I am going to Utrecht, I need some info

Question

I am an Egyptian. I am going to study in the university of Utrecht (Master Degree). I would like to know a little about Netherlands in general.

I want to know if there are somethings to avoid when dealing with dutch people; the culture here in Egypt definitely differs from Netherlands.

What type of clothes do I bring with me ?

What general advices can you give me?

Also, I am a muslim. Are there negative impressions about muslims in Netherlands and they deal with muslims as a bunch of terrorists? or they understand that most muslims are peaceful people.

Answer 1

I would say that if you have the time/finances to come over for a week beforehand.  This way you can get your bearings, a feel for the place and then also you know what is necessary to bring and what you can get here (to save over-packing or buying in Egypt).

To compare the two cultures, it would of course be best for someone who knows both countries/people, and I have never been to Egypt or met any Egyptians and so in that respect am at a disadvantage.  

Generally speaking people here are pretty open and welcoming.  In a place like Utrecht there are a lot of foreign students, so the community is very used to foreigners and don't have a problem.  Just treat people the way you want to be treated back - friendly and with respect.

Muslims (and other cultures/religions/nationalities) live in the Netherlands and the vast majority live in peace and quiet here with no problems at all.  Of course (in every country/society) there is a small minority of people which are extremeist and these are the people who are not welcomed, and the same people (from both sides of the story) that hit the media and generate publicity (like what you have probably seen).  

My personal feeling & that from having some muslim friends and (ex) colleagues & from discussing issues with them, is that indeed the vast majority are very peaceful and this is known as well.  It is only the ones that choose to incite problems or to force points of views down people's neck (same as every religion - Christians, Jehovah witnesses etc etc) that are not appreciated.  Live and let live is the general consensus in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag, etc. It is only the ignorant minority that come out with statements such as that muslims are all terrorists, and certainly not the vast majority - that is for sure!

The chances are that you will not face any problems, and if you do then just walk away.  

As I said, people here are very open and receptive.  One thing people note is that the Dutch can be percieved as being blunt as they are not afraid to "come straight to the point" and just come out with a question which is on their mind.  To some people this is too direct and difficult to accept, but it is not being "rude" here - just honest and straight to the point.  This can cause a bit of a shock to people who are not used to talking about some subjects or who generally beat around the bush on some points, but most generally actually come to appreciate the honesty!  So this is one thing you can prepare for.  Likely though is that your circle of friends will probably be from your University course and made up of all nationalities and cultures.

Clothing?  Well again it varies.  There is no snobbish approach to clothing & fashion over here like some countries.  Yes brand names are big, but so are jeans and (T-)shirts.  So don't go buying clothes that you feel uncomfortable in.  Just bring a basic set for the seasons you will be here (bring a rain jacket for now and a warmer winter coat unless you want to buy it over here).  Then when you have been here, you can learn tips from friends in your group - where to shop, and what you like.

Hopefully this gives you a little insight of what to expect.  As I said, there is no experience such as first-hand, so if you can/want to, then pop over in advance and you can get to learn from yourself first-hand to build up your views (but it's also something you can do when you move as well)

Answer 2

You should bring warm clothes and summer clothes. Don't do anything stupid. People in Holland understand that not all of the muslims are terrorists.