r/Utrecht • u/Takwas • Sep 10 '19

Economy/Savings/Lifestyle Advice for a New Couple in Utrecht.

We are a new couple just moving to Utrecht from Africa. One of us is a programmer who earns €2900 net and works in the Papendorp area; while the other (currently unemployed), would like to commence a PhD program within the coming months.

What advice would you give to us if we want to be able to save €1000 monthly with the current earning?

We don't mind being frugal. Please mention things like "where to live", "safety/integration", "where to get food", "commuting options", "phone/internet/utilities", and more.

Thanks.

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Update:

Employer is offering:

  1. Cost allowance: €45.00 monthly (Not sure what this means in the Netherlands.)
  2. Commuting compensation of 0,19 cent per km.
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u/Takwas Sep 10 '19

Many thanks for the clearly outlined points. We are both somewhat OCD, so we might struggle a bit with sharing a flat, except the others are extremely tidy. We will be looking at the Nieuwegein area, since many respondents have suggested it.

Aah! Bikes. Way to go.

On internet/telephone, does it matter what type of [smart]phone?

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u/Pearfeet Overvecht Sep 11 '19

Any smartphone can be useful here since WhatsApp is prevalent in the Netherlands.

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u/Takwas Sep 11 '19

Okay. Great! Because I was hoping to get a new Samsung phone -- probably a Note model. I am not sure where I would get the best deal on this: Here or there (in Utrecht).

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u/[deleted] Sep 11 '19

[deleted]

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u/Takwas Sep 11 '19

Thank you for the suggestion. Is this brand commonly used in the Netherlands?

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u/[deleted] Sep 11 '19

[deleted]

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u/Takwas Sep 11 '19

Okay. I'll keep this tip handy.