Welcome to the UT, the Netherlands' only campus university renowned internationally for its research and entrepreneurship. As an international student you may still be adjusting to your new habitat; below are tips to help.
Both the University and Enschede have beautiful surroundings; the best way to explore the area is definitely by bike. Buying a bike is the first step towards acclimating to Dutch culture. Look for a used bike with a strong new lock. Beware that it might disappear if left unlocked and unattended. The best way to buy a bike is from old students or bike shops. Also, get a map of Enschede from the International Office.
If biking is not your style, try commuting by bus. Line 1 from Enschede in the direction of Universiteit drops passengers at the UT, or line 3 from Hengelo drops people off at UT / Viaduct. Although tickets are available in the bus, a strippenkaart (multiple travel ticket) is a much cheaper option. It can be bought at the station or in some supermarkets. To travel within the Netherlands by train www.ns.nl is very helpful site.
Always carry a valid ID, residence permit or passport with you. Failure to furnish a valid ID upon request will result in a fine.
One of the things you might be looking for is a way to communicate with loved ones back home. This is possible with campus telephone booths or with special calling cards which are obtainable in some Asian or African supermarkets in town. Calling a designated number can reduce calling costs dramatically; the best place to check that is www.televergelijk.nl. If you still believe in postal communication, the main post office in Enschede is located at 326 Boulevard 1945. It also offers other services, such as foreign currency exchange, long distance telecommunication, travel services and banking.
To shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and different meats, the best place is the open-air market, open Saturdays and Tuesdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Aldi, Nettorama, Edha, and Food factory are some of the reasonably priced supermarkets. Searching for places to hang out? Enschede has lots of pubs, bars and clubs located around the old market area by the church (Oude Kerk) in the center of town. Most pubs close around 2 am and clubs around 4 am.
Enschede also has a number of so-called support groups to help you get settled and feel at home. Foundation SMIT provides a mentor system and regular activities for international students (particularly Socrates/Erasmus students; SMIT is a member of Erasmus Student Network). It focuses primarily on students that stay here for a few months to a year.
For female UT and ITC employees or female partners thereof, WiT (Women in Twente / Wereldvrouwen in Twente) offers an opportunity to meet other women. A group of about 40 women, WiT meets several times a month at potluck suppers, Sunday brunches or weekday coffee mornings. Its members offer each other useful tips on acclimating as well as simple friendship. For more information log on to www.womenintwente.nl. Another group - ING (International Neighbor Group) in Enschede - aims at supporting international female (or partners of) students. It was set up especially for the ITC but also welcomes female UT students and female partners of students at its Thursday morning coffees in the Dish Hotel.
Concerning PhD students, TAB (Twents AiO Beraad) is an organization looking after the interests of PhD candidates at the UT. ISAB (International Student Advisory Board) meets to discuss the needs of international students. For more information, contact the International Office. To learn about all such support groups, check out www.graduate.utwente.nl/practical information. This site also provides information on essential matters such as health care and insurance, accommodation, campus facilities, extra-curricular activities, visas and residence permits.
While studying or working at the UT, try following cultural courses offered by the Vrijhof Cultural Center. Most of them start at the end of September. Possiblities range from Sculpture to Drawing and Painting, from Salsa to Black and White Photography. For the full selection, have a look at www.cultuur.utwente.nl.
In addition to studying and research, there is much to discover in the UT vicinity. Now put down the newspaper and do some exploring for yourself!
