The Ultimate Guide to Student Discounts in the Netherlands

03-11-2024
IMG 6202

Gabriel

4F3c9b0485450054f0a7b1f88d8cb631 (1)

The Ultimate Guide to Student Discounts in the Netherlands

So, you’ve made it to the land of tulips, windmills, and enough bicycles to make you question your loyalty to Uber. Welcome to the Netherlands! While navigating student life and mastering Dutch (which, let’s be honest, mostly involves repeating “ja, ja, gezellig”) can be challenging, there’s one thing you shouldn’t have to struggle with: your budget.

Whether you’re trying to survive on a ramen-and-coffee diet or just want to squeeze more fun out of your student loans, I’ve got you covered with the best student discounts. From online essentials to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to living your best Dutch student life without burning a hole in your pocket.

 

Online Discounts: Because Leaving Your House is Overrated

Samsung

Got a phone that’s more cracked than your willpower during finals week? Fear not! Samsung’s got you covered with up to 20% off on shiny new gadgets. Just head over to the Samsung Student Discount page and let them know you’re a student—they’ll reward you with sweet, sweet savings on smartphones, tablets, and more.

Spotify Premium

Stuck in a loop of YouTube ads that make you question your life choices? Upgrade your study soundtrack with Spotify Premium for students at just €5.99 a month. Get all the playlists, podcasts, and motivation (or procrastination) you need. Sign up here.

YouTube Premium

For just €6.99 a month, you can skip all those annoying ads and enjoy background play and YouTube Music—perfect for when you need to watch “just one more” study tutorial while listening to lofi beats that claim to improve your focus. Grab this deal here.

Apple

You know what they say: once you go Mac, you don’t go back (or at least until your bank account says otherwise). Get discounts on Macs, iPads, and accessories through Apple’s Education Store. Plus, you can score 20% off AppleCare—because, let’s face it, you’ll need it after a few late-night “I’ll just rest my eyes on my laptop” moments.

Surfspot

Need to get your hands on Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud without sacrificing your grocery budget? Surfspot has your back with discounted software and hardware for students. From virus protection to design tools, this is your one-stop-shop for digital survival. Check it out at Surfspot.nl.

NS Weekend Vrij

Unlimited train travel all weekend for just €34.95 a month? Yes, please! Whether you’re heading to Amsterdam to pretend you know art at the Van Gogh Museum or just trying to escape your noisy roommates, the NS Weekend Vrij pass is your ticket to freedom. Learn More here.

CJP Pass

For 10 Euros for the first year this handy card grants you access to exclusive discounts on everything from movies and theatre performances to concerts, museums, and festivals across the country. Whether you’re craving some highbrow entertainment at the opera or just want to catch the latest indie flick, the CJP Pass has you covered. You can also score deals on clothing, food, and even travel. Check it out at CJP.nl

Operaballet Default Og

Major Attractions

Get Your Culture and Thrill Fix Without Selling a Kidney

Efteling

Think Disneyland, but with a heavy dose of Dutch magic and fewer mouse ears. Efteling is the place where childhood dreams (and some adult ones) come alive.

From magical forests to roller coasters that make you question your life choices, this park has it all. And guess what? Students get up to 20% off entry tickets. So, gather your friends and get ready to scream like you did when you saw your first Dutch exam

National Opera & Ballet (Amsterdam)

Feeling fancy? Trade your jeans for something a little more “culture-appropriate” and head to the Dutch National Opera & Ballet. Students can snag tickets for up to 50% off. It’s the perfect place to impress your Tinder date by pretending you totally understand what’s going on. Trust me, they’ll never know you spent the whole time trying to figure out the plot.

Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)

Want to get up close and personal with Rembrandt? No, not the toothpaste brand—the actual guy! The Rijksmuseum offers discounted entry for students, and it’s the perfect way to spend a day pretending you’re sophisticated. Whether you’re into Dutch masters or just want to see the famous Night Watch painting, this museum won’t disappoint.

Van Gogh Musuem

Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)

If you’ve ever wanted to see what a tortured artist’s mind looks like, the Van Gogh Museum is the place to be. With discounted tickets for students, you can explore the works of this iconic painter and try to figure out if he was really that misunderstood or just needed a decent therapist.

Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum (Rotterdam)

For those who like their art a little more modern and a lot more “Wait, is that supposed to be a banana or a metaphor for capitalism?”, this museum is a must-visit. 

Students get discounted entry, so you can ponder the mysteries of contemporary art without feeling like you’re spending your last euro on something you just don’t get.

Maritime Museum (Rotterdam)

Ever wonder why the Dutch are so good at handling water (hint: it’s not just their canals)? Dive into the Netherlands’ maritime history at a discounted rate with your student card. It’s educational, interactive, and way more interesting than that geography class you skipped.

Burgers’ Zoo (Arnhem)

When was the last time you hung out with a giraffe? Exactly. Treat yourself to a day at Burgers’ Zoo, where you can explore everything from the African savanna to the tropical rainforest—all at a discounted student rate. It’s the perfect break from studying, and you might even learn something (about animals, not how to procrastinate).

Het Valkhof Museum (Nijmegen)

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about Roman history without actually reading a textbook, this museum is for you. Get in at a reduced rate and check out everything from Roman artifacts to contemporary art. Plus, it’s a great way to sound smart in conversation: “Oh, you didn’t know Nijmegen was an important Roman settlement? Huh, weird.”

Tips for Making the Most of These Discounts

  1. Always Have Your Student ID Ready: Whether it’s your university ID or an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), flashing it is like having a magic wand that turns full prices into student prices. Never leave home without it!
  2. Check for Seasonal Offers: Many attractions have special student nights or seasonal discounts. Always check their websites before making plans—you might just score an extra deal!
  3. Ask About Unadvertised Discounts: A lot of places offer student discounts but don’t advertise them. Always ask at the counter—you might be surprised!
  4. Use Your Weekends Wisely: With the NS Weekend Vrij pass, you can travel anywhere in the country for free on weekends. Plan your cultural excursions accordingly and save big on transportation!

 

With this guide in hand, you’re all set to explore, save, and make the most of your student life in the Netherlands. Go forth and conquer those discounts—your bank account will thank you!

Want more discounts (Of course you do) Check out our other student discount blog – 8 Must Have Student Discounts in the Netherlands