First Week Checklist

First Week Checklist

Address registration, bank account, school orientation, and settling into student life. Everything you need to do in your first week in the Netherlands.

Your first week in the Netherlands can feel like a blur: new city, new housing, new systems, and a long list of "must-do" admin tasks. The good news is that once you complete a few key steps — especially address registration (BSN) and banking — everything else becomes much easier. Use this checklist to structure your first week so you can settle in quickly and start enjoying student life.

1. Day 1–2: Get Stable in Your New Home

Start with the basics, because they unlock everything else.
Accommodation essentials sorted: keys, entry instructions, Wi-Fi, and a way to receive post
Save your landlord’s contact details and take photos of the room condition (helpful later for deposit discussions)
If you’re in temporary housing, confirm how long you can stay and what your plan is for the next step
Set up a simple folder (digital or paper) for your Dutch admin documents \u2014 you\u2019ll use it constantly

Take photos of your room condition on move-in day. This can save you a lot of trouble later when discussing your deposit.

2. Day 2–4: Register Your Address & Get Your BSN

Your BSN (citizen service number) is one of the most important things you'll get in the Netherlands. You'll need it for many services, including government-related logins and often banking.
Register in the BRP (municipal personal records database) at your city hall (gemeente)
Book your municipality appointment as early as possible — availability can be limited
Bring your passport
Bring your rental contract or proof of address (your municipality may specify what counts)
Bring any supporting documents your university advised you to bring

Helpful guides:

BSN Registration Guide

3. Day 3–6: Apply for DigiD

DigiD is the Dutch government login. You'll eventually use it for things like DUO, taxes, and other official services.
You can apply once you have a BSN and your registration is correctly recorded
DigiD activation may involve receiving a letter or using the DigiD app
Don’t leave it too late — the activation process takes a few days

Helpful guides:

DigiD Guide

4. Day 3–7: Open a Dutch Bank Account

Even if you can survive with a foreign card for a while, a Dutch bank account makes student life smoother for rent, salary, refunds, subscriptions, and daily expenses.
Bring your passport or ID
Bring your BSN (often required or strongly preferred)
Bring proof of address (sometimes requested)
Some banks allow you to start online and finish verification later; others require in-person checks
If you’re planning to work, having a Dutch bank account early is especially useful

Helpful guides:

How to Open a Bank Account

5. University Orientation Week: Don’t Skip It

Orientation isn’t just social. It’s how you learn the “hidden” things:
How your programme actually works day to day
Where support services are
How to use university systems (portals, email, scheduling tools)
How to meet classmates before everyone disappears into their routines

Even if you're introverted, go to at least a few events. Many friendships in the Netherlands form early because people plan their schedules fast and stick to them.

6. Settling In: Build Your Student Life Early

A strong student life doesn’t happen automatically — especially for internationals. The Netherlands is friendly, but social circles can form quickly. The best move is to join structured communities early.
Attend at least one introduction or association event
Join one study association event (easy and low pressure)
Join one interest group (sports, hobby, international community)
Sign up for a buddy programme if your university offers it

Helpful guides:

Student Associations Guide

7. Practical Week-One Tasks That Save Stress Later

These aren’t always urgent on day one, but they make life easier quickly:
Know your healthcare situation — insurance needs may differ depending on whether you only study or also work
Figure out the route to campus and where the nearest supermarkets are
Learn how public transport payment works (OVpay vs OV-chipkaart)
If you'll bike, get a good lock \u2014 bike theft is the one "classic" Dutch reality

Get a proper bike lock (ring lock + chain). Cheap locks are not worth the risk \u2014 bike theft is very common in student cities.

Helpful guides:

Health Insurance GuideStudent Transport Guide

A Simple First-Week Plan

Here's the quick version — the six things that matter most in your first week:

Register your address (BSN)
Apply for DigiD
Open a Dutch bank account
Attend orientation
Join a student association or society event
Set up daily life: transport, groceries, campus systems

StudyPath Tip

If you use a StudyPath paid package, we can turn this into a personalised first-week schedule for your city and university, and we'll keep all your documents organised in a secure online drive so you always know what to bring to each appointment, and what to do next.

Need Help Settling In?

StudyPath guides international students through every step — from programme selection to your first week in the Netherlands.

  • Personalised first-week schedule
  • Document organisation & secure drive
  • Municipality registration support
  • Arrival setup assistance

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is your Dutch citizen service number. You get it when you register your address at the municipality. You’ll need it for banking, DigiD, tax, healthcare, and many other official services. Getting it early unlocks almost everything else.
Some banks may allow you to start the process without a BSN, but most require it or strongly prefer it. It’s best to register your address and get your BSN first, then open your bank account shortly after.
Yes — orientation isn’t just social events. It’s where you learn how your programme works, where support services are, and how to use university systems. Many friendships in the Netherlands form early, so attending even a few events can make a big difference.
It depends on your municipality and your housing arrangement. Some temporary housing providers allow registration at their address. Check with your municipality and housing provider early, because your address registration is needed for your BSN.