Welcome!

And now the day has finally come. You are ready to begin your studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Maybe you don't know the Netherlands or the city that well and you still haven't met your fellow students. Pretty exciting, right? 

We certainly understand that when everything is new, you can probably use some tips and tricks on what to do and how to be prepared for the academic year and the unpredictable Dutch weather.  

That's why we are offering you these tips to help you get off to a good start at the university. We hope you enjoy your time with us and wish you a warm welcome at The Hague University of Applied Sciences! 

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Our 25 tips for a perfect start to your study!

Tip 1 |  Get to know the Dutchies

It could be that you experienced a culture shock when you arrived in The Netherlands. Because you have noticed that we don’t wear wooden shoes, but we really do eat a lot of cheese and bread. We use our bicycle for everything and are very straight forward.  

So if you want to get to know the Dutchies: make friends with Dutch students and ask them everything you want to know about cheese, the weather and The Hague. Here are some typical Dutch sentences you could use:  

Hoe gaat het?How are you doing?
Gaat het regenen?Will it rain?
Mag ik je fiets lenen?Can I borrow your bicycle?
Waar is de supermarkt?Where is the supermarket?
Ik vond het gezellig!I had a good time!
Hoe laat gaat de tram naar Scheveningen?What time does the tram leave for Scheveningen?
Wat kost het?How much is it?
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Tip 5 | Join a study or student association 

There is of course no obligation to join an association, but it's a great way to make new friends. Study associations are directly associated with your degree programme, whereas student associations welcome students from all kinds of degree programmes and universities.   

Study association  

By joining a study association, you will often get a discount on study books, you will exchange course knowledge with other members and you are usually assigned a study buddy.   

Student association  

Student associations come in all shapes and sizes. You can join a fun and social association, a rowing association or a student orchestra.  

There are also various international student associations and organisations, such as: Interaccess or Tribez. All associations and organisations have their own unique personality and purpose. At THUAS we have students from more than 140 countries. Make friends from all over the world and learn more about each other’s backgrounds and customs.   

Would you like to know more?  

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Tip 12 | Visit the International Office

The  International Office of THUAS can help you out with all non-academic matters and questions you might have as an international student. They can assist you in arranging practical matters such as your accommodation in The Hague, residence permits and insurance.  

The International Office is located at the Student Services Desk in Ovaal 1.10 of the main campus of THUAS.  

Would you like to know more? 

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Tip 15 | Let us know how we can help you if you have a support question

Could you use a little help during your study? Because you have dyslexia or ADHD? Or maybe because you play professional sports? 

Studying with support needs 

THUAS offers many facilities and arrangements to accommodate students with support needs. To get a good start, schedule an appointment as quickly as possible with the student counsellor of your programme. Together you will review which facilities and arrangements you require to enable or facilitate your studies. Arrangements may include extra time to write an exam, extra counselling, but also the use of an adapted resting space.  

Professional sports 

As a professional athlete you might have questions about combining your sports with your studies. You can contact the student counsellor to request special study facilities, for example the opportunity to take remote classes. 

Student network 

THUAS also has a network for and by students that advocates on behalf of the interests of students with support needs. You can reach them via [email protected]

Would you like to know more? 

Student en mentor aan tafel

Tip 18 | Use the library

Now that you are a student here you may sometimes feel you live in the library. A quiet oasis or a relaxed spot to study with a partner.   

The library offers a large (digital) collection of literature, newspapers and magazines. You will also find plenty of work areas with comfortable chairs so you can concentrate on studying. The use of the library is free and the facility in the main building is even open in the evening. As a student in Delft you can also apply for a free library card for the TU Delft library. 

Digital Library  

In addition to the workplaces and paper collection, we have a very extensive digital collection. Please consult our website  https://www.thuas.com/about-thuas/facilities/library  
Here you will also find the reading list for your programme.  

Questions?  
Do you have questions or want help finding the right sources? Contact us via [email protected]   

Would you like to know more?  

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Tip 21 | Check out what’s happening at the debate center The Lighthouse 

Did you know that THUAS has its own debate center? The Lighthouse regularly organises inspiring lectures with well-known writers and politicians. There are also debates, exhibitions, film festivals and podcasts on the agenda throughout the year.  

And that is not all! The Lighthouse also has clubs you can join, whether you're into books, movies or art. And the great thing is that you meet people who are just as enthusiastic about these things as you are.  

The Lighthouse prefers to organise all these activities together with students, teachers and researchers. Activities that make you think and that start a conversation about social and political issues, the world and the future.  

All activities are free and open to all students at THUAS, also if you study in Delft, Zoetermeer or at our location in the Zuiderpark! Check  hhs.nl/lighthouse. 

Would you like to know more?  

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A taste of student life

Want to experience a fun student time in The Hague and Delft? Watch the video to get a taste of the city, the beach and activities inside and outside The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Take a look

Would you like to take a look at our locations without actually being there? Then this video is a good alternative! View the various facilities and study places.

Our campuses

Click on your campus, and you will find the address there to plan your route. Maybe you can snooze a bit longer than you might think.