Accommodation in the Netherlands

Netherlands Accomodation

Studying abroad in the Netherlands is an exciting experience for international students, mainly after you have settled down and are only focused on your studies and enjoying your time in one of the most popular European countries.

However, before starting this new life of yours, one of the crucial things is to find a place to live which will be your home for the next 3 to 4 years. The accommodation you choose will lay the groundwork for the entire experience, so choose carefully.

Here is an overview of the accommodation as a student in the Netherlands:

What Types of Accommodation Are Available for Students in the Netherlands?

One of the final but essential steps of finalizing the beginning of your studying abroad experience is finding a place to live. Although on-campus accommodations are available in the Netherlands, most international students find student housing outside of the university campus. Most Dutch universities help students find accommodation if no on-campus rooms are available.

Here are some of the multiple accommodation options in the Netherlands:

Dormitory and student halls.
Living in shared apartments.
Staying with host families.
Renting a private apartment.

Are There Any Student Housing Options in the Netherlands?

Only a few universities in the Netherlands offer on-campus student housing, such as dormitories or student halls. However, the student guidance offices usually help international students find accommodation elsewhere and help them with bookings.

Most students living in student housing are first-time students who need a secure place to live and a safe environment. Furthermore, dormitories and student halls allow students to socialize with other students, make friends, and network more easily —essential for international students. Universities advise students to apply for student housing as soon as they get the acceptance letter because the places are filled quickly.

The cost of living on-campus as an international student is usually included in the tuition fees.

Private and shared rooms are available in university housing, and they typically include the following facilities:

Bathroom per room.
Shared kitchen with included amenities.
Laundry rooms per floor.
Security cameras.
Bicycle parking spaces.

Are Shared Apartments Popular for Students in the Netherlands?

Sharing accommodation with other peers or friends when studying abroad is one of the most common accommodation types in the Netherlands. Typically, after the first year, students have already made some friends and acquaintances, thus resulting in living with them to share rent and have more flexibility which is not possible in student housing.

Shared apartments in the Netherlands are trendy among international students, and typically 5 to 6 students share rent. The average cost of the shared apartment rent varies depending on the proximity to the center, the city, and other factors that impact the cost of the rent.

Do Students in the Netherlands Rent a Private Apartment?

Other than sharing an apartment with close friends or people you know, you can also rent a single room in a larger house or apartment owned by a stranger or rent a studio or an apartment on your own. The option of renting a private apartment and living alone is less common in the Netherlands since it is more expensive, especially for international students.

The average cost of renting a single apartment or a studio in the Netherlands ranges between €500 - €1,000 per month depending on the location, proximity to the university campus, and other impactful factors. Although renting a single apartment can be lonely and costly, it offers privacy and freedom that usually lacks in other accommodation options.

Can Students in the Netherlands Stay with Host Families?

Another very popular accommodation option among international students in the Netherlands is staying with Dutch families or, as the Dutch higher education institutions call it, ‘Landlord Hosting.’ This option benefits the host families by allowing them to earn money and for international students to help them familiarize themselves with the culture and language.

Depending on the family, location, and facilities available in the house/apartment, students may share their living arrangements with another student or the family kids. If you are prepared to pay more, some families may also offer cleaning and cooking services.

Here is what to expect when staying with a host family in the Netherlands:

An all-furnished single or double room with a private bathroom.
You may have to share the host family with another person/student.
Shared laundry facilities.
The entire family uses the common kitchen.
Students can use other common areas in the house/apartment depending on what the family allows, including a balcony, garden, library, etc.
Other services the family may offer include cooked meals and any other request students may have (keep in mind, not all families may offer these services, and it can cost more).

The average cost of living with a host family in the Netherlands is usually around €500 to €700 per month. Some families may include the monthly utility bills in the rent price.

What is the Accommodation Cost for Students in the Netherlands?

The accommodation costs in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and the student's preferences. Depending on the lifestyle the students want to live, the accommodation type, and other factors, the cost can range from €200 to €1,000 per month.

Here is an overview of the monthly accommodation cost in the Netherlands by type of accommodation:

Single apartment or studio: €500 - €1,000.
Shared apartment: €400 - €700.
Student housing: €350 - €600.
Dormitories and halls of residence: €700 - €1,000 per semester.

It is important to carefully choose the location of your accommodation since only a few minutes away from the campus or center can significantly decrease the cost of the rent. Before signing any rental lease agreement, students must also check what is included in the rent fee, such as monthly utilities, including electricity, gas, internet, TV, etc.

In cases where utilities are not included in the rent, you should expect to pay a significant extra sum of money for utilities each month. The average monthly fee for utilities in the Netherlands can range from €100 - €230, and the internet fee is usually around €30 - €50 per month.

How to Find the Accommodation Best Suited for You?

If you are a new student in the Netherlands and have yet to find accommodation in the Netherlands, it is important to take your time and make a list of what you prefer in order to find the perfect place for you that matches your financial situation. It is important to start finding accommodation as early as possible since students tend to occupy them quickly.

Here are some tips to remember when searching for accommodation in the Netherlands:

Decide whether you want to live alone or with others. One of the first steps when looking for accommodation as an international student in the Netherlands is to decide if you want to live alone or share a room or apartment with other students and individuals.

This decision will impact how much you spend on rent, you can also share the cost of food and other utilities.

Check the location. Another crucial factor to consider when studying abroad is the location. You may need to find a place closer to the campus and a safe neighborhood if you live alone, although the crime rate in the Netherlands is fairly low.
Decide on a price range. As mentioned above, the accommodation cost in the Netherlands is very different depending on the accommodation type. So before you start looking for places to stay, set a price range and list what you can afford so you do not have to worry about the financial aspects when it is too late.
Surf the web. One of the easiest ways to find accommodation is through the web, especially if you have not moved to the Netherlands yet. Numerous websites and organizations can help you find the ideal accommodation, and here are only a few most popular ones: Clawq, DUWO, Kamernet, Pararius, ROOM, etc.

However, you should be aware that there are fraudulent websites, so check the reliability of the people you contact.