When moving to the Netherlands as a student, it is worth bringing a small selection of groceries and everyday items from home, particularly specialty foods, familiar spices, and personal care products that are difficult to find or significantly more expensive in Dutch shops. That said, Dutch supermarkets are well-stocked, affordable, and easy to navigate, so you will not need to pack your entire kitchen. This guide answers the most common questions students have about what to bring, what to buy locally, and what you cannot bring at all.
What food products are hard to find in Dutch supermarkets?
Dutch supermarkets carry a wide range of everyday products, but certain regional or culturally specific foods can be difficult to source in smaller cities. If you rely on specific spice blends, specialty flours, particular sauces, or traditional snacks from your home country, these are worth packing in reasonable quantities. Middelburg, where UCR is located, is a smaller city, so the supermarket selection there is more limited than in Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
Common items that students find hard to locate in standard Dutch supermarkets include:
- Specific Asian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American spice blends and pastes
- Certain types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, in large quantities at competitive prices
- Specialty flours (chickpea, teff, cassava)
- Particular hot sauces, fermented condiments, or regional cooking bases
- Specific teas, instant coffee brands, or herbal drinks popular in certain regions
- Comfort snacks or sweets that are strongly tied to home
Dutch supermarket chains such as Albert Heijn and Jumbo do stock international sections, and these have grown in recent years. However, the variety available in Middelburg is narrower than in larger cities. It makes sense to bring a starter supply of anything you cook with regularly, then assess what you can find locally once you settle in.
Are there international or ethnic grocery stores near Middelburg?
Middelburg itself has limited options for international grocery shopping, but the nearby city of Vlissingen, just a short bus or train ride away, has a broader range of shops, including some international and ethnic food stores. For a wider selection, students typically travel to larger cities like Goes or even Rotterdam, which are reachable by train.
Online shopping is a practical solution many UCR students rely on. Dutch platforms like Picnic, Jumbo.com, and Albert Heijn online deliver to Middelburg, and specialist international food websites ship across the Netherlands. Amazon.nl also stocks a range of imported food products. Once you are settled on campus and understand the local transport options, building a routine around occasional trips to larger supermarkets or ordering online becomes straightforward.
The UCR campus community is a useful resource here. With students from over 70 nationalities living and studying together, fellow students often know where to find specific products and share tips about local shops, markets, and online suppliers. The weekly Saturday market in Middelburg is also worth exploring for fresh produce, local cheeses, and occasionally specialty items.
What toiletries and personal care products should you pack?
Dutch pharmacies and supermarkets stock a solid range of standard toiletries, so most students will find what they need locally. However, if you use products formulated for specific hair types, skin tones, or medical needs, it is worth bringing a supply from home, as the Dutch market tends to cater primarily to European hair and skin types.
Products worth considering packing include:
- Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products for textured, coily, or afro hair
- Skincare products matched to your skin tone, particularly foundations and tinted moisturisers
- Prescription skincare or medicated products (ensure you carry documentation)
- Specific sunscreen formulations, particularly mineral sunscreens, which are less common in Dutch shops
- Feminine hygiene products in specific formats that may differ from Dutch standard sizes
- Contact lens solutions for less common prescription types
Standard toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, and basic skincare are widely available and often cheaper in the Netherlands than in many other countries. There is no need to overpack these. Focus on the items that are specific to your needs and harder to substitute.
How much of a product is worth bringing versus buying locally?
A practical rule is to bring a one- to two-month supply of any specialty item, then assess local availability before restocking from home. Bringing too much adds weight and cost to your move, while bringing too little means you may go without something important while you find your feet in a new country.
Consider these factors when deciding what to bring versus what to buy locally:
- Availability: Can you reliably find it in Middelburg, nearby cities, or online in the Netherlands?
- Price difference: Is the Dutch version significantly more expensive, or is the local alternative comparable?
- Weight and airline restrictions: Liquids, aerosols, and heavy items add cost and hassle to international travel.
- Shelf life: Perishable or short-dated products are not worth bringing in large quantities.
- Substitutability: Can a local product serve the same purpose, even if it is not identical?
For most students, the honest answer is that Dutch supermarkets will cover the vast majority of daily needs at reasonable prices. The Netherlands has a high standard of living and a well-developed retail market. The items worth bringing from home are the ones with genuine emotional or practical value that cannot easily be replaced, not a full pantry of duplicates.
What items are restricted or not allowed to bring into the Netherlands?
The Netherlands follows European Union customs regulations, which place strict restrictions on bringing certain food products, plant materials, and other goods across international borders. Violating these rules can result in confiscation, fines, or delays at customs, so it is important to check what you can legally bring before you pack.
Food and agricultural restrictions
If you are travelling from outside the EU, you are generally not permitted to bring meat, dairy products, fresh fruit, or vegetables into the Netherlands. These restrictions exist to prevent the introduction of plant and animal diseases. Processed, commercially sealed, and shelf-stable food products are often permitted in limited quantities, but the rules vary depending on your country of origin. Students travelling from countries with specific agricultural trade agreements may have different allowances, so always check the Dutch Customs (Douane) website before you travel.
Medications and controlled substances
If you take prescription medication, you are allowed to bring a personal supply, typically up to three months’ worth, but you must carry a doctor’s prescription or a medical certificate translated into English, Dutch, French, or German. Some medications that are legal in your home country may be controlled or prohibited in the Netherlands. It is essential to verify the legal status of any medication before travelling. The Dutch government website provides guidance on travelling with medicines.
Beyond food and medication, standard customs rules apply to alcohol, tobacco, and high-value goods. Students arriving from outside the EU should be aware of duty-free allowances and declare any goods that exceed them. When in doubt, declare it rather than risk confiscation at the border.
How UCR helps you settle into life in the Netherlands
Arriving in a new country as a student involves a lot of practical questions, and UCR is designed to make that transition as smooth as possible. As a fully residential college, the university ensures every student has guaranteed housing on campus from day one, which removes one of the biggest stressors of moving abroad.
- Guaranteed on-campus housing for the full duration of your studies
- A close-knit international community of students from over 70 nationalities who share local knowledge and practical tips
- Dutch language courses available to international students to help you navigate daily life
- A Personal and Professional Development programme that helps you build independence and confidence
- A central location in Middelburg with easy train access to larger cities for shopping and errands
If you have questions about what to expect before you arrive, the UCR team is ready to help. Connect with the UCR admissions team to get answers and start planning your move with confidence.
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