INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

HANDBOOK for EXCHANGE STUDENTS

2010-2011
HANDBOOK for EXCHANGE STUDENTS
 HANDBOOK for EXCHANGE STUDENTS 2010-2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS

At your service! ...................................................................................................................4

1. Location.....................................................................................................................5
1.1. Rankings, accreditations and networks of RSM............................................................................................................5
1.2. Rotterdam......................................................................................................................................................................5
1.3. The Netherlands (Holland), the Dutch...........................................................................................................................5
1.4. Climate ..........................................................................................................................................................................5
2. Arrival .......................................................................................................................6
2.1. Arrival at Schiphol or Rotterdam The Hague Airport .....................................................................................................6
2.2. Obtain some Cash.........................................................................................................................................................6
2.3. Travel to Rotterdam.......................................................................................................................................................6
2.4. Rotterdam Central Station.............................................................................................................................................7
2.5. The T-building ...............................................................................................................................................................7
2.6. Accommodation.............................................................................................................................................................7
2.7. Need to store your luggage? .........................................................................................................................................7
2.8. Hostels in Rotterdam.....................................................................................................................................................8
3. Visa & Residence Permit .................................................................................................8
3.1. General information.......................................................................................................................................................8
3.2. The visa: MVV ...............................................................................................................................................................9
3.3. The temporary residence permit: ..................................................................................................................................9
3.4. Temporary residence permit and travelling: ................................................................................................................10
4. Your Exchange Programme ...........................................................................................10
4.1. Buddy System (only open to regular Bachelor/Master exchange students)................................................................10
4.2. Introduction programme/Integration Trip .....................................................................................................................10
4.3. September 14: Save the date! Official Welcome at the Erasmus University Rotterdam............................................11
4.4. Social events ...............................................................................................................................................................11
4.5. Excursion Port of Rotterdam .......................................................................................................................................11
4.6. Academic Activity & Courses Calendar 2010-2011:....................................................................................................12
5. Courses at RSM..........................................................................................................13
5.1. Courses & Exams........................................................................................................................................................13
5.2. Code of Conduct .........................................................................................................................................................15
5.3. MyEUR ......................................................................................................................................................................15
5.4. SIN-Online...................................................................................................................................................................15
5.5. Blackboard ..................................................................................................................................................................15
5.6. OSIRIS-Student...........................................................................................................................................................15
6. Services & Facilities ....................................................................................................16
6.1. International Office ......................................................................................................................................................16
6.2. Career Services...........................................................................................................................................................16
6.3. Language and Training Centre....................................................................................................................................17
6.4. Study Association STAR .............................................................................................................................................17
6.5. ESN Rotterdam .........................................................................................................................................................17
6.6. Sports Centre ..............................................................................................................................................................18
6.7. Shopping, catering and other facilities on Campus .....................................................................................................18
6.8. PC Work Places .........................................................................................................................................................18
6.9. Student Advisors / Counselors/Psychologists .............................................................................................................18
7. Public Transport & Bikes ..............................................................................................19
7.1. Public transport ...........................................................................................................................................................19
7.2. Train ............................................................................................................................................................................20
7.3. Bike .............................................................................................................................................................................21
8. Health Care ...............................................................................................................21
8.1. Medical Insurance .......................................................................................................................................................22
8.2. Emergency ..................................................................................................................................................................22
8.3. Family doctors for foreign students (cash payment only)............................................................................................23
8.4. Dentist .........................................................................................................................................................................23
8.5. Pharmacy ....................................................................................................................................................................24
8.6. Hospital .......................................................................................................................................................................24
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 8.7. Area Health Authority ..................................................................................................................................................24
8.8. Physiotherapist............................................................................................................................................................24
9. IT Facilities ...............................................................................................................24
9.1. BIT...............................................................................................................................................................................25
9.2. Computer Labs............................................................................................................................................................25
9.3. Wi-Fi and Laptop Plug-In Points..................................................................................................................................25
9.4. E-mail ..........................................................................................................................................................................25
9.5. Copying .......................................................................................................................................................................25
9.6. Printing ........................................................................................................................................................................26
9.7. Forwarding e-mail........................................................................................................................................................26
10. Libraries...................................................................................................................26
10.1. University Library.........................................................................................................................................................26
10.2. Business School Library..............................................................................................................................................27
11. Miscellaneous............................................................................................................27
11.1. Cost of Living...............................................................................................................................................................27
11.2. Use of telephone in general ........................................................................................................................................28
11.3. Opening a bank account .............................................................................................................................................28
11.4. Payments with the Chipknip ........................................................................................................................................28
11.5. Free Rotterdam UIT pass for students ........................................................................................................................28
11.6. Rotterdampas: lots of discounts! .................................................................................................................................28
12. Useful Links ..............................................................................................................29

Handbook updated by the International Office: August, 2010

Pictures Rotterdam: Rotterdam Marketing

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Dear exchange student,
Welcome!
On behalf of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (hereafter: RSM), the International Office
warmly welcomes you to the dynamic city of Rotterdam and to our School during the academic year 2010-2011!

At RSM we are confident that studying abroad widens the horizon of every future manager. As a well-networked
business school we have alliances with over 100 top schools worldwide. The School participates in the Community of
European Management Schools (CEMS) and Partnership in International Management (PIM) networks and maintains
bilateral agreements with many other leading business schools. We accommodate student exchanges within our
Bachelor, Master and MBA exchange programmes.

We have prepared this handbook for our incoming students joining us this academic year. Please feel free to contact us
whenever you have additional questions or other issues which are not covered in this booklet.

Last but not least, we hope that your exchange at RSM will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience!

Best regards, The staff of the International Office

Linda Ligaya
de Vries Kasmo-Borgonje
Head International Office Programme Manager
Bachelor Exchange
(incoming/outgoing)

Room T5-24 Room T5-30

lvries@rsm.nl lkasmo@rsm.nl
 +31-(0)10-4081984  +31-(0)10-4082132
Office: Mon,Tue,Thu,Fri Office: Mon,Tue,Thu,Fri

Marinelle Rozendaal Karin *

Programme Manager Klapwijk
Master Exchange Programme Assistant
(incoming) Master Exchange
(outgoing)

Room T5-30 Room T5-26

mrozendaal@rsm.nl kklapwijk@rsm.nl
 +31-(0)10-4082996  +31-(0)10-4082975
Office: Mon,Wed,Fri Office: Mon,Tue,Fri

Ellen Ellen
van Oeffelen Vermeulen
Secretary Programme Assistant
CEMS/all Exchange

Room T5-26 Room T5-26

eoeffelen@rsm.nl vermeulen@rsm.nl
 +31-(0)10-4082099  +31-(0)10-4082398
Office: Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri Office: Mon,Tue,Thu,Fri

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At your service!
RSM: THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE, your first meeting point

Opening hours
Mondays to Fridays from 9.00 to 17.00 hrs.
Closed for lunch between 12.30 and 13.15 hrs.

Visiting address
Rotterdam School of Management
International Office, Rooms T05-24-30
Erasmus University
Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
 +31-(0)10-4082099
Fax +31-(0)10-4089024
Email: intoffice@rsm.nl
www.rsm.nl/international

ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM: central services to international students

ESSC, Erasmus Student Service Centre located in the E-building, offers services to international students on
university (EUR) central level.
Please consult your own International Office first before making use of ESSC, since most services are covered for at
RSM. ESSC has, however, an informative website for all new international students: http://www.eur.nl/welcome/

STAR & ESN-R: Both student associations organize events for international students
Please see chapter 6.4 (STAR) and 6.5 (ESN-R) in this handbook. Or http://www.rsmstar.nl/
and http://www.esn-rotterdam.nl/
In all cases check your own RSM calendar first, before you register for any of these events!

STUDIUM GENERALE AND ERASMUS CULTUUR organizes lectures, debates and workshops on scientific, social
and cultural issues. Erasmus Cultuur organizes a wide range of cultural activities and courses. In addition tickets for
concerts, theatrical, comedy and dance productions are available with student discounts.
http://www.eur.nl/english/sgec/
1. Location
1.1. Rankings, accreditations and networks of RSM

RSM consistently achieves a competitive position in national and international rankings. In its 2009 meta-ranking, the
Financial Times place RSM amongst the top 10 schools in Europe.
RSM’s MBA programme appears in the global top 25. In the 2009 Elsevier Thema Survey, the BSc programme was
ranked best in the Netherlands for the 4th time in a row
The School has achieved triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) and its research institute ERIM is one of the
major building blocks of RSM’s reputation in education and research.

Moreover, RSM is a proud member of the Partnership in International Management (PIM) and the Community of
European Management Schools (CEMS).

1.2. Rotterdam

RSM is situated in Rotterdam, one of the most vibrant cities of the Netherlands. They city hosts numerous festivals,
concerts, and sporting events. Rotterdam is also called the “clubbing city” as a result of explosive growth in the number
of café, clubs and restaurants so that nightlife in Rotterdam now rivals that of Amsterdam, with a hip and creative
young scene.

Rotterdam is located on the river Maas and famous for its port, the largest in Europe and second largest in the world,
earning it the name “Gateway to Europe”. Rotterdam is only a short journey to Europe’s magnificent cities – London,
Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Cultural life is vibrant in Rotterdam. There is a broad selection of museums, from modern art to historical treasures,
architecture, photography, historical ships to exotic animals. The skyscrapers adorning the skyline along the river
are examples of the best of what modern architecture has to offer, while there is still a historic heart within the city.
www.rotterdam.info

1.3. The Netherlands (Holland), the Dutch

Discover a whole new life in the progressive, international country that is Holland.
Europe’s most densely populated country is a place where English is fluently spoken.
It is a country of great artistic and cultural heritage, with a founding history as one of the world’s greatest trading
nations.
The Dutch are known for their tolerance of differences. This allows people from all corners of the globe to find a home
away in the Netherlands. The people in the Netherlands form a colorful society, full of cultural and ethnic variety. With
160 nationalities living in the same area, you will find the Dutch friendly, accommodating, and quintessentially
international in their outlook.
www.holland.com

1.4. Climate

The Netherlands has a typical "marine climate". This leads to frequent cloud movements and yes, lovely changes in
lighting for the painters and optimists among you. Be prepared with an umbrella, but also be ready to rush into
sunshine when it comes.
www.theweathernetwork.com
2. Arrival
2.1. Arrival at Schiphol or Rotterdam The Hague Airport

Most of you will arrive in the Netherlands through Schiphol Airport or the Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

When your flight arrives at Schiphol, plan a minimum of 1 hour for disembarking, passport control, luggage and
customs. Trolleys are available for your luggage in and around the arrival area.
At the immigration desk make sure your passport and visa are visible. You may be asked for the purpose of your visit
to the Netherlands, also you might have to show proof that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living
costs. For EU citizen’s procedures are somewhat easier, even though it will take more or less the same time before
you can leave the airport.
www.schiphol.nl

A very practical guiding tool to leave Schiphol Airport and reach the university, has been prepared by our colleagues of
the School of Economics, see also:
www.eur.nl/ese/english/education/ese_events/go_es
or download:
http://www.eur.nl/fileadmin/ASSETS/ese/Onderwijs/Evenementen/GoESE_Photos/GoESE.pdf

The Rotterdam The Hague Airport is a rather small airport, so procedures are less time consuming, in approximately
20 minutes you can leave this airport. From the Rotterdam Airport, bus nr. 33 leads to the Rotterdam Central Station.

www.rotterdam-airport.nl

2.2. Obtain some Cash

In 2002, the Euro (€) was introduced in the Netherlands (replacing the Dutch guilder) and to 11 EU Member Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain. Nowadays, the Euro
banknotes and coins are also used by people from Slovenia, Slovakia, Cyprus, Malta, Andorra, Montenegro, Kosovo, San
Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City.

2.3. Travel to Rotterdam

From Schiphol Airport the most convenient way to travel to Rotterdam is by train.
In the same area of the luggage belts there are machines at which you can purchase your train ticket. As soon as you
have passed customs, just follow the signs to the railway station. The trains to Rotterdam CS (Central Station) leave
every fifteen minutes or half an hour, depending on the time and day you are arriving. The train journey lasts about 45 minutes.
In the train, never leave your belongings alone!
If you arrive at Rotterdam Airport you are advised to take a taxi (20 minutes ride for about € 30 to the school.
www.ns.nl
2.4. Rotterdam Central Station

When you arrive at Rotterdam CS and you want to go straight to the International Office we recommend you to make use of a taxi
(approx. € 25).

If you want to make use of the public transport, you need to buy a “OV chipkaart” first, see chapter 7.1 of this handbook. To RSM:
Tram number 7, direction Burgemeester Oudlaan. This tram runs every 10 minutes on weekdays. Get off at the last stop,
‘Burgemeester Oudlaan’, which is the nearest at our building and office. However you need

2.5. The T-building

When you reach the Woudestein Campus you should be able to see the T-building where RSM is located.
For a route description to RSM and maps of Rotterdam and the campus go to: http://www.rsm.nl/home/about/contact

2.6. Accommodation

Accommodation for exchange students can be pre-arranged with the housing agency called “Stadswonen”. Most
rooms are between €500 and €600 per month depending on availability and your personnel requirements.
On the Short stay Reservation System (SRS) of the Short Stay Department of Stadswonen you can register yourself to
apply for a room. If necessary, this department can be contacted by phone at +31-10-8007200 and by email at:
eur@stadswonen.nl. See also the website: www.shortstay.nl

Students that want to (temporarily) rent out their room, or are looking for a room in Rotterdam, can use Erasmus’
housing webpage “HousingAnywhere”. This webpage is developed in order to bring demand & supply of student
accommodation together. This website is free to use and it operates on a full student-to-student basis, without
intermediaries.
www.HousingAnywhere.com

Due to the current tension in the short stay segment, especially in autumn, we also advise our incoming students to
join the group “RSM Exchange Students 2010-2011”on Facebook. You can interact with our outgoing students who are
renting out their rooms themselves or find a room mate among the exchange students.
www.facebook.com

2.7. Need to store your luggage?

Upon arrival it is possible to temporarily store your luggage at RSM before you can move into your accommodation.
Please ask Ms. Ellen van Oeffelen or Ms. Ellen Vermeulen at the secretariat of the International Office. You can store
and pick up your luggage only during office hours.

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2.8. Hostels in Rotterdam

If you, for any reason, cannot move into your room upon arrival you can easily book a room in the hostel “Stayokay
Rotterdam” located downtown. Reservations can be done on-line.

Stayokay Rotterdam located in cube houses

From 15 August 2010 until 15 September 2010 and from 15 January 2011 until 15 February 2011 this hostel
offers our students a special price of € 24,00 per night including breakfast!
There is a friendly brasserie, a non-smoking lounge where you can take a breath from the bustling city centre or meet
visitors from all over the world at the bar.
www.stayokay.com/rotterdam

Another good and reasonably priced hostel is the hostel “ROOM”. Hostel ROOM, located in a historic and dynamic city
area.

ROOM

The owners of this hostel will welcome you in Europe's first theme hostel right in the centre of Rotterdam! In the hostel
you can see and feel that Rotterdam is a lively city: there are 16 different theme rooms, a vibrant bar, a foyer with TV,
magazines, games and a terrace.
www.roomrotterdam.nl

3. Visa & Residence Permit

3.1. General information

The website:

www.nuffic.nl/international-students/preparation-stay/preparing-your-stay/ visa-and-permits

offers the most relevant and actual information on the Dutch immigration regulations. The website of the Immigration
and Naturalisation Service (IND) includes an easy to use tool ‘Residence Wizard’ to check requirements.

http://www.ind.nl/EN/verblijfwijzer/

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3.2. The visa: MVV

All students who needed to apply for the MVV (= visa to enter the Netherlands) will or have been assisted by our
International Office prior to arrival. Before coming to the Netherlands, they should have picked up the MVV at the
Dutch Embassy or Consulate in their countries. The MVV is a sticker attached to your passport and remains valid for 3
months after the date of issue. This means you have 3 months to travel and stay in the Netherlands within 6 months
after picking up your visa.
If you have asked for a multiple entry visa (D+C visa), you can travel without any restrictions in the Schengen area
during the first 90 days of your stay in the Netherlands.

Fees and payment of the visa

When the application for your visa has been approved, the university automatically pays the fee of €250 to the IND.
After your arrival in Rotterdam you have to report to the Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC, CB-07) within
(preferably) 3 days. You then have to pay this fee back to the university. Payments can be made in cash, by using a
bank card or a credit card (in this case you have to pay 5% more).
You will also receive documents for the application of the temporary residence permit.

The costs for the temporary residence permit are €188 to be paid when you submit the application.
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/welcome/practical_information/immigration/

3.3. The temporary residence permit:

How to apply?
All non EU/EEA citizens who are staying longer than 3 months will need to apply for a temporary residence permit and
must report within (preferably) 3 days of arrival to the Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC; in the hall of the E-
building, open daily from 9.30 to 17.00 hrs). Your name and other personal details will be noted there. This registration
replaces the obligation to report to the local Aliens Police. This is no longer necessary or even possible.

ESSC will provide you with the application forms. You will also receive a handout about the procedure and about the
forms and documents that you have to submit. Information sessions will be held on how to fill out the application forms;
dates and locations to be announced.

You can submit the complete application package at the ESSC. In the package you will also find documents for the
registration in the administration of the municipality, the Gemeentelijke Basis Administratie (GBA).

Please take into account that you will not have your passport in possession for a period of 8 days.
You will receive a written statement declaring that you delivered your passport for the application of your residence
permit and for registration in the GBA.

Fees and payment of the temporary residence permit

The fee for applying for a residence permit for students travelling into the Netherlands with a MVV (at a cost of € 250)
is € 188. For those of you who don't need a MVV, the fee is € 433.
You may pay in cash, by bank card or credit card. Please take into account that tariffs are different when paying by
credit card: for students with a MVV € 197,40, for students without a MVV € 451,65. When you register at the ESSC
after arrival, you are requested to pay immediately.

http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/welcome/practical_information/immigration/entryvisa/

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3.4. Temporary residence permit and travelling:

You can travel in and out of the Netherlands and through the Schengen area (remember that the UK is not part of this)
as long as your temporary residence permit is valid. Once your temporary residence permit is not valid anymore you
will have to leave the Netherlands within 28 days. You will not be able to travel within the Schengen area anymore and
are expected to go to your home country directly.

4. Your Exchange Programme

All exchange students are given a warm welcome at RSM, both by the International Office and their ‘buddies’. Upon
arrival students receive a ‘Welcome Bag’ with lots of information on the exchange programme, RSM, Rotterdam and
other relevant (practical) information to get students settled down as soon as possible after arrival. Prior to the start of
each exchange term an (compulsory) introduction programme /integration trip is organized. This is the most
appropriate way to get to know your fellow students and Dutch buddies.

4.1. Buddy System (only open to regular Bachelor/Master exchange students).

Visiting exchange students at RSM are assigned to a buddy. Your buddy will contact you approximately 4 weeks
before the start of the programme. A buddy can be of help to you when getting used to your new surrounding. He/she
can pick you up at the airport/train station, guide you to your accommodation and help you to find your way on campus
and in Rotterdam. In this way there is always someone to turn to during your stay in the Netherlands.

Dutch buddy Pieter (m) with friends Bård (l) and Reynir (r)

Within the Master exchange programme, buddies have a more special role. These buddies are Dutch MScBA students
exclusively selected to participate in the International Business Project (cornerstone of Master Exchange Programme)
and actively participate in all activities during the exchange programme, including the Integration Trip. This way, they
join an exchange at their home school!

4.2. Introduction programme/Integration Trip

Upon arrival the International Office provides you with your Welcome Bag, which includes relevant information for your
stay in Rotterdam, including your Student ID Card.

BACHELOR EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

▼
The autumn term starts with 2 compulsory Introduction Days, during which you get to know your fellow students very
quickly. We spend the night in a youth hostel. During the whole trip there is ample opportunity to get to know each
other in a relaxed atmosphere! In addition a practical information session on your programme and the RSM will be
organized.
The spring programme starts with a compulsory Welcome Day during which you get to know your fellow students in an
active way and you will attend a practical information session about your programme and the RSM.

 For dates/costs of these activities, please see paragraph 4.6.

 Detailed information will be sent to you by email at the end of July (autumn term) and mid December (spring term).

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MASTER EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
▼
Each Master exchange programme starts with a compulsory 3-day Integration Trip, during which you get to know your
fellow students very quickly. This trip is not only important for introduction purposes but also functions as preparation
for your participation in the International Business Projects. For this reason, workshops on e.g. trust and confidence,
teambuilding exercises and an evening with an international cabaret are part of this trip. During the whole trip there is
ample opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere!

 For the dates/costs of these activities, please see paragraph 4.6.

 Detailed information will be sent to you by email at the end of July (autumn term) and mid December (spring term).

4.3. September 14: Save the date! Official Welcome at the Erasmus University Rotterdam

On September 14, 2010, at 17.00 hrs; all new international students studying at Erasmus University are officially
welcomed by the Rector Magnificus at the Auditorium. After this welcome there is food, drinks and music. Upon arrival,
check your email for more information.

4.4. Social events

Each term, the RSM International Office, the Erasmus Student Network-Rotterdam (ESN-R), STAR and Studium
Generale Erasmus Cultuur organize social events. Details will be announced once you have arrived in Rotterdam.

4.5. Excursion Port of Rotterdam

Due to a valuable and longstanding relation of RSM with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the International Office can
offer exchange students a unique full day’s programme (free of costs) to learn more about the Port of Rotterdam’s
fascinating, multi-faceted story.
An interactive multimedia presentation in the Port of Rotterdam’s prominently situated head quarters is followed by a
guided coach tour through the vast port area itself. Students get access to the fully automated Europe Container Delta
Terminal, which is normally closed to the public. Other excursions to learn about the Dutch culture and business
environment are also organized throughout the programmes.
4.6. Academic Activity & Courses Calendar 2010-2011:

Programme Autumn 2010 Spring 2011

Trimester 1 Trimester 2 Trimester 3
Bachelor exchange
Introduction Days & fee September 1, 2 and 3; Friday January 7, Date to be announced
fee €130 Fee t.b.a (approx € 25) fee t.b.a. (approx € 25)
Classes 1st year courses: 1st year courses: 1st year courses:
consult course schedule September 6-Nov. 18 November 29-March 04 March 21-May 27
2nd year courses: 2nd year courses: 2nd year courses:
September 06-Nov. 26 January 03-March 11 March 28-June 03
3rd year courses: 3rd year courses: 3rd year courses:
Minors: September 06-Nov. 05 January 03-March 11 March 28-June 03
Interim Project: Nov. 15-Dec.18
Examinations 1st year courses: 1st year courses: 1st year courses:
consult course schedule November 15-Nov. 27 March 07-March 19 June 06-June 18
2 year courses:
nd 2 year courses:
nd 2nd year courses:
November 29-Dec. 11 March 14-March 26 June 13- June 25
3rd year courses: 3rd year courses: 3rd year courses:
Minors: November 08-Nov. 13 March 15-March 26 June 14- June 25
Interim Project: N/A
Re-Examinations 1st year courses: July 04 – July 30
consult course schedule 2nd year courses: June 27 – July 21
3rd year courses : July 06 – July 22
Farewell Drink To be announced To be announced To be announced
Semester 1 Semester 2
Master exchange
IntegrationTrip & fee August 25 – 27 (€ 130) January 19 – 21 (€ 130)
Classes (first half) August 30 – October 15 January 24 – March 18
Examinations October 18 – 23 March 21 – 26
Classes (second half) October 25 – December 10 March 28 – May 20
Examinations December 13 – 17 May 23 – 28
Re-Examinations January 3 – 15 July 18 – August 5
Farewell Party To be announced To be announced
CEMS exchange
Welcome Event August 20 January 26 – 28 (€ t.b.a.)
Blocked Seminar & fee August 22 – 27 (€250) ---
Classes (first half) August 30 – October 15 Jan 31 – March 18
Examinations October 18 – 23 March 21 – 26
Classes (second half) October 25 – December 10 March 28 – May 20
Examinations December 13 – 18 May 24 – 28
Re-Examinations January 3 – 15 July 18 – August 5
Farewell Party To be announced To be announced
University closed on
Christmas break December 24 – January 3 ---
Good Friday --- April 22
Easter --- April 25
Queen’s Day --- Apr il30
Liberation Day --- May 5
Ascension Day --- June 2
Whit Monday --- June 13

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5. Courses at RSM
5.1. Courses & Exams

 Workload
At RSM, 20 ECTS is the regular fulltime workload for a period of 14 weeks. Please be aware that if you exceed
this number of ECTS, the workload is very demanding and gives you less room to travel or enjoy your student life.

Bachelor exchange students are required to have a minimum workload of 15 ECTS per trimester, to be taken at
RSM.

Master exchange students are required to have a minimum workload of 20 ECTS per semester, to be taken at
RSM.

 Enrolment courses
You do not have to enroll yourself for the RSM courses. After having received your course preferences, the
Programme Managers will register you for the courses. You are, however, responsible for any enrolment for
workshops within a course.
Exchange students who would like to change or drop courses, should contact their programme manager.
Restrictions may apply.

 Books & Literature

We recommend that you buy all the necessary books and readers at the beginning of the programme in order not
to run the risk that these are sold out. During the welcome session you will be informed where you can buy the
books and/or readers.

Student association STAR regularly holds book sales at the beginning of the semesters/trimesters, where
members can get discounts. You can become of a member of STAR (see Chapter 6.4).

 Registration exams
Bachelor exchange students need to register for the written exams for all courses. You
can do this through Osiris-Student at www.myeur.nl.

Master exchange students do not have to register for the written exams!

 Useful information!
Please visit the website www.eur.nl/english/ea for all information on:

… and more!

 Grading Scale
In the Dutch grading system, grades from 1.0 up to 10.0 are used, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. In
general, grades with one decimal are issued; the lowest passing grade is a 5.5. When rounding off these grades,
grades with a 0.4 or lower will be rounded off, and grades with a 0.5 will be rounded up.
13
 Students in our exchange programmes receive their transcripts reflecting grades with one decimal.

Dutch grade Description

10 Excellent
9 Very good
8 Good
7 More than sufficient
6 Sufficient
5 Insufficient
4 Strongly insufficient
3 Very strongly insufficient
2 Bad
1 Very bad

A grade of 5.4 or lower means that you failed the course, a grade of 5.5 or higher means you passed the course.

 Re-examinations
In case you unintentionally fail a written exam, there is always the opportunity to participate in the regular re-sits
organized at RSM. Please inform yourself on the dates of the re-examinations already at the beginning of your
study here at RSM!

If you can not make it to come to Rotterdam on the day of your re-sit, you might (highly exceptional) have the
chance to make the re-examination at your home university, on the strict condition that:
1) Your reason for your absence is approved of by the Examination Board of RSM (a valid reason could e.g. be
that you were in the hospital)
2) The re-sit can be arranged at exactly the same day and exactly the same time as in Rotterdam; AND
3) Your home university is willing and able to coordinate and supervise you re-sit

It is not possible to arrange special assignments or take home exams with the lecturers, neither to take a (re-)
examination at an earlier or later stage.
On the grounds of the Teaching and Examination Regulations, the Examination Board may, in very exceptional
cases, permit an extra opportunity to take an examination, for example in the event of severe personal
circumstances. In such a case, a written request has to be submitted to the Examination Board. Being in your
home country is not considered a valid reason.

Bachelor exchange students, see:

www.rsm.nl/home/students/bachelors/bsciba/examination_board.

Master exchange students, see:

www.rsm.nl/home/students/masters/examination_board.

 Final results
The final grades will be available on Osiris-Student.

 Transcript
The International Office will issue the transcripts of grades and send them over to your home university’s
coordinator as soon as all your final grades have been received. Your coordinator is responsible for forwarding the
original transcript to you. The transcript shows your grades rounded off to 1 decimal. In case the lecturer decides
to submit your grades already rounded off without decimals, we will use this grade on your list of grades.

 Conversion of grades
The conversion of your RSM grades obtained is the responsibility of your home university.

14
5.2. Code of Conduct

RSM hosts a huge number of students in its various programmes. It is important for our School and student community
to have a code of conduct describing the core values and main rules of behavior.

The International Office is honored to maintain intensive relations with both national and international companies. We
are pleased that both companies and students can work together in an academic environment. To avoid any
miscommunication on behavior during classes, skill seminars, International Business Projects or any other events,
please see our own rules of conduct. However, for you as future managers in companies, we assume that these rules
are superfluous.

 Always arrive in time.

 Leaving earlier from classes without notice beforehand is not tolerated.
 Food, drinks and chewing gum are forbidden in classrooms.
 Wearing caps or sunglasses during classes is impolite.
 No laptops, unless instructed.
 Switch off mobile phones.
 A dangle or sleepy posture does not show off your professionalism.
 A list of attendance is for those present in the classroom, not for those absent.
 There is a dress code for most events and company activities.

5.3. MyEUR
MyEUR is the portal to the primary information system on education of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The portal
offers students and staff, wherever they are in the world, access to facilities like web-mail, Osiris, Blackboard, SIN-
Online and the University Library. To log in on MyEUR you need an Erna username and password. Your Erna
username exists of five or six numbers followed by three or two letters respectively, always followed with @eur.nl.

5.4. SIN-Online
SIN-Online is the portal to all the relevant information you need: course information, course materials, course
timetables, grades, announcements, reservations and so on. SIN-Online is based on the channel subscription system:
each course has its own channel. Through these channels, Programme Management can provide information specified
to your needs. The information is available through the My Page web page in SIN-Online. In addition there are also
other channels that could be of interest to you: for example the Bachelor channel and the Master channel. In addition
there are a lot of case-groups, exam review sessions, etcetera that require registration via SIN-Online.

5.5. Blackboard

Blackboard is the universities Virtual Learning environment. Within this system the interaction between faculty and
students take place. The interaction can range from short announcements, lecture slides and articles through
discussion on a divers array of topics. Unless otherwise stated the material published on Blackboard is part of the
literature for exams, etcetera. Instructors assume that you check Blackboard on a regular basis, we advise you to do
so as well; it can save you a lot of time.

5.6. OSIRIS-Student

Osiris-Student is the university official exam registration system. You should use it to register for exams, to check your exam
results and study progress.

15
6. Services & Facilities
6.1. International Office

Mail/fax traffic
 Mail and faxes for your attention can be picked up at the International Office, room T5-26 on Tuesdays and/or
Thursdays. Please always ask the sender to use the correct postal address which is: Rotterdam School of
Management, EUR, International Office, T5-26, Burg. Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The
International Office’ fax number is +31-10-4089024.
 If you need to send a fax to your home university or for International Business Project purposes, ask the secretariat of
the International Office to provide you with a fax coversheet. Together with your fax, the secretariat will fax your
documents.
 For fax messages related to your International Business Projects need to be paid at the end of your term. Upon
payment you will receive a receipt to be reimbursed at the company you did the project for.

Phone
 In case you need to be accessible by phone (for urgent matters), you can always leave behind our International
Office telephone numbers which ae: +31-10-4082099 for the secretariat, +31-10-4082996/4082132 for the
Programme Managers and +31-10-4081984 for the Head of the International Office,
 If you need to call your home university, please always ask the secretariat if you can make use of the phone in room
T5-68.

Visitors
 When company representatives related to your International Business Projects are meeting you at the RSM, please
ask Ellen van Oeffelen: eoeffelen@rsm.nl (at least one week in advance!) to book a meeting room for you.
Furthermore coffee/tea can be ordered at our secretary's office if you do so in time as well. In exceptional cases also
lunches can be served.
 Please inform your visitors to park their car in the garage of the T-building. Parking tickets can be asked for at the
secretariat so that your visitors can leave the parking without paying.

6.2. Career Services

RSM and Career Services are dedicated to acting as a bridge between business, students and academia. Career
Services provides a broad range of services, most of them internship and future career related. This office is also
responsible for the acquisition of the International Business Projects, offered as course to regular Master exchange
students. Exchange students are always welcome to contact them through careerservices@rsm.nl or in room T5-36.

www.rsm.nl/home/students/bachelors/bsciba/career_services
www.rsm.nl/home/students/masters/career_services

16
6.3. Language and Training Centre

The Language and Training Centre offers language courses at beginners, intermediate and advanced level in English,
Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Dutch. It also offers special courses for PhD
students and junior researchers. Courses are respectively offered in the beginning of September, January and March.
The Intensive Dutch Course is offered in August and January. This course takes place during the day and focuses on
grammar, vocabulary and conversation.

In addition to language courses the Language and Training Centre also offers trainings to improve students’ skills,
such as Academic Writing for Bachelor and Master students, speed-reading, Mind-mapping & Memory, Thesis
presentation and Presentation Skills.
www.eur.nl/ltc

6.4. Study Association STAR

STAR, RSM’s study association, is an essential part of life at the university, and popular with many students. With
more than 5,500 members, it is the largest study association in The Netherlands and with more than 1,000 overseas
members, it is truly international.

STAR brings together the entire student body – graduate and undergraduate, pre- and post-experience, offering you a
broad variety of ways to become active.

The Master programmes have their own study association within STAR and organize events in their specific
disciplines. One other strong point of STAR is its exceptionally close relations with the corporate world. STAR regularly
invites leaders in international business and politics to meet our students through events like the Management Week,
Business Week and Career Days.

For exchange students membership is possible at a reduced price, check their website! Membership allows you to
purchase books with a discount during the Book Sale!
www.rsmstar.nl

6.5. ESN Rotterdam

Erasmus Student Network Rotterdam (ESN-Rotterdam) is the student network bringing together all international
students studying at the Erasmus University. Check their Events/Activity Calendar for their weekly social and cultural
especially organized for you: http://www.esn-rotterdam.nl/events

First weekly social International Drink at B.E.D. (address: Meent 106) on September 8!

During your introduction you will meet some of the ESN-R board members who will provide you with more information
on their activities.

17
6.6. Sports Centre

The University’s Sports Centre exist of two sports halls, five squash courts, a fitness gym and six open-air tennis
courts. Students can choose from a wide range of sports, including boxing, fitness, volleyball and football, and also
take courses in tennis or squash. In addition, they can learn to dive and play golf at a reduced price.
To make use of sports facilities, you can buy your sports card for €20 (1 month) or €40 (3 months) at the reception of
the S-building. For fitness you will have to pay an extra €5 (1 month) or €15 (3 months). For every new sports card a
deposit of €5 needs to be paid.
www.erasmussport.nl

6.7. Shopping, catering and other facilities on Campus

In the so-called Shopping Street at the ground floor of the C-building you can find:
Erasmus Shop: to buy office supplies, gifts, business presents and Erasmus logo items (sweaters, T-shirts)
Selexyz Donner EUR: bookstore for all studies
Hair Design by Lydia: hairdresser with special rates for students
Tempo Team: if you are looking for a part-time or summer job.
http://www.tempo-team.nl/content/werknemers/vacatures/native-speakers/

For food you can join the several Foodplaza’s and Coffee Corners on campus, see also
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/services/catering_facilities/ where to find these spots.

There are more facilities such as a bank, prayer room, child nursery, copy shops, see for more:
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/welcome/facilities/

6.8. PC Work Places

Both in the T- and G-building there are PC work places for students. If the pc work places at the T-building are fully
booked we recommend you to move to the G-building.

The G-building opens at 8.30 and closes at 17.00 hrs. Reservations for breakout rooms can be made at the information
desk on G1-39, by telephone (010-4082484), or by email (studiezalen@ict.eur.nl). If you want to reserve a room by
email, please mention the date and time (from.. until) and the number of persons. The pc-rooms can be found on the
ground, 1st and 3rd floor. These floors are equipped with wireless internet and/or plug-in points for your laptops.
http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/services/pcworkplaces/

6.9. Student Advisors / Counselors/Psychologists

Student Advisers at RSM

You may want to contact one of the student advisors from RSM for information, advice and/or guidance. The student
advisors are familiar with all study aspects. Students with personal circumstances such as illness, handicap, etc. may
also turn to the student advisers for personal advice and guidance.

www.rsm.nl/home/studyadvice/bacheloriba
18
www.rsm.nl/home/studyadvice/master

Student Counselors at EUR

Student Counselors offer advice and assistance on personal, practical and study matters. They organize confidential
interviews and help students find solutions. If necessary, they can refer to other persons or agencies that may be in a
better position to help or solve the problems. You can also contact a counselor if you have complaints about improper
treatment by university staff members. Before contacting a counselor, you should first try to resolve the problem with
the staff member or department in question.
www.eur.nl/english/essc/advice_counselling/professional/counsellors

Student Psychologists at EUR

The aim of the student psychologists is to offer help to students in solving problems which impede effective studying.
Studying is susceptible to inside and outside disturbances. The purpose of a first, exploratory discussion with one of
the psychologists is to clarify complaints or problems. Consideration is given to the link between the problems and the
study. This first discussion is sometimes all the student needs. However, in some cases, further counseling is required.
This may be an individual or group therapy. If the student psychologists are unable to provide the required assistance,
they will refer the student to other organizations.
www.eur.nl/english/essc/advice_counselling/professional/psychologists

7. Public Transport & Bikes

The Netherlands have a comprehensive and efficient public transport system. Major cities can easily be reached by
train, but a good network of local buses and intercity coaches is available as well.

The ‘Openbaar Vervoer Reisinformatie’ (Public Transport Information) gives information on routes, timetables and
fares on telephone number 0900-9292 (€ 0, 70 per minute).

7.1. Public transport

For more information about travelling in Rotterdam by metro, tram or bus we would like to refer you to the website
www.ret.nl.
To travel by bus, metro or tram in the Netherlands you need
to be in possession of a valid ticket:
OV-chipkaart

Since January 2009 all trains, trams, buses and metros in

the Netherlands use one digital transport pass called an 'OV-
Chipkaart'.
The pass is embedded with a digital chip that can be loaded
with money directly from your bank account, in some cases
automatically, or paid for by cash, depending on the sort of
card.
19
The OV-chipkaart can be bought at most metro stations. The price is € 7,50.
The best type of OV-chipkaart is the ‘anonymous’ one. Advantages: other people can travel with your card, you can
upload at any time (minimum € 4, maximum € 30), you don’t need to worry about the number of zones, since this type
of ticket calculates the fee for the journey itself by holding the card in front of a laser beam at the bus/tram or gates
(metro) at both the start and end of your journey. If you forget the latter, the journey will cost you more than it
is worth.

To give you an example of the costs: a trip from Rotterdam Central Station to Kralingse Zoom (metro station nearest to
RSM) costs you € 1,14. www.ret.nl.

7.2. Train

National
In general Dutch trains are comfortable, clean, on time, and frequent. Travelling by train is easy once you are used to
read the big yellow train schedules and the platform signs.
If you think you will travel a lot by train in the Netherlands, you might consider buying the “Off-Peak Discount Pass”
(‘Voordeelurenkaart’).
This pass costs €55 per year but will give you a reduction of 40% on train tickets (travelling from 9.00 hrs on weekdays
and in weekends). Up to 4 people can travel with reduction on one pass.

For more information and where to buy this card please go to the train information desk at a railway station or visit
www.ns.nl. This website also gives information on other (discount) tickets such as the Day Travel Ticket, the Weekend
Return Ticket, the Summer Trip Ticket, monthly and other travel tickets.

International
From the Netherlands trains run directly to Germany, Belgium, France, and Switzerland, and indirectly all over Europe.

CityNightLine is an overnight train to Switzerland and Southern Germany. InterCity Berlin travels from Amsterdam to
Berlin, with a stop in Hanover, three times per day. The Thalys travels from Amsterdam to Paris, with several stops in
The Netherlands and Belgium. ICE International travels from Amsterdam to Cologne, Frankfurt and Basel. The
Benelux Train travels from Amsterdam to Brussels, with several stops in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Eurostar
travels from Brussels to London through the Chunnel.
www.nsinternationaal.nl.

20
7.3. Bike

If you really want to join the Dutch way of life, and move around quickly and easily, buy yourself a (second-hand) bike.

Second-hand bikes cost between €75 and €150. You can find them at second-hand bike shops and at the bike parking
facilities near railway stations. They will also be advertised in the small ads in local newspapers under ‘Rijwielen’, on
the notice board at supermarkets or anywhere students congregate. In addition to the bike, buy a solid bicycle lock!

Men’s bike (“herenfiets”)

Women’s bike (“damesfiets”)

Warning! Never buy a bicycle on the street, since these bikes are usually stolen. You will be violating the Dutch law if
you do so.

There are many good places to buy a new or second-hand bicycle in Rotterdam, one of them is Megabike,
Burgemeester Van Walsumweg 2, 3011 MZ Rotterdam, telephone (010)-4253412.

8. Health Care
Dutch law requires that everyone who is living in the Netherlands is covered by a health insurance. It is of main
importance for you to be properly insured, since medical costs can be very high (especially when you need specialized
help). Dutch health insurance usually covers the costs of hospital and medical treatment, medicines, visits to family
doctors and specialists.

Once medical insurance has been arranged, one can make use of the Dutch health care system. Medical care is of
high quality in The Netherlands.

21
8.1. Medical Insurance

Foreign students are not automatically insured in the Netherlands. If your current insurance provides full cover for medical
costs including abroad, you should bring a statement (in English) which explains the cover of your insurance.
Before arriving in the Netherlands, make sure you arrange your insurances (health, liability) yourself. A proper insurance
covering illness, accidents and liability is also required for obtaining a residence permit.

Arranging Medical Insurance in the Netherlands

Erasmus University Rotterdam recommends one of the medical insurances offered by Aon.

Aon offers the “Insurance Certificate for Students” (ICS) with global coverage for €1.27 a day. The exact conditions of
the insurance can be found on the website: www.students-insurance.eu. Prior to arrival in the Netherlands you can
already arrange the medical insurance yourself through this website. You receive your insurance certificate and the
general conditions within a few days by mail on your (temporary) address in Rotterdam or elsewhere.

During your stay in Rotterdam Erasmus University in cooperation with Aon offers you medical care close to the
university. To make use of the services of the medical practice you need to register on-line:
www.erasmusmedicalservices.nl

For questions: info@erasmusmedicalservices.nl

Address: Dr Paul Drost, Fascinatio Boulevard 1122, 2909 VA Capelle aan den IJssel, phone: (010)-2540501
After any consultation the invoice will directly be sent to Aon.

Bringing local insurance policy - EU students

It is also possible to bring your own insurance policy to the Netherlands.
If you do so, bring your EU Health Insurance Card. Upon arrival in the Netherlands you need to send a copy of this policy,
including your temporary address, to the Dutch insurance company: Agis Zorgverzekeringen, PO Box 4200, 3800 EE
Amersfoort. After any consultation at a doctor or hospital, the invoice will directly be sent to Agis Zorgverzekeringen.

More information on:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/healthcard/index_en.htm

8.2. Emergency

First Aid
In case of an emergency you can get help 24 hours a day at the EHBO (“First Aid”) or SEH (“Spoedeisende Hulp”) post at
any hospital.

Emergency
 Ambulance, fire brigade and police in serious life-threatening situations, “In case every second counts…”:

(European) Emergency telephone number: 112

 No emergency, but police needed?
Call 0900-8844.

22
8.3. Family doctors for foreign students (cash payment only)

In first instance the family doctor (“huisarts”) takes care of medical questions or help. You can consult a family doctor at
special consulting hours, most of the time only by appointment. Most family doctors speak English, but it is also important to
check if your insurance company covers his/her costs.
For more specialized expertise these doctors can send patients to specialists, dentists, eye doctors etc. by referral.
Appointments for the following recommended doctors should be made in advance and these only accept payments in cash. .

Students living in Rotterdam Zuid can go to:

Gezondheidscentrum Afrikaanderwijk
Maashaven O.Z. 155-157
3072 HS Rotterdam (South)
 (010)-4854111
Emergency:  (010)-4856859
Consulting hours: 08.00-10.00 / 14.00-16.00

Students living in Kralingen can go to:

Dr. C.H. Baar-Poort / Dr. F.E.E. van der Does or Dr. Jansen
Voorschoterlaan 38 Oudedijk 60
3062 KP Rotterdam 3062 AE Rotterdam
 (010)-4122430  (010)-4527878

Gezondheidscentrum DWL de Esch

Rijnwaterstraat 10
3063 HC Rotterdam
 (010)-4526363
Consulting hours: 08.00-17.00

Evening- and weekend service

 (010)-4669573

See also paragraph 8.1 for the special medical care arrangement with Aon (no cash payments in advance).

8.4. Dentist

Appointments for the following recommended dentists should be made in advance; cash payments only. Consultation
hours: between 10.00-17.00 hrs.

J. Uys Tandarts Collectief

Voorschoterlaan 130-A Strevelsweg 121-B
3062 KV Rotterdam (North) 3073 DX Rotterdam (Zuid)
 (010)-4130859  (010)-4859206

23
8.5. Pharmacy

Most medicines are only available on prescription. You will receive the prescription from the family doctor and you can collect
your medicine(s) at a pharmacy (“apotheek”). The chemists (“drogist”) sell medicines such as aspirin and cough medicine,
which require no prescription. There is always a pharmacy open, also at weekends. Every pharmacy posts a notice which
shows which one is open during the weekend and evenings.

8.6. Hospital

The main hospitals in Rotterdam are:

Erasmus MC
University Medical Centre
‘s Gravendijkwal 230
3015 CE Rotterdam
 (010)-7040704

Other hospitals:
 St. Franciscus Gasthuis, Kleiweg 500,  (010)-4616161
 IJsselland Ziekenhuis, Prins Constantijnweg 2,  (010)-258 5000
 Havenziekenhuis, Haringvliet 2,  (010)-4043300
 Medical Centre Rijnmond-Zuid (MCRZ), Groene Hilledijk 315,  (010)-2911911

8.7. Area Health Authority

The Area Health Authority (GGD) for Rotterdam and its surroundings aims at supporting the health of the population. The
GGD has both a preventive and caring mandate. Most vaccinations can be obtained at the GGD (for instance vaccinations
for people who plan to go to the tropics). Foreigners who come to The Netherlands do not usually have to be vaccinated at
the GGD. However, people coming from high-risk areas (in non-western countries) are advised to have a test for tuberculosis
at the GGD. Address: GGD, Schiedamsedijk 95, 3011 EN Rotterdam,  (010)-4339933.

8.8. Physiotherapist

Mr. Dimitri Motz is the physiotherapist on the university’s Woudestein campus, and is located in the Sports Building. Students
can contact him for an appointment for a consultation, telephone number (010)–4081874 or 06–54763441.
www.fysiotherapiewoudestein.nl

9. IT Facilities
The T-Building, in which RSM is accommodated, offers a wireless network in many areas. In this way students with lap
tops can work easily. In addition, the University’s computer rooms offer a total of 300 workstations. Upon arrival each
student receives an email account and login data, which can be accessed from home using the ERNA (Erasmus
Remote Network Access) account. ERNA can also be used as a provider to access the Internet. Print facilities are
available from each workstation using a print credit, which can be bought at the Student Helpdesk at the 3rd floor. The
staff members at the helpdesk are there to answer all your questions about the software and computer facilities in the
building.

24
9.1. BIT

BIT, Business Information Technology, offers a lot of useful information about the computer facilities at the website
www.rsm.nl/bitofhelp. BIT has laser printers and ‘express stations’ available, located near the Helpdesk. The computers can
be used for quick jobs like printing and emailing. The Helpdesk is located on the 3rd floor,  (010)-4082024, email:
Helpdesk@rsm.nl. Opening hours are 08.30-17.00 hrs on weekdays.

9.2. Computer Labs

Our School has computer labs on the 3rd floor with Pentium PC's and several plug-in points for laptops available to students.
You can log in on any computer with your ERNA-mail username and your ERNA password.
On weekdays the rooms are open from 8:30 until 21:00 hours and on Saturday from 9:00 until 17:00 hours. On Sunday
the building is closed. During the summer period (until the end of August) the computer rooms will close at 17.00 hrs
on weekdays, and are closed on Saturdays.

9.3. Wi-Fi and Laptop Plug-In Points

Wireless access is available on campus via Wi- Fi hotspots. These hotspots enable you, by using your ERNA
login, to access the internet without the usage of a network cable. For an overview of available Hotspots on
campus go to: www.erna.nl/mobileaccess_new/base_mul/base.php?language=uk.

There are several permanent connections to the EURnet in the University Library. These plug-in points provide
Internet connection and printing facilities to be used with a notebook and network card and can be found
throughout the whole building. You need to register your Ethernet card at the Helpdesk first, before you can log on to the
network. More information on Wireless/plug-in access on: www.erna.nl/mobileaccess_new/mobileaccess_uk.html.

9.4. E-mail
You will be provided with a computer account at RSM (see your Welcoming Package). The use of email is free of charge.
As soon as your Student-ID card is available you will be provided with your email address as well as instructions on how to
use it.

9.5. Copying

Copy cards can be bought at the University Library, circulation desk (pin or chip only) or at Service Point (the Copyshop in
the C-building on the ground floor, CT-13) for € 2,80 (55 copies). Next to the copying machines is a copy card dispenser.
Euro coins can be used to buy a copy card: €0,10, €0,20, €0,50, €1,- and €2,-. The card dispenser does not give change.

At the library of RSM, called ‘BIC’ located on the 4th floor of the T-building, they have a pre-paid chipknip exclusively for
exchange students to borrow and to be used only for documents from the BIC. For private copies, you need to buy your
own pre-paid chipknip.

25
9.6. Printing

Before you can use a printer, you have to activate a key card at the helpdesk (3rd floor, T-building). Any key card will
do, as long as there is a magnetic strip on the back (for instance: your Air miles or Library card). Send a print job to the
printer first BEFORE you go to the helpdesk to have a card activated.

When you want to print, just send the printer a print job. Choose any of the printers and slide your key card through the
terminal, choose your print job on the touch screen and the printer will print your document(s).

You can purchase (you can only pay by PIN or “Chipknip”) print quota at the BIT Helpdesk: 75 Prints for € 5, 170 Prints
for € 10, 260 Prints for € 15, and 350 Prints for € 20.
For printing in the University Library, you need a “Chipknip”. You can purchase a prepaid “chipknip” for €7,50 at the
University Library. The “chipknip” has a value of €5 and is not rechargeable.

Computer wall in T-building

9.7. Forwarding e-mail

To forward your email, go to webmail.rsm.nl. When you are not at school go to https://. Type your username and
password. Click on “options”, a new window opens. Click on “Mailbox Management”, click on “yes” to forward your
email and type the address where you want your email to be forwarded to. Click on “Save” to save your configuration
and click on “Close” to exit.

10. Libraries
10.1. University Library

The University Library is one of the finest of its kind in the Netherlands, and provides access to a wide range of information
including Economics and Management, Medicine and Health Care, Law, Culture and Society. As well as an extensive
collection of documentary information, the library offers students, lecturers and researchers several information literacy study
facilities and courses. The UL is open to all; a student card or library card is required to borrow publications. There are 450
study places. Students may borrow books from the library free of charge.

Address: B-building of Woudestein campus

tel.: (010)-4081201 (info desk)
e-mail: info@ubib.eur.nl

For opening hours see: www.eur.nl/ub/english

26
10.2. Business School Library

In addition to the University Library, RSM Erasmus University has its own institute library (called ‘BIC’) where students can
find a huge collection of monographs with the emphasis on management, organizational science, management science and
marketing. It also holds research reports from European business schools, staff publications, company documentation,
reference books and periodicals. Students also have access to a number of databases. These enable them to keep up with
the most recent developments in their fields of interest. Students may borrow books from the library free of charge.
The Business School Library is located at T4-50
Telephone: (010)–4081903
Email: BIC@rsm.nl

Opening hours:
Mon-,Tue-, Wed-, Friday: 9.00 - 22.30 hrs
Thursday: 9.00 – 21.00 hrs

Lending Facility Information BIC

 Lending period = 3 weeks
 After the period the book can be renewed if it has not been reserved by another user.
 Reference books, journals, magazines, annual reports and final essays cannot be borrowed.
 A reminder will be sent if a book is not returned by the due date. If necessary followed by a 2nd and 3rd reminder,
and finally a bill. After the first reminder the library card will be blocked. The reminders are charged at the following
rates: 1st recall € 0, 50, 2nd recall € 2, 50, 3rd recall € 5,00. Replacement costs: min. € 80,00.
 You are responsible at all times for the proper receipt of post addressed to you, whether these are letters,
postcards or electronic post. Not receiving post due to change of address, staying at another address, overfull e-
mail in-box etc. is not a valid reason for the library to write off the debts incurred. The sending of reminders is a
service of the library. You remain personally responsible for returning the books on time.
See also: www.rsm.nl/bic

11. Miscellaneous
11.1. Cost of Living
To have a reasonable living standard in the Netherlands, students should have an income of approximately € 800 per
month. Below is a rough estimate of the total expenses when participating in the exchange programme for a period of 4
months.

Tuition fee exempted

Visa/Residence Permit
€ 0 – € 433
(if applicable)
Accommodation € 1,400 – € 2,300
Medical Insurance € 140
Books and Readers € 200
Subtotal €1,740 – € 3,073
Food and Drinks € 500
Pocket Money € 500
University sports card € 37
Travelling (public transport/
€ 400
holiday/sightseeing)
Total € 3,177 – € 4,510

Do you need to convert the Euro in your local currency? Check out the Currency Converter at www.xe.com.
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11.2. Use of telephone in general

From abroad you can direct-dial destinations in the Netherlands by dialing the international number 00, followed by the
country number 31, and then the area number without the first digit (in case of Rotterdam 10). When calling from a
local telephone number in Rotterdam (010-area) to a destination out of the 010-area, always dial the area number
including the first digit, followed by the phone number. Within the 010-area you don’t need to dial the area number, just
the telephone number will do.
From a mobile phone you always need to dial the area code. You can find the online Telephone Guide (persons and
companies) at: www.detelefoongids.nl

11.3. Opening a bank account

Check this website: http://www.eur.nl/english/essc/registration/practical/opening_a_bank_account/

for the most actual information on opening a bank account in the Netherlands.

11.4. Payments with the Chipknip

A so-called Chipknip is necessary for most payments at the university (printing facilities and restaurants). This card can
also be used for paying small amounts at almost every shop or making calls at public pay phones operated by KPN or
Telfort, at Dutch railways stations, etc.

For everyone without a Dutch bank/giro account, and therefore without a Chipknip, there is the Prepaid Chipknip.
The Prepaid Chipknip is an electronic purse containing a predetermined amount of credit. When the denominated
credit balance has been spent, the empty card cannot be revalued again. Prepaid Chipknips are available in four
standard denominations: €5, €10, €20 and €50. To cover the costs of the card itself, the outlet that sells the Prepaid
Chipknip may withhold part of this amount (the ‘card fee’). This amount varies depending on the denomination and the
sales outlet. The card fee is printed on the back of the Prepaid Chipknip under the pictograms at the right.
You can buy Prepaid Chipknips at numerous sales outlets. If a Chipknip is the only accepted method of payment at a
particular point of sale, there will usually be a sales outlet nearby. Simply inquire where it is. At www.chipknip.nl you
can find a list of selling points.

11.5. Free Rotterdam UIT pass for students

Being a student in Rotterdam is a good place to be. Whether you like hip-hop or dance, or you prefer going to the
movies or browsing the galleries along the Witte de Withstraat, you can let yourself go 24/7 in Rotterdam. Really nice
are all those festivals and exhibitions, but if you are flat broke, it is all quite irrelevant. So, apply for the Student Pass
(Studenten Uitpas) free of charge. With this pass students get discounts all year round in 29 Rotterdam theatres,
stages, cinemas, museums, festivals and clubs. See also: www.studentenuitpas.nl

11.6. Rotterdampas: lots of discounts!

There’s always plenty to do in our port city: enjoying a night out, seeing a film or paintballing. But what if you could do
all this for less or even for nothing? You can – with the Rotterdam Pass! The price for the standard Rotterdam Pass is
€ 55, but as a full-time student you can get it for just € 10.
You can buy the Pass at the Rotterdam Pass Shop (Rotterdampaswinkel) in the Central Library (Centrale Bibliotheek)
on Hoogstraat. Remember to take a passport-size photograph, your student ID-card and valid ID. The Rotterdam Pass
is strictly personal and can only be purchased once a year.
www.rotterdampas.nl

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12. Useful Links
On the Netherlands
 The Netherlands Board of Tourism: www.holland.com
 Study in the Netherlands: www.nuffic.nl/international-students
 Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/netherlands
 Netherlands organization for cooperation in international education: www.nuffic.nl
 Schiphol Airport: www.schiphol.nl
 Dutch Railways: www.ns.nl
 International Student Travel Confederation: www.isic.nl
 Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands and http://wikitravel.org/en/Netherlands

On Rotterdam
 Tourist Information: www.rotterdam.info/uk
 Public Transport Rotterdam: www.ret.nl
 Free Student Pass: www.studentenuitpas.nl (See also chapter 11)

On the Erasmus University Rotterdam Website for all new international students: http://www.eur.nl/welcome/
 Website Erasmus University: www.eur.nl
 Erasmus Culture: www.eur.nl/sgec
 Practical information: www.eur.nl/welcome

On RSM & Exchange Programmes

 RSM: www.rsm.nl/international
 MyEUR: http://myEUR.nl
 SIN-Online: http://rsm.sin-online.nl
 Partnership in International Management: www.pimnetwork.org
 Community of European Management Schools: www.cems.org

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NOTES

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 Map of the university campus ‘Woudestein’

http:/www.eur.nl/english/addresses/guide/maps/map_woudestein/
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www.rsm.nl/home/international/rsm_for_your_exchange