Preparing for your departure

Preparing to leave home: Acedemic and other important offiial documents

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
• 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

 Preparing to leave home: Some recommendations on what to bring

• 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

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.

If you don’t arrival on one of the pick-up days and wish to travel from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and travel to The Hague by public transport. 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 and 3 minutes’ walk from the Student Hotel. The train from Schiphol airport to "Den Haag HS" takes approximately 30 minutes.

 Taxis are easily available at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Only make use of taxis at the official stands or use Uber.

Check with The Student Hotel The Hague when your room will be ready. If you arranged your own accommodation, be in touch before arrival to inform them about your expected arrival time.

Starting your studies at The Hague Pathway College

Induction week

The Induction Week is an introduction for all new THPC students. During the introduction, you will meet your fellow students and get to know The Hague and the campus. The THPC will also help you arrange formalities like registration and first steps towards registration at the municipality of The Hague. And of course, we will help you get a clear understanding of what the upcoming months will look like.

During the Induction Week you will receive full information about health care in The Netherlands, how to pick up your residence permit, registration with the municipality, TB testing (if applicable), how to pick up your student ID card, how to open a Dutch bank account and information around your academic timetable. A detailed induction schedule outlining the above will be sent to you shortly.

Term dates and timetable

You must be very curious to get a clear understanding of what your weeks will look like. During the Induction Week you will get a full picture of this. The timetable below is a sample to give you a bit of an idea of your weeks will be organised. Your own timetable will be different and depends on the Pathway stream you are in.

Getting your student id-card

Your student number is key to getting access to very fast WIFI on campus, the library, sports facilities etc. Picking up your student ID-card will be facilitated during the Induction Week.

Student and Academic Services

You will meet with our Student Support team during the Induction Week. Academic and student services are here to support you throughout your foundation year at THPC. Our team will help you to settle in and make the most of your time at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. More detailed information about the team will be made available in the induction schedule.

Late arrivals

In case you expect to arrive late, e.g. because you need to wait for your visa, please let us know as soon as possible. Arriving late may have consequences for your study success, your enrolment in the programme and your registration with IND.