ESSENTIALS TO BRING UPON ARRIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS Moving to a foreign country and starting your independent student life from scratch can be a hectic time. You may find it hard to find the items necessary for a smooth stay during your first weeks in the Netherlands; the stores are completely different, some essentials are difficult to find, and not to mention the confusion when trying to decipher Dutch labels! But do not worry, we have got you covered! Here are nine items you should definitely pack in your suitcase in your home country when moving to the Netherlands. 1. RAINGEAR The weather in the Netherlands may not be the most welcoming sometimes, so get prepared for occasional spells of rain in all seasons. It is advisable to always check the forecast (consider buienradar.nl your go-to page for this), have a wind-proof umbrella with you, a raincoat and rain pants, and for full preparedness; waterproof shoes. 2. MEDICINE There are counters for medicine and first-aid products in many pharmacies and drugstores such as Kruidvat and Etos, however, bringing some basic medication from your home country will save you the confusion of what to purchase when you are feeling a bit under the weather. Moreover, if you take prescribed medication on a regular basis, you should definitely bring it from home, at least for the first month(s) of your stay in the Netherlands. 3. WARM CLOTHES With its moderate climate, winters in the Netherlands are usually mild and the summers fairly cool. This should not discourage you from bringing your nice summer clothes, but be prepared with more thick layers for your arrival, as the weather conditions fluctuate a lot, especially during autumn and spring. PAGE 10
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