Checklist

A visit to another country, whether long or short, requires careful planning and preparation. This checklist can help you prepare.

Things to arrange before you leave home

Make an appointment with SSH Short Stay or your landlord to pick up the keys to your accommodation;
Check with your bank about credit card and ATM use in the Netherlands;
Apply for a Citizen Servcie Number (BSN) at the municipality. This is needed for your salary payment. International Service Desk will make an appointment for you;
Arrange health and liability insurance;
Send the documents for your residence permit (if applicable);
Inform your Faculty contact person about your arrival date;
Make an appointment with your academic supervisor.

A passport, valid for at least one month after your departure from the Netherlands (or ID card for EU-citizens);
Legalised birth certificate (if your place of birth is not in your passport);
Proof of health insurance;
Two passport photos;
Cash or traveller’s checks to cover expenses in the first week or two;
A credit card (Visa or Mastercard) is highly recommended;
Bed linen/ towels (SSH Short Stay sells bed linen to its tenants);
A raincoat, and if you come in the winter, a warm jacket, scarf and gloves;
We recommend for you to take out travel insurance.

Pick up your key and housing contract;
Pay rent and deposit;
Make an appointment with your Faculty contact person to apply for your residence permit/work permit (if applicable);
Register with the municipality; here you can obtain a Citizen Service Number (in Dutch: BSN). This is needed for your salary payment;
Open a bank account.

Among other things, your Faculty contact will be able to inform you about how to register with the municipality and how to open a bank account.

More information can be found on Euraxess.