The Netherlands has the tightest student housing market in Europe — start with that, then work through registration, banking, and student-life basics.

1. Days 1–3: Confirm housing — short-term if your long-term contract starts later.
2. Days 1–5: Register at the gemeente (municipality) within 5 working days of arrival to receive your BSN.
3. Day 5–10: Open a Dutch bank account (ING, ABN AMRO, or Bunq) — required for most rentals and contracts.
4. Day 5–14: Activate Dutch health insurance — only required if you take paid work in the Netherlands.
5. Day 7–14: Buy an OV-chipkaart for public transport.
6. Day 14–21: Register at your university and collect your student card.
7. Day 14–21: Buy a Dutch SIM (KPN, Vodafone, or Lebara).
8. Day 21–28: Find a huisarts (GP) and register; you can only see specialists with a referral.
9. Day 21–28: Apply for any DUO study finance you're entitled to (EU students only).
10. Day 28–30: Join your study association (studievereniging) — a core part of Dutch student life.

Sources: Government of the Netherlands, DUO, university international offices. Informational only — always confirm details with the official authority.