Attendance and participation in AUC's Introduction Week is mandatory for all incoming first-year students. All activities will take place on-campus for both social and academic introductions. If you already know that you won't be able to partake in one or more of the activities that are being organised for the Introduction Week from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 August 2024, we ask that you please send us an email as soon as possible. 

Your course schedule will be available in AUC Portal in late August.

If you already have a UvAnetID, you can log in to AUC Portal using your UvAnetID to access your course schedule starting in late August. There you can find an overview of which courses you're registered for, the timetable and location of your classes. Your academic tutor will be your primary contact for any questions about your course schedule, and you can discuss these questions during your individual meeting that will take place on Thursday or Friday of Introduction Week. 

Please note: if you log in to AUC Portal and your course schedule is blank after 25 August 2023, please send an email to servicedesk@auc.nl. 

If you do not yet have a UvAnetID, then you will be sent an email with a link to access your course schedule. You should receive this email by Friday 25 August. Through that link, you will be able to see which courses you are registered for and the times and locations of your courses. Your academic tutor will be your primary contact for any questions about your course schedule, and you can discuss these questions during your individual meeting that will take place on Thursday or Friday of Introduction Week. 

Please note: if you do not have a UvAnetID and have not received an email with a link to your course schedule by 25 August, please send an email to servicedesk@auc.nl.

If you're feeling stressed, nervous, overwhelmed or would just like to someone to talk to, no matter the reason, please reach out to the AUC Well-being Team. AUC has many support systems in place ranging from fellow students in Peer Support, our own Student Life Officers on campus, Resident Assistants in the dorms, your tutor and even student psychologists at the University of Amsterdam. Whether you're having trouble getting settled, feeling more stressed than normal or are concerned about practical issues such as finances, please feel comfortable in contacting us. You can find an overview of the support systems available to you, who you can contact and how, via the link below. Should you still be unsure after reviewing the support systems flowchart, please contact the AUC Student LIfe Officer.

For those arriving from outside of the Netherlands, you'll notice very quickly that in Amsterdam, cycling is usually faster than public transport. Most streets have special cycle lanes or paths. For parking, there are countless cycle racks and even special garages.

What kind of bike do you need?

Any bike will do in Amsterdam. Most people prefer an older model, as newer ones are more susceptible to being stolen. However, the brakes, bell and lights should work otherwise you run the risk of receiving a fine. Wearing a helmet is not compulsory, and although few people do, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do so.

Protecting your bike against theft

• Thousands of bicycles are stolen every year, so good locks are essential.
• Always use at least two: the best combination is a thick chain with a strong padlock plus a ring lock fitted to the back wheel.
• When you park, try to chain your bike to something fixed like a rack or railing so that it cannot easily be carried away. And make sure the front wheel is secure, as well as the frame, since it is easily detached and stolen separately.

Parking your bike

While it may seem as if people leave their bikes anywhere, there are restrictions and those parked incorrectly may be removed. Look out for signs containing the words hier geen fietsen plaatsen svp (no bicycles please). At the dorms and outside of the AUC Academic Building, you will find designated areas where you can park your bike. 

Getting a bike

While you can buy a new bike at a number of sporting goods stores and specialty bike shops, you'll probably want to start by buying a second-hand bicycle from a repair shop or platform such as Fietspiraat, a market such as Waterlooplein in the city centre or from fellow students. There are also websites such as www.cheapassbikes.nl that will sell refurbished or second-hand bikes at cheap prices. 

You can ask fellow students or your Introduction Week mentors where they bought their bikes and if they know of shops or have sources they especially recommend. 

Another alternative could be a service that leases bikes per month for a flat rate. You pay a monthly fee and don't actually own the bike, but they will take care of the service for the bike should something go wrong (a flat tire, for example). Swapfiets is one of the most popular bike-lease services in Amsterdam. 

Whatever you do, avoid buying a bike from a stranger in the street: they are often stolen and it can put you at risk of being arrested for receiving stolen goods.