Guidance
The stuff nobody puts in the welcome pack.
Plain-English guides on the things universities won't tell you. Free and regularly updated. Written by people who had to figure it out themselves.
These guides are being written now. Check back regularly. New ones drop every few weeks.
Settling in
Coming soon
- Your first weeks, week by week
- Getting your bearings in a new city
- Setting up daily rhythms that work
- When to ask for help (and how)
Friendships & belonging
Coming soon
- Making real friends as a newcomer
- Finding your people in a new culture
- Staying connected to home without guilt
- Joining clubs, sports, and meetups
Mental wellbeing
Coming soon
- Homesickness and what helps
- The grey-November survival guide
- Loneliness is normal: here's what to do
- When to reach out to a professional
Confidence & identity
Coming soon
- Speaking up in a new language
- Imposter feelings as an international student
- Dutch directness: read it, don't fear it
- Holding onto who you are
The small daily stuff
Coming soon
- Cycling without dying
- Eating well on a student budget
- Cafés, libraries, and good study spots
- Slow Sundays and Dutch winters
Looking ahead
Coming soon
- Reflecting on why you came
- Choosing what to focus on next
- Saying yes (and no) on purpose
- Building a life you actually like
Start here
You're not alone in the Netherlands.
15 minutes, free, no pitch. Tell me what you're stuck on. Let's make a plan together.
Book free 15-min callinfo@fredconnect.nl