Pre-departure Information
Update COVID-19
Please take into consideration the Dutch RIVM COVID-19 regulations when traveling and being in the Netherlands. We have gathered the necessary governmental information for you to ensure your safety during these unusual times:
- Latest updates from The Hague Pathway College
- Dutch measures against coronavirus: basic rules for everyone
- From which countries can I travel to the Netherlands?
- Air travel and coronavirus measures
- Self-quarantine arriving from a country with an orange or red travel advisory
Before arrival
What should I do when I have received my Entry Visa (MVV)?
If you need an entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands: Make an appointment with the Dutch embassy/Consulate General you selected in your visa application documents as soon as possible, waiting times can vary, and in regular times could be up to around 3 weeks. Please consult the website www.netherlandsandyou.nl to find out more about the embassy of your choice and reach out to them directly about further information to collect the entry visa.
In case you come across any issues, feel welcome to reach out to the college for advice.
Take the right documents to the appointment indicated in your approval letter. As soon as your Regular Provisional Residence Permit / Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijft (MVV) Entry visa sticker is in the passport, you are able to travel to The Netherlands. The Student Service Office will inform you how to send the digital copy for our records.
What are the next steps to receive my residence permit once in the Netherlands?
Information about picking up the residence permit card will automatically be received a couple of weeks after arrival in The Netherlands.
If you are from a country not requiring a visa to enter the Netherlands: you can travel to the Netherlands with only the IND Confirmation letter stating that you receive a residence permit (kennisgeving). The IND needs your fingerprints, signature and passport photo (Dutch guidelines for passport photos) for the residence card. In regular times students go to an IND desk within 2 weeks after arrival in The Netherlands to provide biometric information. You need to make an appointment online to visit an IND desk.
Have You Arranged Your Accommodation?
Are you still looking for accommodation, then we advise you to undertake action right now! Kindly note that it is your own responsibility to find accommodation and we can only advice you or give suggestions.
STEPS TO TAKE
- Have a look at our website THPC - Accommodation where we have listed suitable housing providers. Visit these websites to find the housing they offer ranging from private studios to shared houses.
- Contact the housing provider by phone (instead of via email or a form on the website) if you see a studio / apartment you like and which is still available. The faster you respond, the more likely you will get the room. In the Netherlands it is common that several students can respond for the same room, while only one student will get the room.
- Also have a look at housing in Rijswijk, a town close to The Hague (also 15 minutes from campus) or other surrounding cities. They are all nearby with limited travel time.
- Accept housing offered as it is hard to find something in the weeks to come. Many students are looking for a place to stay. After arrival it will be much easier to find other options. It is essential though to secure a suitable place prior to traveling.
- It is also possible to rent an unfurnished (upholstered) room and buy furniture yourself and get it delivered.
- Please note that your room will only be secured once you have signed the contract.
- If an offer seems too good to be true it normally is. Always pay attention, even though scams are quite uncommon.
Please reach out to us if you if you need support or if you have questions: general@thehaguepathway.nl.
We discourage traveling to The Hague without having secured a suitable place to live as this is a requirement to legally stay in the country and that in cases students may need a suitable place to self-quarantine after arrival.
Please note: It is necessary to register at the municipality within 3 months of your arrival. For the registration at the municipality you need a housing contract.
Join the THPC Facebook group
Follow this link to join the facebook group. You can join by filling in your student ID.
Do I require insurance?
All residents of the Netherlands are obliged by Dutch law to have health insurance and personal liability insurance. Additional insurance to cover the costs of repatriation is strongly recommended. The Hague Pathway College uses the services of the AON insurance company and more details will be provided in the Visa Pack and on the website.Your insurance needs to take effect before you leave your home country and needs to cover the entire duration of your studies at The Hague Pathway College. During the student registration, you will have to show proof of your health insurance. If you chose AON as your provider, you will get a full explanation about the insurance during the induction period in September. Read more about the insurance here.
How should EU students be insured?
EEU students who have a valid EHIC card are covered for care in case they are sick. Hospital care is included. If you are an EU student and you do currently not have a valid EHIC card, please contact your insurance company in your home country and try to obtain one as soon as possible. In general, all EU students should always have an EHIC card if their country provides one.
Do I require a TB test?
As an international student, you might be required by Dutch Immigration Law to have an X-ray scan of your lungs performed to check for tuberculosis at a local GGD office (Dutch Public Health Service, Gemeenschappelijke GezondheidsDienst). Failure to have this test performed may endanger your immigration status to the Netherlands. More details about the test in relation to the visa application procedure will be in the Visa Pack you receive after accepting your offer letter and paying your deposit payment.
Preparing to leave home: what kind of Academic and other important official documents should I take with me to the Netherlands?
There are a number of documents that are important to bring with you when you travel to the Netherlands:
- A valid passport with your MVV entry visa if you needed it
- Originals of your academic transcripts: academic school certificate, grade list, English test certificate in original language and English translations
- Personal identification (passport)
- Birth certificate translated for registration in the municipality (it is not mandatory, but it is good to have it with you, if possible)
- Proof of health insurance if not arranged via THPC (AON Complete)
- Accommodation contract in the Netherlands
- Cash, credit card or a Maestro debit card. Keep in mind that credit cards are not excepted everywhere
- Passport sized photographs
- Medical certificates, including vaccination records, if you have them
We also recommend you to bring the following documents with you:
- Contact numbers for any family/friends in the Netherlands
- Contact details of family/friends in the event of an emergency
- Adaptor for European plugs (230v with a two-pin plug)
- Prescription medication you may need during the first weeks of your stay
- Comfortable and smart clothing, including a warm coat that can stand a bit of rain
- If you have a laptop or tablet: it is not required during your studies, but will be very useful
- You might need to bring a set of bed linen & kitchen-set, or you can buy them (at the city centre or online).
Getting to The Hague
Getting to The Hague by yourself – Transportation in the Netherlands
Traveling by public transportation is a straight-forward and convenient mode of transportation. Within cities there are buses or trams, for longer distances trains bring you to all parts of the country.
You can travel from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to The Hague by public transport or taxi. Everyone speaks English, and there are a lot of information at the Airport how to get the desired destination, so it’s easy to find a right way.
The train station is situated directly below the airport. Single train tickets for domestic travel are available from the yellow ticket machines near the platforms and form the ticket counters, which are situated close the red/white-checked cube at Schiphol Plaza. There is a direct connection to railway station called “Den Haag HS” (HS stands for Hollands Spoor), located on the opposite of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (please watch this video instruction on how to buy the ticket at the machine. Choose the correct destination). The train from Schiphol airport to “Den Haag HS” takes approximately 30 minutes. You can buy the train ticket online in advance here.
Getting to the Hague by taxi - Pick-up service
Taxis are easily available at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Only make use of taxis at the official stands or use Uber.
Preferred option:
- Available: 27 August – 13 September 2021
- Service offered: Pre-Booked Grouped Rides and Private Cars from Schiphol Airport Amsterdam.
- For whom: THPC Students and their family
- Price: 50 EUR for a group ride / 100 EUR for a private car for groups of up to 6 people
Other options:
Settling In
How can I register at the municipality in The Hague?
All students intending to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months must register with the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP).
- To make things easy for you, we have arranged an appointment with the municipality in the Hague for our students The appintment will take place 11 September and we will send you more detailed information in a separate email.
- Should you arrive at a different date, please go to the municipality individually. Please visit this page and book the appointment. Contact us if you have any questions.
- If you are planning on living in another city in the Netherlands, you can go to the municipality of that city yourself without our assistance. Keep in mind that different municipality might require different documents to bring.
How can I open a Dutch bank account?
Please keep in mind that in The Netherlands credit cards are not widely accepted. A Dutch or European debit card will make your daily life a lot easier. If you have a bank account in a country that is not a member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) we would advise you open a Dutch bank account to pay for groceries or other supplies. Also, most organisations in the Netherlands require a Dutch bank accounts to for instance have a subscription on the public transport services.
To open a bank account you will need a Dutch citizen number yet (BSN-number). You will receive this BSN number after your registration at the municipality.
Please check the pre-departure guide we have sent you for more detailed information.
How is the public transport in the Netherlands organised?
You will probably use the Dutch public transportation system quite often. We advise you to get a so-called anonymous OV chipcard. You can top up this card to pay for all your public transport fares in the Netherlands, not just the train fares. If you have a smartphone, you can use the NS train applicarion and 9292 public transportation applicaiton. The google maps work fine as well.
Currently it is mandatory to wear a face mask in public transportation.
Bicycle
Cycling is a fun and easy way of getting around and very much part of the Dutch lifestyle. Many international students adjust to this part of the Dutch lifestyle quite easily and enjoy the experience a lot. There is an extensive network of separate bicycle paths, and big streets also have separate lanes for bicycles. There are even guarded parking facilities for bicycles! Cycling is the perfect way to explore the city and its surroundings on two wheels.
You can also lease your own bicycle viaSwapfiets (www.swapfiets.nl/en/) or you can buy a second-hand bike for €50 to €150, less than half the price of a new bike.
What is life in The Hague like?
The Hague is bursting with culture and creativity and offers students an all-round experience, from galleries packed with Dutch masters to idyllic beaches and parks and buzzing nightclubs. It’s a small-scale, hospitable city with an international attitude. In the Hague, students are in the hub of Dutch politics and international justice. Students graduating from The Hague have a head start in industry with an international outlook and names of renowned organisations on their CVs.
Facts about the Hague:
- Population: 497,000 inhabitants from over 100 different nationalities
- Location: North Sea coast with 11km of coastline and two beach resorts
- Green city: 990 acres of woodland and 70,000 roadside trees
- City of peace and justice: 80 dedicated international organisations
- Home to 107 embassies & consulates and 131 international companies
- Total length of bicycle paths: 500km
Cultural Highlights
The Hague has many cultural highlights, including Mauritshuis, the home of Vermeer’s iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring painting, the Mondriaan collection at Municipal Museum and the Peace Palace. The city boasts excellent theatres and music venues and is reputed to be Holland’s top pop city. Parkpop, Europe’s largest free festival, takes place in June. Scheveningen’s sandy beaches, just outside the city centre are a popular place to relax.
Starting Your Studies
Is The Hague Pathway College teaching on campus?
The Hague Pathway College will be offering face-to-face teaching on campus in September 2021. This allows students to maximally benefit from physical presence. Both in learning and in student life. Our students will return to solid hybrid teaching models, as we have successfully introduced in September 2020. In all cases, social distancing and extra hygiene measures will continue to be in place. The College will continue to follow the approach of the Dutch government and the guidelines set by University of The Hague. A safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff remains the highest priority.
Will the campus be open?
You can come to campus. All faculty buildings are open as are all facilities such as library, sport centre and restaurants.
How can I get support from The Hague Pathway College in the weeks to come?
Our dedicated team is always available to provide the right level of care and support. Students who have questions can contact us via general@thehaguepathway.nl.
What are the term dates for the academic year 2021 / 2022?
Academic year 2021-2022 |
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Induction |
13 September 2021 |
17 September 2021 |
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Term 1 |
20 September 2021 |
10 December 2021 |
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Winter Holiday |
11 December 2021 |
02 January 2022 |
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Term 2 |
03 January 2022 |
25 March 2022 |
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Spring Holiday |
25 March 2022 |
03 April 2022 |
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Term 3 |
04 April 2022 |
29 June 2022 |
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Official last day |
30 June 2022 |
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Bank holidays |
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Good Friday / Goede Vrijdag |
15 April 2022 |
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Easter Sunday / Eerste Paasdag |
17 April 2022 |
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Easter Monday / Tweede Paasdag |
18 April 2022 |
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King's Day / Koningsdag |
27 April 2022 |
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Liberation Day / Bevrijdingsdag |
05 May 2022 |
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Ascension Day / Hemelvaartsdag |
26 May 2022 |
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Whit (Pentecost) Sunday / Eerste Pinksterdag |
05 June2022 |
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Whit (Pentecost) Monday / Tweede Pinksterdag |
06 June 2022 |
When should I arrive at the college?
The induction week starts 13 September 2021 and classes on 20 September. We advise you to arrive at the latest a few days before the start of the induction week. You will have so time to settle in.
Induction Week The Hague Pathway College
The Induction Week is an introduction for all new THPC students. During the week, you will meet your fellow students and get to know The Hague and the campus. The team will also help you arrange formalities, like registration. And of course, we will help you get a clear understanding of what the coming months will look like.
Will I get access to all on campus facilities?
Your student number is key to getting access to (very fast) Wi-Fi on campus, the library, sports facilities, as well as many other facilities across our campus.We will receive more information during the Inducrion Week in September.
How can I get in contact with the college?
Marketing and Admissions (for prospect students and agents): general@The Haguepathway.nl
Student Service Office (for current students): student.support@The Haguepathway.nl