Tip number 1 : How to get a cheap ride!

First thing to do once you settle down in the Netherlands is buy a bike. Because as you may have noticed, walking is not a priority: why walk if you can cruise somewhere with your fancy bike? And don't mistake fancy for expensive, because in the Netherlands a cool ride looks and sounds like it is just going to break down any second. The only and most important thing is that your bike takes you places no matter HOW.

So, if you want to get started on the bikemania instead of always paying for an expensive bus ticket go to:

• Save a bike project (www.sifetilburg.nl/projects/save-a-bike-project/): this project collects abandoned bikes in Tilburg, repairs them and resells them for € 60,-. The shop is located in Verbernelaan 80A - just across the street from Tilburg University. This is your unique chance to get a stand-out blue bike! Drop in!

• La Poubelle (www.lapoubelle.nl): This second-hand-store is located in the south of the city, so for students living in the west of Tilburg it might be pretty far. But trust us, it is worth the trouble! You can´t only buy really cheap second-hand bikes (around € 35,-), but also locks and everything else you might need to join the bikemania. If you know how to do it you can also repair your bike and La Poubelle will give you the tools you´ll need. The shop at Lourdesplein 4 is open from 1pm until 5pm from Monday till Friday.

And once you've bought your two-wheeled new best friend don't forget to pimp it with flowers and baskets and to avoid bad suprises buy a good lock. Find more info on how to do this (always on a budget!), in our next post coming up soon.