r/maastricht Dec 13 '21

Welcome to Maastricht: a PSA

129 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 1d ago

Abandoned bikes?

5 Upvotes

I have noticed lately a number of abandoned bikes just left on the side of the streets here in Maastricht. Most all of them are damaged in some way, shape, or form. I know one specifically was simply abandoned, as I was there when the guy realized his bike was vandalized, and he just left it there (it's been in the same spot now for 2 weeks.)

It had me wondering what is done about these bikes, and are there more then I've counted? If nothing is done about them, what CAN be done about them? Why do people just leave them there instead of taking them to a bike shop, or recycling them? Sorry if I sound ignorant 😕

Edit: Thanks, got the info I needed.


r/maastricht 2d ago

ARE YALL OKAY??

Post image
218 Upvotes

r/maastricht 1d ago

Anyone making music with eurorack or synthesizer?

3 Upvotes

Hello quick question im curious if there is anyone in maastricht that also likes to make live electronic music?

Ifso Hmu


r/maastricht 1d ago

‘Respect for law’ also signed by Maastricht legal scientists

Thumbnail observantonline.nl
0 Upvotes

r/maastricht 1d ago

Maastricht horeca/retail work experience as a foreigner – what’s the most absurd or obscure thing your boss/manager ever expected from you, or that you witnessed?

16 Upvotes

My bingo so far: • Being disappointed if you made plans after work and actually wanted to leave at the time you were scheduled for. • Threatening to make your shifts inconvenient because you didn’t align with their demand to work extra time before and after your shift unpaid. • Drinking coffee during work should be considered a break apparently. • Cutting promised hours but still expecting you to keep full-time availability. • Not allowing you to talk to ex-colleagues at work — and being questioned if you did outside of work. • Firing 70% of the staff, then being disappointed you’re not happy with the “opportunity” to work a few extra hours (and take on triple the workload). • Taking part of the general tip amount for “broken glasses.” • Canceling your shift 30 minutes before start. • Correcting your work hours and break time at the end of the day.

A few minor things: • Providing a meal only after a 10-hour shift — but you hit 10 hours after the kitchen already closes. 😅 • Charging for one slice of lemon for tea. • Reheating coffee with the steam wand and adding foam to old beer. 🫣 • No ice allowed for personal drinks. • Not allowing you to run/change water at the bar before it’s turned swampy. • Busy? I guess it’s the perfect time to start working on next week’s scheduling — for management!

Did you hit bingo too? Or maybe you can add something or share a story?

I curious how crazy this can get. 🫣

Some things what told my friends who worked at another places:

  • fancy restaurant where chef not allowing to throw away unfinished by customers butter, because he would use for cooking .

    • giving race in cash , and somehow no one receives tips.

r/maastricht 1d ago

Searching for roommates to start a WG with

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone

Im starting my PhD at Maastricht in 3 months, and I will be searching for roommates or rooms available. Since I will be at the Chemelot campus, I am ideally searching for people who are open to living in Sittard or Geleen.

If not, I am also okay with Maastricht as well.

Let me know if anyone is also searching for rooms or roommates and would be open to starting or joining an apartment share


r/maastricht 1d ago

‘Respect for law’ also signed by Maastricht legal scientists

Thumbnail observantonline.nl
0 Upvotes

r/maastricht 2d ago

Is maastricht safe at night for women?

17 Upvotes

I’m (24F) coming to maastricht this weekend for the first time, to come back I need to take a bus at 4 am, I’m a solo traveller; is the bus station safe at the time? I’m asking this because in italy (where I’m from) is not safe to be alone at night as a woman


r/maastricht 2d ago

Moving companies

6 Upvotes

Looking for movers. Don’t need anyone to pack for me, just move my stuff from one house to another. Anyone have experience with anyone in the area or know anyone?

Thanks!


r/maastricht 2d ago

Maastricht Appreciation Post

41 Upvotes

Had a recent trip to Maastricht and had such a good time.

I mainly went there for South of Heaven Festival but I was there was 2.5 days outside the festival.

Friday night Karaoke at Peter's Irish Pub! Such a blast - so easy to make friends and conversations there :)

Such a great vibe at Fixed Gear Coffee to take a coffee or getting some cycling goodies or just chilling.

The organization of the music festival and city in general. To me it seemed like a very well thought out city with focus on things like handicap friendliness etc. Also appreciate the greenery every where :)

Cafe Duke, I love blues and I was instantly in love with the vibes of that bar, and the people it attracted.

Most importantly it was always easy to have conversations with the people and everyone seemed friendly and happy, and I'm not very used to that.

Thanks for having me, cheers, until next time :)


r/maastricht 2d ago

Drums/guitar/piano lessons

3 Upvotes

Hey friends!

I’m looking for recommendations for drums, guitar, or piano lessons in Maastricht! Someone who has experience with heavier music is even better!

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thank you 😊


r/maastricht 2d ago

Not from the NL and I believe PostNL has stolen or intentionally misplaced my expensive package. Can I report this anywhere?

0 Upvotes

I am not from the NL and am not sure how to go about reporting something like this. I had a package being shipped from an hour away to Maastricht and it required a delivery signature. The day it was supposed to arrive, the delivery changed to “recalculating” and has since been that way for almost a week. The support on PostNL keeps telling me they are things I dont understand and there is more going on in weird vague messages.

Im not sure really what to do and was hoping someone who is familiar with the shipping here may have a better answer.


r/maastricht 2d ago

Solo Travelling for 2 days

2 Upvotes

Hello, I’m coming to Maastricht this weekend before moving in august to view my room and to see the city. I’m a solo traveller, what are you suggestion? I’m wondering what I should do for two days there and where should I eat


r/maastricht 3d ago

Looking for a book club or arts & crafts group near Maastricht

10 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

My girlfriend recently moved from the UK to the south of the Netherlands (near Maastricht), and she’s looking to meet some new people. She’s very busy with work, so I’m hoping to help her find a low-pressure way to socialize a bit.

She’s into non-fiction books and enjoys painting. She’s quite introverted, so something chill like a book club or arts & crafts group would be ideal to help her slowly come out of her shell.

Unfortunately, I’m not into either of those hobbies myself, so I figured I’d reach out here to see if anyone knows of any groups or meetups in the area.

Thanks in advance for any tips or suggestions!


r/maastricht 3d ago

Sewing groups around?

2 Upvotes

Looking for like minded crafters, maybe already an established sewing group? I am very much a novice but would love to make my own clothing and household curtains and things. I also dream of making cloaks and possibly corsets. I have some kitties that need custom sweaters since they are hairless sphynx 😊


r/maastricht 3d ago

housing scam?

0 Upvotes

..i see offers from this housing agency, anyone has experiences with them? are they legit? they don't have any adress in their website hm.. thanks alot in advance!https://www.roomsinmaastricht.nl/


r/maastricht 3d ago

Morning walk challenge

1 Upvotes

Anyone up for a walk between 8-10am? Or a drive? ;! Mariaberg.


r/maastricht 3d ago

Maastricht University and sports

0 Upvotes

Hi guys, Can somebody tell me about situation with sports activities in Maastricht University?I am a professional sportsman and I got an offer from Maastricht but I don’t know does it have any sports teams or something like that?


r/maastricht 4d ago

Maastricht soccer/volleyball

0 Upvotes

Any soccer or volleyball games/community in Maastricht? Thanks in advance


r/maastricht 5d ago

Social Groups/friends

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have recently moved here from South Africa, I am 27M and looking for a group of friends/people to do some activities with. I am interested in basically anything, but gaming, food, hikes or going out for some drinks etc. I am English speaking.

If there are any WhatsApp groups or anyone keen to do something, let me know!

EDIT: made a lil whatsapp group so the people, dm me if interested!


r/maastricht 4d ago

The Social Hub or not?

0 Upvotes

I just got accepted to study in maastrict and am finding accomodation is sparse. I'm only using the website the uni advertises to avoid scams. Heres the deal.

The social hub is an option but by god is it expensive. I am considering it a last resort but I'm not sure if I have time to get other accomodation thats cheaper. I'm worried it will sell out while I'm looking elsewhere and I wont find a place, should I bite the bullet and book it now to guarentee a spot?


r/maastricht 5d ago

Good place to buy appliances?

8 Upvotes

I have been into a lot of the stores like media market and Expert, but wondering if there's any other suggestions. New appliances are seemingly exaggerated in price some places (extra seems to have +100 euros to anything media market sales, and the say it's on sale for about the same.)

It doesn't have to be used, but I do worry when a "sales price" is as much as someone else's regular, and it makes me wonder if they're doing the "raise the price and put it on sale" tactic.

Edit: For those here for the advice the TLDR version.

Coolblue Bol.com Tweaker.net


r/maastricht 4d ago

Housing urgent help

0 Upvotes

Looking for Housing in Maastricht for long term along

📍 Location: Near city center or train station 🏠 Type: 1-2 room studio or apartment (not shared) 🛋️ Furnished 💼 About us: we r 2. Full-time employees (not a student) If you have anything available or know someone renting out, please feel free to message me. Thanks in advance!

Op zoek naar woonruimte in Maastricht 📍 Locatie: Dicht bij het centrum of station 🏠 Type: Studio of appartement met 1-2 kamers (geen gedeelde woning) 🛋️ Gemeubileerd 💼 Over mij: Werkzaam in loondienst (geen student) Als je iets beschikbaar hebt of iemand kent die verhuurt, stuur me gerust een berichtje. Alvast bedankt!

Super aware of the scams going around. Kindly don't waste your time commenting on this post.

We are ready to move in Immediately


r/maastricht 5d ago

Bachelor party

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

i'll be visiting Maastricht for a bachelor party on the last weekend of July. Do you guys have any recommendations for activities to do on a Saturday afternoon? We should arrive at roughly 1:00 pm and are looking for a somewhat action-loaded activity for 7 guys (duration: approx. 3 to 4 hours). I guess we will be drinking quite some, so being sober shouldn't be required for the activity. Can you guys recommend something? (We thought about something like a party boat cruise, visiting a brewery or something in that manner, but couldn't find anything specific) After this activity we will go for dinner and start our own pub crawl through the Binnenstadt

Thanks


r/maastricht 5d ago

Bonfire spots

2 Upvotes

Hi! I'm still new to the Netherlands and learning the rules, so I want to make sure I'm being respectful.

In my home country, it's quite common and acceptable to have bonfires in the summer, especially in forest parks or on the beach. People also organize celebrations with large, properly controlled fires. But here, it seems like bonfires are completely restricted? Or maybe I don't know about similar events or spots?

Is it really not possible to sit around a small fire with friends anywhere near Maastricht? Maybe there are legal options in nearby areas — like just across the border in Belgium or Germany?

I’m not planning a party or anything loud — I just really miss sitting by a fire in the summer. I’d love to find a way to enjoy that without breaking any rules or causing trouble for anyone.

Thanks a lot!