Dasha Yakusheva is a Ukrainian student studying communication and media at Erasmus University Rotterdam. As someone who has experienced the housing system in the Netherlands, she shares her top tips to help you find your own accommodation.
1. The golden rule for international students studying in the Netherlands is to start looking for accommodation between January and March to move in August of the same year. This is the best time when the market has a lot to offer, so don’t hesitate and start this process as soon as possible. If your university offers any student accommodation, especially on campus, find out when the application process starts and apply for a room/studio the same day and even hour because they are booked very quickly.
2. If you start looking for housing in April/May, consider getting a paid subscription to the Stadswonen and Kamernet websites. Subscription costs about €30 each but during the spring period you can find a room quite easily and respond to as many offers as you want.
3. In the big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, rent from winter to spring will cost about €500-700 per month. Smaller cities such as Delft, Tilburg and Leiden offer rent at lower rates – about €350-600. These rooms usually come with a shared kitchen, bathroom and living room with one to five other people. Always check if bills such as gas, water, internet, electricity and administration fees are included in the price as this can make a big difference.
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4. Be very careful with Facebook groups! There are many scams on these forums, especially during the busy season (June to September). Do not pay any deposits while you are abroad before you see the room and meet the property owner. Many have fallen for this, and it regularly ends badly and is a waste of money.
5. Can’t find a room? You can pair up with someone else who is looking for accommodation and start looking for apartments instead. This increases your chances of finding a place to stay during your studies.
6. If you aren’t looking for permanent accommodation when you come to Netherlands, you may find the perfect option is to rent a room or studio in The Social Hub. They offer “student hotels” in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Eindhoven, Maastricht and The Hague. Just keep in mind that this accommodation can go extremely fast. They do come with benefits where every room/studio price includes bike rental, regular cleaning and a private bathroom.
If you feel lost and have more questions made sure you reach out to your university or student association. At the University of Rotterdam, you can speak to the ISR (International Students Rotterdam).
I hope this guide was helpful and you enjoy your study experience in the Netherlands!
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