If you intend to relocate to the Netherlands via the study pathway, this is an important information for you. Living in the Netherlands is a beautiful experience with its pros and cons.
Pros
High Living Standards
While the cost of living in the Netherlands might not be considered as the cheapest, it is possible to live in this beautiful part of western Europe without a hole in the pocket.
Housing is quite pricy if you stay in the Randstad area or the area that incorporates the Netherlands' four largest cities, but lower in the suburbs and towns. The entire country is connected by intercity train hence movement across country is seamless with hundreds of connecting train every minute.
Train Tram, Buses, scooter, and bicycles are popular means of public transportation.
Super Social
Extroverts will love Dutch culture. There are amazing coffee shops with summer festivals and various events at the museums scattered in every corner of the country. There is always an activity ongoing for your personality.
A Great Base to Explore Europe
The Netherlands boarders Belgium and Germany, and with a great transport system that includes the Thalysis across Europe and ferries to the UK, the Netherlands is a great base for exploring the continent.
Cons
De or Het?
Learning the local language can be tough. Although the Dutch language is the closest to English due to same alphabets however the pronunciations are particularly tough for native English speakers, and, with majority of Dutch citizens speaking English, it could be difficult to become immersed in the local language as everyone will speak to you in English once they see you struggling with the local language.
Housing Shortage
One of the reasons rents are so expensive here is a huge housing shortage. The Netherlands needs over 250,000 new houses to meet demand, with over 100,000 new properties being needed each year. This makes it hard for immigrants to get it easy with rental unlike other western countries, however with proper planning and leveraging on online rental agencies there are possibilities.
Rush Hour Traffic
Commuters in the Netherlands should beware. The country is densely populated, making rush hour a real problem for workers. If you want to skip the commute and cycle, you need to make sure you keep your bike locked up safely and pack a waterproof jacket in case it rains. Public transportation is the most reliable (and driest) way to get to work.
