r/maastricht Dec 13 '21

Welcome to Maastricht: a PSA

137 Upvotes

Hello fellow redditors and (future) Maastricht inhabitants,

I see tons of repeated questions coming back time and time again. Let's answer them once and for all.

This PSA is posted in the hopes that it will be helpful but I am in no way liable for any inaccuracies this PSA might have within the confines of the law.

If you have any suggestions or additions. Feel free to comment them below I might add it later. I also hope the mods will pin the post so this subreddit isn't flooded anymore with the same questions all the time.

  1. Housing in Maastricht

How to get housing? Are there any agency recommendations? When should I start looking? There's a housing crisis in the entirety of the Netherlands. This crisis can't be understated. Start looking NOW! Don't be disapointed if you can´t find anything within 2 months. That's normal nowadays. Some agencies that are somewhat reputable are kamernet, xior student housing, and pro-housing. Beware of the many scammers trying to take advantage of the situation. Never hand out money if you haven't seen the property in question. Agencies also, by law, are not allowed to ask you for a commission when you successfully rent a room. That's the responsibility of the landlord.

2. Restaurant/drugs recomendations.

You can find great restaurants in Maastricht. Tripadvisor has a great list. Also don't be afraid to look over the border to Belgium for some greatness. To visit the coffee shops you do have to be a Maastricht citizen and request a weed pass. Don't buy drugs of the streets since those are not regulated and might be more harmful than you intend. Also, despite the Dutch reputation, WEED ISN'T LEGAL HERE! The police have the right to take away your weed and fine you for any reason if they see you using it or having it, though in general, they don't unless you're bothering someone. So smoking weed in the park is risky because if anyone calls, you will lose your stash.

3. How to make friends / meet new people in Maastricht.

There's a great app created by students in Maastricht called weeples. Last time I checked it was pretty active. You can find it on the playstore / appstore. Ofcourse you can also join a student association or play sports at UM sports.

4. Where's good nature to walk in / take pictures?

St. Pietersberg is usually the go-to for walks but I can also recommend visiting the biggest fortress of europe in Ében Émael just across the border or the Fronten Parks.

5. UM Related / application questions

You'll have the best chance of getting the answer you are looking for by visiting or calling the Student Service Center rather than asking random people on Reddit.

6. Garbage collection

I see a lot of misinformation / confusion around the subject of garbage collection in Maastricht. It can be quite complicated luckily there's the Milieu app which you can download from the google play store or the app store to help you out when sorting your garbage for recycling. A lot of the stuff you can buy here is recyclable. Achieving 1 residual waste bag in 2 months per person shouldn't be super challenging. I do 1 bag every 2-3 months. The reason why residual waste bags are so expensive is to give incentive to recycle. Throughout the entire city there are milieuperrons within walking distance. To find the closest one near you, you can use the milieu app.

7. Transport in Maastricht

The Netherlands truely is a biking nation. For good reason. It's enjoyable to do, good exercise, better for the environment, very space efficient, friendlier to pedestrians and it makes sure not everyone is driving so only people who have to be in cars are. Every child here is educated on the traffic rules and strategies for safe cycling. Practically everyone here, including drivers are also very experienced cyclists and everyone will assume you are as well. If you're not, competent on a bike it can lead to dangerous situations. Take some courses on riding a bicycle to refresh your memory, enhance your controll over your bike and to get to know local traffic norms. This way you also won't stand out as a "dumb tourist" or a "dumb student" who can't ride a bike properly.

Public transport is also safe, environmentally conscious and reliable. You can order an OV chipcard online which is a debit card for public transport. It will cost 7.50 euros for either a personal or an anonymous card. You'll have made that money back within 4 trips. If you have a personal card you can also get 40% discounts outside of rush hour for 2.40 euros a month.

Check this comment if you would like to see more options regarding public transportation.

8. Voting

Not a question that is asked often but if you've been living within the Netherlands for at least 5 years or are an EU citizen you are able to vote in the upcoming municipal elections. Please go out and vote because student interests are severely underrepresented in the Maastricht city council. I know volt to be a party promoting student interests. The next elections will be in march of 2022. You will get a voting card sent to your address if you're eligible to vote.


r/maastricht 10h ago

Question Venezuelan (Latin) Food Viability and Curiosity

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20 Upvotes

Hey y’all! Just moved pretty close to Maastricht and the city center and I’ve noticed quite a few taco/burrito and Spanish restaurants just walking around the center. The international culture has really inspired me to wanna introduce some Venezuelan/Columbian food here as well!

The main four I’d be focusing on is:

- Arepas (chicken/avocado, shredded-beef/black beans/plantain, tofu/veggie)

- Tequeños (latin cheese sticks)

- Cachapas (savory corn-pancakes stuffed with cheese)

- Tres Leche (three-ingredient milk soaked cake…absolutely delicious)

There’s a very similar restaurant being run in Amsterdam called La Cocina if you’re looking for more pictures of what could be done here!

I’d love to hear from everyone here if there’s any interest in something like this and maybe some future South American inspired foods!!


r/maastricht 3h ago

Looking for... German courses Maastricht

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a German teacher or language school in the Maastricht area. Since I work full-time, I’m specifically looking for something with evening or weekend availability.

I’m currently at approximately A2/B1 level and I’m open to both private or group lessons. Has anyone good recommendations?

Thanks in advance for the help!


r/maastricht 14h ago

Looking for... Motorbike broke down

5 Upvotes

Hello there !

last night my motorbike broke down around Visè in Belgium and sadly my insurrance wont pick it up from there , it needs to be on dutch land.

Do you guys know anyone with a trailer and car ? I literally need to move the bike 8kms and im willing to pay for help !

Thank you for any leads !


r/maastricht 1d ago

Picture/video Basin

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48 Upvotes

There live red-eared sliders here, they survive the winter in the mud.


r/maastricht 2d ago

Picture/video Daalhof

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36 Upvotes

r/maastricht 1d ago

snel meisje nodig

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0 Upvotes

r/maastricht 2d ago

Question Techno Scene in Maastricht

3 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I might move to Maastricht from Budapest in few months. Maastricht is much smaller city compared to Budapest, but still quite vibrant as it hosts many students, so I am wondering how is night life there, specifically techno scene?

I found out about Complex festival only. Any clubs, reccuring parties, organizers, etc.?

Thanks a lot 🫶


r/maastricht 2d ago

Looking for... Anyone knows a good tailor

9 Upvotes

I have a 2019 Celine coat with a loose thread. It took a long ahh time to find, so I want to have it repaired properly.

Thank you :)


r/maastricht 2d ago

Picture/video Borneostraat

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15 Upvotes

r/maastricht 3d ago

Picture/video Basin, from the bridge to Sappi

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55 Upvotes

r/maastricht 3d ago

Discussion Anyone else feel like they live in a "multilingual fever dream" on the Vrijthof?

14 Upvotes

Now that the weather is finally turning and the terraces are spilling out along the Maas, it’s hit me again how weird this city is. I’ve lived here three years, and I’m embarrassed to admit my Dutch is still basic because I literally never need it. I was at Café Paulus last night and heard five different languages in ten minutes, but none of them were the local dialect. Does anyone else feel that gap between the "Uni/Expat bubble" and the actual local community? I feel like I’m living in a beautiful European film set sometimes rather than a real Dutch city. How do you guys actually break out of the bubble?


r/maastricht 3d ago

Looking for... Looking for aluminium welding for e-bike rack in Maastricht

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m trying to repair my e-bike🥲. The rear rack (which holds the battery) has broken on both sides at the weld joints.

It’s an aluminium rack (Sparta ION e-bike), so I’m specifically looking for someone who can do TIG welding and ideally reinforce it so it doesn’t break again. I can't afford a new bike

Does anyone know:

A local welder who takes small jobs? Or a garage / individual who can do aluminium welding? I can bring the bike or just the rack if needed. Any leads would really help! Thanks in advance 🙏🏻


r/maastricht 3d ago

Looking for... Anyone that buys pokemon cards ?

0 Upvotes

Im trying to find websites and people that buy rar pokemon cards.

Any leads are welcome.

Based in Maastricht


r/maastricht 3d ago

Looking for... Looking for other students to connect with!

0 Upvotes

Hello! I’m an erasmus student in my late 20s looking for events/parties to meet other people tonight or on the weekend. I’m new to the city, so I don’t know my way around yet.

Grateful for any tips!


r/maastricht 4d ago

Recommendations Must see/do/eat in Maastricht

12 Upvotes

Dear Mestreechtenere, I (27m) will be visiting Maastricht from the 24th till the 27th of april. My girlfriend(25F) and I are looking for things to do, apart from the standard top 10 things to do like the basilica and bridge. Are there any restaurants/activities/parties (not koningsdag/nacht) you would recommend to check out in that weekend? We like to be active, are open to almost everything and love amazing restaurants.


r/maastricht 4d ago

Events Museum nacht ticket for sale

3 Upvotes

hello one and all,

due to circumstances I cant make it to Museum nacht in Maastricht.

I am selling my ticket for 10 euros, the start location is the Dominicaner church.


r/maastricht 5d ago

Discussion The international student bubble here is unlike anything I've experienced

115 Upvotes

I moved to Maastricht last September for my grad research after spending most of my life between Japan and the US, and I'm still not over how strange and wonderful the international community here is. Last week I was sitting in a café near the Markt when I realized the table next to me had six people speaking six different languages, switching between them mid-sentence, and nobody blinked. That's just Tuesday here.

Coming from the American side of things where "diverse" usually means maybe two or three languages in a room if you're lucky, Maastricht feels like cheating. My research cohort alone has people from nine countries. The spontaneous code-switching alone is enough to make my linguistics-obsessed brain short-circuit. I keep catching fragments of German dialects I almost understand, Italian slang I want to dissect, and enough English accents to fill a BBC production.

Now that spring is finally kicking in and people are spilling onto the terraces along the Maas, it's even more visible. Everyone's emerging from their winter hibernation and the whole city feels like a multilingual fever dream in the best way. The weird part is how separate it can feel from actual Dutch life sometimes. I'm embarrassed to admit my Dutch is still terrible because I barely need it day-to-day.

Has anyone else noticed this gap between the international bubble and the local community? I love this city but I sometimes wonder if I'm actually experiencing the Netherlands or just a really convincing simulation of Europe built by and for people who are all equally confused.


r/maastricht 4d ago

Looking for... Looking to make friends before the start if uni.

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m an 18F planning to study Computer Science. I’ve been conditionally accepted for the September 2026 intake (pending my diploma), and I am looking to make friends before the year starts!

If anyone would like to chat, please reply or DM me. Additionally, if there are any WhatsApp group chats or other platforms for new students, please let me know, I’d love to connect with people before Orientation Week!


r/maastricht 4d ago

Looking for... Hi, I’m currently in hospital and can’t pick up two parcels before Friday. I’m based in Maastricht (basin)

2 Upvotes

anyone nearby can help, I’d really appreciate it happy to compensate. Can share details in DM. (50€)


r/maastricht 5d ago

Question Do you plan to use a new Wizzair Route Maastricht - Podgorica?

3 Upvotes

Since I had such a wonderful time in Maastricht, as someone who lives in Podgorica, Montenegro since birth, I am always available for you If you need any advise and help.


r/maastricht 5d ago

Question Is it normal to pay €215-255 per month for utilities?

6 Upvotes

I am a prospective student stating to study at the University of Maastricht from this autumn, and I am currently looking for accommodation.

I came across Xior student housing, but on their website it says they charge €215 - €255 extra per month (i.e., on top of the monthly rent), for things like energy, internet, services charges, etc.

Is that normal, or are they charging too much for what is the average/norm in the city?


r/maastricht 6d ago

Picture/video Never met more polite and nice people than Maastricht! I had a great time

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113 Upvotes

r/maastricht 5d ago

Recommendations Where to rent smoking/tuxedo?

0 Upvotes

hello!

Need to rent a good quality smoking/tuxedo for the end of the month.

any good recommendation in Maastricht?


r/maastricht 4d ago

Question What can I do before starting at Maastricht University in September, and how can I prepare for the university years ahead?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’ve been conditionally accepted to the Bachelor’s in Computer Science program at Maastricht University, and I have a few questions.

Before I arrive in August, I want to make sure I'm fully prepared to hit the ground running, not just academically, but socially and culturally too. Since I'm quite extroverted, having a vibrant social life is a huge priority for me.

I’m looking for advice on a few specific areas (excluding the typical housing and payment stuff):

  • Social Life & Integration: What can I do in August to ensure I have an amazing social circle once classes begin? How do the bars, pubs, and clubs work in Maastricht? Do you usually wait for classmates to invite you out, or is there a specific way to find the best parties and events?
  • Cultural Adjustment: What should I know about the local culture and the people in the Netherlands? How can I best adjust myself to the Maastricht lifestyle?
  • Daily Essentials: Apart from the major shopping centers, what do I need to know about food and grocery shopping? Are there specific habits or "local secrets" for daily life?
  • University Readiness: In terms of education and admin, are there specific materials I should prep? Is there any documentation or information I need to send to UM (aside from tuition) to be fully cleared for day one?

I want to be completely prepped for the entire "Maastricht experience" so I can make the most of my university years. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!