Digital Nomad Life in Nijmegen, The Netherlands

"If you are a student, there are a few organizations that offer services in English at the university. One is Bureau Buitenland. Another is The Bridge. For older working professionals, there is a network of foreigners in the area. I suggest a few pubs in town such as the one at the cinema Lux. Another really gezellig thing to do is take latin dancing lessons, latin people are really open and friendly," said one expat in Nijmegen.

"This isn't a major tourist destination so the foreign network is much smaller. Here, six degrees of separation is more like three degrees of separation. The foreign population is very diverse, I was once at a party with 20 people and every single one was from a different country! Life revolves around moderate amounts of family life, social life and the outdoors. Nature is at your doorstep, with the Waal river and Ooij polder less than 10 minutes biking from the center of town. Nijmegen is a fine example of a very pleasant middle-sized city," explained one person living in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

"Finding a place to live in Nijmegen involves several steps. First, you need to determine your budget and the type of accommodation you're looking for. This could be a studio, an apartment, a shared house, or a student dormitory. Next, start your search online. Websites like Pararius, Funda, and Kamernet are popular platforms for finding rental properties in the Netherlands. You can filter your search based on your preferences such as location, price, size, and type of property. Social media can also be a useful tool. There are several Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Nijmegen where landlords and tenants post available rooms or apartments. Another option is to engage a real estate agent. While this service is not free, it can save you a lot of time and effort. The agent will do the searching for you, arrange viewings, and help with the rental agreement. If you're a student, you might want to check with your university. Many universities have housing offices that help students find accommodation. They often have partnerships with housing corporations and can offer rooms or apartments at a reduced price. Once you've found a potential place, arrange a viewing. This will give you a chance to see the property in person, meet the landlord or current tenants, and ask any questions you might have. Finally, if you're happy with the place, you can proceed to sign the rental agreement. Make sure to read it carefully and understand all the terms and conditions before signing. Remember, finding a place to live can take time, so start your search well in advance. Also, be aware of rental scams. Never pay any money before you've seen the property and signed a contract," said one person in Nijmegen.

"You will have to subscribe to an agency to find a place to live in the center. Living in the small villages around is okay if you have a car. I like Nijmegen," said one person in Nijmegen.

"Expats in Nijmegen, appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals. They love the city's rich history and the well-preserved medieval architecture that gives a unique charm to the place. They also appreciate the high standard of living and the excellent public services, including healthcare and education. The Dutch culture of work-life balance is highly appreciated, with ample time for leisure and family. The city's vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions, is another aspect that expats enjoy. They also value the Dutch people's environmental consciousness, reflected in the city's numerous parks, bike lanes, and recycling programs. The ease of getting around, not only within the city but also to other parts of the country and Europe, is another appreciated feature. Lastly, expats appreciate the locals' proficiency in English, making it easier for them to settle in and communicate," remarked one member in Nijmegen.

"Expats in Nijmegen often find the Dutch directness challenging as it can sometimes come across as blunt or rude. The language barrier can also be a significant challenge, as while many Dutch people speak English, daily life and official matters are conducted in Dutch. The Dutch culture of consensus, where everyone's opinion is considered before making a decision, can also be difficult for expats who are used to a more hierarchical decision-making process. The Dutch also have a unique work-life balance, with a strong emphasis on personal time and family, which can be different from what expats are used to. Lastly, the Dutch weather, particularly the cold, rainy winters, can be a challenge for those from warmer climates," said one person in Nijmegen.

"If you are planning to stay in Nijmegen for a short period (up to 90 days), you may need a Schengen visa, depending on your nationality. If you are from a country that is not exempt from this requirement, you will need to apply for this visa before you travel. If you are planning to stay in Nijmegen for a longer period (more than 90 days), you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (MVV) and a residence permit. The MVV is a provisional residence permit that allows you to enter the Netherlands as a potential resident rather than a tourist. The type of residence permit you need depends on the purpose of your stay. For example, if you are going to work, study, or join a family member in the Netherlands, you will need a specific type of residence permit. In addition to these visas and permits, you will also need a valid passport, and you may need to provide additional documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of health insurance, depending on the specific requirements for your situation. Please note that the exact documents and visas you need may vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and other factors. Therefore, it's important to check the most current information from the Dutch immigration authorities or the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country," said one expat who made the move to Nijmegen.

"In Nijmegen, it's important to avoid being late for appointments or meetings, as punctuality is highly valued in Dutch culture. It's also considered rude to interrupt someone while they're speaking, so try to wait your turn in conversations. Avoid discussing personal matters in public or asking personal questions to someone you've just met, as the Dutch value their privacy. It's also considered impolite to raise your voice or display strong emotions in public. When dining, keep in mind that the Dutch usually eat with a knife and fork, and it's considered bad manners to start eating before everyone has been served. Also, tipping is customary in the Netherlands, so be sure to leave a tip of around 10% when dining out. Lastly, while the Dutch are known for their directness, it's important to avoid being overly blunt or confrontational, as this can be seen as disrespectful," explained one person living in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.