Surviving Winter in the Netherlands: A Guide for International Students

By Luisa Congedo on Thursday 16 January 2025 at 10:55
Surviving Winter in the Netherlands: A Guide for International Students

As an international student who is out of their home country and not living with the usual comforts you would have with family and friends around, we believe one of the most difficult challenges you’ll face is surviving winter in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the sun doesn’t shine as often as we’d like here, and we’ve recently experienced the longest streak of no sun since 1993 🙁

After successfully surviving a few winters in Maastricht, here’s my ultimate guide to getting through the season here.

Vitamin D

I won’t lie—in my first year, I struggled with seasonal depression. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of taking vitamin D supplements every day. The lack of sunlight can have a huge impact on your mood, so make sure to stock up on vitamin D to keep your energy levels up. You can buy these affordably at Kruidvat or they often have deals on at Holland & Barrett. 

Sun Lamp

Coming from a very sunny country, it was quite difficult for me to wake up in the dark mornings. That’s why I decided to invest in a sun lamp that emulates the sunrise (and sunset if you prefer). This lamp has been a game-changer for me. It helps improve sleep quality by regulating your circadian rhythm, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed.

Hobbies & Things to Look Forward To

I also found that staying active and discovering new hobbies can help combat seasonal depression. I started swimming and going to the gym more regularly, and I even tried new activities like mug painting and pole dancing. Having something to look forward to makes a big difference. For example, you could join a student-organized ski trip—@yestrips and other organizations that often provide these kinds of events.

Morning Survival Guide to Beat Seasonal Depression

One of the biggest struggles during winter is getting out of bed in the morning, especially when it’s so dark and cold outside (stressed emoji). I came across a video by Maastricht-based influencer Lucie Rauschnabel, and her morning survival tips really resonated with me. She recommends using a depression lamp, which has worked wonders for her. Putting on a cute gym outfit and getting some movement first thing in the morning. This can drastically improve your mood. She also suggests practicing the ultimate self-care routine, which includes taking an “everything shower” where you exfoliate, shave, and apply lotion. Another tip from her is to romanticize your breakfast by making it a cozy and special moment, which can set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Romanticize Winter

Winter doesn’t have to be gloomy! There are plenty of ways to make the most of January,February and March (Spring begins in the Netherlands officially on the 20th of March). Start by getting inspired for the new year by creating a vision board to set goals and visualize your dreams. You can also prepare for Carnaval by planning and creating your costume, which is a fun way to embrace Dutch culture. It’s important to get cozy during this time too. Heat your room up on a budget by using a hot water bottle or heating pads. Self-care is key, so you could treat yourself to an affordable spa day—for more ideas, check out our blog on beauty treatments in Maastricht. 

Winter can be tough, but with a few adjustments and self-care routines, you can turn it into a season of growth, coziness, and new experiences. Stay active, stay inspired, and most importantly, take care of yourself!



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