a personal OV-chipkaart (a card with your name and photograph on it - a good option if you intend on using trains frequently). You can only apply for an OV-chipkaart once you have a Dutch bank account so this may be something to look into once you are settled in Holland.

In cities where the OV-chip system is already in use, you will need to swipe the card whenever you get on or off the bus, tram and metro. Travelling (also by train) in areas that still have not introduced the OV-chipkaart system means you will have to buy a ticket.

Top TipDon’t forget to email or phone your parent or guardian to let them know you have arrived.

See pages 9-10 for more information on Schiphol airport.

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* these food and beverage facilities are open 24 hours a day

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Arrivals 4

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Arrivals 2

Arrivals 1

Parking

Sheraton

HiltonWTC

CitizenM

Tunnel to parking garage P2

Upstairs Upstairs

Downstairs

Upstairs

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to Departures 3Upstairs

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Legenda

ArrivAls & schiphol plAzA

a-company eventdesk

accor hotel desk

airport Business Point

amsterdam shuttle desk

assistance

Baggage lockers

Baggage storage – Pick up on return

Bar

Buses

Car rental

Cash and change

Communication zone

door 16 – Unaccompanied baggage reclaim

dutch Railways/Ticket desk

excursions

First aid

Food/ Coffee bar

Hearing loop

Holland Tourist Information

Hotel

Hotel reservation

Information desk

Mailbox

Meeting Point

nS Hispeed lounge

Panorama terrace

Parking

Police – Koninklijke Marechaussee

Restaurant

Schiphol Transfer assistance

Seal & go

Self-service information point

Shuttles

Taxis

Ticket desk

Trains

Train tickets

Wheelchair rental

BaRS & ReSTaURanTS

D Burger King*

M Café Rembrandt

Q Coffee Bar

N délifrance*

B grand Café Plaza*

L Hello There

O HeMa Food

K Hot ’n Cold

I Juggle Juice Bar*

J Juggle Sandwich Bar*

P Multivlaai

F Per Tutti!

C Pronto

H Segafredo espresso Bar

A E Starbucks

G Vlaamse Frites

CHoCoLaTeS

26 Leonidas

dePaRTMenT SToRe

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FaSHIon

37 america Today 29 global Brands17 Hennes & Mauritz 4 Mexx, esprit, InWear/Matinique15 Paolo Salotto menswear35 Shirleys lingerie 9 Suitsupply 7 Tie Rack21 Wonder Woman

FLoWeRS, BULBS & gIFTS

28 aviflora 51 BLoeM! 6 Fleurtiek

gIFTS

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33 expo50 Planes@Plaza

HaIRdReSSeR

40 Coiffure en Vogue

JeWeLRy & WaTCHeS

3 gassan Plaza

LeaTHeR & TRaVeL

18 Paolo Salotto Luxury Leathergoods

LIqUoR

11 dufry liquors of the world

neWS & BooKS

27 43 45 aKo 38 Libris

PeRSonaL CaRe

34 etos32 Perfumes & Colors 8 The Body Shop

PHoTo, eLeCTRonICS & enTeRTaInMenT

30 Capi39 Capi

SeRVICe CenTRe

52 Jill & James (Telepresence, TNT Post Service, Randstad, Fred Butler,

Medsen pharmacy) opening soon.

SHoeS

48 Crocs 5 Paolo Salotto Shoes

SPoRTS

42 nike Schiphol

SUPeRMaRKeT

46 aH to go12 Food Village

TeLeCoM

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Student HotelAmsterdam West

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Weesperstraat

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Central Station

Student HotelAmsterdam City

Rijksmuseum

Rembrandt House Museum

Artis Royal Zoo

Schiphol Airport

Anne Frank House

Amsterdam Central Station to:Holland ISC15 min walk1 tram stop

Schiphol Airport17 min by car22 min by train

Student Hotel Amsterdam West18 min by car26 min by train

Student Hotel Amsterdam City15 min by car10 min by car

Location map

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The people here are so amazing. Everyone here is so friendly. Everywhere I go by I can find a person willing to help me with something or even just willing to give me instructions. The friends I made here are really amazing and I wouldn’t trade them for anyone. I’ve met people from many different nationalities, many I didn’t really know a lot about, but after coming here I’ve actually learnt a lot about different nationalities.”William from Belgium Studied International Foundation Year in Business and Management

Your Induction ProgrammeOn your first, exciting day with us it is important that you arrive on time. During your induction you will have a complete introduction to Holland and the International Study Centre.

It’s vital that you arrive on time so that you don’t miss out on meeting your new classmates and enjoying all of the great social activities that have been planned for you.

We will work with you in your first week to find out about your academic levels and how we can best support you in your studies.

What to bring with you on your first dayPlease bring the following documents, so that we can register you on the course:

✓ Passport ✓ Dutch home address ✓ 10 euro deposit for building pass ✓ New local phone number (if available) ✓ Pen/paper

During your Induction Programme you will learn about:• Registering with the International

Study CentreOnce you are registered with the International Study Centre you will receive your card to enter the UP-building. The Holland ISC is located on the 2nd floor.

• Registering at Amsterdam city hall• Opening a bank account You will need a Dutch social security number

(or BSN). After registration, the Holland ISC staff will help you obtaining a Dutch social security number (BSN) from Amsterdam City Hall.

You will obtain a BSN which can take up to three weeks to process.

In order to open a bank account you will need: ✓ a passport ✓ proof you are a student – we will issue you

with a letter ✓ proof of a Dutch address

• Your chosen programmeGet your all-important timetable and find out what you need to achieve to progress to the University.

• Taking a tuberculosis test at the Area Health Authority in AmsterdamIf you are an international student from a non-EU country, you are required by Dutch Immigration Law to undergo a check for tuberculosis (TB) at a local GGD office (Public Health Service). Participating in TB testing is important for your health, but most importantly it is necessary for obtaining your residence permit. Some nationalities do not require a TB test. For more information, please go to https://ind.nl/en/Forms/7644.pdf

Advice on settling in1. Say hello to your new neighbours.

Living in a student residence is a great way to make new, life-long friends. Other students around you, both from Holland and abroad, will be feeling the same as you. Talking to each other will really help you settle in. Why not take the first step by introducing yourself?

2. Join in! There will be lots of events planned at the International Study Centre as well as The Student Hotel.

3. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm on your first day – you’ll need plenty of time to get ready.

We want you to feel at home as quickly as possible. If you have any worries, you can always approach any of our friendly staff and they will be very happy to help.

Obtaining your residence permitA residence permit looks like a credit cardand proves that you are residing legally in the Netherlands. You will need to obtain a residence permit if you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union/ European Economic Area or Switzerland and in case you will be staying here for a period of more than three months. The ISC will have to apply for a residence permit on your behalf within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands.

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Your International Study Centre

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Get involved!Why not join our social network

facebook.com/Hollandisc instagram.com/HollandISC youtube.com/hollandisc linkedin.com/school/holland-international-study-centre

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Your checklistAs soon as possible

Have you paid the required fees for your tuition,

accommodation and insurance

(if applicable)?

Have you booked your accommodation?

Have you checked your passport is valid for at

least six months from your course start date?

Have you applied for and received your visa?

Up to one month before you depart

Have you completed your pre-arrival form (sent

by email) with your flight information?

Have you organised money to bring with you?

Have you received confirmation of your

room allocation?

Have you made a copy of your passport

and other essential documents?

Have you obtained four passport-sized photos?

What to bring with you on your

first dayPlease bring the followin

g documents, so that

we can register you on the course:

Passport

Evidence of your Dutch home address

10 euro deposit for building pass

Notarised and original copies of diplomas /

high school grades

New local phone number (if available)

Pen/paper

Holland International Study Centre is part of Study Group.

For more information visit: studygroup.com

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