Welcome to RSA Twente
Your home away from home — connecting Romanian & Moldovan students at the University of Twente through culture, community, and unforgettable events.
Start here
Whatever brought you here, we've got you covered.
Student Life Guide
Just landed in Enschede? First steps, tips and tricks to settle in fast.
Read the guide →About RSA Twente
RSA Twente is the official student association for Romanian and Moldovan students at the University of Twente. We organize social, cultural and academic events that help students feel at home while studying abroad.
Community
A welcoming network of Romanian, Moldovan and many more students, alumni, and friends at UT.
Culture
Traditions, food, music and celebrations that bring a piece of home to Enschede.
Support
Guidance and connections for new students arriving from Romania.
Meet the Board
The team leading RSA Twente this year.
Chairperson
Tudor-Stefan LazarescuTreasurer
David-Mihai ConstantinSecretary
Filip-Andrei PaunStudent Life in Enschede
Moving to a new country is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Here's what we wish someone had told us before we arrived.
Before You Arrive
- Confirm your enrollment and get your Certificate of Enrollment / EU eligibility sorted with UT.
- Sign your housing contract before you fly — never send a deposit for a room you haven't verified through a legitimate platform.
- Pack for Dutch weather: a proper rain jacket and warm layers matter more than you'd think — it's windy and rainy most of the year.
- Look into international student health insurance options before departure.
- Let your Romanian bank know you're moving abroad, and check card fees for use in the Netherlands.
Your First Two Weeks
[Placeholder — confirm current steps with UT International Office]
Register at the Gemeente
Register your address at the Enschede municipality to receive your BSN (citizen service number) — you'll need it for almost everything: bank account, insurance, work, phone contracts.
Apply for DigiD
Once you have a BSN, apply for a DigiD login — it's your key to Dutch government services, taxes, and healthcare portals.
Open a Dutch bank account
ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank all have student options; bunq or Revolut can work as a faster interim solution. You'll need this for rent and direct debits.
Sort out health insurance
Dutch/EU rules on mandatory insurance depend on your situation (studying only vs. working). Check with UT's International Office what applies to you.
Buy a bike
The single most important purchase in Enschede. Check Marktplaats, local bike shops, or ask RSA — we often hear about secondhand bikes from graduating students.
Get a Dutch SIM card
Lebara, Simyo and Odido are popular budget-friendly options with no long contracts.
Register with a GP
Find and register with a huisarts (GP) near campus — you'll need one before you can access most non-emergency care.
Tips & Tricks
🏠 Housing
Apply early through SSH and Kences-affiliated student housing via UT. Be very cautious of scams — never pay before viewing or signing a contract through a legitimate platform.
- SSH Student Housing
- ROOM housing portal
- Facebook: "Kamers Enschede/Twente"
🚲 Getting Around
Biking is the default way to get everywhere. Learn basic Dutch cycling etiquette (hand signals, bike lanes, lights at night — it's enforced).
- Student public transport product for weekend/weekday travel
- OV-chipkaart for trains and buses
💶 Money-Saving
Enschede is relatively affordable compared to Amsterdam, but small habits add up.
- Too Good To Go app for discounted surplus food
- Lidl/Aldi for cheaper groceries
- Marktplaats & IKEA outlet for secondhand furniture
🎓 Campus & Culture
UT's campus is residential — most first-years live right there. Dutch culture tends to be direct and informal; don't take bluntness personally.
- Join RSA events to meet other Romanians & Moldovans
- ESN Twente for the wider international community
- UT Sports Center has student rates
FAQ
Do I need to speak Dutch?
Aside from the University of Twente, where English is the primary language for academics, administration and communication, you can get around with English pretty much everywhere in Enschede and the Netherlands in general.
Is Enschede expensive?
Enschede is relatively affordable compared to other Dutch student cities like Amsterdam or Utrecht. Students typically need a monthly budget of €300–800, excluding rent.
How do I meet other Romanian students?
You can meet fellow Romanian students through our events and social gatherings, our social media, and around campus.
What if I need help with something not listed here?
Reach out to us at rsa.utwente@gmail.com, or message us on Instagram or WhatsApp.
Upcoming Events
Dates, titles and sign-up links are managed by our editors and load automatically below.
Loading events…
Membership
Membership costs €20 per academic year. Joining takes two steps: fill in the form, then pay the fee.
Fill in the Membership Form
This is how we collect and store your details — takes under a minute.
Pay the Membership Fee
What you get
- Access to all RSA events at a discount
- Free drinks at a selection of events
- Access to the RSA WhatsApp/Discord community
- A buddy from the Student Life program
[Placeholder] Replace this link with your real Tikkie / PayPal payment link.
Gallery
Photos from past events, added by our editors, load automatically below.
Loading photos…
Contact Us
Reach out anytime — we're happy to help.