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. 

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 from Schiphol airport

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 with instructions on how to buy the ticket at the machine. Choose the correct destination (Den Haag HS) The train from Schiphol airport to “Den Haag HS” takes approximately 30 minutes. You can also 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:

Safe & Sound

• Service offered: Pre-Booked taxi from Schiphol Airport Amsterdam to your accommodation
• Group rides are available: 22 December at 10.00, 13.00 and 16.00 (Price: 30 EUR)*
• Private rides are available: anytime (Price: 100 EUR)*
• For whom: THPC Students and their family

*Additional costs for credit card payments

Other options:

• Oranje taxi
• City Tax
• HTMC