WUR Life Uncovered – Instagram Q&A (June 25 Edition)

Hey everyone, it’s Devi again! 🌱

This blog comes straight from a recent Instagram Q&A session where lots of future WUR students reached out with questions, and trust me, I totally get it.

Moving to a new country and starting university can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. When I was preparing to come to Wageningen I had so many questions too – about where I would live, what I would eat, how to get around, and what student life would actually be like.

So if you’re wondering about the same things, you’re not alone. In this post I’ve gathered some of the most common questions and shared honest answers based on my own experience here at WUR. I hope it helps you feel a bit more at ease and a bit more at home even before you arrive.

Q1: Housing – What are the housing options in Wageningen?

The most frequently asked question during the Instagram Q&A session was about housing. Housing in Wageningen is mostly organized through Idealis , the main student housing provider. They offer several types of accommodation:

• 🏢 Dorms with shared facilities: You get your own room, but share the kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes even a living room with other students.

• 🚿 Self-contained rooms: These are private rooms with your own bathroom and kitchen – a bit more expensive, but worth it if you prefer more privacy.

• 🌳 Shared houses with outdoor areas: For example, Droevendaal is quite popular – a unique community of wooden houses where you share everything and enjoy a greener, more social lifestyle.

Where do I live? I live in a self-contained Idealis room close to the campus. That means I have my own private bathroom and kitchen, which gives me a bit more privacy and flexibility. It’s really convenient, especially when I have a busy schedule and it’s still easy to meet other students in the building or through student events.

Q2: Food at WUR – What food is available on campus?

There’s no shortage of food options around campus:

• 🥪 Each building has its own cafeteria, serving sandwiches, snacks, and warm meals – perfect for a quick lunch.

• ☕ You’ll also find vending machines and hot drink stations pretty much everywhere.

• 🍱 Microwaves are available in all buildings – so you can always bring your own food from home and heat it up!

I usually bring my own lunch and heat it up, it’s a budget-friendly option, and the microwaves are super easy to use. On days when I forget, I grab a warm meal at Aurora or a sandwich from the Forum cafeteria.

Q3: Groceries – What are the best places to buy groceries and what is the average weekly groceries budget?

Wageningen has several supermarkets, with Jumbo being the most popular (and just a short walk from campus!). Other options include Albert Heijn, Lidl, and Plus. There’s also an organic market on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the city center.

From my own experience, I spend around €35–€45 per week on groceries. It depends a bit on whether I cook big meals with friends or stick to simple student dishes. Buying in bulk and planning meals ahead definitely helps!

Q4: Transport – What is the price of a Student Pass for public transport?

Unfortunately, international students don’t get free travel passes like Dutch students. BUT there are subscription options that give discounts or allow free travel on certain days – great if you want to explore the rest of the Netherlands!

That said, you don’t really need to use public transport in Wageningen itself – everything is reachable by bike in under 15 minutes 🚲. Biking here is super safe and very much part of the daily life.

Want to know how to get to Wageningen from the airport or other cities? Check out this helpful blog: How to Get to Wageningen

Q5: Books – Do students have to buy textbooks for each subject?

This really depends on your programme and the specific course. Some courses require books, while others just use slides and articles.

From my experience, I’ve only had to buy a couple of textbooks. Most of the time, I borrow them from the WUR Library , they have multiple copies and even e-books available, so you can save a lot of money!

Q6: Gym memberships – How much does it cost to join a gym in Wageningen?

WUR has its own sports center called De Bongerd – and it’s amazing! 🏋️‍♂️🏸

For €120 per year, you get access to:

• A fully equipped gym,

• Over 70 sports – from swimming to yoga to martial arts,

• And loads of group classes and open sessions.

I go to De Bongerd a few times a week – it’s a great way to stay active and meet other students. The facilities are modern and there’s something for everyone, no matter your fitness level.

I hope this post has answered some of your most pressing questions and made things feel a little clearer (and maybe even more exciting) as you get ready to join Wageningen University.

Whether you’re figuring out housing, planning your meals, or just wondering what daily life will look like, know that you’re not alone – we’ve all been there. And the good news is, Wageningen is a welcoming and supportive place where you’ll quickly find your rhythm and your people. Keep an eye out for the next Instagram Q&A session – we hold them every month!

See you soon!

Devi