Home Sweet Home on "the Old Dike"!

I have found an apartment in Rotterdam, in the neighborhood I wanted, close to school, and most importantly, close to a few bakeries, coffee shops, a bike shop and a florist!  With bike lanes (separated) and public transportation everywhere!  The apartment is a one-bedroom, with a (very) small kitchen and a bathroom, on the top floor with an address of Oudedijk 120C - the "old dike".  My move in date is September 1, when there will be an inspection with the realtor, myself and the landlord.  They will hand me the key and the place is mine!

Finding an apartment through the internet is a challenge but not uncommon in the Netherlands.  My rental agent communicated through email and gave me a video tour on WhatsApp.  All of the documents are in English (including a 10-page lease and a 10-page addendum) and the agent even helps with arranging utilities - though I must admit that was a challenge.  I have to get a student visa (the school starts that process and I complete it when I get there), register with the municipality, get a bank account (but only after a get a citizen's number from the municipality), set up accounts with the utilities (but only after getting the bank account), get a new phone number and a transit (also with bank account), and find a bike!  Easy!  I am so glad that I am going over early to get some of this done.

There will be at least one trip to IKEA (only an hour away by public transportation) and several to the local discount stores for linens, kitchen stuff and hopefully a plant or two.  Here's my neighborhood map, with all the important locations noted - including a pool and a bike shop.

The next step?  Well, I arrive in September, dragging a suitcase behind me, to meet my landlord for the obligatory inspection and the place is mine for one year.   With key in hand, I will make the apartment my home and will begin my adventure.