“There are so many influences, styles, and artists here. That inspires me enormously,” says Dean from Malta. He came to Rotterdam in 2017 to study music. “In Malta, there are few opportunities to study music. The island is small and there’s not much variety,” he explains. He found that in Rotterdam, however. He started at Codarts in Rotterdam and then did a master’s degree in Amsterdam. Nevertheless, he returned to the Netherlands’ second city. “The housing crisis in Amsterdam made it difficult to find a place. Luckily, I found a room in Rotterdam. And now Rotterdam feels more like home than Amsterdam.”
Making friends
His first encounter with the city was in the summer. “People were sitting outside on terraces, drinking coffee and beer, laughing a lot. It felt very lively.” When he returned in September, the weather quickly changed. “It got darker and a bit gloomier. But luckily, school started right away, so I had plenty to do.”
Making friends came naturally at first. “At school, I immediately had a network of people with similar interests. We met in classes, but also in the evenings at concerts and jam sessions.” After graduating, that became more difficult. “Then I really had to make more of an effort to find social connections.”
Cycling and early dinner
Rotterdam surprised Dean with its diversity. “I didn’t know there were so many nationalities. But because Malta itself is a mix of Italian, Arabic, and English influences, it didn’t feel strange. Still, it’s special that you encounter so many different cultures here.”
He found some Dutch customs striking. “Everyone cycles here, every day. In Malta, that’s almost impossible: narrow roads, hills, and no bike paths. For me, cycling in Rotterdam was a completely new way of life.” The eating routine also took some getting used to. “Dutch people eat at 5:30 or 6:00. In Malta, we eat much later. Sometimes as late as 8:00 or even later!”
Family and dishes from Malta
Despite feeling at home, his bond with Malta remains strong. I miss my family and visit them often. I also still cook typical Maltese dishes, like pudina, a bread pudding with fruit. And I make begilla, a black bean dip with lots of garlic and pepper.
For now, Dean wants to stay in Rotterdam. “Maybe two years or longer. After that, I might try a new place, but for now, I feel comfortable here.”
His advice for newcomers is clear: “Everyone speaks English, but learn Dutch. That helps you really feel at home.”