Utrecht School of the Arts
Utrecht - Netherlands
www.hku.nl
Information Sheet: HKU (PDF  35kb)
City
The city of Utrecht, like Amsterdam, is characterised by its pretty canals that give a special feeling to the city. Outdoor living, particularly in the summer, can be enjoyed at many cafés and restaurants near the canals. The old centre of the city is very attractive with many different styles of architecture. Also like Amsterdam, here the bicycle rules! Almost everyone seems to ride a bike and this appears to be the main means of transportation within the city, although there is a light rail service and buses as well as trains which connect Utrecht to all of the Netherlands and Europe.
The population is over 260,000 which makes it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. The city has many museums, art galleries, cinemas etc and the Dutch Film Festival is held here.
The cost of living in Utrecht is quite reasonable and the city is easily accessible from Amsterdam by train (about 30 minutes). In general, the network of trains and buses across the Netherlands is very impressive, reasonably priced and incredibly efficient. There is a close link between the School and the City which is expressed by the many art festivals and concerts which are organised.
Utrecht School of the Arts
The Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) has five faculties. Four faculties are located in Utrecht as well as the Central Building that is housed on one of the major streets in the older part of the city, but is very modern inside.
It has about 4000 students and is one of the largest art and culture-oriented universities of professional education in Europe.
As with most creative arts institutions, admission is by portfolio or cd. Admission is very restricted and there are very few courses taught in English. The School also offers projects and internships and a small number of short courses.
The Faculty of Art, Media and Technology is not located in Utrecht itself but in Hilversum, a city 20 kilometres outside of Utrecht. The Faculty has an excellent reputation. This is one area which is open to exchange students. There are approximately 65 incoming and 55 outgoing exchange students each year.
Accommodation
As with Utrecht University accommodation is extremely difficult to find. However the Student Service Centre of Utrecht School of the Arts offers assistance for which students pay mediation costs. Once an exchange student has been accepted, the SSC will sent information regarding acommodation.
VISA/Residence permit
All Australian exchange students will need a residence permit. Students need to apply for the residence permit as soon as they arrive in the Netherlands. The cost is €438. It is advised that students should check that they meet the conditions for obtaining the residence permit before they travel to the Netherlands.
Orientation
ESN- Erasmus Student Network (www.esn-utrecht.nl) provides an ESN-mentor system. This system links Dutch student mentors to a group of foreign students. A mentor can give exchange students practical information about living in the Netherlands and studying in Utrecht, but he or she can also help in getting acquainted with the city and fellow students, both Dutch and foreign.
Student Service Centre and General Information
The Student Service Centre coordinates the international student exchanges and is located in the Central Building at Lange Viestraat 2B. Information about housing, visas and permits etc. can be obtained from the office and is also available at http://sscweb.hku.nl/exchange. Students are requested to contact the office as soon as possible after arrival. The SSC staff are helpful and welcoming.
|
