Amsterdam, 26th of June 2025 – In lively Amsterdam, StuNest Spartaan offers a unique residential community for international students. This living concept combines furnished apartments with common areas. We asked Eleonora Tonazzoli, a tenant at StuNest, about her living experience and life in the Netherlands.
From Italy to the Netherlands
Eleonora Tonazzoli began her academic journey in Italy, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management in International Markets. Looking for new opportunities and experiences, she moved to Amsterdam to study Business Administration International Management. ‘I am here to see if this is the right field for me,’ she says.
StuNest Spartan’s first impression
Eleonora found the selection process and communication clear and efficient. ‘It was sometimes difficult to find the right room, but everything worked out in the end,’ she says. She appreciated the common areas and the opportunity to meet new people.
Eleonora was impressed by StuNest’s facilities. ‘It is wonderful to have an apartment all to myself with its own kitchen and bathroom,’ she says. This is a different story with many fellow students.
Balancing study and social life
One of the biggest challenges for Eleonora is finding the right balance between studies and social activities. ‘It is sometimes difficult to find the right balance,’ she admits. She stresses the importance of spending time with friends and maintaining a social life for her mental health. Eleonora tries to plan her days well to devote time to both her studies and her social life. ‘During the day, I often study and in the evening I try to spend time with my friends,’ she says.
In addition, Eleonora stresses the importance of good mental health. ‘It is important to spend time with friends and not just be busy studying,’ she says. She enjoys cooking with her friends, watching films or just being together. ‘We often get together in each other’s rooms to relax and enjoy each other’s company,’ she says. These moments of relaxation help her reduce the stress of studying and maintain her mental health.
Adapting to the weather
Another aspect of her experience in the Netherlands is adjusting to the weather. ‘The weather is different here, sometimes I miss the sunny weather of Italy,’ she shares. Especially that outdoor activities are a bit more limited in the Netherlands took some getting used to than what she was used to.
Thrift shopping together with my fellow residents
A fun activity that Eleonora and her friends regularly undertake is ‘thrift shopping’. Every Wednesday, they go in search of fun home items that are put in the junk yard. ‘We call it ‘thrift shopping’ and it’s always exciting to see what we can find,’ she says. This activity not only helps brighten up their apartments, but also strengthens the bond between the tenants.
Integration into Dutch culture
Eleonora spoke about her adjustment to Dutch culture and how the university helped her do so. ‘The university organised an evening where we learned more about Dutch culture, such as typical Dutch birthday parties,’ she recounted. She found it interesting to discover the cultural differences and appreciated the university’s support. Eleonora thinks the concept of Tikkie ‘Dutch payment tool for friends/family ’ is really something typically Dutch. ‘Dutch people are often very precise when it comes to splitting an account,’ she says. Eleonora points out that this is different for her in Italy. ‘In Italy, often the person who invites the other person takes care of the bill,’ she says.
Of course, typical Dutch snacks cannot be missing. Eleonora loves a croquette sandwich!
We are Spartaan
The quote ‘We are Spartan’ is central to how StuNest when it comes to mental health. At StuNest, we fully understand that moving and studying in a foreign country can cause tension. Through our We are Spartan programme, we try to make tenants aware that they are not alone and encourage personal development.
Common areas and events
The co-work areas are ideal for students who need a quiet place to study or work on projects. ‘I often use the co-work areas, especially during exam periods,’ Eleonora says. The laundry room is a practical addition, allowing students to easily do their laundry without leaving the building.
StuNest organises regular events to strengthen the community. ‘The events are a great way to meet new people and take part in fun activities,’ Eleonora explains. From Dutch language classes to movie nights. As a point for the future, Eleonora would love it immensely if sports events were organised that were a bit more enjoyable for women. ‘Football is not quite my thing, maybe volleyball would attract a wider female audience,’ she says.
Is StuNest something for you?
Eleonora recommends StuNest Spartaan for international students looking for a dynamic and supportive living environment in Amsterdam. ‘It is the perfect place for young people in the middle of their student life,’ she says. ‘You have everything you need at your fingertips and the community is great.’
With her story, Eleonora shows how a residential community like StuNest provides not only a roof over your head, but also a community where you can grow and develop.
Looking to the future
Although Eleonora is very happy with her time at StuNest, she also has suggestions for future improvements. ‘I would like to see more communal areas where tenants can create something, such as cooking workshops or creative sessions,’ she suggests.
Tips for new tenants
For new tenants, Eleonora has some tips. ‘Make use of the facilities and participate in the events. It’s a great way to meet new people,’ she advises. She also stresses the importance of a good balance between study and leisure.
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