Amsterdam University College
Published 4 October 2011

Watergraafsmeer and Science Park

AUC student housing, copyright Erik de Vries

Watergraafsmeer is a popular residential area of Amsterdam with a very diverse population, located on the eastern side of the city. It has excellent public transport connections to the city centre and the surrounding area.

The Science Park Amsterdam, where the AUC campus is located, is already establishing a reputation as the home of a number of important knowledge-based institutions. These include the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam and a number of internationally renowned research institutes.

copyright Erik de Vries

AUC students are accommodated in modern purpose-built residences recently completed by housing association DUWO in the Science Park, close to where AUC's new academic building is being constructed.

Map Science Park Amsterdam

"Meer" is the Dutch word for lake, and this area of Amsterdam was once a lake called the Diemermeer. The lake was drained in 1629, and in the 17th and 18th centuries the land was used for summer country residences by the wealthy merchants of Amsterdam. In the 19th century it became more of a leisure area for ordinary citizens, finally being incorporated into the city of Amsterdam in 1921. The rapid construction of residential areas in the 20th century soon transformed it into today's busy neighbourhood.

Location

AUC location
Science Park Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Source: AUC