ENSCHEDE

“No offence, but I hate the food here. I mean, just bread with cheese and ham? That’s what I eat for breakfast in China.” - Chen (MSc Nanotechnology).

Although the UT makes every effort to offer a variety of (international) cuisine, it might be helpful to realise that many international students find it difficult to adjust to the relatively simple Dutch diet.

History

The name ‘Enschede’ comes from ‘An die Schede’, old Dutch for ‘on the border’. Approximately 40 years ago, Enschede’s reliance on its main industry (textile manufacturing) became a problem as the textile industry relocated to Asia. In 1950 the textile industry employed 21,000 people: by 1970 this number had dropped to 8,000, and by the time of the world recession in the early 1980s it had fallen to 2,500. As the noisy, dirty factories disappeared, Enschede was forced to change direction.

With over 158,000 inhabitants, Enschede is the largest city of the eastern Netherlands. Around 36,000 of these are students, either at Saxion Hogeschool Enschede (Saxion University of Professional Education, Enschede), the Academy of Music, the Academy of Art, or the University of Twente.

Enschede has a bit of everything; around the Van Heekplein you can find a large number of boutiques, clothing stores and other shops; at the Oude Markt (Old Market) square you will find lots of places to have a coffee or go out for dinner. Enschede is a relatively quiet, safe and pleasant city to live and work in. Modern shopping facilities attract people from both the Dutch and German local region.

When looking at a map of the Netherlands, it seems that Enschede lies on the outskirts of the country. The city is located centrally within Europe, in between London, Berlin, and Paris. Amsterdam is only two hours away with a train connection every 30 minutes.

Smoking marihuana or hashish has been decriminalised in the Netherlands, which means that you may purchase and consume small quantities (5 grams) for personal use at certified coffee shops. Please keep in mind though that using, selling, or buying drugs on the streets is punishable by law. Smoking any substance is not allowed in any bar, pub, disco, or restaurant in the Netherlands.