About me

International Business Administration student at Tilburg University / Bi Norwegian Business School

Hi, I’m Edvards, I’m 21 years old, and I come from Latvia. While Latvia will always be home and means the world to me, I’ve always been curious about life beyond its borders. Over the past few years, that curiosity has taken me to many different countries — both traveling and living abroad.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been a student at both Tilburg University in the Netherlands and BI Norwegian Business School in Norway. Along the way, I’ve made connections with people from all over the world, and those experiences have shaped how I see things today.

When I was 18 and deciding where to study abroad, I was stuck on the idea of getting into a “top university.” I believed it would help me build connections, push me out of my comfort zone, and give me a unique edge on my CV. My mindset wasn’t necessarily wrong, but looking back, I realize my understanding of these terms wasn't quite accurate. It is so much more...

But to fully understand these things, I wish I had known a few simple life hacks earlier — things that would have helped me enjoy the journey even more and made my life simpler. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it should be about — being open to embracing the complete student experience.

While this project aims to assist with settling in, it also serves as a practical study method for me to explore various tools of digital marketing, such as website creation, web design, SEO, and Google Analytics. I'm putting theory into practice and trying out new things I've learned.

About the project:

I remember being overwhelmed with stress, constantly worrying about what studying abroad would be like. My mind was racing with so many thoughts that I didn’t even know where to begin managing everything. I reached out to some students who had already experienced studying abroad, but they did not even know where to start. So here I am, starting from scratch, ready to walk you through everything related to Tilburg University and settling in. 

N.B.! This content complements what is available on the Tilburg University website. Detailed information about study programs is available there. This website is about offering a student perspective on different aspects. 

So what are we gonna discuss here? 

First, we will look into the university. What makes it a good destination? We are gonna discuss study load, and important aspects of making a study choice as well as we will talk about campus facilities and the atmosphere among students. 

Then we will look into some ''off study'' time so you can picture what your free time could look like when you're not hitting the books

I’ll also share tips on how to find accommodation, and what to expect in terms of student housing. 

And finally, we are gonna discuss the cost of living. I’ll break down the typical costs of living, including rent, food, and transportation. Plus, I’ll talk about financial support options, like government grants, scholarships, and even part-time jobs, which can really help if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Other projects: 

My friends and I have been collecting fashionable clothes for years, and soon we’ll be launching our very own online thrift shop—ThriftedLV. This shop will be a platform where we share our unique finds with you, blending fashion with sustainability. Whether you’re into vintage pieces or modern styles, ThriftedLV will offer one-of-a-kind items that are affordable and eco-friendly. Stay tuned—great things are on the way!