Welcome! Information guide for International students
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Welcome! Information guide for International students
January 2021
Contents
Welcome to Radboud University 4
Practical Information 5
‘Radboud Student’ App 5
Student card 5
Radboud Student Portal 6
Covid-19 7
Visa & Residence permit 8
Residence permit 8
Short stay visa 8
After arrival 8
Working in the Netherlands 9
Living in the Netherlands 10
Registration at the local administration (Stadswinkel) 10
Opening a bank account 11
Health care and insurance 13
Medical treatment 13
Health, liability and basic insurance 16
Letter by CAK 19
Student counsellor, Psychologists’ & Tutors’ Office 19
Frequently asked questions 20
Career Service 26
International alumni 27
3Welcome to Radboud University We hope that you will have a wonderful time here! Before your real life as a Nijmegen student can begin, there are a number of formalities that you will have to take care of. We have assembled the most important information for you in this information guide. Exchange students: student card & enrolment You will be informed upon arrival whether your student card is ready or not. Password and login for your student account will be sent to you via two separate emails. The central International Office is located at the Central Student Desk, which is open on Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 17:00 and can be found at Houtlaan 4, the Berchmanium. E-mail: exchangeadmissions@ru.nl. Entrance Central Student Desk At the moment this is by appointment only, W: www.ru.nl/currentstudents/registration/ enrolment/central-student-desk-during-corona-0/ Bachelor’s and (Pre)Master’s students: student card & enrolment After all the official paper work has been completed, Bachelor’s and (Pre) Master’s students the student card will be sent to their address in Nijmegen. A meeting with the Central Student Desk at the moment is by appointment only, W: www. ru.nl/currentstudents/registration/enrolment/central-student-desk-during-corona-0/ Should you have specific questions about your enrolment, please do not hesitate to contact the Central Student Desk. Questions? Email: admissions@ru.nl. The Central Student Desk is open on Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 17:00 and can be found on Houtlaan 4, the Berchmanium. E-mail: centralstudentdesk@ru.nl. Statement of enrolment If the enrolment is complete, Bachelor’s and (Pre) Master’s students will be able to download a statement from Osiris that states for which period they are enrolled at Radboud University. This statement of enrolment in combination with the student card serves as proof of your enrolment. Exchange students will be given a statement upon arrival. 4
Practical information
‘Radboud Student’ App
You can check your timetable and grades on your smartphone with the Radboud Student App.
This can come in very handy if you forget where you need to be on campus. Push
notifications will tell you when a course is cancelled, when you can register for exams
and when new marks have been published. You can even check your study progress
on your phone, which means you will always know where you stand academically.
Download the Radboud Student App right away to stay up to date on the latest news and
developments for your degree programme. For other usefull apps, please check out the
‘Go Dutch’ booklet.
Please note: Radboud University is currently working on a new app in Osiris (the student
information system of Radboud University) that gives students all the information they
need concerning exams, check their timetable etc. For updates please check: https://ru-
werkinstructies.screenstepslive.com/s/osiris/m/OSIRIS-student-EN
Student card
Student card
You can use your student card for sports, printing and/or activate it as a library card.
Sports card
Getting a Radboud Sports card is one of the cheapest ways to play sports in Nijmegen.
Check out their website on: www.ru.nl/sportscentre.
Library card
Your campus card is your library card. You have to activate your card first. You can use it as
a library card one working day after activation. See leaflet ‘Central Library’ in the welcome
bag and www.ru.nl/library/.
Print card
Through the Radboud University printing system, students and employees are able to
print, scan, and copy anywhere on campus, regardless of the faculty at which they study or
work. When printing, you send your print job to a print queue instead of a specific printer.
The next step is to simply retrieve your print job from any printer. Check www.ru.nl/fb/
english/print/printing-campus/ for more information.
You can only top up the card using cash by going to the doorman in the hall of the
University Library (ground floor, Erasmuslaan 36) or the Spinoza building (ground floor
Montissorilaan 3). For other top up machines you will need an EU or Dutch Maestro bank
card. That gives access to most machines. Please note that normal charges for the use of a
creditcard or Visa card apply.
5Radboud Student Portal
The Student Portal is the virtual front door to all relevant information related to your
study. For example, you can use the Student Portal to read Brightspace messages, receive
emails, check your timetable, view educational news and retrieve your examination
results. The content of the Student Portal is customized to the person who has logged in.
The different modules of the Student Portal are called portlets.
Where can I find the Student Portal?
You can find the Student Portal at https://portal.ru.nl.
What should I do before I can use the Student Portal (portal.ru.nl)?
Before using the Student Portal, you must activate your account by converting your
activation code (which you have received/will receive by email) to a personal password.
Follow the steps provided in this email. If you need help, please contact the Central
Student Desk.
Note: After about half an hour your RU Account is activated. You are then able to login to
the Student Portal.
Switching to English
After having logged in, click on the EN in the upper right corner and you will be automatically
directed to the English version of the Student Portal. The next time you login, the portal
will open the English version of the Student Portal automatically.
Students who have completed their registration will receive two separate emails with their
login, password and student number. Access to the student portal will be blocked a couple
of weeks after the semester has started if:
• an application for a residence permit has been rejected;
• not all necessary documents for the official registration at Radboud University
have been received (applies to regular students);
• the tuition fee has not been paid (applies to regular students). It is advisable to
have a copy of the money transfer in case of questions.
What can I do on the Student Portal?
This portlet allows you to quickly jump to the most important ICT facilities available to
you as a student, such as your schedule, Osiris, or the electronic learning environment
Brightspace.
It offers a direct link to:
• My Email
Every student has an email address ending in @student.ru.nl. If you would like to view
more emails instead of just the most recent ones, click on an email. You can log in using
your email address (b.smith@student.ru.nl if your name is Bob Smith) or with your student
number, for example “ru/s0123456” as login.
• Brightspace
Many courses at Radboud University make use of Brightspace and the lecturers place
course documents, assignments and lectures on it.
6• Personal Schedule
‘Personal Schedule’ enables you to compose and edit your personal timetable and to
export it to various formats.
• Customise your portal
You can customise your portal by moving, deleting or adding portlets. For tips, click on the
Additional Student Affairs tab and follow the Portal tips link.
Contact information Student Portal and helpdesk
If you should have any comments or queries with regard to the functionality of the Student
Portal, please contact us via portal@ru.nl.
You can find the Student Portal Helpdesk at the Central Student Desk, Houtlaan 4. You can
also go there if you have lost or have not received your password. You can also reach them
by email via centralstudentdesk@ru.nl.
Changing your password
You can change your password by visiting https://account.ru.nl/Accountportal.
COVID-19
Due to the current Covid-19 situation a lot of things in the Netherlands are different from
what we are used to. For example social distancing, online education, medical issues etc.
8 May 2020
Check
Hygiene rules for everyone
www.ru.nl/io/covid19
and social media. We can only take the next step forward
if everyone follows these rules.
• Wash your hands before going out, • Wash your hands for 20 seconds
when you return home, after with soap and water. Dry them
blowing your nose, before eating thoroughly.
Wash your hands and after going to the toilet.
frequently.
• Discard tissues immediately after
use.
Cough and sneeze Use paper tissues to • Always wash your hands after
blowing your nose.
into your elbow. blow your nose.
• This does not apply to people living
in one household.
Don’t shake hands. Keep a distance of • Keeping two arms lengths away
reduces the risk of people spreading
1.5 metres from
the infection.
others.
alleen samen krijgen we More information:
rijksoverheid.nl/coronavirus
corona onder controle 0800 1351
7Visa & Residence permit
Residence permit
There are four different groups:
• Group I: Citizens from EU countries (incl. Croatia), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and
Switzerland.
• Group II: Citizens from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the United
States of America, Vatican City State and South Korea.
• Group III: Citizens from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bosnia,
Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras,
Israel, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldavia, Montenegro, Nicaragua,
Panama, Paraguay, Peru, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab
Emirates, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
• Group IV: Citizens from all other countries.
Residence permit if your stay exceeds 3 months and your nationality belongs to:
Groups II, III and IV: you will need a residence permit to study in the Netherlands if your
study period exceeds 3 months. The procedure for the application of your residence permit
should already have been started by the International Office before your arrival, that is if
you followed the instructions for this procedure correctly.
On https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-your-stay you can check the exact rules and
regulations that apply to you. Your residence permit is valid for the period it officially
takes to finish your study programme.
Short stay visa
Group IV: Citizens from all other countries
If your stay is less than 3 months, you have already obtained a short-stay visa in your
country to enter the Netherlands.
Please note:
A short-stay visa cannot be extended in the Netherlands. Moreover, if you are in the
Netherlands on a short-stay visa, you cannot be issued a residence permit. To receive
a residence permit, you must return to your own country and apply for a Provisional
Residence Permit (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf: MVV). You can only obtain an MVV
by contacting the Radboud University visa department (International Office). Send an
email to visa@io.ru.nl for more information about the procedure.
After Arrival
Handing out of the residence permit
Unfortunately the IND will not be on campus this semester to hand out the residence
permits. The visa department will send you an email with instructions on how and where
you can pick up your residence permit.
8Extension of the residence permit
If your stay in the Netherlands will last longer than your study period, you will have to
obtain an extension. The charge for this is 171 euros. Please contact visa@io.ru.nl for more
information as the visa department will have to apply for the extension
GGD / Tuberculosis
Depending on your nationality, you might need to be examined for tuberculosis.
If you have to be checked, the ‘GGD’ will contact you to make an appointment,
Monday through Thursday 10.00 - 15.00. It is not possible to call them yourself for an
appointment. Please, do not forget to bring your passport to the appointment! Address:
Groenewoudseweg 275, Nijmegen. For questions please call 088-1447110.
Note: In September, the GGD will be on campus. More information will be sent to you by
e-mail.
Sufficient educational progress
In order to retain your residence permit as a regular student, your educational progress
must be adequate. As a student, you must attain at least half of the number of study
points required per study year. Pre-Master’s students need to obtain all credits in one
year. Radboud University will check this at the end of every study year. If your progress is
inadequate, the IND can withdraw your residence permit.
Working in the Netherlands
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland you are free to work without restrictions.
Are you from another country than mentioned above?
Then there are some restrictions if you want to take a job next to your studies. You need a
permit and you can only work for a maximum of sixteen hours a week or, instead, you can
work full-time during the summer months of June, July and August.
Work permit application
Your employer needs to apply for your work permit. The organisation that issues work
permits is called UWV. For more information: https://www.studyinholland.nl/life-holland/
working-while-studying
Please check whether you have proper (health) insurance needed to work (see page 18)
Looking for a job?
Campus Detachering
Radboud University has its own student temp agency. Check out their website, http://
www.ru.nl/campusdetachering/english/ , for job opportunities. Please note that there are
not enough jobs for all of our students, but you can sign up for their newsletter to keep
informed about the current vacancies.
International Students Work
A student-run temp agency that helps international students find temporary jobs.
https://www.internationalstudentswork.nl/
9Living in the Netherlands
Registration at the local administration (Stadswinkel)
Group I: students who stay longer than 4 months
If your stay exceeds 4 months, you will have to register yourself as a citizen of the
municipality with the local administration.
Group II, III and IV: students who stay longer than 3 months
If your stay exceeds 3 months, you will have to register yourself as a citizen of the
municipality with the local administration.
Make an appointment with the Stadswinkel
If you are going to live inside the borders of the municipality of Nijmegen and you arrive in
Nijmegen before the start or at the beginning of the semester you can make an appointment
online: please go to www.nijmegen.nl/diensten/verhuizen/student-registration-municipality-
nijmegen/. You will then have an appointment in a specific time frame that is specially
reserved for international students. You will receive an email from the International Office
about making an appointment. Students needing a residence permit who did not yet
get an approval from Visa Care, will have to make an appointment at a later date. If you
arrive outside of the period reserved for international students you will have to call the
municipality within 3 days of arrival to register yourself as a citizen of Nijmegen.
Procedure January 2021: https://www.ru.nl/io/municipality
Required documents for registration at the local administration (Stadswinkel)
• A valid passport or ID
• A copy of your room contract. If you do not have a room contract you will have
to give them a signed statement of the main occupant, which states that you are
allowed to live at that address and you will need a copy of the passport or ID of
the main occupant
Contact details the Stadswinkel (municipality)
The Stadswinkel offers the citizens of Nijmegen a range of municipal services and products,
such as issuing passports or driving licences and levying taxes. You can go to the municipal
information centre (Servicedesk) with questions about the city or the municipality.
Address: de Stadswinkel, Mariënburg 30, 6511 PS Nijmegen.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09.00 til 17.00 hrs (and on Thursday till 20.00 hrs).
Telephone: +31 24 329 9000, from Monday to Friday: 8.30 - 17.00 hrs.
Email: informatiebalie@nijmegen.nl.
Registration at the local administration outside the municipality of Nijmegen
If you are going to live outside the borders of the municipality of Nijmegen you have
to register with the local administration there within 3 days of arrival. It depends on
the municipality whether a birth certificate is also necessary. Please contact the local
administration for more information.
10Moving house / Leaving Nijmegen
• Every time you move to a new address within Nijmegen (including Lent), you have to
inform De Stadswinkel (and the International Office!) about your new address. Please
send an email to antwoordservice.burgerzaken@nijmegen.nl. Also, do not forget to
change your address via the Student Portal (see leaflet Student Portal).
• At the end of your stay in Nijmegen, you will have to de-register with the local
administration that you first registered at. This has to be done in writing by sending
an email to antwoordservice.burgerzaken@nijmegen.nl. Please enclose a copy of your
passport or ID, mention your last address in Nijmegen, your permanent address in
your home country and the date of departure.
Changing your address
• Please note that in case you change your address, you will also need to let the
Central Student Administration know. You can send an email to balie@dsz.ru.nl.
• Do not forget to inform the International Office as well by sending an email to:
exchangeadmissions@ru.nl.
Going abroad for a study period/internship during your study at Radboud University
You only need to de-register with the Stadswinkel if you are going abroad for more than 8
months. Please send an email to: antwoordservice.burgerzaken@nijmegen.nl, enclose a copy
of your passport or ID, mention your last address in the Netherlands, your address in your
new country and the date of departure.
If you live outside of the borders of the municipality of Nijmegen you will have to cancel
your registration there. If you are leaving Nijmegen for a period over 8 months or longer,
perhaps forever, please let the municipality know.
Always have a means of identification with you
In the Netherlands, anyone at the age of 14 years or older always has to carry some means
of identification. Nationalities of one of the countries of the EEA and Swiss nationals
must carry a valid passport or national identity card. Non-EEA-citizens who stay less
than 3 months must carry a passport. Non-EU/EEA-citizens who stay here longer than 3
months must carry a passport until they receive their residence permit. Then they must
carry their residence permit. People who violate this law can be fined up to €95 (excl. the
administrative fee) . A driver’s license is not enough!
Opening a bank account
Methods of payment
In the Netherlands payment is usually made in cash with euros or by debit card (pinpas).
Many places, including hotels, restaurants and bars accept credit cards, though most
supermarkets only accept cash or debit cards. Cheques or credit cards are not commonly
used in the Netherlands. At some stores it is possible to get some extra cash if you did your
shopping there, e.g. Kruidvat and Jumbo. More and more services of Radboud University
(e.g. restaurants, the Spar on campus, the Sports Centre) will only accept card payments.
General information
Dutch regulations for opening a bank account may be different from what you are used to
11in your home country. In general, opening a bank account in the Netherlands takes about
1-2 weeks. Most banks will charge you for opening and making use of a bank account.
Costs may vary per bank. We hereby inform you about the most recent information and
requirements as known to us. Please keep in mind though that regulations are subject to
change and different banks may apply different procedures. Please check www.ru.nl/io/
openingabankaccount for more information.
Opening a bank account under the age of 18:
It is possible to open a bank account at the ABN AMRO. Please check www.ru.nl/io/
openingabankaccount for more information.
Necessary documents for opening a bank account:
Banks will generally need the following documents:
• Passport or ID-card, valid during your complete period of stay
• Official proof of address, such as a statement of registration from de
Stadswinkel or your room contract;
• A (Dutch mobile) phone number if you want to have access to internet banking
• Citizen Service Number (BSN). This is a personal number that government
agencies and other official bodies use in their communications with citizens
You will receive this number at your registration with the Stadswinkel
• Residence permit or letter from the IND
When you open a student account, banks also require:
• An official Radboud University statement (e.g. the registration letter, letter of
acceptance or student card) in which your status as a student is mentioned, as
well as the period of time you’re supposed to be staying here.
Some banks may even ask for:
• An official document which mentions your address back home (bank card,
English extract from the municipal population register, official other document
which mentions your home address, other);
• Residence permit or letter from the IND.
For more information check: www.ru.nl/io/openingabankaccount
No Dutch bank account
If you do not open a Dutch bank account, make sure your bank card contains an actual EMV
chip. Cards that only have a magnetic strip can no longer be used in the Netherlands. Make
sure that your card is activated to be used in the Netherlands, and have some cash with
you in case your card does not work.
There are several commercial banks in the Netherlands:
• ABN Amro Keizer Karelplein 33, www.abnamro.nl/en/
• ING Marienburg 90, www.ing.nl/particulier/english/index.html
• Rabobank: Keizer Karelplein 1, www.rabodirect.ie/open-account/
• BUNQ online bank only, www.bunq.com/nl/
12Health care and insurance
For more infomation about rules and regulations concerning Covid
19 please check www.ru.nl/io/covid19 and page 7
Medical treatment
The Dutch medical care system might be different from your system at home. Therefore, if
you are in need of medical treatment please follow the instructions below:
Family doctor (general practitioner (GP) / huisarts)
First, make an appointment by telephone
If you need medical treatment, you can visit a general practitioner (huisarts). You will have
to make an appointment by telephone to consult the doctor at his or her practice first.
A different approach to medical care in the Netherlands
General practitioner is your first and central contact
Internationals who come to the Netherlands are often surprised by the way in which medical
treatment is provided here. To avoid confusion or frustration, the following information
may be useful: in the Netherlands, your general practitioner will be your main source for
medical care. The extent of responsibility and treatment of the general practitioner goes
further than in many other countries. This means they seldom give recommendations for
treatment from a specialist and instead treat the problem themselves.
Furthermore, there is often the impression that Dutch general practitioners under-
medicate their patients in comparison to many other countries. For example, when calling
for an appointment to see your doctor it is not unusual to be told by the assistant that you
should wait several more days to see if your symptoms go away spontaneously.
When they do not, you will be granted an appointment to see the general practitioner.
When visiting the general practitioner, you may again hear that you will need to wait before
any medication is prescribed. This is sometimes a point of frustration for Internationals
when visiting their GP in the Netherlands, but it is common practice here and experience
shows it works out well. Please note that you can only go to a GP in the town/village that
you live in.
Prescriptions and referral to medical specialist
The general practitioner may prescribe medication, which can be obtained from a pharmacy
(apotheek). He or she may also refer you to a specialist at the hospital. If necessary, the
specialist will arrange hospitalisation for further treatment.
Medical bills
Every time you visit your general practitioner or the pharmacy, bring your EU Health
Insurance Card or any other kind of proof of health insurance with you. General
practitioners charge about €30-€50 for a visit. Therefore, do not forget to bring cash
money with you to pay for the consultation and ask for proof of payment. You will have
to pay in advance and ask your insurance for a reimbursement of the costs.
13In case of a medical emergency outside of office hours:
Always contact a general practitioner on call or the ‘Huisartsenpost’, T: 0900-8880 first.
If necessary they will refer you to the hospital.
General practitioner’s practices in Nijmegen
*For students/guests living in/ near the centre of Nijmegen:
• Gezondheidscentrum Brakkenstein
Dr. P. Pulles, Dr. M. Gieben
Heyendaalseweg 288, call for an appointment between 8.00 a.m. - noon. or from 15.00 p.m.
- 17.00 p.m. - For an appointment call +31 (0)24-3552339.
Short questions: consultation without an appointment is also possible (with a maximum
of 5 minutes) each day from 8.00 a.m. till 8.30 a.m. at the Medisch Centrum Brakkenstein.
Consultation by phone: If you would like te discuss a problem with the doctor by telephone,
please call between 8.00–11.00. The doctor will call you back later that day (usually between
11.00 and 12.00). More information on: gcbrakkenstein.praktijkinfo.nl.
• University Health Centre Heyendael (UCG)
Gerard van Swietenlaan 3 (on campus), Telephone: +31-(0)24-3224340
The University Health Centre is open from 8.00 till 17.00 on all workdays.
http://ugc-heyendael.praktijkinfo.nl/pagina/55/english/.
For emergencies within surgery hours exclusively, please phone their own emergency
number: +31-(0)24-3606360.
• Huisartsenpraktijk Bijleveld, Huurman en Hennekam
St. Jacobslaan 343, 6533 VD Nijmegen.
Call for an appointment between 8.00-12.30 and 14.00-17.00, T: +31(0)24-3550810.
Emergency telephone number during weekdays, T: +31-(0)24-3567940.
* For students living in Vossenveld:
• Huisartsenpraktijk De Haterse Hoed
Couwenbergstraat 34 / 36 - Tel: 024 355 22 88 / 024 356 12 04
Call between: 8.00 - 12.30 uur and 14.30 - 16.30
Check https://www.dehatertsehoed.nl/for more information
Medical emergencies after 17.00 and during weekends:
Please call ‘Huisartsenpost’: T: 0900-8880. Address: Weg door Jonkerbos 108, 6532 SZ
Nijmegen.
Do not forget to bring your insurance pass, your ID or passport and some cash to the
appointment and wear a facemask.
Please note that you can only go to the First Aid department (Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH)) in
case of a real emergency which requires acute medical care other than the care provided
by a general practitioner on call or by referral! If that is the case you can go to the First
Aid :
• Department of Radboudumc Medical Centre (Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH), Geert
Grooteplein Zuid 12, also open during the night and Sundays.
• First Aid Department (Spoedeisende Hulp (SEH) of CWZ Medical Centre, Weg door
Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ Nijmegen.
• If you do not, you will be fined and charged with all costs yourself as your insurance
will probably not reimburse these (unnecessary) costs.
• In case of an accident/emergency you can also call 112 (national emergency number).
14Dentist
Please note: dental treatment is not always covered by your medical insurance, so please
check before you make an appointment. Dentists usually demand immediate payment in
cash, so it would be wise to take money with you. As dental care might be expensive, it is
also wise to ask in advance for an estimate of the costs.
If you want to make an appointment with a dentist (tandarts) in Nijmegen you can call:
Tandartspraktijk E. Maenen, Bijleveldsingel 74, Nijmegen, T: +31-(0)24 - 3221430, Monday-
Thursday from 8.30-17.00. Friday from 9.00 till noon. After 17.00 and during the weekend,
the message on the answering machine (message in Dutch) will inform you about which
(other) dentist is on duty (for acute cases).
In case of a real dental emergency outside of office hours
You can make an appointment at De Tandartsenpost Nijmegen. During office hours please
contact the dentist mentioned in this leaflet. You can only go there if you have made an
appointment. To make an appointment please call: 0900-8276 456 (messages on this
line are in Dutch). The location of the Tandartsenpost is at the emergency square of the
hospital called Canisius Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis (CWZ). Address: Weg door Jonkerbos 106,
6532 SZ Nijmegen.
Becoming a dentistry patient at the Radboudumc
You can also apply as a patient at the Radboudumc Department of Dentistry. You can call
them for more information and to make an appointment on T: +31-(0)24-361 41 26. Address:
Philips van Leydenlaan 25. First you will get an appointment for an intake. After the intake
you will be notified whether you can register there as a patient or not. The costs for regular
treatment will be approximately 25% less than the regular rate for dental treatment.
Technical extra costs are at the usual rate. They also have their own website: http://www.
umcn.nl/Zorg/Afdelingen/Tandheelkunde/Pages/default.aspx (only in Dutch).
Emergency number on campus: : +31-(024 36)55555 (put it in your phone)
What should you do if an accident happens on campus or if you catch a thief red-handed?
To get help as fast as possible, call the special emergency number for Radboud University
and Radboud university medical center: (024 36) 55555. Put it in your mobile, it can save
lives! Call the emergency number to reach the Alarm Centre of Radboud university medical
center, which will mobilise the emergency services much faster than if you were to call 112.
Occupational health care workers, security personnel or first-aid officers present on the
campus are notified right away and can be there in a matter of minutes. If necessary, the
Alarm Centre will also mobilise other emergency services, such as the fire brigade, the
police or an ambulance. Call the emergency number in case of:
• Accidents
• Fire
• Catching a thief red-handed
• Incidents involving hazardous substances
If you are not on campus dial 112 (put it in your phone).
15Health and liability insurance / basic insurance
Insurance checklist
Academic Affairs, Student Information Desk
Berchmanianum, Houtlaan 4, T: + 31-24-3616055, E: internationaloffice@io.ru.nl
INSURANCE CHECKLIST
Category Advice / information Additional information
Read more on
Check if your EHIC is sufficient and check if you have
EER student and I have www.ru.nl/insurances
a European Health liability and travel insurance (obligatory for Erasmus → EHIC
Insurance Card (EHIC) → Liability and travel insurance
students). Please note it is possible not all medical costs
are covered in the Netherlands by your EHIC
If you come to the Netherlands after January 1, 2021, you Students from the UK should
For UK nationals: Brexit
has consequences for will be regarded as a 3rd lander. You can therefore no check https://bit.ly/37qlobQ
your insurance
longer claim the EHIC. To avoid high healthcare costs, you
will have to take out full private insurance.
EER student and I have Read more on
Apply for additional private health insurance (e.g. AON
insufficient EHIC www.ru.nl/insurances
insurance Start+ insurance or AON Complete+) and check if you have → Private insurance
liability and travel insurance (obligatory for Erasmus
→ Liability and travel insurance
students).
EER student and I do Apply for an EHIC insurance (and check if it is sufficient) or Read more on
not have a European apply for private health insurance (e.g. AON Complete+), www.ru.nl/insurances
Health Insurance Card and check if you have liability and travel insurance. → EHIC
(EHIC) AON complete+ also includes liability and travel insurance. → Private insurance
→ Liability and travel insurance
Non-EER student and The International Office applied for an AON Complete+
the International Office insurance which covers health, liability and travel Read more on
has arranged my insurance. You will receive your insurance policy paper by www.ru.nl/insurances → Private
residence permit email.
insurance → link to AON
Non-EER student and Apply for private health insurance (e.g. AON Complete+), Read more on
the International Office and check if you have liability and travel insurance. www.ru.nl/insurances
did not arrange my AON complete+ also includes liability and travel insurance. → Private insurance
residence permit → Liability and travel insurance
I have a part-time job in Apply for Dutch public health insurance and check if you Read more on
the Netherlands, or a have liability and travel insurance. www.ru.nl/insurances →
paid internship (with at → Dutch public health insurance
least minimum wage) → Liability and travel insurance
In case of pre-existing health conditions
In case you have any pre-existing health conditions that you feel need to be covered during your stay in the
Netherlands, please contact your insurance company for more information about the insurance possibilities and costs. If you
cannot find a proper insurance that covers your pre-existing condition(s) at home, please check out the AON complete+
insurance package through the link at www.ru.nl/insurances → Private insurance
16European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):
• is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare
or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property,
• does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining
medical treatment,
• does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different.
Services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Please note that the terms and conditions of the EHIC card vary per country and this
might mean that the EHIC card is not valid for the whole study period or does not apply to
you. Please check carefully whether additional insurance like the AON is necessary.
Download the EHIC app on
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en. This is a:
• Guide on how to use the European Health Insurance Card in the 28 EU countries,
Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• Includes general information about the card, emergency phone numbers, covered
treatments and costs, how to claim reimbursement and who to contact in case
you have lost your card.
• Available in 24 languages with easy option to switch from one language to
another.
Students from the UK should check https://bit.ly/37qlobQ
Claiming your medical costs on your EHIC insurance
When you want to claim the medical costs on your EHIC insurance (consultation family
doctor, dentist, etcetera) that you have made during your stay here, please contact Zilveren
Kruis Verzekeringen.
Zilveren Kruis Verzekeringen
Representative of the EU Health Insurance Card in the Netherlands
Afdeling Buitenland
Postbus 650 | 7300 AR Apeldoorn | T: +31-(0)33 4456870
E. gbr@zilverenkruis.nl
www.zilverenkruis.nl/NaarNederland (only in Dutch)
The insurance company will always demand an original proof of payment / invoice and
a copy of your EU Health Insurance Card in order to process your claim. Always make
copies of all the documents you send them.
Please, also keep in mind that the exact coverage of costs will be determined by the specific
terms and conditions of the insurance.
• If you need additional insurance AON is a good option (see below)
• If you are a student from an EU country and you have private health insurance
then you should check whether your health insurance in your home country covers your
temporary stay in the Netherlands.
• If you do not have an EHIC Insurance the AON Complete+ Insurance (this
includes liability) is a good option.AON Insurance This insurance can provide additional health coverage to your European Health Insurance Card. For more information see next page and www.ru.nl/insurances. Students from the UK should also check https://bit.ly/37qlobQ AON is a comprehensive health & travel insurance which covers medical expenses, emergency dental expenses, extraordinary costs (such as repatriation), as well as coverage for legal aid, accidents, liability, luggage, and household goods. There are different packages available ranging from €35 - €45 per month. Application & payment can easily be done online. Please note that pre-existing health conditions/illnesses are not always covered by AON. In case you have pre-existing health conditions which you feel need to be covered during your stay in the Netherlands, please contact AON directly. They will then inform you about the insurance possibilities and the costs for this. Liability insurance Please check with your (health) insurance company at home whether you have valid liability insurance for the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, you are legally liable if someone suffers damage through a mistake or accident caused by you. That means you must compensate the other person for the damage suffered. Personal liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering/AVP) protects you against this. Individuals who own or ride a motorised vehicle are obliged to have a liability insurance for motor vehicles (‘WAM-verzekering’). AVP covers almost all damage for which you, as a private individual, can be held liable, regardless of how the incident occurred unless the damage is caused intentionally!. Damage caused by motor vehicles, e.g. through a collision, is not covered by the AVP. For this, you must take out third-party insurance (‘WAM-verzekering’) for motor vehicles. Basic insurance needed during paid internships and parttime jobs (‘Basisverzekering’) International interns receiving at least the Dutch minimum wage that applies to their specific situation, are considered to be insured under the Dutch Health Insurance Act. This means they are legally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance. If the internship pay is less than this minimum wage, the interns are not allowed to take out a Dutch basic health insurance. If the latter is the case, they can stay insured with the health insurer in their home country or take out a private international health insurance. Students from the EU/EEA may be eligible to receive a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers their necessary medical costs during their stay. They are advised to check this with the health insurer in their home country before departure. For the calculation of the minimum wage that applies to a specific situation, please see the following tool (only available in Dutch). If you have received a letter from the CAK regarding your insurance obligation it is important to contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for an assessment of your insurance position under the Wlz scheme. You need to take action within 3 months or you will receive a fine of approximately €400. Even if you incorrectly received the letter from the CAK. For general questions about health care insurance, please contact the Zorgverzekeringslijn. 18
Health care benefit
You can only apply for health care benefit (in Dutch: zorgtoeslag) if you are eligible for a
Dutch public health insurance via the Dutch Tax Office (in Dutch: Belastingdienst).
Special rates for VGZ insurance for students of Radboud University
The Radboud University Executive Board (College van Bestuur) has negotiated a collective
health care insurance with VGZ for employees and students (only for those students who
are younger than 27 years and are degree seeking students). Like university employees,
students will get a discount on the premium for the basic health care insurance and a
discount on a supplementary package specifically designed for students.
Collectivity Number
If you apply for a health insurance with VGZ, you will be asked for the collectivity number.
For students of Radboud University this number is 000104451.
More detailed information about the Dutch health care system and insurance needed
when having a part-time job can be found on https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-your-
stay/insurance.
Risks of being not insured
If you need care but have no previous insurance, most insurance companies will impose
a penalty payment. You will have to pay the back premium and you will probably also be
given a fine.
Letter from CAK
It is possible that you receive a letter in Dutch from CAK (National Health Care Institute),
that states that you are not covered under a Dutch healthcare insurance and you should
take out a public healthcare insurance.
If you do not react to this letter within three months you will be fined nearly € 400.
So please take action immediately!
To avert being fined you will have to fill out a form, print it and send it to the SVB. They
will be able to establish if this situation applies to you. We advise you to act promptly.
Unfortunately, they have no other way of checking if you are already properly insured. For
more detailed background information please go to https://www.studyinholland.nl/plan-
your-stay/insurance and for the form to: https://www.svb.nl/Images/3299ET.pdf.
The obligation to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance only applies to you if you are
economically active, meaning you have a job, a side job or a paid internship.
If you have any further question, please contact the International Office. For more
information, check www.ru.nl/insurances.
Student Counsellors’ Office and Psychologists’ and Tutors’ Office
The wellbeing of our students is very important to us. The Office of Student Counsellors is
specialised in advising and stimulating students to solve their problems by looking for the
right decisions. They also offer workshops and courses. Needless to say, any conversation
you might have with one of the counsellors is strictly confidential. Some problems can be
so serious that the ‘regular’ counsellors discussed in the section above cannot help out.
Consequently, you might have to turn to the Students’ psychologists for a solution.
W: www.ru.nl/english/education/masters-programmes/international-masters-students/
medical-services/student-counsellors-office/ & www.ru.nl/currentstudents/radboudlife-care/
19Frequently asked questions
Where do I have access to the internet?
• All faculties have their own computer rooms. Please ask your faculty coordinator for
more information. You can login on the wireless and on the wired network with your
RU password (Eduroam).
• The Central Library Learning Zone. You can use one of over 100 computers. The
Learning Zone is located on the ground floor of the Central Library, Erasmuslaan 36.
Check: www.ru.nl/library/ and the booklet of the library for more information.
• You can connect your laptop to the wireless network Eduroam everywhere in the
Learning Zone and use the printer (see http://www.ru.nl/facilitairbedrijf/printen/
printen-peage/english/peage-(-english)/wireless-printing/).
• Laptops can be connected to the wired network and plugged into electrical outlets
which have been installed in the tables at the purple sofas. There are laptop lockers
near the desk where you can safely store your laptop during a short break.
• You can use wireless internet almost everywhere on campus using your own student
number and RU-password. At the Faculty of Medical Sciences you cannot log in with a
student number if you do not study at that faculty, but you can request a day account.
• On www.ru.nl/library/services/study/reservation-study/ you can see where and how
many computers are available. Most computers give you the choice to use the English
version of the computer programme.
• If you need help in installing wireless internet on your laptop, please go to the
Learning zone in the Central Library to the ICT Service Point. Open every weekday
from 8.30 -17.30.
Where can I buy readers?
On campus you can order and buy readers at the central ‘dictatencentrale’ (Lectures notes
Centre) at Post & Print (Erasmusplein 1, ground floor hall E 00.51). For students from some
faculties it is also possible to order online: www.ru-bestel.nl (choose English). For more
information please contact the central ‘dictatencentrale’, T: 024-3616250 or ask your faculty
coordinator. Open Monday - Thursday from 9.00 through 16.30 and Friday from 9.00-13.00.
Where can I buy (sell) (second hand) course books?
www.bol.com & faculty study associations or ask their board members to help you.
Where can I find the copyshop on campus called Post & Print?
Erasmusplein 1 (ground floor, hall E 0.51), T: +31-(0)24-3612609, http://www.ru.nl/overons/
voorzieningen/@691125/copyshop/ (only in Dutch). Open on weekdays from 9.00–17.00.
Where can I find information about the Sports Centre and the Sports Card?
Check out: www.ru.nl/sportscentre/ and the separate flyer in the Welcome bag.
Where can I enjoy a breakfast or a hot meal on campus?
• The university restaurant ‘the Refter’ is located on campus at Erasmusplein 3. Food is
served from 8.30-19.30. Card payments only.
• University restaurant ‘Het Gerecht’ (which is a bit smaller compared to the Refter)
is located on campus in the Grotius building. Hot meals are generally served from
Monday till Thursday from noon until 13.30 and from 17.00-19.00. On Friday ‘het
20Gerecht’ closes at 16.00. Card payments only.
• The restaurant of Radboudumc is called ‘restaurant A gebouw’. You can find it in
Radboudumc central entrance, route 607. Open: Monday to Friday: 8.00-20.00,
Saturday and Sunday: 11.00-20.00.
• University Restaurant FNWI, Huygens building, Heyendaalseweg 135. Opening hours:
08.30–17.30, The restaurant serves warm snacks and sandwiches.
• On campus there are also several cafes like the Cultuur Café and Sports Café where
you can enjoy a small lunch as well.
• At SPAR university next to the Refter you can also buy smaller meals like sandwiches.
Card payments only.
How can I buy Radboud Merchandising?
At the Radboud Store inside the bookshop Books by Roelants, Thomas van Aquinostraat 1a
and online: https://radboud.unigear.eu/
Where can I buy (mobile) phone cards?
The International Office will automatically provide all International non-EU students with
a free prepaid Lebara card that already has some credit on it.
EU students can also get one at the central International Office (Houtlaan 4).
If you do not want to use the sim card offered by the International Office, you can also get
a sim card from a different provider at post offices, some bookstores and kiosks, special
phone stores in the city centre and at the central railway station. But please let us know
your new phone number so we can contact you in case of an emergency. Email: ris@io.ru.nl.
What is the cheapest way to phone home?
A few providers offer cheap international calls: Lebara or Ortel. You can get a free
Lebara sim card at the International Office, Central Student Desk (Houtlaan 4). For more
information please check the website: www.teledump.nl/english.php.
Where can I find a post office (PostNL)?
There are several so called PostNL offices or service points of PostNL in Nijmegen:
• Albert Heijn (St. Jacobslaan 61), ESSO gaspump (Sint Annastraat 196), Bruna:
(Daalseweg 263)
• Groesbeek: Coop: Pannenstraat 19
Where can I buy a (second hand) bike and where can I find a bicycle repairman?
• Bike Werk Nijmegen, Bloemerstraat 125, T: 024 3231605
• Rijwielboetiek H. Geurts, Van Oldebarneveldstr. 77b, T: 024-3608170
• Wheels tweewielers, St. Annastraat 42, T: 024-3230158
• Bike Totaal Jos van Hees (on campus), Geert Grooteplein 22, T: 024-3619009
• De Concurrent, Van Trieststraat 23, T: 024-3231819
• Rijwielhandel Evers Janssen, Kan. Pelsstraat 70, T: 024-3552015
• Rijwielshop Station Nijmegen, Stationsplein 7, T: 024-3229618
How can I hire a bike?
SWAP fiets: W www.swapfiets.nl/en/nijmegen/
Boogle bikes: W www.booglebike.nl/?lang=en
21At the central train station, W www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets/how-the-ov-fiets-works. html if you have a personalised OV card. Do I have to wear a face mask while using public transport. Yes, wearing a face mask is obligatory when using public transport. Where can I buy a train/bus card/ travel pass (= ‘ov-chipkaart’)? There are different types of OV chip cards. On the website www.ov-chipkaart.nl/purchase- an-ov-chipkaart/which-card-is-right-for-you.htm you can check which card suits you best. Anonymous cards that you can top up can be purchased at the service desk of the central train station and at service counters of certain supermarkets, some bookshops and tobacco shops. Here you will also find loading docks to top up your card (with a Maestro bank card). For more information please also have a look at www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en. For bus fares, you can buy a single ticket in the bus, but only by card, cash is not possible. There is a helpdesk at the central train station for any questions you may have. At the University library and the Central Student Desk there is also a loading dock for the OV chip card. You will need a Maestro bank card to be able to use it. You can also pay cash at the central train station helpdesk and top up your card. Tourists’ disposable chip cards are available on the bus (payment only possible by card) or at the train station. The ISIC card and ISIC/OV-Chipkaart With the ISIC/OV chipcard you can get a 15% discount in off peak hours on public transport. For more information: www.isic.nl/en/public-transport/. With the ISIC/OV chipcard you also automatically receive the online ISIC card. With the ISIC card you make the most out of your student status, everywhere in the world. The ISIC card is the only internationally accepted student identity card. Travelling by train Checking in and out at the Dutch Railroad company (NS) is mandatory. This is possible with an OV-chipkaart, but it is also possible to buy special (discount) (paper) tickets, but remember to always check in before you go on the train and out when you leave. Otherwise you will be fined. If you buy a paper ticket you will have to pay 1,00 Euro extra. For more information check out the NS website www.ns.nl (choose English). If you buy an NS season ticket, you automatically get a free personal OV-chipkaart with your name. Please note: It is not possible to buy a ticket on the train. If you intend to travel frequently by train after 9.00 and during the weekend it could be worthwhile to purchase an Off Peak Discount Pass, ‘Dal Voordeel’, for about €50 which gives you 40% discount on tickets when travelling from Monday-Friday before 6.30, between 9.00-16.00, after 18.30 and during the weekend. If you already have a personalised OV-chipcard, you can buy and upload a subscription to your card with discount. A personalised card is only possible with a Dutch bank account. Two train companies Please note that there are two kinds of trains in the Netherlands: NS (yellow) and Arriva (red). Sometimes you need to switch trains and train companies while going from one city 22
to another. So check carefully which train company you are travelling with and make sure
you pick the right check-in pole before you go on the platform and the right check out
when you leave the train station.
Is it possible to buy cheap group tickets?
For train schedules and ticket prices please check their website at www.ns.nl (sitemap-
>English) , go to journeyplanner.9292.nl, or the Ticket & Service Office at the central train
station. Check: www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/ns-groepsretour.
Also check out Dicover Holland for good deals: www.discoverholland.com/.
Where can I find a bank/ATM?
• You can find an ATM outside of the Erasmus building - inside the Sports Centre /
Elinor Ostrom building and in the main entrance hall of the hospital, UMCN, Geert
Grooteplein 10.
• There are several different banks in the city centre (ABN Amro, ING and Rabobank).
Where can I buy stamps?
At the service counters in supermarkets and at the PostNL service points.
Where can I attend (Dutch) language courses?
At Radboud ‘into Languages. Information about the Social Dutch courses can be found
in the Welcome Bag. Information about other language courses can be found on www.
ru.nl/radboudintolanguagesuk. The Social Dutch 1 and 2 courses are offered for free to all
international students and RU staff who meet the conditions: students and RU staff are
asked to pay the course fee upon enrolment at the reception desk, and after completion
of the course the student or RU staff member can claim a full refund of the course fee. To
qualify for this refund, the student must have attended 80% of classes.
Where can I buy cheap bed linen in Nijmegen?
• Zeeman, Sint Jacobslaan 137 or Dommer van Poldersveldtweg 267
• Wibra, Burchtstraat 78
• Primark, Plein 44 136
• The market on Monday and Saturday in the city centre
Where can I buy cheap cutlery, candles, vases etcetera in Nijmegen?
• Action, Graafseweg 45
• Big Bazaar, Molenpoort Passage 110 (city shopping centre)
• Blokker, Broerstraat 25c
• HEMA, Grote Markt 5
• Xenos Outlet, Molenpoort Passage 22 (city shopping centre)
• So Low, Molenstraat 54 and some second hand stores (see next page)
Where can I buy second hand furniture, cutlery, tv, radio in Nijmegen?
• Habbekrats, In de Betouwstraat 17. Open from Tuesday till Friday from 12.00 until 17.30
(Thursdays till 21.00) and on Saturday from 12 until 17.00.
• Het Goed, Industrieweg 50, T: 024-6456904. Open from Monday till Friday from 9.30
until 18.00 and on Saturday until 17.00.
23• Stichting Basta, Begijnenstraat 34, T: 024-3241618, email stichtingbasta@online.nl.
Open in the afternoon on Wednesday 14.00-17.00 and Saturday noon-17.00.
• Stichting Overal, Bredestraat 52, T: 024-3771744. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays
from 14.00 until 17.00.
• Maro, Heidebloemstraat 1, T: 024-6634275, W. www.kringloopwinkel-maro.nl/
Which supermarkets are there?
• Spar (University Campus). Open weekdays 10.00-19.00, Ground floor Erasmus building.
• Cheap: Aldi, Lidl.
• Less expensive: Jumbo, COOP, Jan Linders.
• More expensive: Albert Heijn (AH) (except for AH basic items), C1000, Emté.
• Most supermarkets are also open on Sundays from noon-20.00. Please check your
local supermarket for more information.
• Sema market at Hoogeveldt complex: Opening hours weekdays: 08.00-21.00.
Can I get a discount card for the supermarket?
Most supermarkets (like AH) have a special super market card (at the AH e.g. it is called
‘bonuskaart’), that can give you discounts on certain items every week. It is wise to get one
at the store. At the service desk they can give you more information.
No free plastic bags
Because of a new environmental law you will always have to pay a small amount for a
plastic bag at supermarkets or other stores. Some stores have paper bags that are for free.
Of course you can also bring your own bag.
Is there an outdoor market in Nijmegen?
There is one on Monday morning and Saturday morning: Grote Markt, Burchtstraat,
Kelfkensbos.
Where can I bring my laundry for (dry) cleaning in Nijmegen?
Wasknijper, Bloemerstraat 4 (city centre); open 07.00-22.00.
De Witwasserij Donuts & Bar, Hertogstraat 5 (city centre); open 10.00-17.00.
Where can I find information about the code of conduct?
http://www.ru.nl/io/english/internationalisation/code-conduct/.
What are the traffic rules of the Netherlands?
www.government.nl/documents/leaflets/2013/01/16/road-traffic-signs-and-regulations-in-the-
netherlands. You can also watch this instruction video on riding a bike on Youtube: ‘Road
signs and regulations for cycling in the Netherlands’.
Where can I find information specifically for students and employees?
On the intranet www.radboudnet.nl or portal.ru.nl/home.
What are the rules concerning alcohol and drug use in the Netherlands?
Drugs: www.government.nl/issues/drugs/toleration-policy-regarding-soft-drugs-and-coffee-
shops.
Alcohol: www.government.nl/issues/alcohol.
24Does Nijmegen have separated waste disposal?
Nijmegen has a slightly different waste system than the rest of the Netherlands, with a
higher emphasis on recycling waste.
• Paper, plastic, and glass can be deposited in special containers, located throughout
the city. In your supermarket you can get special ‘plastic heroes’ bags for free to
collect plastic and tin cans.
• Foods and garden waste are collected in green containers, and is collected every other
week.
• For your general waste you need to buy special (green) garbage bags, which are
available in every supermarket. These bags cost about 10 euros per 10 bags. On www.
dar.nl/afvalwijzers you can find the garbage collection schedule. Just type in your
postal code and it will pop up.
• You can find information about how it works on an SSH& complex on: simon.sshn.nl
Where can I find general information about social activities and living in Nijmegen?
• Radboud International Students Facebook, www.ru.nl/RIS/, www.ru.nl/socialactivities
• ESN Nijmegen
• City of Nijmegen: en.intonijmegen.com/
• The Tourist Information Office (VVV) is located at Keizer Karelplein 32/H,
www.vvvarnhemnijmegen.nl/ (choose EN)
www.arnhemnijmegencityregion.nl/homepage-en?set_language=en
• Cultuur op de Campus: www.ru.nl/codc/english/
• Our booklet ‘Go Dutch!’ in your welcome bag.
What are other useful links?
• www.ru.nl/currentstudents/ for information useful while studying at our university
• nijmegen.studentenkorting.nl/ for information about discounts in shops, cinemas,
restaurants etc. (only in Dutch)
• www.voxweb.nl/international the independent magazine VOX also has an online
version with loads of interesting articles and vlogs
• www.studyinholland.nl/ for more information about living in the Netherlands
• www.ru.nl/studentexchange for online magazine for International Exchange students
• www.ru.nl/english/education/exchange-phd-other/exchange-students/useful-links/
under ‘travel information’ about discounts on car rental abroad.
• stuffdutchpeoplelike.com/ a page with fun facts about the Dutch
25You can also read
