Before you arrive, here's more information about what you need to bring with you and what will happen during Induction.
Below we have laid out the pre-arrival requirements, what you need to bring with you, how to pay, and what to expect on arrival to the Netherlands.
If you have any further queries, please contact the OnCampus Amsterdam team: [email protected]
Pre-arrival requirements
- OnCampus Certificate of Enrolment (CoE) letter.
- Passport with valid visa (if applicable).
- Proof of payment.
- Original supporting academic documents (high school certificate or Bachelor's degree, IELTS, academic transcripts).
- Your Amsterdam address, telephone number and email address.
There are direct, frequent trains to Amsterdam Central Station or you can find plenty of private taxis for hire in the taxi line outside the main entrance.
Tuition and accommodation fees (if applicable) are due 30 days before the start of term. They can be paid using our online payments platform, Convera® GlobalPay for Students. See below for further details.
You will need to arrive for enrolment at OnCampus Amsterdam. Details will be sent to you via email nearer the time and more information can be found below.
Upon arrival in the Netherlands, please go to your accommodation first.
Visa information
In order to be able to study in the Netherlands, non-EU students need to apply for residency. Once you are officially enrolled to the OnCampus Amsterdam programme, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) applies for a residence permit on your behalf. UvA Student Services will send you an invitation by email to register via an online system, after which you need to upload the required documents. Once the University has received everything, they will send your application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND).
If you require an entry visa (MVV) for the Netherlands, we advise you to not book a flight ticket, at least not one that cannot be changed, until you are have received your visa sticker in your passport. You can contact the OnCampus Amsterdam team for assistance during the visa application process at [email protected]. More information about the visa process can be found on the University of Amsterdam's website.
Please note that before you arrive in Amsterdam you will receive emails from UvA Student Services (visa process, housing process and Start Appointment), your housing corporation (for example De Key or DUWO) and from the OnCampus Amsterdam team. Please make sure you reply to all the emails that you receive from the different departments. The OnCampus Amsterdam team can always help you if you have any questions.
You are required to have appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. You must arrange your health insurance prior to entering the country. The AON Insurance Certificate for Students (ICS) Complete+ package covers medical costs in the Netherlands, liability, household contents and luggage, accidents and legal assistance. The package costs around €53 per month. Students who aim to get a part-time job need Basic Health Insurance which is about €100 per month. Book the AON Complete+ health insurance here.
What to bring with you
You will need to show your OnCampus enrolment documents to the Immigration Officer on arrival so please make sure they are placed safely in your carry-on hand luggage.
Dutch currency is the Euro. In the Netherlands, credit cards are accepted in hotels, most restaurants, large department stores and tourist attractions. However, you can't use a credit card for smaller transactions, for instance in the supermarket. Cash is still widely used but the most common method of payment is "pinnen": using a debit card plus PIN code.
Make sure you have made any necessary advance payments and stay aware of potential financial scams.
You should have enough warm clothing for your flight and subsequent journey. Several layers of lightweight clothes are better than a single shirt or dress. It is probably cheaper and easier to buy warm winter clothing in the Netherlands rather than in your home country.
You will usually have a free baggage allowance, which will be shown on your air ticket; this is usually from 20kg with a restricted weight of 32kg per single item of luggage. Only essential personal possessions may be brought in addition to research materials. You may be charged for excess baggage if you exceed the baggage allowance, so check with the airline before you leave if you are not sure of your allowance. You should make a list of everything you bring.
We advise against bringing large items or lots of unnecessary personal belongings. There may be restrictions on the amount of luggage you can bring when travelling to the Netherlands. Do not bring kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters or rice cookers. If you're living in OnCampus accommodation, you are not permitted to use these in your bedroom. If you're renting private accommodation, check what your landlord provides. We encourage you to buy electrical appliances in the Netherlands to ensure they're compatible with our electric sockets and check what is permitted by your accommodation provider.
How to pay
We want to make paying your fees as easy as possible. They can be paid using our online payments platform: Convera® GlobalPay for Students.
This fast and reliable service allows you to pay in your local currency via bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard, or by using a wide range of local online payment options, including WeChat Pay, UnionPay, India NetBanking and more, without incurring any transaction charges.
Klarna and bank transfer are also available for UK domestic payments through the platform.
Benefits:
- Pay fees in your local currency.
- Avoid fees and international foreign exchange charges from your bank.
- Easy to use on smartphones and other mobile devices.
- Pay online or by bank transfer.
- Rest assured knowing your payments are received in full by OnCampus.
- Track your payment status by text and email.
- Get price and payment options upfront with a price comparison too.
Pay now with Convera® GlobalPay for Students.
Important: A payment reference must be provided so that the college can identify funds on safe arrival into our account. This must be the student reference number as stated on your offer document. This reference means that we can then allocate the funds against your invoice accordingly. Failure to include a reference may mean we have to contact you again to establish your proof of payment.
If you need any further payment assistance, please call our Finance team on +44 (0)1223 942 300. You can also watch this video on how to pay through Convera GlobalPay for Students.
What to expect on arrival to the Netherlands
When you arrive at Schiphol airport you will need to pass through immigration so follow the signs to Passport Control. If the Immigration Officer asks you about the purpose of your visit to the Netherlands then please explain that you will be studying in the Netherlands and make sure you are able to show the required documents. It is important that you answer these questions in detail, politely and keep calm. Make sure you have all the required supporting documents in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport.
- Original academic documents.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Certificate of enrolment.
- Dutch Entry Visa (if required).
- Check into your accommodation.
- Let your family know you've safely arrived.
- Attend Induction and enrol (remember to take all your original documents).
Arriving at OnCampus Amsterdam
Direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal Station run every 10 to 15 minutes between 06.00AM and 12.30AM (every hour during other times). The trip takes 15 minutes and costs under €5. Train tickets and public transport chip cards are available from the yellow ticket machines near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza. Tickets are also available from the NS Service desk, which is situated close to the red/white-checked cube at Schiphol Plaza. Staff at the ticket offices will also be able to provide you with train departure information.
You'll find plenty of private taxis for hire in the taxi line just outside the main entrance to the arrivals and train station level at Schiphol. Expect the fare to be around €50, please ask for a price indication before departure and make sure you have money with you to pay the driver. You can either pay in cash or with credit card.
The address for OnCampus Amsterdam is: OnCampus Amsterdam, UvA Roeterseiland campus, J/K Building, room 1.58, Valckenierstraat 65-67, 1018 XE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Even before term starts, you'll enjoy an excellent induction programme which will help you begin the settling in process. Our expert team will be in contact with you, sharing information and helping to make sure you feel supported.
It is important that you attend Induction Week (whether online or face-to-face). The OnCampus Amsterdam team has designed an induction programme that will provide you with the essential information you need. You will get to know key centre staff and build new friendships, helping you to settle into your new city and to your centre.
The sessions will help you get to know the wide range of support and guidance available to you. Important topics are covered such as managing your money, practical tips on finding the right study and life balance, local culture and laws and staying safe.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with the team at OnCampus Amsterdam.
Enrolment is the administrative process whereby you are admitted to OnCampus as a student. It is part of your induction. On the first day of induction, we will tell you when and where your enrolment will take place. When you attend enrolment, remember to bring along all the essential original documents mentioned under Enrolment documents. Enrolment is an essential part of your induction. After you enrol, you are officially a student of OnCampus Amsterdam.
Important: OnCampus will only accept original documents. We cannot accept photocopies.
Preparing to study with OnCampus Amsterdam
Starting a new programme of study in a new country is exciting! We also know it can be a little daunting, with lots to arrange and learn about. OnCampus Amsterdam will support you every step of the way.