Arriving in the Netherlands feels much easier when you've prepared three things in advance: your documents, your essentials, and your first-week plan. Your university may also send a pre-arrival list — follow theirs first if anything differs.
1. Essential Travel Documents (Hand Luggage)
Bring originals where possible, plus digital copies saved in a secure place.
Your passport (check expiry)
MVV sticker (if you need an MVV) or entry permission confirmation
Residence permit approval letter or university visa confirmation (if provided)
University offer letter / proof of enrolment
Proof of financial means summary (bank statement or university deposit confirmation)
Proof of accommodation (contract, confirmation email, or address details)
Travel insurance confirmation for the journey (and the first days, if you’re not covered yet)
A few passport photos (you’ll often need these for admin tasks)
If applicable: TB test letter/instructions from your university or IND
2. Important Documents to Also Bring
You may not need these at the airport, but they can save weeks if the municipality or another office requests them.
Original diploma(s) and transcripts (and certified translations if applicable)
Birth certificate (some municipalities may ask; requirements vary)
Any legalised/apostilled documents you already prepared
Vaccination record (optional, but useful)
Driver’s licence + international driving permit (only if relevant to your plans)
Keep both paper and digital versions. A scanned PDF can solve many "please send proof" requests quickly.
3. First-Week Arrangements (Confirm Before You Fly)
Make sure these are locked in before you board your flight.
Housing and address readiness
Confirm your move-in date and key pickup details
Make sure you have a Dutch address you can use for registration and mail
Know who to contact if you arrive outside office hours
Municipality registration plan (BSN)
Check whether your city requires you to book a registration appointment in advance
Bring required documents (passport + rental contract are commonly requested)
University arrival steps
Confirm orientation dates, campus registration, and student card pickup
Make sure you know where and when to collect your residence permit card (IND appointment if applicable)
Helpful guides:
4. Money and Payments (Avoid Arrival Stress)
Having access to money on arrival day is critical. Don’t rely on a single payment method.
Have at least €300 – €800 available for the first days (food, transport, deposits, unexpected costs)
Bring at least one payment method that works internationally (credit card or debit card with international use enabled)
Keep emergency funds accessible (separate card or a backup account)
If you paid a university deposit ("blocked account" style), keep the proof and understand how refunds/payouts work
5. Packing Essentials (What Students Usually Forget)
Focus on what’s hard to replace quickly. You can buy most basics in the Netherlands.
For documents and admin
Folder or document sleeve (keep everything together)
A USB stick or secure cloud storage access
Spare passport photos
Clothing and daily life
A waterproof jacket (not just an umbrella — Dutch weather is changeable)
Comfortable shoes for walking and biking
Warm layers (even in early autumn evenings)
Study basics
Laptop + charger + adapters
Headphones (useful for online classes and shared housing)
Any required calculators/software (programme-specific)
Medication
Bring any prescription medicine with the prescription note (English is best)
Pack basic items you rely on (painkillers, allergy meds, etc.)
If you use special products (contact lenses, skincare), bring enough for the first month
6. Phone and Internet Readiness
Being connected on arrival day saves a lot of stress.
Make sure your phone is unlocked for a Dutch SIM/eSIM
Save key numbers offline (landlord, university contact, emergency contacts)
Download essential apps before arrival (maps, banking, university portals)
7. Transport and First-Day Navigation
Know your route before you land.
Plan your route from the airport to your accommodation
Know whether you will use OVpay (tap with bank card) or buy an OV-chipkaart
If arriving late, confirm there is still a safe route and check-in method
Helpful guides:
8. Health and Insurance Basics
Make sure you’re covered from the moment you travel.
Arrange travel insurance or temporary insurance for your journey and initial period
If you will work soon after arriving, read up on Dutch health insurance rules early (it can change once you start employment)
Helpful guides:
Pre-Arrival "Must-Do" Timeline
A simple schedule to stay on track before your departure:
2 – 4 weeks before
Confirm housing, pay any deposits, finalise visa steps, book key appointments1 week before
Print essential documents, confirm arrival instructions, prepare emergency funds48 hours before
Check travel route, backup documents to cloud, confirm key pickup and phone roamingStudyPath Tip
If you use a StudyPath paid package, we'll turn this into a personalised pre-arrival plan based on your city and university, and we'll organise your documents in a secure online drive so you can find what you need in seconds — especially when you're tired, jet-lagged, and trying to register everything in your first week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passport, MVV sticker or visa confirmation, university offer letter, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and passport photos. Keep originals in your carry-on and digital copies in cloud storage.
Aim for at least €300–€800 in accessible funds for your first days. This covers food, transport, deposits, and unexpected costs. Bring at least one internationally-enabled card and keep emergency funds separate.
If you’re only studying (not working), you typically don’t need Dutch basic health insurance. However, you should have travel insurance or temporary coverage for your journey and initial period. Rules change if you start working.
You don’t need to buy one in advance. You can use OVpay (contactless bank card) from your first trip. If you want a personal OV-chipkaart for student discounts, you can arrange this after you have your BSN and Dutch bank account.