The first rule of the Rotterdam Club…
- DON’T buy a 30 Euro bike from a junkie.
Yes, everyone in the Netherlands rides bicycles. It is more environmentally friendly, cheaper, and safer than walking or driving. Roads and traffic lights are constructed specifically for cyclists and most of the time, they have right of way. So now you need a bike to fit in with the crowd, save money, be good to the environment, and to have a ride home when the trams and the metro stops at night. You can buy a decent second hand bike from bike repair shops or from other people for about 70 – 100 Euros. Bikes from the shops are checked and won’t be registered under someone else’s name.
- DO buy a good bike lock.
You’ll need it to protect your bike from said junkies who steal bikes to make money from them. How much is a sturdy lock? You’re looking at 20 – 30 Euros. What does the lock look like? Check out the one below!
- GET a Rotterdam Pass.
This little voucher book will give you discounts to so many cool places around town and will be your excuse to take advantage of all the freebies whilst exploring! It’s almost like our version of the Entertainment Book. Included are reduced prices to museums and other activities, discounted meal deals (yes, pizza and kebabs included), and free ice-cream.
- FORGET your umbrella at home.
Invest in a rainjacket and waterproof shoes instead. You can’t juggle an umbrella whilst riding your bike in the rain. We’re talking about practicality here.
- TAKE advantage of the scenery and the people.
Rotterdam is wonderful because there is a balance of modern and traditional buildings. It also has water everywhere so you’re sure to take some cool pictures. This city is also extremely international. University students come from all over the place to study here and the corporate world is quite mixed too. Everyone is lovely and welcoming. The university also hosted 250 refugees in our sport building for a week. Everyone’s morale was definitely boosted!
- BE PREPARED to feel short.
If you don’t have Dutch genes, you’ll either have to make up for the height difference by wearing a top hat or heels and a tiara.
- GO to the markets!
They’re magical places full of fresh food and cheap goodies. It’s a great place to meet locals as well as practice your Dutch language skills.
So… are you ready to join the club?
Winnie Yip – 12020792
Categories
UTS Think Global 
Excellent advice. The Dutch wouldn’t be the Dutch though if they wouldn’t have come with a Dutch solution to a Dutch problem of cycling with an umbrella. The Senz storm-proof umbrella can now be fitted into an umbrella holder on your bicycle – https://www.senz.com/en/accessories/senz-umbrella-holder/.