Middelburg & Zeelend
Middelburg & Zeelend
A historic town, a modern life, and the Dutch coast just down the road
A historic town, a modern life, and the Dutch coast just down the road
You won’t just study at UCR, you’ll live in one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Middelburg is more than a backdrop to your university experience. It’s your neighborhood, your meeting place, your café hangout, and your link to the wider world.
The UCR campus is built into the very center of town, with classes held in the former city hall, a striking Gothic building that has stood in the heart of Middelburg for centuries. That means you don’t just go to university in Middelburg. You live in its beating heart.
A student town that’s walkable, bikeable, and beautiful
A student town that’s walkable, bikeable, and beautiful
Middelburg is compact, safe, and easy to get around. Within minutes you’ll find yourself walking from class to the market square, a museum, or a favorite coffee spot. Everything is close, your housing, your classrooms, your groceries, your friends. The train station is a ten-minute walk from campus, putting you within reach of cities like Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. And yes, the beach is just a bike ride away.
It’s a place where you’ll feel welcome from day one. It’s peaceful, friendly, and proud of its heritage as a global trading town. Most people speak English, and UCR students quickly become a familiar part of city life. You’ll find that locals are open, curious, and happy to help you settle in.
This is the kind of town where you’ll always run into someone you know, but also discover something new. Local festivals, live music, art events, vintage shops, street food, and cultural venues fill the calendar. Middelburg may be small, but it never stands still.
For those who want to deepen their connection to the region, UCR offers Dutch language courses that help you immerse in the culture and truly feel at home. Many international students choose to take Dutch, not just for practical reasons, but because they want to become part of the community they live in.
Zeeland: coastlines, landscapes, and ideas
Zeeland: coastlines, landscapes, and ideas
Middelburg is the capital of Zeeland, a province defined by water, resilience, and beauty. Life here is shaped by dikes and dunes, small towns and big skies, sustainability and innovation. It’s a region full of opportunity, whether you’re hiking through nature reserves, swimming in the North Sea, or working on a research project with a local partner.
UCR is deeply connected to Zeeland, not just geographically but also through collaboration. Through initiatives like the Delta Climate Center, you’ll find opportunities to engage with topics that matter, from sustainability and sea-level rise to public health and regional development. It’s hands-on, real-world learning in a setting that feels grounded and alive.
Live where others come to relax
Live where others come to relax
People from all over the Netherlands (and beyond) come to Zeeland to escape the rush of the city. To breathe. To slow down. To reconnect. You get to live that way every day, while still studying at an internationally connected university.
It’s this balance that makes Middelburg and Zeeland such a special place to study. Rich in history, full of beauty, close to nature, and just off the beaten track. A place that gives you space to focus, to grow, and to live with intention.