Arrival and Introduction Guide - Fall 2016 - Bachelor's Degree ...
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Arrival and
Introduction Guide
Fall 2016
1
Dear students,
Congratulations again on your acceptance to the Semester in Amsterdam program! We look
forward to welcoming you to The Netherlands. The Semester in Amsterdam program is a mix of
students from diverse countries, nationalities, and universities. This fall we are pleased to
welcome students from Denmark, Brazil, Egypt, China, Australia, and the USA.
This is just a small selection of the many nationalities represented at the Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam. The VU is also home to international students on exchange and pursuing full
degrees. And, of course, local Dutch students. So we invite you to reach out, explore, and make
connections.
Our Arrival and Introduction Guide is intended to assist you during your first weeks in
Amsterdam. We encourage you to download or print a copy of this guide prior to arriving so
you can access it without WIFI.
As always, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at
semesterinamsterdam@vu.nl. See you soon!
Kind regards,
Ramon, Ilin, and Kelly
Ramon Ellenbroek Ilin Sen Kelly Donovan
Director International Officer International Officer
2
Table of Contents
1. Arrival and Airport Pick-Up……………………………………………………………………………………page 4
2. Housing and Room Check-In…………………………………………………………………………………page 4
3. Arrival and Introduction Schedule…………………………………………………………………pages 5-12
4. Social Program……………………………………………………………………………….......................page 13
5. Campus Life………………………………………………………………………………………………………pages 14
6. Public Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………pages 15-17
a. Checking In and Out
b. Getting Around
c. Bike Safety
d. Transportation Websites and Apps
7. Practical Matters…………………………………………………………………………………………………page 18
a. WIFI and Study Facilities
b. Money
c. Cell Phone
8. Where Can I…..………………………………………………………………………………………………pages 19-21
a. Explore?
b. Meet People?
c. Shop?
d. Find a Bike?
9. How to Reach Us………………………………………………………………………………………………….page 21
10. Academic Calendar……………………………………………………………………………………………page 22
11. Maps……………………………………………………………………………………………………………pages 23-25
a. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
b. Uilenstede Campus
c. Hotel Jansen in Relation to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and City Center
3
1. Arrival and Airport Pick-Up
The official arrival date is Friday, August 19, 9.00-16.30.
Please do your best to arrive on this day as it is the day on which you will have guaranteed
access to your housing. Tinker Taxi is our contracted partner for your free airport pick-up and
drop-off. Assuming you provide your arrival details by July 25, a Tinker representative will bring
you from Schiphol Airport to the Uilenstede housing campus. Our staff will be there to greet
you and help you get settled.
We can accommodate arrivals until 16.30 on Friday, August 19. If you arrive after this time then
you will need to handle your own transportation and check-in by navigating from Schiphol
Airport to Uilenstede.
2. Housing
We have two housing complexes: Uilenstede and Hotel Jansen. All students staying at Hotel
Jansen are welcome to use the facilities at the Uilenstede campus, including the Sports Center,
Cultural Center, eateries, and bike shop. Your VU student card will give you access to these
facilities.
Our staff will take care of reserving and booking your room but depending on your choice of
housing you may need to upload certain documents and sign an online contract. This
information will be communicated to you prior to your arrival in Amsterdam. Please make sure
you’ve taken care of all to-do items in regards to housing otherwise your residence permit will
be in jeopardy.
4
3. Arrival and Introduction Schedule
As Semester in Amsterdam students you will enjoy a private arrival and introduction program
which is offered in combination with the general introduction program organized by the
International Office for all international students, including exchange and full-degree students.
Please refer to the color-coded key on page 6 to know which activities are sponsored by whom.
Please also note that this schedule is an outline. More information about the schedule and
signing up for these activities (some of which are mandatory) will be sent soon.
5
Key:
Semester in Amsterdam activity
International Office activity
International Student Organization (ESN) activity
Mandatory
Friday, August 19
Time Activity
9.00 - 16.30 Arrival and airport pickup
Provided you give us your arrival details, a Tinker Taxi representative will bring you from Schiphol Airport
to the Uilenstede housing campus
Our staff will be there to greet you and help you get settled
9.00 - 16.30 Room check in at DUWO office on Uilenstede Campus
Students will receive their keys upon arrival
Our staff will bring you to your room and help transport your
luggage
Students will also register with the municipality and make an
appointment at this time to meet immigration services on the
VU campus 2 weeks later to process their residence permits
Students who qualify for a loan bike will also
receive their bike when they check in to housing:
- This includes students who were one of the first
confirmed enrolled students
- You will be informed prior to your arrival via email if you
qualify for a loan bike
15.30 – 17.00 Neighborhood tour
Meet at 15.30 at DUWO housing office on the Uilenstede campus
Our staff will lead a walking tour of local shops and attractions surrounding Uilenstede
Evening hours “Get Together” at Uilenstede’s Il Café
Opportunity to meet other international students living on Uilenstede campus
This activity is sponsored by the International Student Organization (ESN). More information will follow
6
Saturday, August 20
Time Activity
13.30 – 18.00 Meet and Greet Picnic
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 13.30
7
Sunday, August 21
Time Activity
N/A Free Day
No scheduled activities. This is your chance to explore and get settled
Monday, August 22
Time Activity
9.00 – 12.00 Group Shopping Trip
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 9.00
Opportunity to purchase room furnishings and other necessities at the Gelderlandplein shopping center
13.30 – 16.30 Tour Heineken Brewery
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 13.30
Tuesday, August 23
Time Activity
9.00 - 12.00 Arrange all practical matters at the VU
Open a bank account, join the International Student Organization (ESN), arrange insurance (if needed)
One-on-one appointment with Semester in Amsterdam staff to review courses and answer questions
15.30 – 17.00 Official Semester in Amsterdam Welcome
Welcome presentation at the VU by Semester in Amsterdam staff
Location TBA, but it will be a room at the VU
Opportunity to meet all program participants
8
Wednesday, August 24
Time Activity
9.30 - 11.00 Word of Welcome
Official welcome for all international students,
including exchange and full degree students
Featuring the Director of the International Office,
President of VU Amsterdam, and President of
the International Student Organization (ESN)
11.30 - 16.00 Information Market on the Campus Square
Open air market with stands from student associations, city groups, and cultural organizations
9
Thursday, August 25
Time Activity
10.00 - 14.00 How to Make it at the VU
Introduction to the Dutch education style
Tips for succeeding in classes, approaching professors, and making international friends
Career and networking tips
14.00 - 18.00 City Day
City tour
Free events throughout the city organized by VU student associations
10Friday, August 26
Time Activity
10.00 - 17.00 Uilenstede Festival
Sport competitions, workshops at Griffoen cultural center, and alternative program for non-sporters
16.30 Start of ESN Weekend
ESN-sponsored weekend featuring a city tour, cabaret show, Amsterdam boat trip, and evening events
More information will follow
Saturday, August 27 – Sunday, August 28
Time Activity
ESN Weekend Continued
ESN-sponsored weekend featuring a city tour, cabaret show, Amsterdam boat trip, and evening events
More information will follow
Monday, August 29
Time Activity
10.00 – 17.00 Trainings and workshops
Dutch crash-course, faculty meetings, VuNet trainings, etc.
11Tuesday, August 30
Time Activity
8.30 – 17.00 Day trip to Efteling
17.00 Campus Party
Food, music, and activities
Mingling with other international students and Dutch VU students
124. Social Program
As part of our free social program we offer numerous activities throughout the semester to
help you explore Dutch culture and meet fellow students. Detailed descriptions about the
activities can be found here:
http://www.studyabroadinamsterdam.nl/en/semester/orientation-social-
programme/index.aspx.
Some activities have an extra cost associated:
- Efteling Theme Park: Tuesday, August 30
- Weekend trip to German Christmas markets: December 3-4
You can RSVP for these paid-for activities via our online survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6FJ6RHP.
FALL SEMESTER /
SEMESTER 2
3rd and 4th weeks of
Arrival Days & Introduction
August
September 22: Utrecht city tour
October 5: Zuiderzee museum
October 10: Soccer match Holland v. France (to be announced)
Periods 1 & 2 November 12: Anne Frank House and Tuschinski Theater
November 22: Haarlem city tour
November 24: Leiden Thanksgiving tour
December 3-4: Weekend trip to German Christmas markets
Week prior to departure Holiday drinks and farewell
135. Campus Life
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has a welcoming city campus with excellent facilities for teaching
and research. It is a hub where people feel at home, meet each other, and engage in new forms
of collaboration. The campus offers the following:
A variety of shops, cafés and restaurants, including a grocery store;
A cultural programme of film music and dance at the Griffioen Cultural Center. The center
also has a wide range of courses to choose from, greatly reduced in price for students;
Sports Center with good facilities, many types of classes and a gym. Provides cheap
entrance for students and the possibility to subscribe for a short period of time;
A basketball field, multiple beach volleyball fields, and tennis tables are located on the
campus ground, free to use for students any time of day;
Great public transport connection: 15 minute tram or bike ride to the historic city center
and 8 minute train journey to Schiphol Airport
5 minute tram or bike ride to the campus housing complex Uilenstede and 8-10 minute
bike ride to Hotel Jansen;
The Main Building has a permanent exhibition space which showcases work of beginning
and established artists. All over the campus you can view the university’s art collection,
including an art route through the public areas;
The campus has its own bike repair shop, which also sells reasonably priced second hand
bikes;
A number of academic and cultural events are organized on the campus throughout the
year. For example the opening of the academic year and an enticing public event
programme including the VU Summer Break Festival, On the Roof Film Festival, and the
Open Air Festival.
146. Public Transportation
a. Checking In and Out
Public transportation in Amsterdam uses a “check-in, check-out” system. We recommend that
you purchase an OV-chipkaart, which is a re-loadable card to which you can add money. Check-
in and check-out scanners are located in train stations and metro platforms, not on the metros
and trains themselves. Scanning stations for buses and trams are located on the vehicles
themselves near the doors. You check in with your OV-chipkaart when you board and check out
when you’ve reached your destination. Money will be deducted based on the traveled distance.
Checking in and out with your OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart has an initial €7 activation fee. You can opt for automatic reload, which links
to your bank account and automatically refills your card when your credit drops below a certain
amount. You can also order credit online or use a loading machine. Loading machines can be
found in stations and in some buses, supermarkets, and convenience stores. You can purchase
single-ride tickets if you prefer, but using an OV-chipkaart is cheaper.
Transportation officials often conduct random checks and you will be fined for not checking in.
Please note: you always need a minimum of €20 on your card to check in for trains. Should you
forget to check out you can request a refund online.
Finally, a comprehensive overview of the national train system can be found here.
15b. Getting Around
Getting to the city center from the Vrije Universiteit:
Trams 16 and 24 in front of the VU main building, direction Centraal Station
Tram 5 to the left of the VU main building, direction Centraal Station
Metro 51 to the left of the VU main building, direction Centraal Station
Getting to the Vrije Universiteit from Uilenstede:
Tram 5, direction Centraal Station, to “De Boelelaan/VU” (3 stops)
Metro 51, direction Centraal Station, to “De Boelelaan/VU”(3 stops)
Getting to Uilenstede from the Vrije Universiteit:
Tram 5, direction Amstelveen Binnenhof, to “Uilenstede” (3 stops)
Metro 51, direction Amstelveen Westwijk, to “Uilenstede”(3 stops)
Getting to the city center from Uilenstede:
Tram 5 direction Central Station
Metro 51 direction Central Station
c. Bike Safety
Amsterdam is full of bikes. In fact, there are more bikes than inhabitants. Biking is often faster
than using other modes of public transportation. You’ll notice that locals rarely wear helmets. It
is not mandated by law, but you can of course wear a helmet if you feel safer.
The city’s bike traffic can easily overwhelm international visitors, but don’t panic. Below are
some tips to help you ride safely. Check out the Bike Instructor’s Guide to Cycling in Amsterdam
if you need some extra assurance.
Traffic Laws:
Use the bike paths, which parallel the sidewalks and are differentiated by a bike icon
painted onto the pavement
If you want to pass another biker, ring your bell and pass on the left
Obey traffic lights, which have a special bike icon
Always signal when turning by sticking out the appropriate hand
Do not stop suddenly
16 Do not ride in front of trams. If you need to cross tram rails, do so at a perpendicular
angle so that your wheels don’t get stuck in the rails
Use a front and back light in the dark, otherwise you risk getting a fine
Bike traffic lights
Parking and Locking Your Bike:
Always lock your bike when leaving it, otherwise chances are it won’t be there when you
return
Use the built-in lock for the back wheel and a chain lock for the frame
Only park in designated places, otherwise your bike might be removed by city officials
When possible, lock your bike to a structure, such as designated bike racks
d. Transportation Websites and Apps
A list of handy public transportation apps for smartphones can be found here. If you don’t have
a smartphone, many of these apps have websites that can be accessed online via computer.
177. Practical Matters
a. WIFI
Free WIFI is available for all students and employees on campus. There are several computer
rooms, a notebook study room and internet work spaces to study comfortably and quietly. All
faculties have their own study and computer rooms, often combined. Students can also study in
the faculty libraries. The buildings are generally opened from 7AM to 11PM on weekdays and
from 8AM to 6PM during the weekend. For opening times for each building, click here.
If you have trouble connecting to the WIFI on campus then please visit the IT desk, located in
the Vrije Universiteit Main Building on the ground floor.
All students living in Uilenstede must purchase a router and routing cable to connect to WIFI in
your room. Routers can be purchased cheaply at the electronic store located on the Uilenstede
campus.
b. Money
On Tuesday, August 23 our staff will help you with arrange a Dutch bank account, which you
can use to withdraw money and “pin” when making purchases. “Pinning” works much like a
debit card, meaning you enter a four-digit pin code to finalize your purchase.
Should you choose to use a bank card from your home country please be aware that they often
are not accepted at small shops and restaurants nor at most OV-chipkaart loading stations and
international transaction fees may apply.
c. Cell Phones
Phones and SIM cards can be purchased at most local telephone stores. Assuming you bring an
unlocked smart phone with you, you can purchase a Dutch SIM card for your phone for about
€15. The price may vary depending on what size SIM card you need, which depends on your
phone’s generation. A list of providers can be found here. On Tuesday, August 23 you can also
purchase a SIM card from the International Student Organization (ESN) for €5. The card is pre-
loaded with €5 worth of credit which can be used immediately.
You can choose to use a SIM card in combination with pay-as-you-go credit or in combination
with a subscription. Simyo.nl is an example of a company that allows you to pay month-by-
month for a data, call, and text package. Unfortunately the website is in Dutch, but ask a Dutch
friend for help!
188. Where Can I….?
a. Explore?
Each area of Amsterdam has its own
character, charm, and own unique variety of
shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, and
attractions. Take time to discover the city's
hidden treasures in Amsterdam's
neighbourhoods:
>> Amsterdam neighbourhood guide
>> Interactive neighbourhood map
Manyguide is a free city guide app that
connects you with 600 local experts who
provide help just when you need it.
Want to know at which terrace the sun still
shines? Or which shoe repairman fixes your
heels on the spot? Just ask Manyguide and
get a personal answer in a few minutes
from one of their local experts.
The service matches users’ questions to the expertise of its guides’ database. It sends out a
notification after which a real person takes over to provide current and honest information
about what to do, see, eat, or drink. It also provides you with a digital map containing opening
hours, directions, and more.
b. Meet People?
Semester in Amsterdam students arrive a few days before other international and exchange
students. You can meet your fellow Semester in Amsterdam peers by attending our free arrival
and introduction activities (schedule on page 6). The arrival activities sponsored by the
International Office will help you meet other international students who are not in the
Semester program.
19Once classes begin you’ll be able to meet your fellow students, but in the meantime
Uilenstede’s Il Café, Griffioen Cultural Center, and Sports Centrum are great places to meet
people. You can also visit the Basket Café, located on the VU campus.
You can also register with ESN Amsterdam, the international student association of the Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam, on Tuesday, August 23 to have access to social and cultural events
throughout the year.
Finally, the I Am Amsterdam calendar is a great resource to see what’s going on in the city when
you first arrive. Grab a friend and head downtown!
c. Shop?
From the first cup of coffee in the morning to a hot meal at the end of the day, the VU campus
has a wide variety of cafés and restaurants to satisfy any craving. Books and other study
materials can be find at the VU bookshop. The VU campus also features a Fair Trade shop and a
student supermarket.
Albert Hein, Jumbo, Dirk, and Aldi are common Dutch supermarkets. Action, Xenos, and Blokker
are cheap shops for home goods, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products.
HEMA is a one-stop shop with products ranging from clothes to home goods to snacks and
school supplies. HEMA also sells discounted train tickets for €19 which allow you to travel
anywhere in the Netherlands for 24 hours.
d. Find a bike?
All students living at Hotel Jansen will receive a loan bike from the hotel. We provide VU loan
bikes to students living at Uilenstede who were among the first to confirm their enrollment in
the Semester in Amsterdam program. You will be notified by email if you are one of these
students. Your official VU bike will be waiting for you when you check into your room on Friday,
August 19 or Monday, August 22.
If you qualify for a VU loan bike please bring €50 euros in cash for a security deposit and a
signed bike rental agreement. The €50 will be returned to you at the end of the semester,
assuming your bike is still in good working order.
If you want to purchase your own bike then many bike shops, including the bike shop at
Uilenstede and the VU campus, have second-hand bikes for sale. You can also find used bikes
on the Facebook Page “ISN Amsterdam Online Market.”
20If you decide to purchase a second-hand bike always check the brakes, lights, and lock. Some
second-hand bikes come with a chain lock for the front wheel, but if not, we recommend you
purchase one to prevent theft.
Please be aware that some second-hand bikes may have been stolen. This is often the case if
the lock for the back wheel has been broken. You can get fined if you are found to have
purchased a second-hand bike.
9. How to Reach Us
Should you have any questions or concerns you can email us at semesterinamsterdam@vu.nl.
You can also call us at +31 (0)20 5986387, or stop by the office, located in the Vrije
Universiteit’s main building, 0E-68.
Once the semester has started you can also visit the International Service Desk in the VU Main
Building on the ground floor Monday-Wednesday between 12.00 and 14.00 with general
questions.
2110. Academic Calendar 2016-2017
First semester
september oktober november december januari februari
Week 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 1 2 3 4 5
Collegeweek 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
O O O O O O O T O O O O O O O T V V O O O T
ma 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30
di 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31
wo 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 1
do 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 2
vr
9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3
Second semester
maart april mei juni
Week 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Collegeweek 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
O O O O O O O T O O O O O O O O T O O O T
ma 6 13 20 27 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26
di 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27
wo 8 15 22 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28
do
9 16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29
vr
10 17 24 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30
Lectures O National Holiday Opening of Academic Year
Exams T Holiday VU Exam resists
No lectures or exams V
Christmas: Sunday 25 and Monday 26 December
New Year: Sunday 1 January
Good Friday: Friday 14 April
Easter: Sunday 16 April and Monday 17 April
King’s Day: Thursday 27 April
Liberation Day: Friday 5 May
Ascension: Thursday 25 May
Pentecost: Sunday 4 and Monday 5 June
2211. Maps
a. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Campus
23b. Uilenstede Campus
24c. Hotel Jansen in Relation to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and City Center
Hotel Jansen
2526
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