Rotterdam is a true student city being multicultural, affordable and a hub for art and culture. Named one of Lonely Planet’s top ten cities of 2016, Rotterdam has come a long way from its past as a humble fishing village. It perfectly combines cutting edge architecture with the cozy “gezellig” culture. The city centre has been developed into a picture of innovation with its futuristic skyscrapers that sit beside post-war constructions, shaping the unique Rotterdam skyline.
The city
Get some insights on the best spots of Rotterdam from fellow students
Campus Woudstein
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Dutch language
Although Dutch people are likely to switch to speaking English as soon as they find out you are a foreigner, they really appreciate if you try to talk to them in their native language. If you are considering staying in the Netherlands after your studies, it is recommended to know the basics of the Dutch language. There are various ways to improve your Dutch, it all depends on how much time you have and how determined you are...and also, it is great fun!
Events at IHS
Although our programmes are challenging and intense, we offer IHS students numerous ways to learn and develop professionally through a mix of lectures, field visits, real-life case studies, career workshops and more. Student often organise informal events for themselves with the help of the Professional Services such us potluck dinners, social gatherings and cultural evenings on the 14th floor of Mandeville Building, at IHS.
Public transport
Public transport in Rotterdam is very well organised: the trams, buses and metro are scheduled to link perfectly. You can visit other cities by metro such as The Hague or the nearby beach, Hoek van Holland as well. All public transport (including the ferry) can be used with an OV chipcard.
Biking
It has been claimed that in the Netherlands the number of bikes exceeds the number of people. So it will come as no surprise that as a city Rotterdam is fully adapted to suit cyclists with dedicated bike lanes and bike parking to make journeys safer and faster. Popular spots to explore on two wheels include the city centre, the waterfront, the port of Rotterdam and many parks around the city.
Exploring further afield
Rotterdam is ideally located for those who want to explore further afield. The main station Rotterdam Centraal will connect you with other major cities in the Netherlands as well as in the neighbouring countries of Belgium and France. The canal lined streets of Amsterdam, historical Utrecht and the government city Den Haag are all reachable in less than an hour by train. Famous tourist attractions such as the tulip fields of Keukenhof and the windmills of Kinderdijk are both within an hour’s drive.
Culture
With an ever-changing cultural landscape, Rotterdam plays host to a wide range of cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals. From film festivals to sporting events, orchestra performances to food markets there is something to suit every taste and lifestyle. Rotterdam has a rich maritime culture, which is apparent in its museums and in the actual port itself, which can be explored by bike, boat or foot.
Shopping
In Rotterdam even the shopping areas are architecturally inspiring as the award-winning Markthal - which is a horseshoe shaped building made of steel and glass - is becoming a “must-see” tourist attraction. You will also find that there are several markets selling fresh products in different suburbs around the city and in front of Markthal on Tuesdays and Saturdays.