Practical info
You want to be well prepared before you start your communication degree. Find out about housing, visas and permits, insurances, public transport and more. Also get info on textbooks and download important documents like the degree statute and enrollment regulations.
Before you arrive in the Netherlands
Before you arrive in the Netherlands, you need to arrange some practical matters. You need to organize your accommodation, for example. And, depending on your nationality, you might need to arrange a visa.
Housing
When you study Communication at HAN, you need a suitable place to live. A place within easy distance of the campus. A place you can call home. The HAN Housing Office helps international students like you find a room. Are you from outside the EU/EEA? You get priority: a guaranteed room. From the EU/EEA? You can go on the waiting list.
Visa info
To study in the Netherlands, you need the right visas and permits. Are you from the EU/EEA? Then you don’t need any visas or permits. You just need to register at city hall. Are you from a country outside the EU/EEA? Then you need a residence permit. You might also need an entry visa.
Starters info: books, schedules and more
The Communication program will start on 1 September 2025 (2 February 2026 for February starters). What do you need to prepare? How do you get settled? No worries, we got you covered! We'll help you prepare for a smooth and great start at HAN. Just check the list below.
Once you arrive in the Netherlands
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you need to know about some other practical issues. For example, about working, insurance, public transport and the government.
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Healthcare and insurance
Going to study in the Netherlands? Then you need to know about the healthcare system. And you need to organize your student health insurance. Are you from the EU/EEA? Your health insurance policy in your home country might cover you. Non-EU/EEA students receive health insurance through the financial guarantee. Other useful insurances are liability insurance, repatriation insurance and household contents insurance.
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Working
The rules on working depend on your nationality. Are you from the EU/EEA? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. Are you from outside the EU/EEA? Then you are free to do self-employed work. If you work for an employer, you need a work permit and the hours are restricted. All international students working in the Netherlands must have Dutch public health insurance.
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Public transport
The Netherlands has excellent public transport. In the Nijmegen and Arnhem area you can get almost everywhere by train or bus. In the bigger cities, you can also use the tram or metro. To pay for these services you use an OV chip card (OV-chipkaart in Dutch).
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Government
When living in the Netherlands, you need a citizen service number (BSN). This number is important for all your dealings with the government. For example, to open a bank account or to visit a doctor. You get a BSN number after registering at city hall.
Students share their experiences
“The way the communications program was set up, was exactly what I wanted.” Read more...
“The curriculum of HAN is constantly changing to the needs of the market, so they put more emphasis on digital marketing and branding for example.” Read more...
"HAN taught me that everything is possible and that I can reach all my goals in my own way". Read more...
“It’s is very unique and dynamic environment. I also like that I can just walk to the lecturer’s area to have a chat with them”. Read more...
Student services and support
Free tutoring for ISB students
Could you use some help with your studies? What better way to learn from students who've already been through the course? Our tutors are happy to help you out! Tutoring is available for students from all clusters, everyone is welcome. So far, the tutors have helped over 70 students succeed. Tutoring is available for several courses such as Finance, International Economics, English, Spanish and more.
Study coaching
When you start studying at HAN you will be assigned a study coach. The study coach guides you during your studies, lends a listening ear and advises you if you fall behind. And if you need more specialized help, they can refer you to the right person. The senior coach, student counselor or psychologist, for example.
Studying with Special Circumstances
Do you have a disability or other special circumstance that will affect your studies? HAN offers support and services to ensure your study environment fits your needs. For example, extra time on exams. Or alternatives to certain parts of the study program.
International Office
As an international student, there are lots of practical matters you need to arrange. International Office knows about all these issues and can lend you a helping hand. Going abroad for a semester as part of your program? International Office can answer all your questions about this as well.
Student Support Center
Do you want to work on your study skills? Or perhaps you want to improve your writing skills? Or do you need to see a counselor or psychologist about a personal matter? HAN Study Success provides counseling, training courses, workshops and coaching for all HAN students. The aim? To give you the tools to study successfully.
Education and Examination Regulations
The Education and Examination Regulations describe your program in detail. From unit descriptions and credits to exam regulations and graduation protocols. You can find it all in the PDF document below.
Enrollment Regulations
The document below describes all the regulations for enrolling in Communication.
The location
Contact us
Got a question? First check our FAQ. Can't find the answer to your question there? Contact us at ASK HAN. We're happy to help!
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