Expat life in Nijmegen: Maria, Pakistan
In the series "Expat Life in Nijmegen", expats talk about their lives in the Netherlands' oldest city. How did they end up here? What do they do in daily life here and what do they think of the city and its surroundings?
Here's the story of Maria Amjad from Pakistan...
"I am originally from Lahore in Pakistan, but currently, I am a Ph.D. researcher in the Security, Risk, and Vulnerability program at the University of Genoa in Italy. My Ph.D. dissertation focuses on rebel groups' participation in peace negotiation processes. Since January 2023, I am a visiting research fellow at the Center for International Conflict – Analysis and Management (CICAM) at Radboud University.
Nijmegen has contributed positively to the progression of my research so far. Radboud University's campus is an amazing place to work. Outside of the campus, what I like most about the city is the abundance of nature. Nijmegen is a clean city with numerous parks and lakes, and the citizens prioritize quality of life and sustainability. Because of that, there is minimal noise and air pollution, which, I think, is crucial for your mental and physical health.
So far, my favorite spot in Nijmegen is this corner in Valkhofpark from where the view of the Waalbrug is breathtaking. If you are into photography and want to capture the panoramic view of the city, this spot is for you. Since I like visiting bookstores, the Dekker van de Vegt Boekverkopers has been another spot in the city where I feel at home. But overall, the whole city is quite charming and cute.
My advice for newcomers in Nijmegen would be to find a small corner of the city you like and hang out there as often as possible to turn it into your comfort zone. Over time, increase the number of corners you hang out at. Soon you will realize that the whole city is your comfort zone. Nijmegen is a vibrant and social place and the people here want to make you feel at home. All you have to do is stay open-minded, fluid, and teachable, and in no time, this city will turn into a beautiful home.
'Gezellig' is the first word I learned in Dutch when I came to the Netherlands. People have been telling me that it has been difficult to translate the exact meaning of the word into English; however, I do believe that living in Nijmegen has made me experience the feeling of Gezellig. I don’t need to know the translation of it anymore."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Giulia, Italy
Expat life in Nijmegen: Giulia, Italy
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Alex, Romania
Expat life in Nijmegen: Alex, Romania
"It's quite cliché, but the first thing that really surprised me was how good the bike infrastructure was. I saw people cycle in suits or in dresses – this was really surreal to see, someone so well dressed, but then on a bike."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Elle, United States
Expat life in Nijmegen: Elle, United States
"I’m a hairstylist and a fully licensed cosmetologist in America, but it took quite some time to be able to work here. Because I’m from the US, I needed a residence permit to register my business with the KVK."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Stuart, Australia
Expat life in Nijmegen: Stuart, Australia
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Sanchitta, Bangladesh
Expat life in Nijmegen: Sanchitta, Bangladesh
"One of my favorite places in the city is the Face of Nijmegen statue. In the beginning, when I wasn’t feeling good, my husband and I went there, sat by the river, and drank tea. I still go there to meditate."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Sudipta, Bangladesh
Expat life in Nijmegen: Sudipta, Bangladesh
"I’m originally from Bangladesh, but I did my graduate degree in Gothenburg in Sweden, so I had already lived in Europe when I started looking for jobs after my graduation and found a company here in Nijmegen."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Masha, Ukraine
Expat life in Nijmegen: Masha, Ukraine
"I moved to the Netherlands on the 12th of May 2017. I remember the day, because it divided my life into a ‘before’ and an ‘after.’ I was born and raised in a small town in Ukraine, with around 30,000 people."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Ken, Belgium
Expat life in Nijmegen: Ken, Belgium
"I moved to Nijmegen in January 2018 and I’m working here as a journalist. Originally, I’m from the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium. But before moving to the Netherlands, I lived in Brussels for seven years."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Kyran, Aruba
Expat life in Nijmegen: Kyran, Aruba
"On the other hand, one thing that definitely positively surprised me about Nijmegen was how queer-friendly the city is. You go out and see a lot of gay pride flags. I do like De Regenboog as well."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Romane, France/Indonesia
Expat life in Nijmegen: Romane, France/Indonesia
"One of the main reasons why I love Nijmegen so much is probably the university. Radboud is amazing. It’s not one of those universities where you are dreading to go back on campus to study – there is so much going on all the time."
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Expat life in Nijmegen: Rahmi, Indonesia
Expat life in Nijmegen: Rahmi, Indonesia
"I discovered some Dutch food as well. Poffertjes, for example. They are just great. They also remind me of a similar type of food we have in Indonesia – just that we have them with different flavors, like matcha or strawberry."
Studying & working in Nijmegen
Nijmegen has a lot to offer in terms of studying, working and business. The oldest city in The Netherlands is also one of the largest student cities in the country. The city presents itself as a leading global player in solving social issues and problems. With its significant position in the Health & High Tech sector, Nijmegen belongs to the international top when it comes to improving the quality of life, healthcare and the development of high-quality technology for various social applications.
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