Finding a place to live

Be aware that the Netherlands is dealing with a severe housing shortage. There is not enough student housing to accommodate everyone. That’s why it’s very important to arrange your housing as soon as possible. As it’s not easy at all finding a good place, this is something you have to arrange before arriving in the Netherlands.

This video supports you with important information on how to find a place to stay and what to be aware off.

In the Netherlands, students usually don’t live on campus but live in student houses across the city.

Some higher education institutions do have some on-campus housing. Check at your institution whether they can arrange a room for you.

If you need to look for accommodation yourself, our most important advice is: start as soon as possible. In many cities there is a shortage of student accommodation. Check at the institution the housing situation of your city.

For your search these websites of public and private housing providers might be useful:

Clawq
DUWO
Hospi Housing
Kamernet
Nestpick
Pararius
Plaza resident services
RentSlam
ROOM
Roomspot
Smart Wonen
SSH Student Housing
The Social Hub
Uniplaces
Xior Student Housing

Please note: the list above is not complete and only consists of organisations known to us. We do not check the reliability and quality of the housing providers. This is your own risk and responsibility. Stay critical.

The Netherlands is dealing with a housing shortage. Scammers know this, and will try to exploit your efforts. To avoid scams, never sign a tenancy contract without having seen the room. Instead, plan an online tour and make sure you clearly see the person you are talking to. Also don’t be lured into paying brokerage fees. These are not necessary.

You may have to share the shower, toilet, kitchen and living room with other students. The rooms may be quite small in comparison to what you are used to. Usually, students of all genders live together.

Also, student houses are not always well-kept. And some student houses even exclude international students altogether, but we are working hard to change this.

Don't forget to find out if a room is already furnished or not. Furnishing can range from just a bed and a chair to a fully-furnished room with internet. If you decide to go for an unfurnished room, you can buy or rent cheap furniture at second-hand shops in your city and they often deliver the furniture for free.

Read more about student housing in the Netherlands on the Dutch Review website

On average, a room in the Netherlands costs about € 550 a month, although this varies by city and region. Be aware that rooms in a Student Hotel are more expensive.

Before you accept a room, check which bills (gas, electricity, internet, TV) are included in your rent.

Make sure you read your rental contract carefully before signing it. Check what you are allowed to do in your room. For example, you may not be allowed to paint the walls. Also, ask who you should speak to if there is a problem, like a blocked drain.

You may be offered a rental contract with a minimum duration or a set period of time: beware that this is not legally allowed.

Also, we advise you not to pay your rent in cash unless you get a receipt.

If you have a complaint about your accommodation, first speak to your housing provider. If you need help, ask the housing officer at your institution.

If that is not enough, you can also contact the Housing Hotline. They will assist you and use the information anonymously to improve the overall housing situation of international students.