-
Embrace the bike culture. The Netherlands is one of the bike-friendliest places in the world; well-designed lanes and paths can take you anywhere, sometimes faster than a car. Buying a new bike isn't necessary; talk to a local about one of the many second-hand bike shops.
-
Contact someone who has been through it already. A student in your program even a few months ahead of you has probably encountered difficulties and challenges in acclimatization that you can avoid.
-
Enjoy your time. Apart from work and study, Enschede has a vibrant and expanding student body, both Dutch and international.
-
Learn a little (or a lot) of the language. If you have ever hosted international visitors in your part of the world, you know how much further even the most basic linguistic niceties will get you.
-
Try joining a club or group. You may balk at another `obligation,' but you will learn that it is part of Dutch culture and there is truly something for everyone at almost every level of participation: sports, music, literature, art, religion, and philosophy - the Dutch have a group for it.
-
Don't miss the open-air market on Tuesdays and Saturdays in Enschede. It's not just a great place to get your fresh produce, meat, or fish, but also a proper introduction to the colorful local culture of Twente. Other shops close at 6 or 8pm usually, and don't forget there isn't much open on Sundays except some restaurants.
-
Give yourself time to deal with culture-shock. Everyone goes through a period of orientation that can be overwhelming, sometimes quite a while after you thought you were comfortable. Don't forget that living abroad takes some sacrifices. Remember to enjoy what you can't find at home.
Some handy websites:
http://www.utwente.nl/en/practical_information/
Practical information for UT international students and employees; everything from visa information to the Dutch health system (in English)
http://ieo.edte.utwente.nl/pre-module/index.htm
Best department website at UT for international students, includes examples of typical Dutch behavior and how to deal with it (in English)
http://www.smit.utwente.nl/site/
SMIT - international student oriented UT organization (in English)
http://www.iht.com/athome.html
International Herald Tribune - At Home Abroad section, caters to US expatriates, but provides useful information for anyone living abroad (in English)
http://www.learndutch.org/
On-line Dutch lessons (in English)
http://www.cbr.nl/
Central driving test organization (in Dutch, English, Turkish)
http://www.ns.nl/pages/index.html
Dutch train system (in Dutch and English)
http://www.student.utwente.nl/~ifes/
Christian worship in Enschede (in English)
http://www.biosagenda.nl/index.php?action=stadsagenda&stadID=51&begindatum=2006-08-03
Films programs at the three cinemas in Enschede (in Dutch)
http://www.bellettrie.utwente.nl/
UT film program (in English)
http://www.amsterdam.nl/e_index.html
Life in Amsterdam, including latest cultural events (in English)
http://www.womenintwente.nl
Women in Twente - friendly support group for international women living in Twente.
Fun diversions close to Enschede:
The open air museum Los Hoes in Ootmarsum ushers you back to the 13th century in 15 authentic buildings. The museum is open everyday (except in January) from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Rijksmuseum has permanent and temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and decorative arts. http://www.rijksmuseum-twenthe.nl/
The Natuurmuseum features animal life in the region. http://www.natuurmuseumenschede.nl/
The Luchtvaartmuseum is great for aviation buffs. http://www.a1.nl/nfla/lmt.html
Jannink Museum is a quaint old textile factory containing a lot of history of the area.
Twente is also famous for Grolsch beer; the new brewery is close to campus and offers tours by appointment.
Quite close to campus, the windmill in Lonneker is a genuine Dutch sight, check http://www.9292ov.nl/ for bus options.
