To-Do List Once You Arrive: Welcome in Wageningen!
By Zlatoslava
I know what you’re thinking: “How many more things are there?! Am I not done with everything already – application, admission, housing, documentation?”
There are a couple more things that you still have to do once you come to Wageningen. Lucky for you, you’ll have them listed and discussed in this blog hehe!
However, if you are an early bird and wondering what you have to do before you arrive, read this blog sequence – part 1, part 2 and part 3. Recently, a Pre-departure Webinar was held, during which some of the most common questions incoming students have, were addressed. If you missed it, don’t worry! There was a summary blog written, thanks, Devi!😁
Call your parents and friends
Immediately after your travels, let your close people know when you have arrived in the Netherlands/Wageningen. That aside, talking with them more often is also great in your first weeks when you’re settling in and adapting to the new environment. It helps with homesickness!
Collect your room keys and see room conditions
Okay, so you’re in Wageningen now. But where to next, where is the room or the place you’ll be staying at? 🤔
Beforehand, make sure you have a general idea of how to get to your building and how you can access it.
If you’re staying at one of Idealis’ buildings, you can collect the keys at their front office at Bornsesteeg 1 from 12:00 noon. Otherwise, be sure to contact your landlord or future housemates and communicate on how to get into the room. The same goes for inspecting the accommodation and its condition. If something is broken or doesn’t match the room description, either request a repair or report it.
Get a bike (better if organised beforehand)
You and your bike against the world! Hahah, in my opinion, having a bike is the second most important thing after having a room. It’s such a convenient (and healthy) way of transportation. Not only that, but you can go wherever you want – to the university, the river, a different city, and even give a ride to a friend! 🚲
You can either get a new bike (at the stores in Wageningen) or a second-hand one. Most of the students’ bikes are second-hand, but they are just as good! You can find bikes in Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp and Telegram community groups, and the app Marktplaats. There are also specialised second-hand bike stores in the city centre.
Before sealing the deal and buying one, it is important to inspect the bike and give it a test ride! It’s best if everything works properly and looks good. Otherwise, it may become a problem in the future. Choose wisely, and if you’re not a bike geek, get a friend who understands to come along with you! 😉
Pro-tip: If you still don’t have a bike, you can rent one or use the public transport. Some options are from Cykl and ESN.
Grab your WUR card and install Kuario
The WUR card 🪪 is used for identification, exams, lockers, library and printers, to enter some buildings, aaand the best of them all – the tea and coffee machines! (Ppst, the tea is free!🤭) You will either get it delivered to your address or receive an email to pick it up from the Student Service Desk at Forum.
Speaking of machines and printers, the app Kuario will allow you to easily add credits to your WUR card and pay.
Register in the municipality, get a BSN, and apply for a DigiD
It is important to register yourself and your address in the municipality. For your convenience, they will come to campus on Thursday 14 August, Friday 22 August, and Monday 25 to Friday 29 August. You can also register in the municipality itself if you prefer that. At the beginning of August, you will receive an email from the University with more information about the whole process and booking a time slot. When you register, you will receive your BSN (citizen service number).
After you get a BSN, apply for DigiD. It is for identification when making online arrangements, such as subsidies, other governmental matters, with educational and healthcare institutions – making doctors or vaccination appointments.
Make your place feel like home
Feeling comfortable in your room is something everyone needs. Especially in our teenage years, we’re all very excited to have the full freedom of designing our own room!🏡
Stores around the city centre like Action, Hema, and Kruidvat will be your best friends, haha! Find a lot of cheap (and sometimes free) stuff, again, in Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp and Telegram groups, and Marktplaats. Many students are reselling their belongings and furniture, often in very good condition, so great deals are made! And don’t forget about all the thrift stores in the city that offer great deals on second-hand furniture and home decor.
If you want some tips on how to make your dorm into a home, check this out!
Meet, explore, treat yourself and settle in
Making friends will happen more easily than expected. For example, when helping each other at your student housing, during AID, in the city centre, and of course, you’ll meet all of your peers when the classes begin! Go out as much as possible – have an ice cream together and get to know the city!
Another thing you can do to make use of the free time is to go visit the neighbouring cities. Bennekom and Ede are within a biking distance of Wageningen, and Utrecht is another beautiful nearby city. I loved it so much, I call it “The Small Amsterdam” since you get the stunning canals and views, but without the full-on load of tourists!
After the whole moving-in process, going out on a “solo date” can be just the thing you need! It will allow you to relax, settle in and put order to your thoughts. Go stroll around the city centre, reconnect with nature, or treat yourself in some of the many yummy places in Wageningen!🌱
Hope after knowing everything, you can catch a breather now! And remember – try not to stress too much. In the end, it’s all about enjoying the journey. Good luck, you’ve got this!🫡
See you around,
Zlatoslava
