PSV Eindhoven Football Club

PSV is the major football club in Eindhoven, playing in the Dutch Premier League. The other professional football club is FC Eindhoven, which plays in the second league. PSV stands for Philips Sport Vereniging, which means Philips Sports Union.

The club was originally founded by Philips in 1913 as a team for their workers. PSV is generally considered one of the top 3 teams in the Netherlands and the club has won the national championship 21 times; only Ajax has beaten this number with 29 titles. PSV won the European Cup (the current Champions League) in 1988.

PSV has been a home to various talented players who have spread over Europe and the world afterwards. Who doesn't remember the likes of Ruud Gullit, Romario, Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam and Arjen Robben? They've all played at PSV.

PSV plays its home games in the Philips Stadium, right in the city centre. The stadium is build on the original grounds of the very first sports grounds of PSV. It has been expanded a couple of times and can now host 35,000 people. It is possible to book a tour through the stadium. Also, the fan shop is worth a visit.

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Time for Dutch Design!

Dutch Design Week is Eindhoven's cultural pride. It's the largest design event in the Netherlands and it offers 9 days of events and activities across the city. This year's 13th edition of Dutch Design Week takes place from October 18th until October 26th. Over 180,000 visitors are expected to come from all over Eindhoven, the region, the country and from abroad to be inspired by new ideas, striking works and innovative solutions. We're sure you will find something to interest you from the extensive and unique program which boasts designer duo Scholten and Baijings as this year's ambassadors.

Events

2,200 Dutch and international designers will present their work in different ways over the course of Dutch Design week. You can go see, enjoy or take part in 400 events including exhibitions, design shops, workshops, seminars & conferences, lectures, company visits, award-giving ceremonies, parties and food & drinks!

Disciplines

Design is a broad term, so what can you expect? The work from all participating designers and organisations can (and sometimes can not) be categorised into design disciplines such as: industrial design, product design, graphic design, textile & fashion, spacial design, design management, design education and food design.

Locations

Although you can expect to come across the Dutch Design Week all around town (there are over 78 different locations!), most activities concentrate in and around the areas Strijp, Innercity and East.

Local Life Eindhoven recommends:

Of course you are planning to visit the Dutch Design Week, but what should you go see? Local Life Eindhoven has made a selection of some of the highlights:

• Grudation Show

  This exhibition is a very popular highlight of the DDW. It shows the work of 130 students of Design Academy Eindhoven, both Bachelors and Masters. You'll find the Graduation Show in the Witte Dame ('white lady'), home of the academy. Regular opening hours are 11.00-18.00, varied hours on Sat 18th (open from 13.00), Thu 23rd and Fri 24th (until 22.00). There is an entry fee, but all students receive a discount.

• Industrial and conceptual design

  At DDW, the Klokgebouw on Strijp-S hosts a lot of designers, labels and brands who have their focus on industrial design. This year the art directors of the Klokgebouw events are award-winning Dutch designer duo Kolk and Kusters. At the nearby Videolab individual designers and design groups will also show their conceptual designs. Look out for this year's ground-breaking interior design fish bowl product. You'll want one for every room of your house!

• Fun for the whole family

  Kids aren't forgotten during DDW. The Ontdekfabriek ('discovery factory') is a permanent exhibition where children can actively take part in workshops and play around with design and technology. Entry is free, opening hours are 13.00-18.00 on the 18th until the 23rd and 11.00-18.00 on the 24th and 26th. There will also be a Design for Kids Dome at Stadhuisplein where children can try an array of artistic activities for free everyday between 11.00 and 18.00.

• Farming in the city

  Are you interested in gardening and growing your own food? Then you must visit GROW City Farming on Vestdijk, where you can enjoy workshops on growing your own herb garden and creating a communal garden space. Entrance is 4 € for students and either 5 or 6 € per adult depending on the size of your group.

• Baltan Laboratories

  One of the hotspots we recommend this year is Baltan Laboratories in NatLab on Kastanjelaan, where designers, co-designers, artists and other creative companies explore society, culture and national identity under the theme of “Age of Wonderland”. Some of the events are free, please check online for more details.

• Design 4the fittest at the Stadhuis

  This exhibition by the municipality of Eindhoven reveals lifestyle designs as created by students of the city for their peers. It's an opportunity to consider our health in the context of design which hopes to make a healthier way of living seem even more attractive! Entrance to the Stadhuis (city hall) is free.

Information

With such a large and spread out event it can be tricky to find your way around. But, no worries, the Dutch Design Week info stands help you out! You can find them at the Central Train Station, Stadhuisplein, near the Witte Dame and in the Strijp-S area. Infoguides at the stands can assist you in finding your perfect event.

Entrance, opening hours & more

The majority of the Dutch Design Week events are free, although some of them require you to pay an entrance fee or to sign up. Visit the DDW-website to check event times and prices. This couldn't be easier with the online personal event selection tool. But with so many exciting events this year, you might want to consider buying a DDW passe partout ticket to ensure you don't miss a thing!

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Stratumseind

Many step evening in Eindhoven start at Stratumseind, because this is the greatest step concatenated street of the city! With more than 50 pubs and nightlife is this the nightlife of South Netherlands for the 30 age group. Lots of cozy and nice tents! Stratumsedijk is also traditionally the gaydistrict in Eindhoven.

Close to the Town Hall to find very regular fun events. For example, the celebration of Queen or the championships of PSV. Behind the town hall are the Van Abbemuseum and the Design House. Both leader in the Netherlands in the field of contemporary art and design and well worth a visit. Finally, you will find in the nearby Smalle Haven some nice restaurants and shops.

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Light art at GLOW Eindhoven

Each year, Eindhoven becomes a spectacle as art combines with light in the form of beautiful sculptures and projections in public spaces across the city during the annual GLOW festival!

Founded in 2006, the GLOW event sought to highlight the potential of Eindhoven as a city of creativity and technological innovation. Actually beginning as a trial for the 2007 LUCI (Lighting Urban Community International) general meeting, the event was an immediate hit. Through a mix of light based sculpture, interventions in public spaces, reimagining the way buildings are lit and sets of incredible projections, Eindhoven is transformed into a nocturnal art exhibition that disappears at dawn.

Walking Eindhoven during GLOW

The organisers of GLOW always take the extra effort to ensure that navigating the streets and sites of the installations is as easy as possible. The GLOW Tour is a route that begins with the GLOW Café and takes visitors on a walk through the inner city of Eindhoven where they are treated to over 20 sites and buildings of light based artworks. Of the sites, the Eindhoven University of Technology consistently creates an exhibit that can be deemed as something of a showstopper.

GLOW & the values of Eindhoven

Visitors often have the feeling that GLOW gives a face to Eindhoven’s unique character, embodying the values of technology, innovation and design in a hospitable manner. In fact, GLOW received the Pride Award in 2008 for being one of the most innovative Dutch events! Known as the "Dutch City of Light," allow yourself to be amazed as the tech hub of Philips notoriety is transformed into a beautiful sculpture garden by skilled architects, artists and light.

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DAF Museum

A tour of the DAF Museum will take visitors from one surprise to the next. The inventiveness that has been characteristic for DAF vehicles from 1928 till the present day will even captivate visitors who have no special knowledge of the subject.

The ground floor accommodates a pleasant village square, with shops from the 1930s, a welcoming pub, a period garage and, not to be forgotten, a replica of the Van Doornes' office. From here you can stroll around the museum to discover the many aspects of the DAF product.

The trucks are displayed downstairs and special attention is paid to the milestones in DAF's history. A special section is devoted to engines and it gives a good idea of the developments that have taken place over the years.

The upstairs gallery holds an extraordinary collection of cars, among which a number of interesting prototypes that were not taken into production.

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First Dolby Cinema in the Netherlands

Just before the new year started Dolby Cinema opened the first auditorium of the world in Eindhoven. In this cinema the latest techniques are used to provide visitors with the best possible experience.

The hall is equipped with 4K projectors and for the Atmos surround sound system is deployed. JT cinemas reserved Dolby Cinema special for us so we could take a comprehensive look behind the scenes.

Because the Christie projectors used are equipped with laser light, the brightness of 3D movies almost twice as high as in other theaters. Even brighter can also be used but it must be made specifically for this purpose mastered versions else see the shadows in the image too bright out.

The sound is used as an extra powerful version of Atmos using in this room of more than sixty channels. Behind the screen are already used five channels while three usual. The speakers in the room are hidden from view by acoustically transparent fabrics that have a dark color so that nothing distracts attention from the screen.

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Student Life in Eindhoven

Since there's a lot of opportunities for people from abroad to study in Eindhoven, it's very likely that you're one of the many foreign students in our city, that you're going to be one or that you're thinking about coming over here to study. In any case; you're very welcome and we're pretty sure you won't regret your decision!

Higher education options

Eindhoven was elected the world's number 1 intelligent community of the year in June '11. Where do all those smart people come from? There are quite some options if you're interested in studying here. First of all there's the Eindhoven University of Technology, where you can study for a Bachelors, Masters or PhD-degree in many technical areas.

Applied Sciences is another university, which offers Bachelors, Masters and Exchange programs in several areas, such as economics, healthcare and teacher training. If you're more the creative type, the Design Academy is the place to go. Apart from being an intelligent region with many developments going on in technology and IT, Eindhoven is also known for its creative scene, the Dutch Design Week, taking place in Eindhoven in October each year, is a great example for this.

International offices

Most of the educational institutions have special international offices for foreign students. If you have questions about anything related to studying at their institute, get in touch. There is the STU / International Relations Office of the Eindhoven University of Technology, the Fontys International Office and the information page of the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Official Stuff

The international office of the institute you'll be studying at will be able to advise you on all official arrangements you need to make, whether you should register in the city or not, how to do this, paperwork you need to get done before and after coming over to Eindhoven and other things that occur.

Accomodation

Although the rental accommodation market in Eindhoven is quite tight, you should be able to find a comfortable place to live in one of the areas in town. For more details on accommodations options and details on the areas Woensel, Gestel, Strijp, Stratum, Tongelre and city centre, check out our page about accommodation in Eindhoven. You can also use our Eindhoven map to look up addresses and see facilities around.

Finding a place to live in Eindhoven might seem like a challenge in the beginning, and affordable rooms at the best locations do go quickly, but if you use the right channels, you will succeed. There are several housing agents in Eindhoven that offer you all the help you need in finding a place to live.

Daily life

Once you're settled in Eindhoven in your new room, apartment or studio, you'll need some useful shops. The main Dutch supermarkets are Albert Heijn, Jumbo (both more high-end), C1000, Plus (both average) and cheaper ones are the well known Aldi, Lidl and Nettorama. If you're looking for items for your new home there's an IKEA in Son, next to Eindhoven, and HEMA is a useful and affordable shop for all your household items. A good one for health and beauty items is Kruidvat.

Getting around the city

Getting around the city is fairly easy. Eindhoven is not a big city and most distances are very well doable on a bicycle, as most students do. You can ask other students for tips where to buy one, or you can check out Heerings bicycle shop, who have bikes available for rent and for sale. Public transport is also very well organized, there's several ways to get where you need in Eindhoven.

Finances

Another important point is money. It's wise to check out before what you'll be spending roughly and how much you have available. For estimates on what you can expect, check out the information on cost of living available online. If you have a regular ATM card you can use it in the many ATM machines across the city to get money from your own account, but you might also be eligible to open a bank account at a Dutch bank. More money advice is available on our website. If you're looking for a job to cover your expenses, options might be available at Undutchables, a recruitment agency for internationals.

Nightlife

When you've figured out your finances and made sure you'll have some money to spend each month, you'll be able to enjoy the great nightlife options in Eindhoven. There's a vibrant student scene and you'll find out soon enough where your personal favourites are. Check out our page on Eindhoven Nightlife for more details on where to start!

Sports

Enjoying the Eindhoven nightlife won't keep you fit, but doing some sports once in a while will! There is the Student Sports Centre Eindhoven, available to all students and staff of Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Design Academy Eindhoven, and there are many private sports clubs available as well. And if you're into something different, why not do some English Pilates classes in Eindhoven?

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Hightech Campus Eindhoven

High Tech Campus Eindhoven is the smartest km² in The Netherlands with more than 135 companies and institutes, and some 10,000 researchers, developers and entrepreneurs working on developing future technologies and products. The Campus helps you accelerate your innovation by offering easy access to high tech facilities and international networks.

Campus companies (a.o. Philips, NXP, IBM, Intel) strategically decide what knowledge, skills and R&D facilities they share in order to achieve faster, better and more customer-oriented innovation in the application fields Health, Energy and Smart Environments. Located at the heart of Brainport Campus companies are responsible for nearly 40% of all Dutch patent applications.

Open innovation is all about collaboration. With the current state of technology, a single-firm solution is a thing of the past. Specialist companies, knowledge institutes and governments are increasingly joining forces. Open innovation is the preferred work approach on High Tech Campus Eindhoven.

With a huge number of technical specialists just a stone’s throw away, Campus companies are able to focus on their core competences. Campus companies inspire one another by sharing knowledge, experience and facilities. As a result, innovations are achieved more rapidly, more cost efficient and are of better quality. This gives them a clear competitive edge in a highly competitive market.

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Education in the Netherlands

Universities in the Netherlands offer more than 1,150 international course programmes conducted in the English language. As such, our country is the largest supplier of English-language course programmes in continental Europe.

The Dutch approach

The Netherlands has received international acclaim for the groundbreaking Problem-Based Learning, or ‘PBL’ system, that teaches students to analyse and solve real problems independently, through a mix of theory and application, teamwork and self-study and through challenging the self-discipline of the students.

Dutch universities

Higher education in the Netherlands is offered at approximately 55 universities. Two major types of universities can be distinguished, i.e. 'universiteiten' (research universities) and 'hogescholen' (universities of applied sciences).

The research universities train students for the independent practice of science and academic research, whereas the universities of applied sciences focus more on the application of knowledge and the direct preparation of students for their professional careers.

At the Fontys University of Applied Sciences, we place the emphasis on competency-based education and we are proud to be one of the largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands.

Universities of Applied Sciences

In the Netherlands, there are approximately 40 universities of applied sciences and Fontys is one of the largest and best known. Universities of applied sciences offer four-year course programmes, leading to a Bachelor’s degree upon completion of the undergraduate phase and one-year course programmes, leading to a Master’s degree upon completion of the postgraduate phase. The course programmes are designed to target specific domains within the employment market and always include internships and/or work placement periods.

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Business School Notenboom

Business School Notenboom delivers both full-time MBO - AD - HBO programs also training for the B2B market. The core values ??of Personal and Entrepreneurial remain characteristic of the whole spectrum of education Business School Notenboom offers more than 50 years.

SME Business Class: Successful entrepreneurship, where you can learn that?

Innovate, tapping new markets and even international trade is not only reserved for large organizations. It is precisely SMEs play in increasing opportunities in the area. But how do you ensure that the company actually innovates? How do you get based on a thorough consideration to a surefire approach to take the next step?

How can you making optimal use of the talents of your employees? How do you recognize your potentials and escorted to grow within the company and it even possible to take time over?

 

The Networking Academy: Find your way to success

You increase potential in The Networking Academy. Your network is your most important source of opportunities to achieve something in life. Especially in this time. On the one hand his goals higher and there is less time available to achieve them.

On the other hand, are increasingly blurred boundaries and seems every dream accessible. Successfully cope with these realities mean switching your network. Learn to take yourself, know what you want and how you want to achieve. Ongoing work on your skills to make proper contact. And knowing how continueth yourself and sincerely without losing you in tricks.

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Technical University Eindhoven

Studying at TU/e means studying at a Dutch top university. A university with a unique Bachelor College and its own Graduate School.

High ranking

That’s evident from the high position of our university in national and international rankings:

• In the Times Higher Educational World University Rankings of 2014-2015 Eindhoven University of Technology was ranked 144.
• Our position at QS World University Rankings in 2014 is 147.
• Our university is considered the best Dutch engineering and science university by the Study Guide to Universities 2015 and the Guide to Choosing a Master’s program 2015.
• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has been named as best university in the Netherlands by the weekly magazine Elsevier in 2014.
• The ranking of the CWTS (The Center for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University) assesses the research of universities according to the publications on which universities and companies have collaborated.
• Eindhoven University of Technology is, together with Wageningen University and University Twente among others, in the top 50 overall. The ranking position depends on the quantity of public-private co-publications within a university’s entire publication package.

TU/e is a good choice

It is not only the high independent ranking positions that make TU/e a good place to study. Studying at Eindhoven University of Technology means that you choose a university with top quality education and internationally prominent research.

Personal contact

TU/e is a medium-sized university with an open, friendly atmosphere where your studies are well supervised and where there is plenty of personal contact with lecturers and staff.

Experienced TU/e coaches are by your side to offer personal advice from the very start of your study, from the moment you enroll at the Bachelor College when you and your coach look at the major that best suits you and how you can best supplement this with your electives.

And if you should find out during your first year that a different major suits you better, then you can look at the options with your coach for switching major within this first year.

International contacts

TU/e offers you excellent facilities and there are many international contacts with leading universities. A period studying at a university abroad is one of the possibilities.

TU/e and society

‘Where innovation starts’ is the TU/e slogan for very good reasons. The university is meeting the societal challenges especially in the fields of health, energy and mobility. As a TU/e Master of Science graduate you have the prospect of a variable, challenging, lucrative and socially useful career.

Top technology region

TU/e lies in the top technology region of Brainport, the beating technological heart of the Netherlands. Relationships with high-tech companies and organizations in the region are many and good, and that bears fruit for you in your assignments, internships, graduation projects and work.

Eindhoven student city

Eindhoven is a modern, dynamic city that guarantees an enjoyable study period and varied student life. The vibrant spirit liveliness of Eindhoven along with the exuberant Brabant way of life will make you feel at home.

Match-making event

During the match-making event you get the opportunity to meet companies. International master students at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) with an Amandus Lundqvist Scholarship Program (ALSP) are brought into contact with companies that participate in the ALSP program.

If there is a match between you and a company you receive a scholarship from that company for your Master’s program at TU/e. After you graduate, you will be working for that company for 3 consecutive years.

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International School Eindhoven

The International School Eindhoven officially started operation on the first of January 2009. It falls under the umbrella organisation of the Stichting Primair en Voortgezet Onderwijs Zuid-Nederland (SPVOZN), an educational foundation with on four sites.

Two of the sites are Dutch national secondary schools serving the needs of the local community; these form the Stedelijk College Eindhoven (2460). The other site is the International School Eindhoven that serves the international community. The primary school has an International department with around 360 students and a Dutch department with around 150 students. The secondary school only has an International department with around 290 students.

The school moved into a very large site that is a Dutch historical monument, the Constant Rebecque Kazerne, in a green area of the city. It is a fabulous site that offers many opportunities for sports and recreation as well as a great learning environment.

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Where to stay or live in Eindhoven?

If you come over to Eindhoven to live here for a short time, longer period, or forever (you'll never know!), you'll find yourself looking for a place to live. Whether it's to study, to work or just to visit of course you need a roof over your head.

Just like everywhere, you first have to figure out what you want, and what you can afford. There are different options; do you want to rent or buy a place, do you want the long-term security or do you want flexibility, do you want a formal place like a hotel or do you prefer the homey feel of an apartment?

Everything is available in Eindhoven; from a room to a studio, from apartments to houses or even luxurious villas. However, it might be a bit of a challenge to find something that suits you and to find it quickly. So good preparation is key.

Areas & neighbourhoods in Eindhoven

First of all; although Eindhoven isn't one of the biggest cities worldwide, it still a city consisting of different areas, each with its own character. You might have heard about Woensel, Strijp, Gestel, Stratum and Tongelre; together with the city centre these are the six main neighbourhoods that can be found on the Eindhoven map.

They are former villages which play an important part in the Eindhoven history. They all have their own little centres, squares, markets and so on but their characters are hard to describe; the look and feel can change around the corner of a street or a block and of course it's very personal as well.

Woensel could be a good option if you want to live close to the Eindhoven University of Technology or Fontys University of Applied Sciences or if you enjoy the large multicultural market at Kruisstraat every Saturday, Strijp is where Philips was first founded, the Philips Stadium is there, surround by an area with former factory workers houses. And there's Stijp-S, a former Philips industrial area which is now being transformed into a new cultural and creative quarter.

Gestel lies between the Dommel and the Tongelreep rivers, and has its centre around the Franz Leharsquare. It's also right next to Genneper Parken. On the other side of Genneper Parken and the Tongelreep river starts Stratum, a cosy area with a mixture of chique and more upperclass neighbourhoods and cheaper areas. Tongelre, on the border with Nuenen, is mostly a lively multicultural neighbourhood alongside the long Tongelresestraat, starting at the DAF-museum in town.

A good idea to get a feel for the several areas is just to cycle around with an Eindhoven map. And maybe you don't want to live in Eindhoven at all, if you prefer to live in a smaller town, there are many options in one of the friendly towns around, like Veldhoven, Son, Waalre or Nuenen.

Your new home in Eindhoven?

Housing agencies

When you're ready to start looking for a place it's wise to contact one of the many local housing agents who can assist you in finding rental accommodation, or a place to buy. There are often options for either furnished or unfurnished and most accommodations require a minimum stay of a year.

It's also common that you pay one month rent as guarantee and in many cases also as the agency fee. If you're here to study in Eindhoven, often your university will arrange or assist you with your accommodation. Also for expats in Eindhoven some companies assist with accommodation or with finding the right agency for you.

Shortstay accommodation, not in a hotel

If you can't get a longterm contract Woonhotel Eindhoven, which literally means 'living hotel' Eindhoven can be a good option for you.

Hotels, hostels and B&B's

If you're coming over for a short period of time, there's also a large choice of hotels available, there's something for every budget. You can also check out our full hotel directory. If you're looking for a hostel, there's 3BE and there are several B&B's available to get the comfort of a persons home while you're staying in Eindhoven.

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Where to live in Eindhoven

As you know Eindhoven has alot to offer when it comes to places to live. And you're about to find out why!.

Centre

Accommodation is mainly in new, pricey apartments, which are popular with single expats and couples without children. People living in the centre have plenty of facilities, including a shopping mall and scores of international restaurants. International schools (attended by children from Den Bosch and Tilburg) and the PSV football stadium are also located here.

North (Woensel)

The area north of the centre is divided by wide, tree-lined boulevards, and is mainly residential in nature. Housing is mostly newbuild with apartments and terraced houses for all budgets. Woensel South is cheaper and the market is great for ethnic shopping.

East

Situated around the Karpendonkse Lake and Eckart Forest, the area has a range of housing including some exclusive detached properties.

South

The Philips High-Tech Campus is situated at Gestel along with the International Primary School, the Open-air Museum and the Tongelreep International Swimming Complex. Expats also gravitate towards Stratum, with its wide range of modestly priced to exclusive housing.

Villages

Eindoven's coat of arms the villages closely surrounding Eindhoven’s centre are popular with expat families. International schools are still within cycling distance and the sense of community is greater. Nuenen was home to Vincent van Gogh (1883–1885) and the older centre stretches around a leafy village green.

There’s some detached housing; outer areas are newer and mid-priced. Veldhoven is virtually a southwest suburb (the other side of the A2 from Eindhoven). Housing is modern and in a range of price bands.

Best is a contemporary, well-planned village with good access, while more rural retreats can be found in Waalre, which is surrounded by large areas of forest. The twin towns of Son and Breugel are usually mentioned in a single breath, and popular with expats.

Son has a pleasant old centre but the majority of housing is located in newer, greener (and more expensive) districts.

Eindhoven facts and links

Population: 220,932 (eindhoven.buurtmonitor.nl) (The region has some 745,000 inhabitants.)

International residents: 31.1 percent

International schools: International School Eindhoven, www.isecampus.nl

Links: www.eindhoven.nl; www.eindhoven.eu

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Housing types in Eindhoven

Choosing a suitable place is an important decision for every expat in Eindhoven. Nevertheless, there is a variety of housing types available:

› Apartments

Renting an apartment is probably the best option for those looking for privacy. A self-contained apartment is ideal for professionals or even students but pricing might be an issue.

› Houses

Renting an entire house is a wise choice for families and those eager to share a property with friends or colleagues. Especially expats should examine thoroughly the terms and conditions of the rental contract and provide guarantees regarding their ability to pay.

› Student house

The vast majority of students in the Netherlands rent rooms in student houses, which are privately-owned houses designed to host three to six individuals. Living with strangers and following the house rules might be difficult at first, but nearly all adapt over time.

› Student apartment

As a rule, student flats offer private bedrooms and shared facilities (living room, kitchen, bathroom etc.). These apartments are a bit cheaper than student houses but usually host 8 to 12 tenants.

› University housing

Most Dutch universities offer student apartments and / or student houses through their housing offices. Although both price and facilities are more or less the same as the privately-owned ones, university housing offers expats the opportunity to meet other (international) students and thus, quickly expand their social circle.

Note that due to the dramatic shortage of student housing, expats should apply for a student house as soon as possible.

› Landlord hosting

It is common for landlords or even families to rent out part of their houses to students and young professionals. You might have to comply with the (strict) family rules but you will probably enjoy family-cooked meal every day.

› Squat & anti-squat

Living in a squat is anything but rare in Eindhoven. Although not exactly legal, you can find a cheap room and have the opportunity to meet really interesting people.>On the other hand, it is also possible to anti-squat. Landlords rent out unoccupied buildings at extremely low price so that they are not occupied by squatters! Yet, anti-squats in Eindhoven are extremely hard to find and most of the times tenants have to equip the house themselves.

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Choosing the right location for your new house in Eindhoven

Looking for a house in Eindhoven? Here's a list with some issues to consider:

› Public transportation

• What is the public transport like in the area?
• How far is the nearest metro / tram / bus station?

› Moving around

• Are streets, sidewalks and alleys well maintained?
• Is there allocated parking? How difficult is it to get a parking permit?
• Is this a good neighbourhood for cycling? Are there sufficient bicycle lanes and stands?
• What about the volume of traffic?

› Local amenities

• Which hospitals, doctors and dentists are located in the wider area?
• How far is the nearest bank / ATM?
• Any (night) shops / shopping centers / kiosks nearby?
• Are there leisure facilities (parks, gyms, sport centers etc.) in the neighbourhood?

› Noise

• Is the area noisy? Is it near main roads, railway / tram lines or flight paths? Any noisy clubs, pubs or restaurants around?
• What is the condition of nearby properties? Are there any construction plans?
• Are there any known plans for development in the wider area?

› Safety

• What is the crime level like in the area?
• Is there enough street light at night?
• Are there any parks around? Past incidents could work as a crime indicator.

› Community

• Walk around the property. What do passengers say about the neighbourhood?
• What are the neighbours like?
• Does it feel like a friendly community?
• Any churches or other places of worship close by?

› Other issues

• What are the local schools like? Any international schools around?
• What about the local economy? Any new / classy / fashionable shops, restaurants or bars recently opened? Their price levels may be a good indicator.
• How far are the garbage collectors?
• Is there any construction or skyscrapers? Will the house continue to get enough natural light?

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Rental pricing & requirements in the Netherlands

The relative shortage of rental properties in the Netherlands is correlated with the housing prices. Rent may vary from 300 euros for a single room to over 2.500 euros per month for an apartment in a 17th century canal in the centre of Amsterdam.

The rent consists of two parts, the basic rent and the service charges. You will notice that the rental price can be either inclusive or exclusive; service charges include gas, water, electricity, Internet connection, landline, cable TV and building utilities.

If your rent is less than 540 euros per month you can apply for a rent subsidy; contact a Rent Commission (Huurcommissies) by calling 0800 488 72 43.

Indicative rental prices (in euros)

• House: 800 to 1.300 for an average (100 to 250 m²) house
• Apartments: 700 to 800 for a three-room (65 to 100 m²) apartment
• Student house: 280 to 350
• Student apartment: 250 to 330
• Landlord hosting: 220 to 300
• Anti-squats: 100 to 150
• Squats: 0 to 100

Requirements

You will definitely be asked for guarantees concerning your ability to pay the rent. Professionals need to demonstrate a copy of their job contract whereas for students it can be more time-consuming: you usually have to present a bank statement of your account in the Netherlands and probably a statement from your family bank account with an English note exhibiting your credit ability.

In any case, you must provide your BSN and always look for apartments that you can register.

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General Purchasing Information

In one of the most densely populated countries in the world, the relative shortage of rental properties inevitably leads to insufficient housing supply. Even though renting a place offers flexibility and certain rights, buying a property in the Netherlands is considered a good financial investment.

Property buying checklist

Since buying a house in the Netherlands is an important financial decision, preparation is vital:

› Be an informed buyer and thoroughly examine:

• available housing types in the Netherlands
• choosing the right location
• information about rental contracts and rent levels

› Be fully aware of your financial / credit situation and budget; keep a detailed record of:

• current loan payments
• monthly expenses (food, childcare, utilities, insurance, taxes etc.)
• non - fixed / personal expenditures (medical expenses, entertainment etc.)

› Get familiar with the Dutch mortgage procedures and estimate the mortgage payments.

› Organise your move; contact numerous relocation services and ask for tailor-made offers beforehand.

Things to consider when buying a house in the Netherlands

› Always check:

• Who owns the house / property and why is he / she moving out.
• How many others are interested in the same house / property.
• How quickly the seller needs to sell.
• How long has the house been on the market.

› Viewing the property:

• View the house during daytime to spot problems and if you are really interested visit again at a different time of the day.
• Try not to view too many houses in one day.
• Keep detailed notes regarding the places you visit.
• Take your time and do not hesitate to ask as many (relevant) questions as possible.
• Inspect the neighbourhood.

› More:

• Seasonality could be an important factor; demand may be a bit lower during winter and autumn.
• During negotiations stay polite, cool and clearly show that you are fully informed.
• Do not get too attached to one property; usually, time is on your side.
• Avoid complicated procedures like bidding wars and sealed envelopes.
• Build a solid relationship with the seller. It could well be the case that there are many potential buyers like you so you need to stand out from the crowd.
• It may be harder for non
• EU citizens due to stricter requirements.

› Why buying?

• Pride of ownership; owning a house offers a sense of stability and security.
• Control over the property (decoration changes, pets, noisy activities etc.).
• Great financial incentives / tax benefits.
• Buying a property can be a good investment.

› Why renting?

• Mobility; rental contracts can be terminated within a period of two to three months.
• Budget assessment and fixed rental costs.
• Major repairs and routine maintenance are (usually) landlord’s responsibility.
• There is no reason to resell before moving out.

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Working in Eindhoven

Any number of things may have brought you to Eindhoven. Perhaps you are staying for a few years to study, or you've decided to settle here for a while to work. No matter why you're here, you'll find many reasons for you to keep coming back. The buzzing cultural scene will keep you inspired, and so will the endless choice of international sporting and arts events. Stay a while on this page to get the most out of your stint of living and working in Eindhoven.

The soft 'g'

If you've been to the Netherlands before, you'll know that most people speak English quite well. English is understood and spoken in most shops, restaurants and at service desks, such as the VVV (information centre), banks and within cultural institutions.

Opportunities to learn Dutch are available at a large numbe of training centres, privately and at language institutions throughout the Brabant province. And when you overcome the initial hacking and spluttering required to pronounce the soft 'g' that the southerners are famous for (it's a bit softer than it sounds in other parts of the country!), most people you meet will be pleased to help you practice your Dutch in real life.

Work

Geographically speaking, Eindhoven is a hub of design, innovation and technology. Its numerous international companies and institutions attract expats from all over the world - Philips, ASML and the High Tech Campus to name a few. If you're a student, casual work can be found in one of the many bars or cafs along Europe's longest strip of nightlife haunts - Stratumseind - although a good working knowledge of Dutch would be handy for that work.

Undutchables are a good recruitment agency to approach if you speak more than one language; you can also try places like Adecco or Randstad. Some English language job listings can be found by simply checking out LinkedIn or Google, and recruitment companies like Michael Page undertake their recruitment process in English. Other opportunities to find work can otherwise be found through your network of friends and co-students, or the range of international clubs that abound in the city.

Creating a network

It's always a good idea to join a social club in Eindhoven to build up a local social life. Some of the most popular clubs and resources are the Hub Eindhoven for Expats, Expats in Eindhoven, IWCE Eindhoven and Mums and Toddlers.

Opportunities to connect with other expats present themselves at regular events such as the international quiznight, or if you would like to become a member of a church parish, then maybe you can check out the International Baptist Church of Eindhoven or Trinity Church Eindhoven. For a way to really orientate yourself thoroughly, however, a visit to the Holland Expat Center South is a must.

Lifestyle, Leisure and Culture

Upon first glance, Eindhoven may not present itself as a destination of the best combination of weather, architectural wonders or whimsical character the way other European cities do. But Eindhoven has its geography in its favour - 20 minutes to Belgium, 50 minutes to Germany and only a couple of hours before you hit France by car. The city is very green with lots of parks and bike paths which can take you on a lovely circuit through the Genneper Park to visit the Genneper Hoeve organic farm and quickly feel like you're getting away from it all.

When it comes to cultural curiosities of Eindhoven some set them apart, and others fall into the rhytm of the rest of the country. In the Brabant province, the festival that marks the beginning of the Catholic Lenten season, this year 5-8 March is Carnaval. It is widely celebrated in Eindhoven with true Brabantse fervor.

An annual national celebration is Queen's Day, 30 April. Everyone everywhere in the Netherlands gets decked out in orange and celebrates the birthday of the previous Queen, Juliana. The city centre is transformed these two days of the year into one big party.

Also, Eindhoven loves a good festival as well as its sports and marks the calendar year throughout by hosting some games of the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League in the 35000+ seat Philips Stadium, and also Dutch Design Week in October, GLOW and STRP Festivals in November - and the list goes on.

You can find the Pieter van den Hoogenband Swim Stadium inside the largest swim centre in Europe where the IPC Swimming Championships and the European Swimming short course Championships were held last year.

The former Philips terrain, Strijp-S, is currently being redeveloped to become a cultural, residential and commercial centre and is only a hop skip and a jump from the city centre. The project will be completed in 2020 or so; the raw factory feel of the space lends itself nicely to helping residents and expats get used to the idea of how to use the district.

Many big name musical acts, such as Underworld and M.I.A. have put on concerts in the Klokgebouw at Strijp-S, and a great number of exciting design ateliers and start up companies are also based at the location.

If you love good music, then you won't be disappointed with the quality of acts that constantly pop up at the Muziekgebouw Frits Philips and Parktheater. Annual subscriptions are available, and a diverse program is on offer to keep any die-hard theatre or concert-goer satisfied.

As for the visual arts, the MU is well worth a visit for its obscure exhibitions on visual culture, and the Van Abbemuseum is always highly worthy of a regular visit too.

Other practicalities

There are numerous things to take into consideration if you are thinking of a longer stay in Eindhoven, city of light. We will regularly update this page with practical information on the international schools, living costs, healthcare, accommodation and much more.

In the meantime, read more about available expat services, check out the business directory and Services section where an already comprehensive list of information has already been collected for you.

You can also get in touch with Holland Expat Center South, the official organisation assisting you with formalities around your relocation.

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The Hub Eindhoven for Expats in Eindhoven

The city of Eindhoven is attracting more and more international knowledge workers and students who come to the region to study at one of the educational institutes such as TU/e, Fontys, Design Academy and ROC or work in one of the multinational companies like ASML, Philips, DAF, VDL and many others. Maybe you're one of them! You're not alone, the estimated number of foreign knowledge workers and students has risen to 18-20.000 in Eindhoven and suburbs.

Enjoying yourself?

Work or study is one thing, to be able to feel at home, settle in in your new environment and be happy, is another important aspect of living in a foreign country. Meeting new people, spending your spare time on things you're interested in and knowing where to go for those things are key.

Socialization and integration

We often hear from you, our Eindhoven-Life audience, that it can be quite hard to settle in, especially in the beginning. We try to help where we can by being an online guide in English for Eindhoven restaurants, nightlife, events, culture and so on, but this is not enough.

The Hub Eindhoven for Expats

The idea has come up to realise an actual place where everyone can get together and events can be organised. The organisation behind this idea is The Hub Eindhoven for Expats, founded for this one and only goal: an international community center in the city of Eindhoven, where people and organizations can meet each other and where activities can be organized for and by you to make your life a little easier!

Eindhoven-Life is closely involved in this initiative and we're looking forward to hear your ideas and feedback about this. Some plans that have already been mentioned to take place in 'The Hub' are: educational courses, music sessions, workshops, cultural dances, art classes, games and reading afternoons for mothers and children and many more.

The centre is going to be an open place, where everyone can walk in, the language will be English and the center will be run by international volunteers.

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General information & International companies in the Netherlands

The numerous international companies that are based in the Netherlands compete in a global business context and seek open-minded and diverse people.

Due to the comparably large number of jobs in the Netherlands, the local workforce is not sufficient to satisfy demand and English is the main business language in most big companies. However, it should be stressed that many companies consider speaking Dutch a plus.

A master’s degree is not a standard requirement. In fact, you will probably find that prior work experience is higher on a job's list of requirements than a postgraduate degree. Nevertheless, obtaining a Master’s degree or a PhD is considered a significant accomplishment and asset for (certain types of) jobs.

In a nutshell, a higher educational background combined with prior work experience will definitely increase your chances of finding a job in the Netherlands.

The Dutch usually start working from an early age either as interns or in part-time jobs. Internships and graduate programmes are offered by many companies, which typically do not require prior professional experience.

As a rule, candidates who perform well are hired by (the same) companies as full-time employees right after or even during these programmes.

International companies in the Netherlands

International companies such as Shell, Phillips, Heineken, Unilever, KLM, ING, Tom Tom and BAAN were not only founded by Dutch people but are also headquartered in the Netherlands.

Take a look at our list of international companies and recruitment agencies in the Netherlands that are looking for expatriates, along with links to their current open positions.

Why do international companies choose the Netherlands to set up their offices / European headquarters? Well, the answer is very straightforward: the Dutch working environment is very open, multicultural and business-oriented, and the country can proudly boast one of the most stable economies in Europe.

Also, an abundance of multi-skilled expatriates, a corporate taxation system that offers great economic incentives and the country's nerve-centre geographic location have established the Netherlands as an ideal destination for many industries.

Finally, one might think that most firms are concentrated in the main industrial cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This is not always true. Lots of companies are situated in city suburbs or in specific regions, which means working in the Netherlands often entails commuting to and from work each day. Nevertheless, this rarely proves a great disincentive, as travel distances are not that long and transportation is extremely reliable, accessible and easy to use.

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Dutch working environment

According to Dutch law, you should not work more than eight hours per day or 40 hours per week.

Depending on the industry, a maximum of nine hours per day and 45 hours per week could be the case, but no one is allowed to work more than 2.080 hours a year. Consequently, the average working week in the Netherlands is approximately 40 hours.

There is also the option of a "four-day week" meaning you work 10 hours per day. However, a specific agreement with the employer should be made in advance. Organisational culture and employment policies are also important factors to consider.

Finally, no matter what, all employees should be given a 30-minute break after they complete 4,5 hours of work.

Labour contracts in the Netherlands

In general, there are three labour options that differ on the employment period and dismissal procedures. As always, specific arrangements with the employer can be made.

› Temporary labour contracts

This type of contract has a pre-specified startand end date. In other words, there is no dismissal procedure at the end of the contract.

› Permanent labour contracts

In this case, there is no end date. The contract can be terminated by either the employer or the employee only under pre-determined conditions.

› Contracts with a recruitment agency

The recruitment agency is your legal employer even though you work for a specific organisation. Note that there is no arrangement for your protection against dismissal.

Gross salary & net income in the Netherlands

With a 2.500 euros contract per month you will take home around 1.770 euros. Salaries are sky-high but so are taxes. When you sign a job contract, you negotiate a gross salary (i.e. before tax subtraction) but what you are really interested in is the net income (i.e. what goes directly to your bank account). You can download the income calculator here.

Remuneration packages

Salaries, holidays and bonuses are offered as a package in the Netherlands. Yet, what you should ask for and expect depends on your academic background and work experience. As an example:

• For an entry-level position with a Master's degree, the monthly salary varies between 2.300-2.500 euros gross.
• Every May there is a bonus equivalent to 8% of annual earnings.
• The number of vacation days is usually 24 per year. However, it is common for companies to offer more days off as an additional incentive.
• Some employers offer the possibility to "buy" extra days off.
• The nation's minimum wage can be changed every six months to adjust to inflation.

Minimum wage in the Netherlands

For an employee aged 23 or over in full employment, the gross minimum wage as of July 1, 2014 is 1.495,20 per month (8,36 euro an hour)

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CV guide

The Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the first and probably the most important step in one’s job search.

How to write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A CV is more than just your profile; it is a marketing tool. You should not think of it as a typicality that is required by prospective employers but as a "sales brochure."

Besides, if the recruiter offers you the opportunity of an interview, a well-built CV will trigger conversation around your profile and increase the probability of getting hired.

In a nutshell, a CV is a representation of past accomplishments and skills. However, the same applies to all other candidates and thus, the following tips should come in handy:

• Listing all projects, courses, training etc. may not be practical or even useful; mention the most relevant information only.
• A Curriculum Vitae is written in reverse factual chronological order.
• Between professional and educational experience, you should place the one that describes your most recent status first. For instance, if you have just graduated, it is advisable to mention your studies and then your work experience (if any).
• Recruiters scan numerous CVs for the sameposition, so an appealing CV must not exceed two pages. In fact, a single-page CV should do the trick.

Elements of a good CV

• Personal information

  Name, nationality, place and date of birth, marital status, contact details and military obligations (if any).

• Educational background Universities, majors, classes, thesis, grades, academic projects and references.
• Prior work experience Companies, positions, employment periods, main tasks and references.
• Skills & experience Language and computer skills, distinctions, training, military service (if applicable and not mentioned before), sports, seminars and interests / hobbies.
• Write an appealing CV. Pay extra attention when choosing letter fonts and avoid dense writing.
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Dutch recruiters highly value extra curricular and leisure activities. Nevertheless, include only those that are relevant to the job you are applying for (e.g. being good in team sports reveals team spirit).
• In the Netherlands, it is not necessary to include copies of diplomas, employer references or other official documents in your CV. You will be asked to submit them at a later stage.
• If you have little or no full-time work experience, then you need to emphasise on academic projects you participated in and relevant courses you took. Part-time occupation, summer jobs and voluntarism is a good way to demonstrate your capabilities and accomplishments.
• In general, it is advisable to adjust your CV for different job applications. Try to make its content as relevant to the job description as possible.
• Most online recruitment agencies ask for a word file of your curriculum vitae, but a pdf version is always more appealing.
• A CV only mirrors facts and figures. Your motivation for the role, aspirations, suitability for the job and qualifications should be reflected in your cover letter.
• If applicable, mention your military service and describe your main duties as well as your ranking. Military experience can trigger discussions about your personality and pressure handling.
• Last but not least, beware of any linguistic errors!

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Setting up a business

If you would rather set up your own business, instead of finding a job, then the Netherlands is a great place to consider being your own boss. The international outlook of the people and businesses in the country mean that it is an ideal place to setup a business as an expat.

Official issues

There are a number of steps and decisions you must take before you can start your own business:

• First of all, you need to make sure that you will be allowed to stay in Netherlands to maintain your business. If you come from outside of the European Union, this means that you will need a residence permit (MVV).
• In some cases you may also need to apply for a work permit (TWV).
• There are a number of professions in the Netherlands which are regulated. That is, you must have a recognised qualification in order to set up a business within that sector. See a list of regulated professions here, and how to have your qualification recognised here.
• Once you have this then you will need to register with your local municipality and organise a BSN number (burgerservicenummer) for yourself.

First of all, you need to make sure that you will be allowed to stay in Netherlands to maintain your business. If you come from outside of the European Union, this means that you will need a residence permit (MVV).

In some cases you may also need to apply for a work permit (TWV).

There are a number of professions in the Netherlands which are regulated. That is, you must have a recognised qualification in order to set up a business within that sector. See a list of regulated professions here, and how to have your qualification recognised here.

Once you have this then you will need to register with your local municipality and organise a BSN number (burgerservicenummer) for yourself.

Legal forms

Now that you know you are able to set up your business in the Netherlands, it is time for you to decide which type of business you would like to set-up. Perhaps you would like to become a freelancer (ZZP)? Or maybe you would like to enter into a partnership? Or perhaps you would like to be the sole trader involved? These are just a few of the forms which your business can take, and each structure has different regulations and may require a special legal forms.

KvK (Kamer van Koophandel)

When you have decided on the type of business you would like to start, then you need to have it registered with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Registration is possible anywhere from one week before you start doing business to one week after you have started.

Before you arrive you should have come up with a trade or company name for your business which is unique within the Netherlands. You can check with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property to make sure your business name has not already been taken.

Also, having a business plan committed to paper, while not compulsory, is recommended. You can get some advice and information on this at the KvK office before registering your business.

In order to register at the KvK you must bring:

• A valid form of ID
• The rental contract if your business is not conducted from your home address (see FAQ section)

Once you have been registered you will be given a unique number for your business. This number, known as the KvK nummer, will need to be used on all invoices and outgoing post which your new business deals with.

Taxes for business-owners

As a business-owner in the Netherlands you are also obliged to register your enterprise with the Belastingdienst, or tax authorities.

If you are starting a one-man business, a professional partnership, a limited partnership or a general partnership then you can combine your registration with the tax authorities with your KvK registration.

It is sensible to register as soon as is possible, as you may be able to claim VAT refunds on your investments required to start the business.

Depending on the structure of your business, you will have to pay some or all of the following types of tax:

• BTW (VAT)
• Income Tax
• Payroll Tax
• Corporation Tax

Accounting

Business-owners in the Netherlands are obliged to keep detailed accounts for up to seven years. This includes administrative documents recorded on both paper and electronically. These documents include things like invoices sent and received, bank statements, contracts and agreements made.

You should also keep a close track of your VAT expenses. As well as invoices sent and received this also includes things like your business expenses, which you may be able to claim the VAT back on.

Insurance

It's never nice to think of those moments when it could all go wrong - when your business falls on hard times, or you fall ill and are unable to work. However, it is always best to prepare for these eventualities with some insurance.

› Business insurance

You are not obliged to take out any insurance for your business in the Netherlands, but there are many types of business insurance available on a voluntary basis, should you decide to protect against any of the risks you are undertaking in your business.

› Employee insurance

If you hire employee's in your business you are obliged to pay insurance on behalf of your workers for a number of schemes, including national insurance.

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