First of all the weather is not that bad, I thought it would be raining 24/7 but it has been quite nice since I got here. Still, an umbrella and a raincoat are in the top 3 things you need to have in The Netherlands. And what is #1?
A BIKE !! Netherlands is without a question is the only place in the world that is practically ruled by bikes and bikers :)) Everyone has (at least one) bike and the easiest and cheapest way to travel to anywhere in the city is by bike. There are special roads, parking places and shops for bikes (and unfortunately thiefs! - so you better lock your bike well everytime you leave it alone). It costs about 60 euros to buy a decent 2nd hand one and a good lock for 10 euros :)
The best thing about living in The Netherlands as an international student is that ALL Dutch people (without exception) speak fluent English and always willing to help!
Another key point is the shops close at 5 every weekday and are also closed the entire sunday (with an exception of the first sunday of each month!)
Of course it is always difficult to live in a foreign country, but Netherlands makes everything easier for you with its nice people and friendly environment. And Utrecht is one of the best places in NL to live as a student!
