Rotterdam is a true student city being multicultural, affordable and a hub for art and culture. Named one of Lonely Planet’s top ten cities of 2016, Rotterdam has come a long way from its past as a humble fishing village. It perfectly combines cutting edge architecture with the cosy “gezellig” culture. The city centre has been developed into a picture of innovation with its futuristic skyscrapers beside post-war constructions, shaping the unique Rotterdam skyline.
The city
Get some insights on the best spots of Rotterdam from fellow students
Campus Woudestein
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Dutch language
If you are considering staying in the Netherlands after your studies, knowing the basics of the Dutch language is recommended. There are various ways to improve your Dutch. It all depends on how much time you have and how determined you are...and also, it is great fun! Although Dutch people are likely to switch to speaking English as soon as they find out you are a foreigner, they really appreciate it if you try to talk to them in their native language.
Events at IHS
Although our programmes are challenging and intense, we offer IHS students numerous ways to learn and develop professionally through a mix of lectures, field visits, real-life case studies, career workshops and more. Students often organise informal events for themselves with the help of the Professional Services, such as potluck dinners, social gatherings and cultural evenings on the 14th floor of the Mandeville Building at IHS.
Biking
It has been claimed that in the Netherlands, the number of bikes exceeds the number of people. So it will come as no surprise that Rotterdam is fully adapted to suit cyclists with dedicated bike lanes and bike parking to make journeys safer and faster. Popular spots to explore on two wheels include the city centre, the waterfront, the port of Rotterdam and many parks around the city.
Exploring further afield
Rotterdam is ideally located for those who want to explore further afield. The main station Rotterdam Centraal will connect you with other major cities in the Netherlands and the neighbouring countries of Belgium and France. The canal-lined streets of Amsterdam, historical Utrecht and the government city Den Haag are all reachable in less than an hour by train. Famous tourist attractions such as the tulip fields of Keukenhof and the windmills of Kinderdijk are both within an hour’s drive.
Culture
Rotterdam hosts a wide range of cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals with an ever-changing cultural landscape. There is something to suit every taste and lifestyle, from film festivals to sporting events, orchestra performances, to food markets. Rotterdam has a rich maritime culture, apparent in its museums and in the actual port itself, which can be explored by bike, boat or foot.
Shopping
In Rotterdam, even the shopping areas are architecturally inspiring. The award-winning Markthal - a horseshoe-shaped building, made of steel and glass - is becoming a “must-see” tourist attraction. You will also find that several markets sell fresh products in different suburbs around the city and in front of Markthal on Tuesdays and Saturdays.