At the end of November, every year, the Akademie has an open house featuring work by all the…read moreartists in residence. Vast in scope, style and presence, it is one of the most important showings in the art world at that time. This is where it is happening, or it is from where the artists who will make it happen are emerging. Residents are selected from thousands of applicants for a two year residency and competition is fierce becasue the offering is great--a 'rolls royce' residency of mature artists and access to others. Minimum age of early thirties expected, though very few younger artists are sometimes accepted. A must see.

Crea is a part of the University of Amsterdam where you can follow all kinds of creative courses…read moreand also take part in arts activities unrelated to your course of study. They have the Crea Orchestra, made up of students studying subjects other than music but who want to play in an ensemble. You can also rent the studios for a not too terribly expensive fee to rehearse with your ensemble/band. Technically at least one person in the group is supposed to be a student but there are ways around that rule if you're determined I've come to Crea several times for rehearsals, and also once for an improv comedy show. There are regularly shows and concerts in both the theater and the Crea cafe.

Crea is a really nice place to follow all kind of creative courses in your free time. Courses start…read moretwo times a year and the sure have a lot; all kind of theatre, singing, writing, Photoshop, painting. Their will be many things you'll like. Which I also love are their summer classes. You follow a intensive 1-week course and even eat there and go to theme nights. And the end of the week all week courses present their work to each other (writing course students read their stories, there are performances from the singers and actors, and of course expo's from the art courses.) It's a lot of fun with awesome people. Prices are also great!

The Vrije universiteit is based in the southern part of Amsterdam, just outside of the ring road…read morearound centre of town. Ever since I was 18, I have spend time at the university for bachelor degree, master degree and continuing education. The university offers many studies. It is impossible to give an advise on the quality of education. However, for my field (economics) the VU seems more innovative than UVA (the other university in town). Tip: 1. To get there, take either the train to railway station Amsterdam Zuid or tram 5 or do like most students e.g. cycle. Around the building bicycles are parked, which clearly shows the preferred mode of transport. 2. Inside the VU, it can be confusing to move around. For example, the IT department is in a separate building, there is no reception (at least I could find none), the buildings are huge and there is even activitiy underground. You will find most students are very helpful. Make sure you know which building and room you need to go to and allow enough time to move to other buildings. 3. There is no free wifi for visitors. If you want wifi, ask if your host at the university can arrange this