Student 101: top tips for studying at THUAS
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!
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? |
Tip 2 | Behave like a Dutchie
Once you’re in The Netherlands you will notice that the weather changes fast, one day it’s sunny and really hot, the next day it’s raining cats and dogs. Or even worse, you could have four different weather types in just one day.
Our expert tip is: check the weather forecast every day. Download a weather app and check this every morning before you leave. You could also buy a small umbrella that fits in your bag, that way you are always prepared for the rain.
Public transport
The Netherlands has an excellent public transport system. You can travel by train, tram, bus, ferry and metro. There are more than 400 railway stations, so if you like to explore more of The Netherlands the train is a good way to do so. To travel with public transport, you can pay with a contactless debit or credit card. You can also travel with an OV Chipcard. You can get an anonymous OV chipcard for 7,50 euros at the yellow ticket machines at railway stations. This is also where you can charge credits on to your OV Chipcard. The NS app is useful if you need to plan your route when travelling with the train and other forms of transport.
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Tip 3 | Participate in the introduction activities
Every academic year at The Hague University of Applied Sciences begins with an introduction. You will immediately get to know the university, the city, your teachers and your fellow students.
You will soon know who you can text if you find yourself lost in the building. All degree programmes plan their own introduction activities. The introduction is the basis for your studies at THUAS. You will find out all you need to know about your programme, timetables, systems and much more. You will receive more information from your degree programme.
Welcome to your student city!
Everything you want to know about your introduction to the city of The Hague but also info on studying, living, healthcare, working and student life in The Hague can be found on the website studyinthehague.com.
To get acquainted with your new student city, join the activities of HI The Hague; the introduction programme for all students in The Hague.
In Delft you can join the OWee, the reception week for all students studying in Delft.
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Tip 4 | Stop by Campus Student Life & Sports
Curious about exploring the world beyond the lecture halls?
Stop by Campus Student Life & Sports. Here they organise all sorts of activities and can tell you everything about student sports at THUAS and in the city, study and student associations, student community, and events in and around The Hague. Do you have some fun ideas of your own? You are very welcome to join us!
You will find Campus Student Life & Sports diagonally across from the main entrance to the main campus at Johanna Westerdijkplein 66. You can find them on Social Media as well. Check the Instagram (@campushhs) for upcoming events and fun activities.
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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?
Tip 6 | Play sports at THUAS and stay in shape
Would you like to (continue) to exercise while in university? No problem!
The main campus features a fitness room and a gym hall for all kinds of different student sports activities such as yoga, boxing, Zumba and body workouts. You can play basketball, volleyball or football in the sports halls at the Zuiderpark location.
With a sports and fitness pass you have unlimited access to these activities, but also to free clinics (including pole dance, bouldering) and swimming hours in the municipality swimming pools.
Would you rather work out in Delft? THUAS students can join the sports and fitness of the TU Delft.
Would you like to know more?
- Student life & Sports (Sharepoint)
- X TU Delft
Tip 7 | Get to work
Student life is not a cheap lifestyle. Books, tuition fees, a laptop: it all adds up! And that doesn't even include those after school happy hours or socials.
Many international students work in bars or restaurants and the customers are used to ordering a drink in English. It’s also common that English is used as the main language in workplaces.
If you are looking for a job, a good place to start is the website studyinthehague.com.
If you are an international student and you want to work in addition to your studies, you need to have a work permit (TWV - tewerkstellingsvergunning), unless you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Help out with study choice activities
Not paid in euros, but it does look good on your resume. As an ambassador, you welcome prospective students to, for example, an Open Day or a Trial Study day. You give a tour or attend a fair. You will be paid in gift and lunch vouchers and you will get to know more fellow students. Check with your programme whether you can also receive credits for it. You can register via [email protected].
Would you like to know more?
Tip 8 | Save some euros: ‘More Money = Less Problems’
Do you have some month left at the end of your money? All students occasionally suffer from this problem! What can you do to lighten your financial load? Here are some tips:
Books
Books are essential to your degree programme, there is little we can do about that. But it helps to not buy all books at once. Wait until you are absolutely sure which books you will need. If you have to buy books, you can often find used copies at a much lower price (just make sure you have the right edition). There are several Social Media groups, from your degree programme for instance, where older year students sell their books at an affordable price.
Surfspot
Surfspot.nl offers great student discounts on software.
Swapfiets
Rent a bike via Swapfiets (the bikes with the blue front tyre) for a fixed amount per month. This fee includes maintenance. And even better: There is a Swapfiets right at our main campus and the campus in Delft.
Too good to Go app
Throwing away good food is a waste, right? At many shops and restaurants you can buy food that is left at the end of the day. Saved from the garbage and for a nice price. Win win. Download the Too Good to Go app and score your deal.
Supermarkets
The Hague is a melting pot of cultures, there are multiple international supermarkets all over the city. In Chinatown there are multiple Asian supermarkets and grocery shops. Also there are outdoor markets, they are cheaper than regular supermarkets. De Haagse Markt is the biggest outdoor market in The Netherlands, where you can find all sorts of food and other products.
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Tip 9 | Find your student community
At THUAS you will find students from all over the world. Do you want to get to know people from other programmes in addition to your classmates? Then you can of course become a member of a student association (see tip 5) but there are also plenty of other options at the university!
Interaccess
Interaccess is the student community for and by international students from THUAS. Interaccess organises all kinds of activities so that international students can get to know each other, the city and the Netherlands better. You can find them on social media @interaccessnl.
CarE Network
CarE is a network of Caribbean Dutch students who support each other in challenges such as homesickness and the Dutch language and culture. Would you like to get in touch with CarE? Send an email to: [email protected] or find them on Insta: @care_hhs.
GSA
The Gender and Sexuality Alliance of THUAS is a queer community aiming to create a safe space for everyone to be themselves and connect with other people. The GSA is open to students of all faculties. Follow them on Insta for the latest news: @gsa.thuas.
The Wellbees
The Wellbees are students from various degree programmes who dedicate themselves to addressing and enhancing student wellbeing at THUAS. The Wellbees organise various activities to make (mental) wellbeing discussable and inform fellow students about the support offered by the university. They not only offer a sympathetic ear and a helping hand but also share their own student stories with you. How do they do this? Stop by the Wellbee Corner at Ovaal 1 in front of to the Student Services desk and find out.
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Tip 10 | Make sure that you know how everything works
As a student you always need to know a lot of information. About your examination schedule, timetable changes, events at school, news and much more.
Student Portal
This is the intranet for students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Log in with the username and password that we have provided to you. Use the Student Portal to check your annual schedule and exam dates, read the charters and statutes and review the education plans and study guide. Under Services you will find all information on student services and support at THUAS, like the student counsellor, IT facilities and what to do in the event of an evacuation. Check ‘Degree Programme News‘ to find out about class cancellations or timetable changes. The THUAS calendar provides a useful overview of all events in and around THUAS. Via the Student Portal you can conveniently access applications such as Brightspace and Osiris.
Brightspace
Brightspace is the digital learning environment at THUAS. It contains information about your study assignments, block information, documents and more. Access Brightspace via the Student Portal homepage or directly: https://brightspace.hhs.nl.
Osiris
Osiris is where you register for exams, check your grades and see how your study is progressing.
Here you will also find personal information, such as which class you are enrolled in and your student number. Access Osiris via the Student Portal homepage or directly: student.osiris.hhs.nl.
Student app
Are you very attached to your phone and prefer to check timetables and grades on your device? Then download the MyTHUAS student app (MijnHHs studentenapp) for Android or iOS. All THUAS students receive their digital student card in the app.
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Tip 11 | Follow THUAS on social media
Want to stay up to date on everything that's happening in and around the university?
Then follow us on Instagram (@dehaagsehogeschool), TikTok and LinkedIn.We show you what students and employees do at and outside the university. Students also give a peek into their student life and you can discover which events we organise.
Nearly all degree programmes at THUAS have their own Instagram account. And would you like to stay informed about (sports) activities and student events at THUAS? Then follow the socials of Campus Student Life & Sports @campushhs.
Are you active on social media and want to share your great ideas? Would you like to help us plan content for our social media channels or do a take-over on Instagram? Send us a DM on Instagram.
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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.
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Tip 13 | Know where to go with questions
If everything is new, you probably have questions and then it is useful to know who to turn to.
Your degree programme
If you have any questions about your study, planning, the curriculum or personal matters then you can contact your student coach/ mentor. Questions about grades, timetables, and registration for exams can be submitted to the Front Office of your faculty.
Student Services Desk
You can go here with all your questions about Student Services at the university; registration, admission, tuition fees, choice of study, accommodation, student counsellors and psychologists. You will find the Student Services Desk in the main building on the first floor in Ovaal 1.10.
The Wellbee Corner
The place where you can meet new fellow students, exchange experiences, and get information about THUAS support offerings.
Every lesson week, a Wellbee is present on several days to answer your questions. Ask for directions, answer the weekly wellbeing question, share your unique student story, and join in fun games. Location: Ovaal 1 in front of the Student Services desk
Infographic Who can help you with what?
THUAS has a handy digital infographic that shows you exactly which questions you can ask where. Check out the infographic on the student portal!
Also check TIP 14: Use the helplines.
Would you like to know more?
THUAS has a handy digital infographic that shows you exactly which questions you can ask where. Check out the infographic on the student portal!
Also check TIP 14: Use the helplines.
Would you like to know more?
Tip 14 | Use the helplines
Feeling down? Doubts? Illness? Or something else? There are many things that can interfere with your studies. Sometimes you just need someone to listen, to help you or give you some advice. We are here for you at THUAS with people you can turn to.
Student counsellor
As a student you may encounter problems, at home or at the university, that you cannot solve alone. Or you may fall behind in your studies, because of an illness or other circumstances. Perhaps you have money issues or questions? In these and other cases, you are welcome to contact your student counsellor.
Student psychologist
If you have more personal problems, you can contact a student psychologist. The student psychologist will help you think through and deal with your problems. You can discuss anything, and whatever you choose to discuss is confidential. You can decide together what help is best for you.
Study choice advisor
What if you discover in your first year that you would rather study something else? The study choice advisors can help you choose another degree programme and professional career. They offer testing as well as the possibility to meet you in person.
Would you like to know more?
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?
Tip 16 | Speak up if you disagree (with us)
We of course hope that everything runs smoothly, but it is still useful to know where to go if you disagree with something.
Legal Protection Desk
What if you find that you have been negatively affected by a decision? In this case, you can submit an objection, an appeal or a complaint at the Legal Protection Desk. Of course, it’s not necessary to file an objection or an appeal for every disagreement. You can often resolve the situation by talking to the person who made the decision.
Student ombudsperson
If you have submitted an appeal or objection to the Legal Protection Desk, you can appeal to the ombudsperson. The ombudsperson can assist you, answer your questions and mediate.
(Sexual) transgressive behavior
The Hague University of Applied Sciences strives for a safe and pleasant study environment for all students. This does not include undesirable behavior. Yet undesirable behavior can occur. If you are dealing with undesirable behavior, you can contact one of the confidential advisors.
Stagepunt (Internship point) – for equal internship opportunities
Do you have trouble finding an internship, even when you’re 100% committed? The Internship point is here to help. Mail to [email protected] for tips or to schedule an appointment. More information can be found on the student portal.
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Tip 17 | Make yourself heard
THUAS is always looking for students who want to make their voices heard. You can do this by completing university-wide surveys such as '100 days at The Hague University of Applied Sciences' and the 'National Student Survey', but there are more options.
Participation councils
Would you like to have a say and participate in decisions about your own degree programme, but also about important developments and the university's policy? Then a participation council might be something for you. For example, you can become a student member of the programme committee, faculty council or university council.
Student panel
Would you like to think about the choices of The Hague University of Applied Sciences and earn a Bol.com voucher?
Then become a member of the student panel panel.dehaagsehogeschool.nl. After 3 surveys you will already have a voucher worth €15.
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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?
Tip 19 | Take advantage of the IT facilities
Are you 'old school' when it comes to taking notes and prefer to use pen and paper? But sometimes you need to use a computer? Or perhaps you didn't feel like bringing your laptop? No worries. THUAS features several work stations with desktop computers. You will find these in the library, at the computer labs or in the Study Plaza.
Frontoffice Facilities & IT
At the Frontoffice F&IT they are happy to help you with all IT related questions. Here you can borrow audiovisual equipment if for example, you need to shoot a video for a lecture. In the iFrontoffice self-service portal you will find manuals and you can submit requests.
You are also welcome with any questions about your Campus card.
Forgot your password
Did you stay up all night to meet a deadline? Are you so tired you cannot even remember your password? Then visit the Frontoffice F&IT.
The Frontoffice Facilities & IT is located in the main campus at the Ovaal on the first floor (1.69) , in Delft on the ground floor (D0.116), in Zoetermeer on the first floor (DIF1.01) and at the Sports Campus on the first floor D1-294 (near the tennis ball desk).
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Tip 20 | Don't go hungry
Feeling hangry? We all experience this from time to time. We know it's impossible to concentrate on an empty stomach. You will be happy to know that each campus offers at least one or more food outlets and vending machines packed with hot drinks, soft drinks and snacks to satisfy any craving.
Main building
The main campus offers several food providers. The central restaurant features the largest variety of food. Here you will find halal meals, hot meals, deluxe sandwiches, as well as fruit and salads. For a quick and healthy bite, go to the Strip counter next to the entrance to the central restaurant. There is also a lunch outlet in building Slinger, on the third floor; The Bridge. And for the icing on the cake, head to café WEST75 next to the main entrance. Fed up with vending machine coffee? This is the place for delicious lattes and cappuccinos. In the main building you can pay with your debit card.
Other locations
The Sports Campus Zuiderpark has a restaurant on the ground floor. The restaurant serves healthy sandwiches and salads. The restaurant in Delft can be found on the ground floor and sells soups, sandwiches and hot snacks, among other things. In Zoetermeer you can have a cup of tea or coffee and a nice lunch in the Innovation Café. Payment is only by debit card.
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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?
Tip 22 | How to study successfully
Studying in higher education and in completely new surroundings will take some getting used to. You will have to organise, find out and plan things yourself. And what is the best approach for you? How do you plan your study for instance or how do you tackle projects?
Luckily, the student coach/ mentor of your degree programme can help you with any questions concerning your studies. In addition, THUAS offers free practical courses and workshops for students on different topics, like how to deal with stress or how to motivate yourself.
Under the Services button on the student portal you will find an overview of all support and services to help you study successfully at The Hague University of Applied Sciences!
Would you like to know more?
Tip 23 | Work on your skills
Do you want to work on your skills? You can! THUAS offers a wide range of training courses and workshops for all students on all kinds of subjects. And it is free too..
Personal development
Everyone has a quality they want to work on. Maybe you are someone who has to do everything at the last minute because you have put it off for too long or would you like to be a little more assertive? You can sign up for a workshop like ‘Self-confidence’, 'Mindfulness' or 'Handling homesickness'. All for free. You can register online via services on the student portal.
Language Point
The Language Point is the place to go if you want to improve your Dutch language skills. There is a consultation hour, there are workshops and there is a website with explanations, exercises and handy tools to help you get started right away.
Are you working on a writing assignment and need help? Then you can set up a meeting with a Language Point writing coach about any text you are required to write for your programme. The writing coach will help you look at your structure and the wording of your text and ask questions, helping you to learn and move forward.
Study choice advisors
Are you unsure whether you have chosen the right study or are you just not sure what you want? The study choice advisors offer workshops & training to find out what suits you best.
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Tip 24 | Carefully review all information
We understand that you may have more questions. About issues that are not directly related to your studies, but that would be useful to know. So we have some more information for you.
Holidays
THUAS has mandatory days off, holidays and periods without lessons (recess). During the mandatory days off (such as Easter Monday) and the Christmas holidays, the buildings are closed. During the other periods without lessons, such as the autumn and spring recess, you can use the library or study spaces. There are no educational activities during these periods, but (re)exams and projects can take place.
Locations
THUAS consists of four different locations: the main campus at Johanna Westerdijkplein, the Sports Campus in Zuiderpark, the Delft campus and the Zoetermeer campus. Want to know how to get there? Plan your travel route ahead of time. This will also tell you how late you can sleep in.
Difficult terminology
BSA, ECTS, Major, Minor and EEA. Do you get dizzy from all these code names? Don't worry, you are not the first one. That is why we have created a nice online overview that clearly explains everything. Take your time to review these so that you don't feel like: ‘What are these people talking about?’
Do you still have questions after reading these tips? Stop by the Student Services Desk in Ovaal 1.10 of the main campus of THUAS. They are happy to help you out!
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Tip 25 | Favourites
Our final tip: add this page to your favourites so you can get back to the tips when you need them!
And do you have a tip for us? Always welcome! Send your tip to [email protected]
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.
