Every year, students starting their programmes in Maastricht face the same stress: scrambling to find accommodation, furnishing their new rooms, figuring out where to buy food, making friends, and studying – all at once. This can be overwhelming, especially for first-year students who are living away from home for the first time. The newfound freedom is exhilarating, but it becomes much more enjoyable once the basics are sorted out.
To help you navigate this exciting yet challenging time, we present the ultimate survival guide for freshers in Maastricht. This guide is by no means exhaustive – there are many more great spots to discover.
1. Finding accommodation
The chronic housing shortage in Maastricht is due to the growing student population, since Brexit alongside a housing market dominated by private interests that prioritise profit over providing affordable student housing. Finding a room here is like a battle of the fittest. It might mean couch-surfing at a friend’s place, or, if you’re in a couple, sharing a single bed in a room that was never meant for two people for months – but trust me, it’s all worth it. Survive this, and the rest will be a piece of cake!
While the best option is obviously to start looking early, as early as a year in advance, it is not always feasible and many students have no choice but scramble for room in August and September, a particularly stressful endeavour
Where to look for housing
Although the housing situation has slightly improved in this city where 10–15 % of the population is students, it is still a tough market. So, where should you look?
Surprisingly, Facebook is the go-to platform for finding student housing, second-hand furniture, and bikes. There are several Facebook groups dedicated to student accommodation in Maastricht, so it’s best to join the ones with the largest followings. For those planning ahead, Maastricht University’s housing website offers more affordable student halls and studios.
Once you find a room, you’ll need furniture. For second-hand items, Facebook Marketplace is a good option for everything from beds to kitchen appliances. Another place worth checking out is Kringloop, a second-hand store in town. And, of course, for those who prefer new furniture, IKEA is always an option.
2. Getting around: the bike
Maastricht is a beautiful and compact city, perfect for cycling. One of the first things you should do upon arriving is to buy a bike. While there are plenty of bike shops in town, second-hand bikes are recommended because bike theft is unfortunately common. Again, Facebook is the best place to find one and should cost between €50–100. Bikes tend to be most expensive in September due to high demand. If you’re looking for a more expensive but hassle-free option, consider Swapfiets, a subscription-based bike service.
3. Feeding yourself: where to buy food
Once you’re settled in with a room and a bike, it’s time to focus on food. The best and cheapest option for fresh produce is the market in the city centre. Maastricht also has a range of supermarkets: Albert Heijn is the most popular but also the priciest, while Lidl and Aldi offer more affordable options. Don’t miss out on the Asian supermarket a favourite among students for its diverse selection of ingredients.
4. Study spots
Now that you have a room, a bike, and food, it’s time to hit the books. Maastricht University’s unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system means that a lot of studying happens independently, so finding a good study spot is crucial.
The nicest faculties are the Law and SBE (School of Business and Economy) and the best places to study include the Inner City Library and the Centre Céramique, which have a social vibe and tables overlooking the river and old city. Some cafés also welcome students who want to study, such as Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee, with “really good coffee and cakes”, and Boulderhal Radium Boulders, a gym-bar-café hybrid. For exceptional food while reading go to Brandweer Kantine, whereas if you want ‘the best coffee, although slightly more expensive’, you will find your happiness at any of the Coffee Lovers.
During exam periods, these spots fill up fast, so make sure to book a table in advance or be prepared to wake up early to secure your seat among the 22,000 other students.
5. Books and supplies
For books and stationery, Boekhandel Dominicanen, a beautiful bookshop located in a converted church, is the place to go. It’s a stunning setting to find everything you need for your studies.
6. Social life and relaxation
After a long day of studying, you’ll want to unwind. Maastricht offers plenty of places to meet friends and relax. You may start at Jan van Eyck, the perfect spot by the SBE, for catching up and chilling with friends or go to Lumière, overlooking the river where you can eat, chillax or watch an indie movie. The city’s Irish pubs, such as Peter’s, Mullins, and Maty’s, are great spots for watching sports, singing your lungs out at karaoke evenings or showing off how all those hours in the library paid off during Quiz nights.
Parts of Maastricht imposing historic city walls, which once played a significant role protecting the city from invaders have been converted to promenades. When the weather is nice, they offer beautiful views and a relaxing place to walk or chill with friends.
7. Nightlife
For nightlife, LBB and Complex, known as techno havens, are student favourites. LBB is the venue for many alternative events, while Complex hosts numerous student associations’ pop parties. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, check out Take 5, a small student bar with affordable drinks and a great atmosphere. After a night of dancing, you can grab a late-night snack at Lucky Luc’s, a popular frituur open until 2:00 am.
P.S.
To make friends and boost your social life, consider joining a university sports team or one of Maastricht’s many social clubs, such as the debate club Eloquentia or mission-driven groups like UNSA and NovUM. Another cool tip is to use StudyDrive, a platform where you can sell or download lecture notes. Just be cautious, as a former student told me, “Notes aren’t always perfect, and copying directly from professors’ materials can get you into serious trouble if discovered!”
This guide should help you navigate your first few months in Maastricht. Good luck and enjoy your time as a fresher!
