The guidances have been written by AZSAB members and it covers all necessary information and tips for incoming students
The Hague
By: SABINA KUBINSKAYA
The Hague (Den Haag) – the seat of government, parliament and the royal court, the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. But first of all, Hague is known for having the Peace Palace, where the UN International Court of Justice is settled. 
Application Process

There are 2 ways to apply and find the best suitable university. First, you can research and apply via Studielink. Studielink is a platform where you apply (enroll) to institutions of higher education in the Netherlands. This is the only way to apply in the Netherlands. Second, you can use the help of specialized agencies and they will find for you everything and arrange all the application processes. However, always be aware on which stage of the process your agent and double-check their work. One and the first stage of the process is getting a visa. Azerbaijan has no embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, that’s why it’s more preferable to visit the branch in Georgia.  

International students are encouraged to enroll in International Foundation Years from the Netherlands Center for International Education (Holland ISC). Two existing programs – Business and Management and Natural and Technical Sciences – give foreign students the necessary basis for successful undergraduate studies. 

Requirements for applicants for training programs for international students:

Good Grade Certificate (Attestat)

IELTS: 5.5 (at least 5.0 for the written part, at least 5.0 for any component)

Minimum age for admission: 17 years

Note:  Keep in mind that requirements for various universities or years may slightly be different or changed. Always double-check with the web sites of the university or ask agents.
Registration
After arriving at the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (there is no airport in the Hague) you need to reach the Hague. Direct trains leave from the airport (platforms 5-6) to The Hague. A ticket costs 10-18 EUR, travel time is 45 min. Also, bus number 93 runs from the airport to The Hague: it takes 1 hour to get there, the ticket costs 3-5 EUR. You can also use a taxi which will cost approximately 120-160 EUR and will take around 50 minutes. Within 3 days right after you arrived country you need to check-in in the City Hall (Spui street). In order to be checked in, you need to make an appointment before or you can come without an appointment on Fridays between 8-9 a.m. Bring various documents to your appointment, usually a national passport, letter of acceptance from university and rental agreement from your landlord with signature. By registration, you will also get BSN. 
Check the web for a better understanding of what is BSN: https://collegelife.co/nl/bsn-number/
Banking and Insurance

In Rotterdam, you will almost always be able to reach your destination by bicycle. It is better to buy second-hand bikes through Facebook groups from previous year students which are so much cheaper than used bikes in shops. It is easier for you to have a Dutch bank account as some shops and restaurants do not accept Visa or Master cards. There are a lot of banks and you can choose which one is suitable for you. The information about the bank and its facilities you can get from the official web site of the bank or just by walking the nearest branch and asking questions. 

It is very important to have insurance in the Netherlands. From my own experience, I would recommend AON student insurance. Bear in mind that you cannot open any Dutch account or get work permits without insurance. The cost of medical facilities here is extremely expensive, so take care of yourself and get your insurance with good contain. However, you can get painkillers and various medicaments from supermarkets such as Albert Hein (service desk) for a good price. 

About AON student insurance: https://www.aonstudentinsurance.com/students/en/

Note: Always consult with a hometown doctor or make an appointment with a local doctor before buying or taking any medical treatment.
Public Transport
The city has a developed transport network: 10 bus lines and 13 tram routes, allowing you to get to anywhere in The Hague. To save money, you can purchase a single OV-chipkaart card (7.50 EUR) and replenish it by the desired amount. This is an electronic ticket with which you can pay for travel on any public transport, including metro and commuter trains in the Netherlands. The system operates as follows: when entering the salon, you must attach a card to the reader. 0.89 EUR per landing will be automatically deducted from it, and 0.15 EUR per each kilometer traveled. Before exiting the vehicle, you must attach the card to the reader again, otherwise, the amount for the longest route will be removed from it. 
You can also buy a personalized card (with photo) online making it possible to claim different discounts like a 40% discount on train travel. This discount is available upon a yearly payment of 50 Euros, and only applies to use the train between 9:00 and 16:00 and 18:30 – 6:30 the next morning (“off-peak hours”), and on the weekend. (It makes sense to get this discount if you use the train at least once or twice a month). Better to get not anonymous one because if you lose anonymous one you cannot get it back and the money on it will be lost, which will not happen with personalized. 
There are also various travel cards for a short term such as 24hours, 3 and 7 days card. If you travel without any card, there is a possibility to be caught by “inspectors” and pay a fine. If the weather is nice (lucky you) you can reach short distances by walk. In order not to get lost you can use Google Maps app (works with an internet connection) or Maps.me app (works without internet connection).
Accommodation
There are various ways to stay in the Netherlands. The most expensive one is staying in the Student Hotel in the Hague which is in 2 minutes by walk from the Hague University. Depends on a room the rental fee will be around 700-1300 EUR. This fee contains your own room with a private bathroom and shared kitchen, plus monthly free cleaning and linen changes. The security system is very strong as well as 24/7 working receptions. There is a free 24/7 gym zone and laundry which costs 3.50 EUR for washing and 1.50 EUR for drying. The hotel also gives you a free bike. The Student Hotel is a cash-free hotel, however, laundry accepts only coins. The payment system is easy and done via TSH Life App.
The cheaper way is housing companies offered for a first years student by universities. Don’t hesitate you contact the student service desk at your university and consult about accommodation. Usually, these types of accommodations cost around 400-550 EUR. 
Finally, you can find a room or studio for rent. Use various Facebook groups such as “Den Haag Housing”, “Rent a room in the Hague” and others. Be aware of scammers. Never send the money to the people before. Go, see the landlord and the place, agree and after all transfer money via trusted banks or transfer methods. Do not use PayPal or anything like this, these payment methods are not secure enough. 
Places to Study
It is not easy to study in the Netherlands. 80% is self-study. So always make a study plan. Almost every university has its own library where you can enjoy your studying. There is also a very big central library on Kalvermarkt. 
Student Life
Never forget to plan your time and have your rest. The Netherlands is one of the best places for students. You can enjoy your time with friends on weekends in pubs or clubbing. IIAM App is the best for students, where you can get free tickets to the various parties and deals or discounts. 
Note that the security of these places is very strict. You need to be 18+ in order to enter the club or to order any alcoholic beverage. 
Part-time Jobs
If you have extra time and willing to earn extra money you can find a student part-time job. The most famous jobs here are babysitting or waiter. You can find a job by asking your national friends or posting a post on Facebook. In order to be legally a worker, you need to get a work permit from City Hall as a non-EU citizen . As a student, you can work only 16 hours per week. The minimum wage for 18 years old is 4.72EUR, for 19-20 around 5.66 and 8EUR. Always read carefully your contract before you sign up and know your rights. 
Useful Applications
1. 9292: Best App for planning your route;
3. Marktplaats: Sell and Buy from second hands;
4.UberEats. Thuisbezorgd, Deliveroo: Apps for ordering food;
5. Pathe: App of the cinema;
6. Kamernet: App for finding rental accommodation.