Practical information for students in Breda

  • Studying
Are you a student or about to become one in Breda? Then check out all the practical information you need to get acquainted with this beautiful city. This will make student life so much easier. Have no idea where you can borrow books, get the best coffee, exercise as cheaply as possible, or move around the city most easily? On this page, you'll find answers to all these questions.

Transportation options for students

OV-Fiets

A convenient way to reach your final destination from the bus or train is the OV-fiets. You will need an OV-chipkaart for this, and you can link the free OV-fiets subscription to it. Then, you can rent an OV-fiets directly with your OV-chipkaart. The cost for using an OV-fiets is € 3.95 per trip, up to 24 hours. Do you happen to have an NS Flex subscription? Then you can use the OV-fiets immediately. 

Electric scooters

In Breda, electric scooters from Check are scattered throughout the city. Download the app, look for an available scooter nearby, connect the app to the scooter, and go. The scooter is a perfect way to get from point A to point B, as you are allowed to park the scooter wherever you want, as long as it is within the area specified by the app. Because the scooters are electric, they are also environmentally friendly.

Swapfiets

Never have trouble with your bike again? Swapfiets is here for you. With Swapfiets, you get a Swapfiets for a fixed amount per month. They make sure the bike always works. Service & repair costs are included in the subscription. Is something wrong with your bike? Download the app, schedule an appointment, and Swapfiets will repair the bike within 48 hours or replace it with another one.

Be careful where you park your bicycle!

You are not allowed to just leave your bike anywhere in Breda. Please note that the municipality of Breda enforces strict penalties for incorrectly parked bicycles. 

Where is it allowed?

  • in monitored bicycle parking facilities. You can park for free in municipal bike racks.
  • at so-called 'nails'
  • in areas clearly marked as bicycle parking.

Have you lost your bicycle? it is highly likely that it has been taken to the municipal bicycle depot. For more information about this, visit the website of Breda Municipality.

Here you will find the guarded bicycle parking facilities

Libraries in Breda

Looking for a book to read on public transport or a textbook that makes learning a bit easier? Breda has a number of libraries where you can go. 

The main library in Breda is part of Nieuwe Veste on Molenstraat. Additionally, the library has two smaller locations in Breda where you can visit. 
North: Heksenakker 37, Breda 
South: Allerheiligenweg 19, Breda 

There are also some drop-off and pick-up points in the districts. 

Breda University of Applied Sciences

Avans Breda and Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) each have their own libraries for their students. The BUas library is located in the Horizon building on the campus. You can also check online via the meta-search to see if the book you need is available. This saves you time that you can better spend as a student.

Avans (Xplora)

As an Avans student, you can borrow a book with the digital college card in the Avans One app. The app is available for Android and Apple iOS. The existing plastic student or staff cards still work. With the self-service loan machine, you can borrow books and other materials at all locations: first scan your college card and then the books. As a student, you are allowed to have ten materials at the same time.

Borrowing at Xplora is free for every Avans student or employee. You can check the availability of a book online via Kaluga.

Sports in Breda

Bress

Bress is ideal for students in Breda to enjoy sports. With a membership, you gain access to all kinds of sports. You can work out unlimitedly 7 days a week with facilities including Matrix Fitness equipment, a free weight area, personal coaching from instructors, and free introductory sessions. You can also participate unlimitedly in various group classes or play team sports with this membership. As a bonus, you receive discounts at 21 of Bress's sports partners, cafés, or even swap bikes. In short, a membership at Bress will bring you a lot of benefits.

The Padellers
Are you also crazy about padel? In Breda, since 2024, you can find The Padellers at Breepark. Here, you can play 7 days a week on one of the 4 doubles courts (2 versus 2) or on the singles court for singles matches. The location is easily accessible and offers plenty of free parking. After your game, you can make use of the showers and clean sanitary facilities.

A few more handy tips...

Discount Day

In Breda many entrepreneurs also have special days where you can score your favourite drinks with some discount. For example, think of the special beer evening at Dependance & Proost. Here you can get four special beers for € 16.50! Or, for example, at The Streetfood Club, Happy Hours. Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 15:00–17:00 (and Friday & Saturday also from 22:00–00:00), on the terrace or at the bar. Here you can get a Spritz for € 4.00, a beer for € 2.00, a bottle of cava for only € 15.00, streetfood bites for € 5.00

Knaek

With Knaek students get discounts or a second product free at various cafes, restaurants or other activities. Also in Breda, you can get discounts or deals at many locations including a cheap movie night at Pathé, a second burrito free at Taco Bell Breda, or 25% discount on an impressive virtual reality experience at The Park. You only need to create an account with your educational institution’s email and your personal email and you’re good to go!

Tip: Monday is Student Day at Pathé. Every Monday, you can go to the cinema as a student for only € 9.00. Please note: Pathé student ticket is only valid in combination with a valid college card (MBO, HBO, university) or with a CJP pass.

Social deal Breda

With Social Deal you can, as a student, look for affordable 3-course menus, activities or home-delivered dishes. The deals change every 24 hours, so there’s always something for you. Download the app, search for Breda and enjoy the city affordably!

Part-time job in Breda

Working in the hospitality industry in Breda

Working in hospitality as a student is great fun! You can start behind the bar, in catering, or in the kitchen. Breda has a wide range of hospitality venues, so there’s definitely one that suits you. When you work in a pub, you'll meet many fellow students behind the bar. Guaranteeing a lively atmosphere! Check out tons of bars in Breda!

Dedicated freelancer

Being a freelancer is ideal as a student. Through various apps or websites, you can very conveniently choose your own working hours, assignments, and hourly rate. You have no obligations, only opportunities. This way, you gain a lot of experience and learn to work in different organizations. Check what is on offer and make your schedule. Got a deadline for school? Then you just don't work for a while!

Helpful local from Breda

To gain experience in various sectors, you can also do very well with volunteer work in Breda. Mooiwerk Breda matches supply and demand with each other. You will definitely find something that suits you. Mooiwerk Breda also offers workshops that help you develop yourself.

All for your student life

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