You might not want to believe it, but the fact remains that summer is drawing to a close. With the arrival of September also comes the countdown to cooler temperatures and changing leaves - but what else is going on this month? As summer turns to autumn, here are nine things expats living and working in the Netherlands need to know about in September 2023. 

1. Final schools reopen after the summer holidays 

Schools across most of the Netherlands resumed classes at the end of August, but September 4 will see the final schools - namely those in the North region - reopen their doors to children after the summer holidays. Luckily, families don’t have too long to wait until their next break; the herfstvakantie is only six or seven weeks away, depending on where you live. 

2. Dutch government to reveal 2024 budget on Prinsjesdag 

Once again, September marks the arrival of budget day for the Dutch government - although this year might be a bit of an odd one, after Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet resigned in July. The caretaker government will still announce some policies on Prinsjesdag (or “Prince’s Day”) on September 19, before the new government takes over following the national election in November. 

3. Applications reopen for STAP budget 

After getting off to a flying start following its launch last year, 2023 certainly hasn’t been a great year for the government’s STAP budget. The next round of applications reopens at 10am on September 18, 2023 - although there are new, stricter rules regarding which training courses are now covered by STAP.

4. The Netherlands re-instates basic grant for student 

After several years of the student loan system, the Dutch government agreed earlier this year to bring back the basic grant for students in the Netherlands. Students had until September 1, 2023 to apply for the grant, and those who did will receive their first payment on September 22, 2023.

5. Deadline for benefits and allowances for 2022

Many in the Netherlands don’t know they’re eligible to receive the rent benefit or healthcare allowance. Those who are eligible but didn’t know or think to apply in 2022 are able to retroactively submit a request for financial assistance for last year - although they have to hurry, as September 1 is the last day that applications remain open!

6. New post-summer NS timetable

With the summer holidays coming to an end, Nederlandse Spoortwegen (NS) has announced an adjusted timetable in order to accommodate the increase in passenger numbers. The new timetable comes into effect on September 4, and includes additional services between Breda and Rotterdam and longer trains on almost all routes.

7. ANWB no longer insuring fatbikes

As the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB) announced at the end of August, it will no longer offer insurance packages for fat bikes in the Netherlands. From September 6 customers will no longer be able to take out insurance for their fatbike, while the 10.000 people who are already insured by the ANWB will not be able to renew their policy when it expires. 

8. Construction work at Amsterdam Centraal 

As part of the ongoing construction work at Amsterdam Centraal, NS has announced that, from September 25, the station's western passenger tunnel will be partially closed to pedestrians and travellers. The tunnel isn't due to reopen until mid-2024.

Over the coming year, rail infrastructure manager ProRail will replace the wheelchair ramp, and build new escalators, stairs and two lifts.

Westelijke reizigerstunnel Amsterdam Centraal per 25/9 deels afgesloten. ProRail start met werkzaamheden aan de centrumzijde. De tunnel blijft aan de IJ-zijde wel open. https://t.co/a7c7ubEyVz

— NS online (@NS_online) August 24, 2023

9. Hermitage Amsterdam rebrands as H’ART

Finally, as of September 1, the Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam will be known as the H’ART Museum. The decision was announced over the summer, and marks a shift in the museum’s focus away from Russian art, history and culture to Dutch and international art.

Thumb: fotografiekb via Shutterstock.com.