Tara welcomes you to Breda
Tara has been living in Breda since she was 4 years old and decided to stay studying in her ‘own’ city. It seems to be a smart choice. Tara (21) is in her third year of the Communication programme at Avans University of Applied Sciences and feels more at home here than anywhere else. “Breda is so bourgondisch, so gezellig. A city, but with a village-like vibe. You learn not only at school but also through life around you.”
Growth, discovery, and coziness
For Tara, her student years cannot be summed up in a single sentence.
“It’s so much. It’s a time of personal and professional growth. You really get to know yourself. At school, but also outside of it. Breda makes that easy, precisely because it has such a nice atmosphere. The cosiness, the people, the food, the culture… everything just fits.”
What will she miss the most later on? “The little things. Going into town just after school, a coffee here, a chat there. And the contact with teachers. At Avans it’s very personal. You’ll miss that when you make the transition to working life.”
Tara's favourite places
When it comes to hotspots, Tara is clear: DOK19 is her second home.
“It's really my local pub. You can sit comfortably by the water, the atmosphere is always good, and the food is top-notch. Lunch, dinner, and drinks. We just love going there.”
Other favorite spots include Plan B (“Beautiful, among the trees on the Kasteelplein”) and for dining with friends she points to KAMU, Dokter Worst, and Latour. “All great, each with its own vibe. It's lovely that Breda has so many options, without becoming impersonal.”
She often studied or relaxed at the library or at KAMU. “I worked at Sip First for a long time, so maybe I am a bit biased, but that's also a wonderful place. Very chill, good food, nice people.”
Under the radar: from vintage to Pier15
Tara’s Breda tip? Pier15. “Many students don’t even know it, but it’s such a cool place. Creative, alternative, nicely raw, just like Breda itself.” She is also a big fan of vintage shopping: “Appel & Ei and Bloesem Vintage are real hidden gems for those who love second-hand goods.”
And anyone who thinks studying in Breda only means going out, hasn’t met Tara yet. “I’m not exactly a party animal. That’s why the Jazz Festival is really my vibe. Especially in the evenings: lively, good music, nice atmosphere.”
She also mentions Klûnen as her favourite carnival event: “A bit less crowded, and much more authentic. That’s where the real Bredanians come together.”
Special memories: from intro mum to secret toilets
One of her most beautiful memories? “When I was able to be an intro mom together with fellow students. Helping new students get familiar with the city, celebrating parties together, that gave so much energy. It was really very special to experience that.”
All tips according to Tara summarized:
Vintage shops - “Have a look inside at Appel & Ei or Bloesem Vintage.”
Pier15 - “Really a top spot to meet a lot of people.”
Chassé as a study spot - “I’ve just discovered it myself... it’s different from the standard places.”
PlanB, DOK19, KAMU - for drinks, bites and atmosphere
Tara’s golden tip for newcomers
Tara laughs when we ask her for her insider tip:
“Be super nice to the people at the bike shed. If you're really super duper drunk, they might even let you go to the toilet.” Student logic at its best.
“Just come to Breda! A place where you can be yourself. Where you learn, live, and have lunch with people you don't even know, and still feel a connection. That’s Breda.”
They also welcome you
Curious about more student stories & tips? Read the stories of Thomas, Lotte, and Kingsley here. They will guide you!
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