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Arrival Guide

Your First Weeks in the Netherlands

A simple plan for your first day, first 3 days and first week as a student from India or Pakistan.

Netherlands Arrival Timeline
  • Move into your room: Your rental contract is your proof of address for registration.
  • Tell your family you arrived: Use Wi-Fi until you have a Dutch SIM card.

Priority
First 24 Hours

Rest, settle in and keep your papers safe.

Essential Tasks

  • Move into your room: Collect your keys and keep your rental contract.
  • Keep your papers together: You need your passport, rental contract and MVV sticker for your city appointment.

Quick Tips

Emergency contacts to save

  • Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): 112

First Day Advice

  • Keep your passport with the MVV sticker safe.
  • Keep a copy of your rental contract.
  • Save the number 112.

First 3 Days: Get Set Up

Use these days to learn your way around and contact your university.

Campus & Administration

  • International office: Many universities run special city registration days for international students.
  • Residence document: Your university gets a letter when your card is ready. Then you book a time at the IND desk.

Local Orientation

  • Plan your routes: The 9292 journey planner shows buses, trams and trains door to door.
  • Pay in shops: Many grocery stores do not take credit cards. Some no longer take cash.

First Week: Official Steps

Your first week is for registration. Most banks and jobs need the BSN you get from it.

Official Registration

  • Register with your city: Within 5 days in Delft and Utrecht. Bring your passport with the MVV (the entry visa sticker) and your rental contract.
  • Open a bank account: You must have one if you work or do an internship.
  • Book your TB test: At the public health service (GGD), within 3 months after you get your residence permit.

Social & Practical

  • Get around: Tap your bank card or phone on buses and trains (OVpay), or buy an OV-pas. Use the 9292 journey planner.
  • Get a bike: A used bike and a strong lock are the cheapest way to get around a Dutch city.

Safety and Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers on your phone.

Emergency Numbers

ServiceNumber
Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance). Free.112

Safety Tips

  • Call 112 only for life-threatening situations or a crime you see happen.
  • For illness that is not an emergency, go to your general practitioner (GP) first.
  • Lock your bike with a strong lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Next Steps

Next: Your University Enrolment

See how to finish enrolling at your Dutch university after you arrive.

University Enrolment Guide