Experience Of A Resident

Each month, we chat with one of our residents about their stay in a CHF apartment and their life in the Netherlands. Last year, we caught up with Smriti! She stayed in one of our Hoge Duin property apartments due to a work assignment in the Netherlands. Keep reading to learn about her firsthand experience and discover some useful tips for navigating life in The Hague.

- Before we start, could you please introduce yourself?

Hallo Netherlands! I am Smriti from India. I moved to Den Haag (The Hague) in July this year and will be calling this wonderful city my home now. I have come here for a new employment opportunity with Maersk, and this is my first time that I have stepped out of my country to live in a new one, especially the one I had never visited before. Pretty Brave Ah!! ;) 

- When staying away from home for business, finding somewhere that is more than just a place to sleep can make all the difference. Why did you choose a serviced apartment of Corporate Housing Factory (instead of a hotel)? What do you see as the main advantages?

Unlike hotels, living in a service apartment makes you feel like a local, where you have an apartment, you are getting your own groceries, cooking your own meals & doing your own laundry. It gives a home like feel, especially when you are away from your family, without the hassle of arranging basic amenities.  

- I understand you’ve been living in Netherlands for a little while now. Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to The Hague?

The weather was a surprise. I assumed that it will be warm considering it is summers, however, I experienced rains and winds almost every day. Looking back, I wished I would have gotten more rain-proof clothes & shoes. I also realized that life doesn’t stop here even if the weathers are extreme – some says it’s a “Dutch way” and I really adore that! 

- What are the best things to do in the area, or perhaps to watch out for; anything to recommend to future residents?

The adjacent Hoog Oostduin park is a hidden gem. Having lived here for weeks now, I treasure my evening walks in the park, and it brings such tranquility to my otherwise chaotic day. More than often, you are greeted by ducks, swans, herons and more. Summer is also a breeding seasons, so one can see lots of duckling around. It’s just adorable! Also, Boulangerie Michelat Breitnerlaan is a must try and 5-mins walk away.  

- Do you have any blogs/websites/apps you would recommend to people who are new to the Netherlands?

Youtube vloggers – Let’s Meet Abroad & Dmitrii Pashutskii are the two based in Hague and give very practical & relevant information about living in Den Haag. I have used Funda.nl for home search and Hoodmaps.com for understanding different neighbourhoods (it’s hilarious too!). For navigating through local transport 9292 app is a must.