College Life Logo

Magazine

Stories to help you bring your best ideas to life. Subscribe to get the best student tips, tricks, and tutorials in your inbox.

Work

PwC Gameday: The Event

You may have heard of a simple poem that begins like this: “Work while you work, play while you play…” But what if work could become play, and play could become work? As it turns out, the skills you hone with your favourite games — problem-solving, strategic thinking, and teamwork — are no longer beneficial […]

Home Inspector Salary Calculator

The home inspection sector presents exceptional earning prospects, combining professional autonomy with substantial financial rewards. Home inspectors play a crucial role in property transactions, providing essential insights that help buyers make informed decisions. For those considering this career path or seasoned practitioners, the landscape of property inspection offers diverse opportunities to build a thriving career.  […]

Home Inspector Jobs: A Comprehensive Overview

The demand for skilled home inspectors is rising rapidly across the United States and Canada. A booming real estate market, increased awareness of property safety, and the need for professional property evaluations drive this increase. Home inspector jobs offer career flexibility, financial independence, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to one of life’s most significant […]
1 2 3 9

Culture & Entertainment

5 Must-See Dutch Art Museums You Need to Visit

Dutch culture is extremely diverse and fascinating. A pillar of Dutch cultural legacy is its plethora of museums, which happens to also be one of the reasons why studying in the Netherlands is awesome. The Netherlands has tons of museums and galleries and a lot of major Dutch cities are labelled as European cultural capitals. […]

6 Very Persuading Reasons You Should Learn Dutch

Being an international student here does not mean you have an excuse to not learn Dutch! Since you live and study in Holland, why not learn the local language? Dutch is a fun language, not only to listen to but to learn as well. Learning a foreign language like Dutch can also boost your cognitive abilities, […]

The Absolute Best Cultural Discounts for Students in the Netherlands

We’ve all been there: you want to go out and do something but you don’t want to spend a small fortune (well, a ‘small fortune’ in the eyes of a student). As an international student or even an exchange student you probably want to explore the new place you are going to be living and […]

Education

Easiest Languages to Learn for English Speakers: Top 14

For native English speakers beginning their language learning journey, particular languages naturally present fewer challenges than others. Certain languages are generally seen as simple for English speakers to grasp, whether through shared Germanic or Latin roots, comparable grammatical structures, or straightforward pronunciation patterns. Romance languages like Spanish, French, and Italian provide familiar vocabulary derived from […]

Home Inspector Training Courses: A Complete Breakdown

Home inspection is an increasingly popular and fulfilling career path, promising professional flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to the housing sector. The real estate sector continually seeks qualified professionals to deliver meticulous property assessments, making this field particularly attractive for those drawn to independent consulting work.  Proper education and certification are paramount […]

Multilingualism: 42 Benefits for Students & Graduates

In today’s interconnected world, speaking multiple languages is an invaluable asset that opens doors to countless opportunities. Multilingualism enriches personal experiences and significantly enhances academic, social, and professional prospects for students and recent graduates. As educational environments become more globalised, proficiency in various languages equips individuals to navigate diverse cultural landscapes and build meaningful connections. […]
1 2 3 9

Essentials

Phone Bundles for Students in the Netherlands

“Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me.” This iconic line from the classic show Kim Possible perfectly sums up what it feels like to be a student today—always needing to stay connected. For international students in the Netherlands, the right phone bundle ensures staying connected with loved ones, managing data for online classes, […]

Best eSIMs in the Netherlands [2024] 

Staying connected is crucial when you’re living abroad, especially for international students and recent graduates navigating life in the Netherlands. An eSIM provides a modern, convenient way to manage your mobile needs without the hassle of physical SIM cards. It’s now possible to activate a cell plan and begin using your phone immediately with a […]

How to Buy a Dutch SIM Card in the Netherlands [2024]

Moving to a new country is exciting, especially for international students and graduates. One of the first things you’ll need to settle in the Netherlands is a reliable way to stay connected with friends, family, and your new community. Getting a Dutch SIM card is critical for seamless communication while avoiding the hefty fees associated […]
1 2 3 6

Money

Mobile Banks for Digital Nomads: bunq Spotlight

Remember that scene in “The Devil Wears Prada” - Miranda Priestly yelling commands over the phone while on vacation in Miami? Well, that’s digital nomads for you. They do not just take calls on holiday; their lifestyle redefines work-life balance in the digital age. Over 40 million people have embraced this lifestyle, but one major […]

Top 5 Websites to Get Student Discounts in the Netherlands

Living as a student can be expensive. Even if you have mastered the student budget, it’s always a bonus to be able to save a little money here and there. You're already forking out a bit of cash on your other living costs. Want to buy some new gym shoes or simply treat yourself to a meal […]

Debit Cards 101: Get a Student Debit Card Right Now!

You’ve already chosen to study in the Netherlands. You’re also an expert when it comes to housing allowance, health insurance allowance, and all the other things related to student finance. One more thing to add to your list: debit cards. We are here to help you with all things bank-related and in this case, tell you all about debit cards. […]
1 2 3 4

Testimonials

Student Stories: How Not to Spend 6 Months Applying for the Rent Subsidy

It's a well-known fact that finding the perfect student housing can be challenging. Not only is the demand for rooms noticeably higher in the student cities, but the rent also tends to be more expensive. Luckily, in the Netherlands, you have the opportunity to apply for housing allowance and make your living more affordable. In […]

Medhat’s Story: Finding Expat Jobs in a Competitive Market & International Environment

International student and graduate visa holders that anxiously seek out expat jobs tend to get lost in their search for one. College Life interviewed Medhat to share his experience as well as some insights into finding expat jobs in a competitive market. The International Student Challenges “The cultural difference affects how people get their jobs, […]

Hrishikesh’s Story: How College Life Accelerate Helped him Land a Job 2 Weeks Before the Zoekjaar Visa Expiration Date

College Life Accelerate is a program created specifically for non-EEA students and graduates in the Netherlands. The program’s aim is to help you land a job after graduation in your preferred industry, field and company size. College Life interviewed one of the programme’s alumni, Hrishikesh, to share his experience as well as some insights to […]

Travel

How Much Does It Cost to Backpack Europe?

Are you dreaming of backpacking through Europe but are concerned about expenses? Good news—exploring the continent can be remarkably economical and more affordable than you realise. The key to transforming your dreams into reality is careful planning and understanding how to maximise resources while experiencing the rich tapestry of European culture, history, and adventure. From […]

A Short and Sweet User Manual to Dutch Public Transport

Though biking is considered the main method of transportation in the Netherlands, there’s more to getting around than simply using your bike. Surely, using a bike outweighs public transport in that it is free and you can usually access many places faster and more directly. However, that doesn’t mean you should totally rule out using […]

How Being a Singapore Exchange Student Changed My Life

As incredibly cliché as this may sound, experiencing the Singapore exchange student life will undeniably change your perspective on most things. Whether this is for better or worse is up to you and you only. This post is an attempt at putting a 20-year-old Gen Zer's experience of living and studying for one semester in […]
crossmenu