Finding housing in The Netherlands as a student can be tricky. Demand is high and availability is low. When I was looking for a place in Maastricht for my Masters, I was already living in the country, but even still I found it tough. I went down for a weekend to look around and I had arranged several viewings. By the time I had arrived all the viewings had been cancelled as the rooms had been taken! So, how do you find a room?
University Housing
Each university may have a certain amount of housing available for international students. This is the route I took. The benefit is that you get a room safe in the knowledge that you most likely will not get scammed and you can move in as soon as you arrive. The downside is that you may pay more than you would on the private market but this is not always the case. It is certainly an avenue worth persuing
Housing Cooperations
There are housing cooperations out there that catering providing accomodation for students. The two main ones are
DUWO
SSH
You will have to register with them, and this will incur a fee. At time of writing (March 2021) it was €20 for SSH and €35 for DUWO. If you want to go this route, get registered as soon as you can as those on the waiting list the longest get invited to viewings first.
Rental Agencies
As in the main section of Renting you can also use Rental Agencies to find a room. See back on the main section for more information.
Anti-squatting (antikraak)
This is a way to prevent people from squatting in properties. This probably will not be suitable for international students, but it is of interest you can look up antikraak agencies. One such is Camelot. More information can be found here.
Student unions
Studentverenigingen – student unions – often have their own accomodation. The most (in)famous is perhaps Vindicaat in Groningen who have their building on the Grote Markt in the city. Dutch student unions are more akin to a fraternity rather than how the Anglophone world would think of a student union, or a student society. Perhaps association is a better word. You would have to become a member of the vereninging to avail of this option.
Websites
There are many website where you can rent a room, also for students. Some common ones are:
Kamernet
Huurzone
Rooming.nl
Social Media
Naturally, there are plenty of student groups on Facebook and also housing groups where you can hopefully find a room.
Final thoughts
– When viewing, take someone else with you. This serves two purposes: safety but also it helps to have someone else look around with you.
– Read the contract. Do not sign without reading it. If it is in Dutch, have someone who can read it have a look if you can’t.
– Do not pay any money before you have a signed contract.
– See back on the main Renting section for scams.
Being Dutched 