Getting started
Venlo, the second largest city in the province of Limburg after Maastricht, is truly a wonderful place! It is not just a beautiful historic city with plenty of beautiful monuments, but it is also extremely pleasant with its wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants and numerous cultural events and museums. Studying at Campus Venlo is studying in a close academic community. In an international setting you will be in close contact with staff and fellow students.
Before starting your student life, there are many practical matters to be arranged. You will need to find accommodation, open a Dutch bank account and you might want to learn to speak Dutch. We are happy to help you get started.
If you need assistance with something, or you have a question. Please do not hesitate to ask for our help.
As Campus Venlo is located in the historic center of the city, you will easily find your way to the many shops, restaurants and bars the city offers. The city is your campus! Venlo is home to several annual cultural events, like Zomerparkfeest and Lekker Venlo . Sports lovers can also enjoy themselves. The large number of sports associations offer you the possibility to practice nearly everything, from diving to climbing. The different annual sporting events will even bring sports to your doorstep.
Venlo is located in the heart of Europe. It is close to several (international) airports and within 2-3 hours of travelling you will find yourself in Amsterdam or Paris.
Campus Venlo housing facilities
From September 2019 onwards, Campus Venlo offers 28 brand new on-campus student studios within walking distance to the market square, restaurants and cafes and opposite to the city cinema. All studios are furnished and have their own kitchen, bathroom, a combined living and bedroom.
Is your application conditionally approved and are you interested? Send an email to: maxvenlo@brightlands.com.
You are eligible for a campus Venlo studio if your application for the study programme University College Venlo or the pre master Health Food Innovation Management was conditionally approved.
On Campus housing facilities
Campus Venlo offers on-campus student studio’s within walking distance of the market square, restaurants and cafes and opposite to the city cinema. All studios are furnished and have their own kitchen, bathroom and a combined living and bedroom.
Student rooms in Venlo
Planning to live in Venlo? Learn more about student rooms and how to find them!
Speaking Dutch
Are you starting your studies at Maastricht University but don’t speak Dutch yet? If so, this course might be for you. In seven weeks, you will learn basic Dutch, with a focus on speaking and listening skills.
Housing
Whether it is the first time you live on your own, or you are out of your parental home for years, finding an appartment can be a hassle. Venlo has several corporations that will set you up with a suitable appartment.
Registration in the municipality of Venlo
Already living in the Netherlands
If you move to Venlo from another Dutch city you can arrange registration online with your DigiD.
Contact us if you need more information.
Opening a Dutch bank account
Foreign students only need a Dutch bank account when they do not have a SEPA account in another EU country.
What is SEPA?
SEPA stands for Single Euro Payments Area; a single common payment system within the EU plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco and San Marino.
Visa
If you are a national of a country other than those within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you need an entrance visa and/or residence permit to live in the Netherlands for more than three months. The application for this entrance visa and/or residence permit is done by the Visa Office of Maastricht University after you have been (provisionally) admitted. Depending on your nationality, you may also have to do a tuberculosis test. Nationals from an EU-member state or Switzerland may voluntarily register their residence in the Netherlands.
- After their arrival, all foreign students need to register in the municipal register of the city where they are going to live.
- If you have any questions about residence permits or visas, you can email the Visa Office
Culture
Limburgs museum
A visit to the Limburgs Museum is a journey of discovery through time, getting to know people who are and feel like we do: what you see is yourself. The museum tells stories that do just that. Inspiring tales that evoke your own memories.
Cultural podium: Grenswerk
Grenswerk is the cultural podium for Venlo and surroundings. All sorts of cultural activities will be performing at Grenswerk, such as concerts, dance parties, rehearsal and recording facilities, volunteerwork, education and more.
City hall
Venlos city hall situated in the historic centre of the city is originaly a castle which was built in the 14th century (and rebuilt in the 16th century). Inside you will find an interior made out of leather and gold. The exterior is adorned with statues of famous people from Venlo.
History
Documents from the 9th century mention Venlo as a trade post; it developed into one of the more important ones in the Meuse-Rhine area, receiving city rights in 1343 and in 1814, after the Napoleonic Wars, it became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
During the Second World War Venlo suffered relatively few damage, although the frontline was pushed to the river Meuse due to the failed military operation: Market Garden. Venlo remained in hands of the Nazis for another three months before the American allies liberated the city.
After WW2, the city of Venlo has been building towards a brighter future. Unfortunately some of the historic architecture had to make way for new buildings, that could be built fast and efficient. However, over the years some of the original architecture has been rebuilt.
In 2003 Venlo was awarded the title "Greenest city of Europe" and won the prestigious 'Best City Centre of the Netherlands' award.
A map of Venlo (or Venloa, how it was called back then) from 1652