Life in Amsterdam for Study Abroad Students

Amsterdam’s rich history provides students with a wealth of academic and cultural opportunities. From renowned museums and canals to its vibrant, open-minded atmosphere, the city offers continual discovery.

What is it Like to Live in the Netherlands?

As a student in Amsterdam, you'll enjoy a high quality of life, plenty of English-speaking people, good public transit, and a rich cultural scene. There are a lot of activities to do on the weekends, and when you have free time, you can try a lot of Dutch and other regional foods. You'll also get to see the heart of Europe and why so many visitors are drawn each year.

Advantages of Living in Amsterdam

​Amsterdam is known for its relaxed and convenient lifestyle, supported by efficient public transportation, a clean environment, and a robust healthcare system. English is widely spoken, though learning Dutch supports deeper integration. The city’s extensive bike infrastructure makes cycling practical and affordable. As a compact and lively capital, Amsterdam offers a diverse atmosphere, easy access to nature, and a wide range of activities. Its open-minded society and large international community contribute to its welcoming, global character.

Places for Students to Study in Amsterdam

​Although studying can be demanding, it can also be enjoyable in Amsterdam. Whether you're doing a program at the Universiteit van Amsterdam or another one, the city offers many attractive study locations, including historic libraries, many of which are free or require only a small fee or donation. Studying in these unique settings can be a memorable experience.

​Famous Local Libraries

The OBA Library in Amsterdam

​The main branch of the Amsterdam Public Library, the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA) Oosterdok, is the largest library in the Netherlands and a landmark cultural space in the city. Opened in 2007 and located next to Amsterdam Central Station, this modern, light-filled building spans seven stories and offers books, media, and breathtaking views of Amsterdam. Designed to be open, welcoming, and easy to navigate, the OBA serves as an important cultural, educational, and social hub. Its upper floors feature a popular restaurant and cafe on Level 7, along with a rooftop terrace that provides panoramic city views. Levels 2 through 6 house specialized collections in literature, travel, history, music, art, and science, as well as a variety of study and collaborative spaces. The library also includes multilingual and children’s sections, hundreds of computers, quiet rooms, and a theater. Free to visit and typically open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the OBA embodies Amsterdam’s commitment to accessibility, learning, and community.

​The Library at the Stedelijk Museum

​The Stedelijk Museum library is a leading research center with free admission, located on level 1 of the museum. It houses an extensive collection on modern and contemporary art, design, and photography, making it a key resource for 20th and 21st-century art studies. Open for research Tuesday to Thursday from 11 AM to 4 PM, visits usually require an appointment. Established early in the museum’s history, the library supports Stedelijk's mission through educational events, publications, and activities such as the Stedelijk Book Club, as well as by facilitating scholarly research.

​Huis De Pinto

Huis De Pinto is a well-preserved 17th-century canal house at Sint Antoniebreestraat 69 in Amsterdam. You can visit for free and get a sense of the city's mercantile history. Built in 1605, the house was bought in 1651 by the wealthy Portuguese-Jewish De Pinto family, who moved from the Iberian Peninsula to Amsterdam to practice Judaism openly. The house is named after this prominent banking family. Its unique façade was designed by a descendant of Isaack de Pinto, the founder, and inside you’ll find beautifully restored rooms with 18th-century painted ceilings and an old chimney piece. After careful restoration, Huis De Pinto now serves as a public library, cultural center, and community space. In addition to the library, it offers a reading room and specialized labs and regularly hosts cultural events and activities, including those for Open Monument Day. Located near the Rembrandthuis, it remains an important and accessible part of Amsterdam’s architectural and cultural heritage.

​NIOD Institute

​The NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies in Amsterdam is a research center with a public reading room and library, free of charge. Visitors can access extensive archives on World War II and other conflicts. While not a traditional museum, NIOD welcomes researchers and provides a complimentary access card upon arrival, with staff available for assistance. Most archives are accessible, though some require a consultation form. The NIOD website offers digital resources, including the Image Bank WW2 and "Adopt a Diary." Primarily serving researchers, NIOD also hosts free talks, workshops, and events that require advance registration. It is located at Herengracht 380–382.

​The Black Archives

The Black Archives in Amsterdam is a volunteer-run collection that highlights the histories of different communities in the Netherlands. It offers important insights into Dutch colonial history, slavery, and anti-racism. The archive, which is currently in Amsterdam-Oost and will soon move temporarily to Zuidoost, holds more than 10,000 books, artifacts, and personal papers from Black writers, scientists, and activists. Mitchell Esajas and others started the archive after finding lost collections. Its focus is on Black freedom, Pan-Africanism, and anti-colonialism, and it includes notable collections like Waldo Heilbron's work on the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Black Archives also organizes events, seminars, and exhibitions to challenge Eurocentric history and encourage conversations about racism, gender, and social justice.

​Studying abroad in Amsterdam offers both academic and personal growth, with excellent schools, a vibrant cultural scene, and convenient access to travel across Europe. To learn more about studying in Amsterdam and find the right program for your goals, schedule an appointment with an SAF counselor. They are ready to support your next step in your global journey.