Utrecht University - UU vs Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - VU Amsterdam vs Eindhoven University of Technology - TU/e vs Leiden University vs Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Utrecht University strikes the ideal balance between top-tier academics and an amazing student experience. As a science major, I love how challenging and research-focused the program is—it really pushes me to think deeper. The Utrecht Science Park campus is super modern, sustainable, and just a great place to study. What really makes UU special is its international vibe. Working with classmates from all over the world brought fresh perspectives to every project. The libraries are fantastic (I lived in both the silent study zones and the lively café areas!), and a cool bonus is the free Dutch classes for international students—they seriously helped me feel at home. Utrecht itself is the perfect student city: historic canals, fun events, and just the right mix of energy and coziness. Sure, there’s some paperwork headaches sometimes, but overall, UU gave me everything I needed to grow—both academically and as a global citizen.

As a computer science student at the Vrije Universitet in Amsterdam, I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of education and the level of expertise of the professors at this esteemed institution. The faculty members are passionate about their subjects and are always willing to provide guidance and support to students. The curriculum is rigorous, and the coursework is designed to challenge students and prepare them for the ever-evolving world of technology. The courses cover a broad range of topics, from programming languages and algorithms to artificial intelligence and machine learning. The faculty also encourages students to take part in research projects and internships, providing valuable opportunities to apply what we have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. The campus facilities are excellent, with state-of-the-art labs and equipment available for students to use. The university's location in Amsterdam also offers plenty of opportunities for students to engage in cultural and recreational activities outside of their studies. One of the things that stand out to me is the diverse student body. Being exposed to different perspectives and backgrounds has enriched my learning experience and expanded my understanding of computer science as a field. Overall, I would highly recommend the Vrije Universitet to any computer science student looking for a challenging and rewarding academic experience, excellent faculty, and a diverse and inclusive community.

My experience within TU/e is overall positive mainly due to the student focused approach that the university utilises in order to accomodate new students and make them feel at home. One of the ways this was achieved was by having a vast variety of student associations for absolutely every hobby that one might have. On top of that, the university promotes and encourages the participation within student teams which is a perfect bridge between studying and working as you get to experience how a real work environment functions while being surrounded by students. The university also provides different levels of guidance so that one can tackle any problem they face.

I study the International Bachelor in Psychology at Leiden University and am also part of the Honours College. Overall, my experience has been very positive. One of the standout aspects is the university’s strong emphasis on career services. There are countless workshops and events designed to help with CVs, cover letters, motivation letters, and even writing assignments for courses. It’s clear that Leiden prioritizes preparing students for life beyond university. The online learning system is also well-organized—Brightspace brings everything together. Lecture recordings, assignment details, readings, and announcements are all kept in one place, making it easy to stay on track. Professors and staff are approachable, and interaction is encouraged, which creates a comfortable and supportive academic environment. The student body is naturally diverse, and this creates an inclusive international community within the department. Outside of classes, Leiden itself is a cozy student city—you often run into people you know at cafés or walking through town, which adds a sense of belonging. However, there are a few drawbacks. The different faculties are scattered across the city, so it can be hard to meet students from outside your program. Some administrative processes, like course enrollment, are unnecessarily stressful—everyone has to register at the same time, which often overwhelms the system. Additionally, the housing crisis in the Netherlands has also hit Leiden. Most international students including myself struggle to find affordable accommodation since the university isn't able to guarantee accommodation, even in the first year. Also, there are relatively few contact hours. Whether that’s a pro or a con depends on the person. Most of the learning is self-study, and lectures or workgroups only cover a portion of the material. For me, this helped build a lot of self-discipline, but for students looking for more structured, in-person teaching, this might feel limiting. All in all, I’d recommend Leiden University to students who are self-motivated and want both academic and career development opportunities in an international environment.

I like the possibility to self study, find materials and information, as well as the freedom of learning what I am interested in, while receiving feedback from my teachers which helps me getting on the right track.

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