When getting ready to study abroad, one of the most important things to take care of is to find a place to live. And since there\u2019s a high demand of student accommodation because of the popularity of the country, you should arrange for a housing before your arrival in the Netherlands. Read further to learn what are your options and get a few tips to find a student accommodation in Holland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Netherlands, students generally rent a room in student houses off-campus. However, some higher education institutions offer some on-campus accommodation. The third option is to rent an apartment or share a flat with a few roommates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the most popular housing among students in the Netherlands: renting a room in student houses which hosts 3 to 6 people. Usually, student houses are privately-owned and offer the same system as an on-campus accommodation elsewhere. Students rent a room and share communal spaces with the other tenants. This shared space usually includes the kitchen, the living room and the bathroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A room in a student house in the Netherlands is the best accommodation option if you want to meet and live with other students. However, it\u2019s important to respect the house rules – which can be difficult in the beginning, but you\u2019ll learn to adapt over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most Dutch universities don\u2019t have a campus. However, they collaborate with housing organizations to offer accommodation to their students. The system is the same as for student houses, where expat students get the opportunity to meet and socialize with other local and international students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, this option is not more expensive than the private options, and you\u2019ll have access to roughly the same facilities. The variation in price depends on the type and size of the room you rent and the location of the housing. Also, in some cases, universities in the Netherlands may offer temporary student accommodation. Some institutions, on the other hand, don\u2019t offer any housing but have a housing office to help you find a suitable place to live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last option of student accommodation in the Netherlands is to rent a private bedroom in an apartment with shared facilities. The difference between student houses and apartments is the price but also the capacity of the place. Student apartments are rented to up to 12 individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, before signing up for a room, make sure to check if it is furnished or not. Those furnished should contain the basic things: a bed, a closet, a table and a chair. If it\u2019s not the case, you can check out second-hand shops that offer interesting deals to help you save money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn also the living and study costs in the Netherlands for students<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
How much is student accommodation in Netherlands?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Student accommodation cost in the Netherlands depends on the size, location and furnishing of the housing. The rent usually costs between \u20ac300 and \u20ac600 per month. However, in some cities such as Amsterdam, student accommodation cost can be up to \u20ac800 per month. Be sure to check which bills are included in the rent (gas, electricity, internet, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To give you a range for the average rent, expect to pay: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \u20ac300 to \u20ac600 for a room at a student house<\/li>
- \u20ac400 to \u20ac700 for a shared apartment<\/li>
- Between \u20ac500 and \u20ac1,000 for a private studio or apartment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other student accommodation cost in the Netherlands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apart from the rent, students in the Netherlands who rent a living space will need to pay municipal taxes, like anyone living in the country. These taxes include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Waste collection charge or levy for which you\u2019ll receive a separate bill from the rental facilities one. In case you share a house with other students, the bill is in the name of the main user, the one who is the oldest or the first to register on the address. In that case, tenants organize among themselves to share the costs of this bill, but the main user is responsible for the payment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Sewage levy which charges for the connection of your house to the city\u2019s sewage network. Sometimes, this levy is included in the rent but usually, this is charged separately.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to find a housing in Netherlands as an international student?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips to help you find a student accommodation in the Netherlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply as early as possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some cities in the Netherlands have a dramatic shortage of student housing. That\u2019s the case for example of Utrecht where it\u2019s almost impossible to get a housing at short notice. In Amsterdam, there are about 75,000 students, which indicates that there is a big competition for accommodation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check the housing office of your university<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not all universities in the Netherlands offer a housing. But there are many who collaborate with private organizations to find a place on behalf of their students. This is the first place to check out. And keep in mind that the prices will vary based on the type of accommodation, its size and its location in the city you decide to settle in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a place through student housing companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In case your host university doesn\u2019t offer any housing options, there are a few tricks to help you find a place on your own. The most popular among them is the \u201cstudentenverenigingen\u201d. These are student societies and associations that offer housing when you register with one of them. Of course, since it uses a membership system, you then have to pay a fee. But you will increase your chance to rent a room in one of their privately-owned student houses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing to keep in mind with these student corporations is that you usually don\u2019t have the ability to book a room in advance. You, then have to be in the Netherlands to do viewings. The largest student housing corporation in the Netherlands are DUWO<\/a> and SSH Student housing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get in touch with a rental housing agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In this case, you might have to pay a service fee. However, these housing agencies may have interesting properties for students in their listings, so it\u2019s always a good thing to check for any agency in the city you plan to live in the Netherlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the internet and social media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This also proves to be very helpful in finding a student accommodation in the Netherlands. Don\u2019t hesitate to share your search criteria on social media, there might be someone in your social circle searching for a roommate. But you can as well search a place through websites such as: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Nestpick<\/a><\/li>
- ROOM<\/a><\/li>
- The Social Hub<\/a><\/li>
- Uniplaces<\/a><\/li>
- Clawq<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Additional tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When visiting a potential place, bring a friend with you if possible. It\u2019s a matter of safety, but also it\u2019s better to have two pairs of eyes than one. Moreover, always carefully read any rental contract before signing. And don\u2019t pay anything before you have signed a contract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, make sure you understand what you are allowed to do in your student room. Make sure also that it contains all included and excluded services and utilities. Last but not least, make sure to ask who you should talk to in case there is a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other articles to check out:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>
How to apply to university in the Netherlands<\/a>.<\/p>
How to get your student visa for the Netherlands<\/a>.<\/p>