Finding a place to live in a country as crowded as Holland is not always easy. If the institution where you will study offers you accommodation it is advisable to accept it, since arranging housing on your own is difficult even for Dutch students.

University housing

Universities often offer furnished rooms at special student apartments or reserve rooms in non-university apartments for international students. This type of accommodation is fully furnished, and students usually have a private bedroom but shared bathrooms and common areas such as kitchen and living room.

Non-university housing

Apartments and houses are in high demand in the Netherlands and are generally expensive. Moreover, they are usually rented unfurnished, so the cost of furniture will add considerably to your expenses. A month’s deposit usually must be paid in advance. Universities will often assist students in finding accommodation so be sure to ask for assistance from your institution if you opt for non-university housing.

Accommodation costs

The cost of student accommodation in the Netherlands varies greatly depending on the type and location of the accommodation. Students pay monthly rental charges from 150 to 500 euro (USD 197 – 657). In general, university housing is less expensive than non-university housing, although students who live in private apartments can save money by cooking their own meals or sharing the apartment with other students. Rental costs vary depending on the location of the apartment, so it worth exploring the area to find an affordable neighborhood. You should, however, make sure the apartment is in a safe neighborhood and that transportation to the university is available. In addition, rental prices vary depending on location of the university. Rent in bigger cities such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam is more expensive than in smaller towns.