Rotterdam Travel Forum

I am a student and will be working in Rotterdam for the summer. I have know idea what I am getting myself into. How easy is it to get around without a car?

very well by public transport.

Easy. You can use tram and bus (there's a dense network), and there are two metro lines.
But most importantly, you'll need a bike. Because in The Netherlands, you get around on a bike.

If you need any other advice on Rotterdam, do ask. I am well acquainted with this city (work, travel, etc.).

If you like to explore the Netherlands (or goto some cities in Belgium) in the weekends, you'll be fine taking a train. See http://www.ns.nl

If you don't like to cycle get familiar with the "Strippemkaart"; see:
http://www.vbn-bv.nl/ovinfo/algemeen_en.asp?vPaginaID=204

PJ

I forgot to mention how to find your way around using public transport scheduler (train, tram, bus, metro) for any itinerary in The Netherlands:
www.9292ov.nl
And for a translation, so that you can use this Dutch site:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/1aa687/

Unfortunately, the actual Rotterdam Public Transportation site is all in Dutch.
www.ret-rotterdam.nl

However, www.9292ov.nl covers that too.

There is an English brochure:

http://www.ret-rotterdam.nl/uploads/files/folder_ov_chip_eng.pdf

PJ

ah, good one, PJ. I searched and searched but didn't find it.
Anyhow, you'll still need the online schedulers :-)
PDF's are not interactive !

Very easy to get around here without a car. In the city centre, you'll even be quicker by bike or underground, and there's not a lot of parking space (and certainly not for free).

I live here, so if you come over and need any help, feel free to email me.