Welcome to your new homeA guide for students preparing to join us at Holland International Study Centre Groningen

hollandisc.com

G R O N I N G E N

Contact detailsAddress:Holland International Study CentreZernikepark 49747 AN GroningenThe Netherlands

The ISC is on the 2nd floor

Telephone number:+ 31 (0) 20 3032075

Emergency telephone number:+31 (0)6 26019857

Useful websites:hollandisc.comstudyinholland.nl/toerisme.groningen.nl/en/

Welcome to your new homeGroningen is a fantastic place to live and study. This friendly and welcoming city will be your new, exciting home away from home, a place where you will create new memories that you’ll treasure for life.

We want to help you settle into your new home quickly and easily, so that you can concentrate on your studies and start enjoying student life in Groningen. This guide provides all of the important information you need to prepare for travelling to and living in Holland as well as studying at the Holland International Study Centre (ISC).

For up-to-date information before your arrival, visit: hollandisc.com/how-to-apply/before-you-arrive

Contents

Get ready to join us 1

What to bring with you to Holland 3

Arriving in Holland 5

Getting to Holland 7 International Study Centre

Location map 11

Your induction programme 13

Your International Study Centre 15

Your checklist 17

Get ready to join us at the International Study CentreBefore you join us, there are five things you need to do first.

4 Complete our pre-arrival formAt around one month before term starts, we will email you with a link to an online form. You will need to complete this with your travel information - so we know when to expect you - and your visa details.

We are unable to process any requests received less than 48 hours before your arrival.

1 Apply for your visaNow that you have confirmed your place, you will be sent information on how to apply for your visa including what documents and finances are required. Your university of choice will apply for your visa on your behalf – you cannot apply yourself.

2 Book your accommodationYou need to book accommodation, either The Student Hotel or other private accommodation before arriving in Groningen, to ensure there are no difficulties at immigration, with confirming your course and for city hall registration.

To book a room at the Student Hotel, you can use the link that will be sent to you by our accommodation team. Visit hollandisc.com/about-holland-isc/accommodation

Rooms are subject to availability and we are unable to guarantee a room if you apply late.

3 Book your travelOnce you receive your visa, you can book your travel. You should arrive the weekend before the start of your induction week.

You should book any flights home after the official end of term date which can be found in your offer letter. In the case where you may have to resit examinations, you may need to remain in Holland for at least two weeks after the course finishes.

Please see page 7 for your suggested arrival airport.

5 Ensure you are insuredIn our experience, it is essential that international students have the protection of personal insurance for the duration of their time in Holland. In fact it is compulsory for getting a residence permit.

When you apply to the International Study Centre, we strongly advise you to take insurance cover with AON Student Insurance. This insurance policy covers loss of personal possessions as well as providing health and medical insurance. If you have not taken this option, please make sure you have secured your own policy. Visit www.hollandisc.com/how-to-apply/insurance for more information

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If you need help and advice, your local representative or your student enrolment adviser can help you.

2

Things to pack in your hand luggage Passport and visa letter Conditional offer letter from your university Your offer letter Notarised and original copies of diplomas / high school grades are essential

IELTS certificate or other original Secure English Language Test result

Notarised copy of your Birth Certificate Four passport-sized photographs Any insurance documents Medical certificates including vaccination records

Essential toiletries and medications (please check with your airline what’s permitted). Don’t forget to bring a prescription from your doctor with you.

Enough money to live on in the first few weeks. We advise using traveller’s cheques and not bringing large amounts of cash.

Things to pack in your suitcaseGroningen has a variety of shops so you’ll be able to buy everything you need to live comfortably. Many of the personal items you wish to bring with you, such as clothes, accessories and books can go in your suitcase.

What to bring with you to HollandYou’ll need to pack some important items, such as your passport and visa, in your hand luggage for easy access, while other non-essential items can be packed away in your suitcase.

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We recommend that you bring:• Comfortable clothing such as trainers,

jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat. The dress code at the International Study Centre is casual.

• Study supplies e.g. pens and paper notepads – these may be less expensive in your country.

• Laptop computer and charger – you can set English as the main language choice. This will help you to improve your English.

• Mobile phone and charger.• At least one travel adaptor plug – 230v with

a two-pin plug.• Towel and bed linen.

During the induction week you will be getting advice on where to buy essentials.

If you are staying at the Student Hotel you will need to bring a set of bed linen. Alternatively, you can buy this at the Student Hotel, along with a kitchen-set (cutlery, non-stick pan etc).If you would like to purchase this before you arrive, email info@thestudenthotel.com with your full name and room type.

If you have booked private accommodation, you will need to check what is supplied. During the induction week you will be getting advice on where to buy essentials.

Top Tips

Check with your airline on what you can bring in terms of size and weight for hand and checked luggage.

Calling from Holland? Once you’re in Holland and calling from a Dutch phone, you don’t need to include the +31, just replace it with a 0 for example +3120 303 2075 becomes 020 303 2075.

4

Arriving in HollandTravelling to a new country can be a little overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve outlined the process below so that you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.At the airport Whoever enters Holland from outside the European Union (EU) must have a valid passport and in some cases you will need a visa as well. If you are a passenger arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (the fifth largest airport in Europe) or any other Dutch or close by European airport, this will be checked on your departure to Holland and again on arrival.

Follow the Arrivals and Exit signs to Passport Control. After passing through the control desk, you will arrive at the luggage carrousels located on the ground floor. Once you have reclaimed your belongings, you can go to the Customs Security Control. If you have nothing to declare, you may simply pass through.

Be prepared for an interview with Dutch immigration staff - you might have to answer questions and have a basic conversation with the help of an interpreter.

Imports As a student it is not very probable that you will be carrying large amounts of money, but nevertheless you should be aware of the fact that all passengers entering or leaving the European Union with € 10,000 or more in cash must declare this to the Customs officials. In addition to banknotes, this regulation also applies to other negotiable instruments such as cheques. All merchandise imports must be reported to the Customs office too. Please note that not all medicines or medicinal herbs are allowed.

Welcome to Holland!

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Top TipMake sure you have original, paper copies of all your documents, not in digital formats on smart phones, tablets or other electronic devices. Keep them in your hand luggage in case you need to show them at the Dutch border.

G R O N I N G E N

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Getting to Holland ISC from Schiphol AirportSchiphol Airport is the closest international airport.

The easiest and least expensive way to get to Groningen is by train. There are trains every half hour from Schiphol Airport. The train journey takes about 2 hours. You can either:• get a direct train, or • take a train and change at Zwolle station.

Information in English is available at www.ns.nl/en

You can purchase a ‘single use’ train ticket to Groningen using the yellow ticket machines at Schiphol Airport. Payment can be made by International Credit Card or European debit card. Before going to the platform you should ‘check in’ your ticket by swiping it at one of the yellow check-in poles next to the stairs to the train platform.

Once you have arrived at Groningen CS station, you can take a taxi to your accommodation (the taxis are situated outside the train station). Here, you will also find buses. Please ask one of the bus drivers which bus you will have to take to your accommodation.

www.ns.nl/en/stations/groningenwww.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/consumers/ns-zonetaxiwww.qbuzz.nl

See pages 9-10 for more information on Schiphol airport.

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Top TipDon’t forget to email or phone your parent or guardian to let them know you have arrived.

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* these food and beverage facilities are open 24 hours a day

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Arrivals 4

Arrivals 3

Arrivals 2

Arrivals 1

Parking

Sheraton

HiltonWTC

CitizenM

Tunnel to parking garage P2

Upstairs Upstairs

Downstairs

Upstairs

to Departures 3

to Departures 3Upstairs

to Departures 1-2

Upstairs

to Departures 2

A

BQ

C

D

F

E

H

G

I

J

O

N

K

L

M

P

Legenda

ArrivAls & schiphol plAzA

a-company eventdesk

accor hotel desk

airport Business Point

amsterdam shuttle desk

assistance

Baggage lockers

Baggage storage – Pick up on return

Bar

Buses

Car rental

Cash and change

Communication zone

door 16 – Unaccompanied baggage reclaim

dutch Railways/Ticket desk

excursions

First aid

Food/ Coffee bar

Hearing loop

Holland Tourist Information

Hotel

Hotel reservation

Information desk

Mailbox

Meeting Point

nS Hispeed lounge

Panorama terrace

Parking

Police – Koninklijke Marechaussee

Restaurant

Schiphol Transfer assistance

Seal & go

Self-service information point

Shuttles

Taxis

Ticket desk

Trains

Train tickets

Wheelchair rental

BaRS & ReSTaURanTS

D Burger King*

M Café Rembrandt

Q Coffee Bar

N délifrance*

B grand Café Plaza*

L Hello There

O HeMa Food

K Hot ’n Cold

I Juggle Juice Bar*

J Juggle Sandwich Bar*

P Multivlaai

F Per Tutti!

C Pronto

H Segafredo espresso Bar

A E Starbucks

G Vlaamse Frites

CHoCoLaTeS

26 Leonidas

dePaRTMenT SToRe

44 HeMa

FaSHIon

37 america Today

29 global Brands

17 Hennes & Mauritz

4 Mexx, esprit, InWear/Matinique

15 Paolo Salotto menswear

35 Shirleys lingerie

9 Suitsupply

7 Tie Rack

21 Wonder Woman

FLoWeRS, BULBS & gIFTS

28 aviflora

51 BLoeM!

6 Fleurtiek

gIFTS

41 aRTitIS

33 expo

50 Planes@Plaza

HaIRdReSSeR

40 Coiffure en Vogue

JeWeLRy & WaTCHeS

3 gassan Plaza

LeaTHeR & TRaVeL

18 Paolo Salotto Luxury Leathergoods

LIqUoR

11 dufry liquors of the world

neWS & BooKS

27 43 45 aKo 38 Libris

PeRSonaL CaRe

34 etos

32 Perfumes & Colors

8 The Body Shop

PHoTo, eLeCTRonICS & enTeRTaInMenT

30 Capi

39 Capi

SeRVICe CenTRe

52 Jill & James (Telepresence,

TNT Post Service, Randstad, Fred Butler,

Medsen pharmacy) opening soon.

SHoeS

48 Crocs

5 Paolo Salotto Shoes

SPoRTS

42 nike Schiphol

SUPeRMaRKeT

46 aH to go

12 Food Village

TeLeCoM

31 airport Telecom Shop

9

* these food and beverage facilities are open 24 hours a day

48

52

45

3

4

42

56

9

12 50

15

17

18

2726

21

2830

32

3533

3438

39

40

41

37

31

29

43

11

78

44

51

46

Arrivals 4

Arrivals 3

Arrivals 2

Arrivals 1

Parking

Sheraton

HiltonWTC

CitizenM

Tunnel to parking garage P2

Upstairs Upstairs

Downstairs

Upstairs

to Departures 3

to Departures 3Upstairs

to Departures 1-2

Upstairs

to Departures 2

A

BQ

C

D

F

E

H

G

I

J

O

N

K

L

M

P

Legenda

ArrivAls & schiphol plAzA

a-company eventdesk

accor hotel desk

airport Business Point

amsterdam shuttle desk

assistance

Baggage lockers

Baggage storage – Pick up on return

Bar

Buses

Car rental

Cash and change

Communication zone

door 16 – Unaccompanied baggage reclaim

dutch Railways/Ticket desk

excursions

First aid

Food/ Coffee bar

Hearing loop

Holland Tourist Information

Hotel

Hotel reservation

Information desk

Mailbox

Meeting Point

nS Hispeed lounge

Panorama terrace

Parking

Police – Koninklijke Marechaussee

Restaurant

Schiphol Transfer assistance

Seal & go

Self-service information point

Shuttles

Taxis

Ticket desk

Trains

Train tickets

Wheelchair rental

BaRS & ReSTaURanTS

D Burger King*

M Café Rembrandt

Q Coffee Bar

N délifrance*

B grand Café Plaza*

L Hello There

O HeMa Food

K Hot ’n Cold

I Juggle Juice Bar*

J Juggle Sandwich Bar*

P Multivlaai

F Per Tutti!

C Pronto

H Segafredo espresso Bar

A E Starbucks

G Vlaamse Frites

CHoCoLaTeS

26 Leonidas

dePaRTMenT SToRe

44 HeMa

FaSHIon

37 america Today

29 global Brands

17 Hennes & Mauritz

4 Mexx, esprit, InWear/Matinique

15 Paolo Salotto menswear

35 Shirleys lingerie

9 Suitsupply

7 Tie Rack

21 Wonder Woman

FLoWeRS, BULBS & gIFTS

28 aviflora

51 BLoeM!

6 Fleurtiek

gIFTS

41 aRTitIS

33 expo

50 Planes@Plaza

HaIRdReSSeR

40 Coiffure en Vogue

JeWeLRy & WaTCHeS

3 gassan Plaza

LeaTHeR & TRaVeL

18 Paolo Salotto Luxury Leathergoods

LIqUoR

11 dufry liquors of the world

neWS & BooKS

27 43 45 aKo 38 Libris

PeRSonaL CaRe

34 etos

32 Perfumes & Colors

8 The Body Shop

PHoTo, eLeCTRonICS & enTeRTaInMenT

30 Capi

39 Capi

SeRVICe CenTRe

52 Jill & James (Telepresence,

TNT Post Service, Randstad, Fred Butler,

Medsen pharmacy) opening soon.

SHoeS

48 Crocs

5 Paolo Salotto Shoes

SPoRTS

42 nike Schiphol

SUPeRMaRKeT

46 aH to go

12 Food Village

TeLeCoM

31 airport Telecom Shop

10

Location map

11

Hereweg

Europaweg

Stationsweg

The Student Hotel

Groninger Museum

CENTRAL STATION

BoterdiepReitdiep

N370

Plataanlaan

Simplon

Petrus Campersi ngel

Oostersingel

Stadsschouwburg Groningen

Stadscentrum

G R O N I N G E N

MartiniplazaStadspark Groningen

Zernike Campus

EuropaparkZonelaan

Eikenlaan

Bloemstraat

Noorderplantsoen

Weg Der Verenigde Naties

NORTH STATION

Central Station Groningen to:Holland ISC15 min by bike15 min by bus

Schiphol Airport1 hour 50 min by car2 hours by train

Student Hotel Groningen24 min walk9 min by bus

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Your Induction ProgrammeOn your first, exciting day with us it is important that you arrive on time. During your induction you will have a complete introduction to Holland and the International Study Centre.

It’s vital that you arrive on time so that you don’t miss out on meeting your new classmates and enjoying all of the great social activities that have been planned for you.

We will work with you in your first week to find out about your academic levels and how we can best support you in your studies.

What to bring with you on your first dayPlease bring the following documents, so that we can register you on the course:

✓ Passport ✓ Dutch home address ✓ 10 euro deposit for building pass ✓ New local phone number (if available) ✓ Pen/paper

During your Induction Programme you will learn about:• Registering with the International

Study CentrePlease follow the instructions in the induction programme which will be forwarded seperately.

• Registering at Groningen city hall• Opening a bank account After registration, the Holland ISC staff will help

you obtaining a Dutch social security number (BSN). You will need a BSN in order to open a bank account. You will obtain a BSN two weeks after your registration at the Groningen city hall.

In order to open a bank account you will need: ✓ a passport ✓ proof you are a student – we will issue you

with a letter ✓ proof of a Dutch address

Obtaining your residence permitA residence permit looks like a credit cardand proves that you are residing legally in the Netherlands. You will need to obtain a residence permit if you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union/ European Economic Area or Switzerland and in case you will be staying here for a period of more than three months. The ISC will have to apply for a residence permit on your behalf within five days of your arrival in the Netherlands.

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• Your chosen programmeGet your all-important timetable and find out what you need to achieve to progress to the University of Groningen.

Top TipWhen you arrive, continue to view your fees online and select how you want to pay - login details are in your offer letter and statements.

• Taking a tuberculosis test at the Area Health Authority in GroningenIf you are an international student from a non-EU country, you are required by Dutch Immigration Law to have a tuberculosis (TB) test at a local GGD office (Dutch Health Service). Participating in TB testing is important for your health, but most importantly it is necessary for obtaining your (temporary) residence permit. Some nationalities do not require a TB test. For more information, please go to https://ind.nl/en/Forms/7644.pdf

Advice on settling in1. Say hello to your new neighbours.

Living in a student residence is a great way to make new, life-long friends. Other students around you, both from Holland and abroad, will be feeling the same as you. Talking to each other will really help you settle in. Why not take the first step by introducing yourself?

2. Join in! There will be lots of events planned at the International Study Centre.

3. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm on your first day – you’ll need plenty of time to get ready.

We want you to feel at home as quickly as possible. If you have any worries, you can always approach any of our friendly staff and they will be very happy to help.

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Your campus

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Holland International Study Centre is part of Study Group.

For more information visit: studygroup.com

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Your checklistAs soon as possible

Have you paid the required fees for your tuition,

accommodation and insurance

(if applicable)?

Have you booked your accommodation?

Have you checked your passport is valid for at

least six months from your course start date?

Have you applied for and received your visa?

Up to one month before you depart

Have you completed the online pre-arrival form

(sent by email) with your flight and

visa information?

Have you organised money to bring with you?

Have you received confirmation of your

room allocation?

Have you made a copy of your passport

and other essential documents?

Have you obtained four passport-sized photos?

What to bring with you on

your first dayPlease bring the following documents, so that

we can register you on the course:

Passport

Evidence of your Dutch home address

Notarised and original copies of diplomas /

high school grades

New local number (if available)

Pen/paper

Get involved!Why not join our social network

facebook.com/Hollandisc weibo.com/HollandISC

We can’t wait to welcome you.