Should you think this is another ordinary guidebook to the Netherlands, you are wrong. Such books are covered with dust on every regular bookstore shelf. This is also not a description of the Dutch landscape, with traditional windmills, grass-fed cattle, colorful tulip fields, and picturesque canals. What you will find here is daily life, seen through the eyes of two Polish students studying Dutch language and culture. This guidebook is based on our experiences, observations, and emotions.

Accommodation

Flatmate wanted!

If you think that finding a room in the Netherlands is a piece of stroopwafel, you are wrong. Besides having to go through the recruitment procedure during the so-called ‘let-me-introduce-myself-evening’ (kijk- of hospiteeravond), you also need to fulfill some further requirements. To increase your chances of getting a room, do not be late – the Dutch are very strict about time. And take into consideration that Dutch distance is given in bike per minute (b/min), instead of kilometer per hour (km/h), so make sure to recalculate it before leaving. Furthermore, express a fondness of eating and drinking together (samen eten en drinken) which occurs in almost every student house.

Home, sweet home

If you think that having a place to stay is the end of the story, you are wrong. Next to come is an arduous journey across dangerous, high, and steep stairs. Watch your steps while carrying in the new lounge chair you found for free on marktplaats.nl.

Once moving is over and your room is fully furnished and all your suitcases unpacked, it is time to throw a house-warming party. Big windows without curtains make looking out for the guests convenient. Bear in mind to prepare suitable Dutch music, which is… well, one of a kind. To keep your guests entertained, do not plan any dancing activities – the Dutch are not going to show you any fancy moves, like tilting or twisting. Even if they try hard, they only swing their shoulders. To have fun, arrange a karaoke evening – you cannot neglect Dutch singing talent.