# International Student Helpdesk (ISH)

**Source**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/support/ondersteuning-voor-internationale-studenten/international-student-helpdesk-ish
**Parent**: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

**Need assistance navigating Dutch administrative letters, understanding health insurance requirements or claiming social benefits in the Netherlands? The International Student Helpdesk (ISH) is your go-to resource! Our team of Dutch professionals is dedicated to supporting international students at Maastricht University with any administrative challenges you may face.**

We can help you by translating and explaining official documents, calling institutions or the government on your behalf, or in any other way you need. Your conversations with us are [fully confidential](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/file/ssc-privacystatementumstudentguidancedef2020-05-25pdf). \
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If you need assistance beyond administrative matters, we can also refer you to other useful resources, such as those below.

## Mymaastricht.nl: the information platform for international students

Discover everything you need to know as an international student on our partner website [mymaastricht.nl](https://mymaastricht.nl/). This comprehensive website covers health, transport, housing, finance, sports, events and community life in Maastricht. You can find information such as:

- What to do when you receive a [health insurance letter (CAK)](https://mymaastricht.nl/health/health-insurance/health-insurance-letter/)
- How to apply for a [waiver (*kwijtschelding*) for the Councils and Water Boards Tax Collaboration (BsGW) invoice](https://mymaastricht.nl/finances/benefits/kwijtschelding-bsgw/)
- How to apply for a [DigiD, the Dutch digital identification number](https://mymaastricht.nl/attachment/2016/11/v3-digid-guidance.pdf)
- How to apply for a [health insurance subsidy (*zorgtoeslag*)](https://mymaastricht.nl/health/health-insurance/benefits/) or [rental subsidy (*huurtoeslag*)](https://mymaastricht.nl/finances/benefits/huurtoeslag/), if you qualify
- And much more!

### **Contact the International Student Helpdesk**

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For help with administrative issues, we are available Monday to Friday, 13.30 to 15.30 CET at:\
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 +31 (0)43 38 85 203 \
 Bonnefantenstraat 2, Maastricht\
 [ish-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:ish-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl) \
 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ish_maastrichtuniversity/)

## UM Visa Office: for visa and legal residence

For information and questions about visa and legal residence, you can check the webpages of our UM Visa Office for [prospective students](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/visa-legal-residence) and [students currently studying at UM](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/during-your-studies/international-students-while-maastricht/residence-permit-extension) or contact them via [visa@maastrichtuniversity.nl](mailto:visa@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

## Huurteam Zuid-Limburg: for rental issues

If you need help resolving a problem with your landlord or any other legal issue regarding your housing, [Huurteam Zuid-Limburg](https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/support/your-studies-begin/living-maastricht/huurteam-zuid-limburg) is at your service.

## Need to see a doctor? Or not?

If you are not feeling well and you want to know if it’s advisable to visit a physician, you can consult the website [Do I need to see a doctor?](https://moetiknaardedokter.nl/en/) (*Moet ik naar de dokter?).* This website asks you a number of questions and helps you determine, based on your age, gender and symptoms, whether you need to see a doctor. And, if so, how soon.