Types of Student Accommodation
Six housing options for international students — from shared rooms to homestays
Student Room (Shared House)
You rent a private bedroom and share the kitchen/bathroom with housemates. This is the most common Dutch student setup, and often the cheapest.
DUWO describes these as shared-facility housing and notes that residents may select new tenants via hospiteren (a "vote-in" interview).
Studio (Self-Contained)
A small private unit with your own kitchen and bathroom. They are often private studios as a typical option, usually rented through providers or agencies.
Apartment (Private Rental)
More space and privacy, but usually more expensive and competitive (and often requires proof of income / guarantor depending on the landlord).
University or Housing-Provider Accommodation
Some schools allocate a limited number of rooms to international students (often for your first year or first semester).
VU Amsterdam notes that university-arranged housing is usually for the first year only, and their price range can be wide.
Short-Stay (Temporary, Furnished)
Common for exchange students or a soft landing while you search for long-term housing.
SSH specifically offers furnished short-stay accommodations.
Homestay (Living with a Host Family)
Sometimes easier to arrange short-term, and can help when you arrive without local networks.
What Does Student Housing Cost?
Costs vary a lot by city and housing type — here's what to expect
Average Room: €450–€1,000/month
Depending on city and what's included
Amsterdam (VU housing)
€450–€1,350/month
~€700/month via their housing channels
Leiden
€300–€500/month
Non-furnished room (Leiden University)
Enschede
~€370/month
Room excluding utilities (University of Twente)
Deposit Rules (from July 2023)
For tenancy agreements dated 1 July 2023 onwards, the Dutch government states the maximum deposit is 2 months' basic rent, and deposits are generally returned within set timeframes after the contract ends. Read the official rules →
Where to Search (and How It Works)
Register early, know the platforms, and understand the Dutch system
Register Early on Student Housing Platforms
In many cities, social student housing is allocated based on registration time. DUWO points students to ROOM.nl and notes that registering there is the route to be eligible for their student residences.
SSH is another major student housing provider and rents out student accommodations in multiple cities.
Be Ready for "Hospiteren" (the Dutch Room Interview)
In shared houses, you may be invited to a selection evening where existing housemates choose who they want to live with. Roomspot explains hospiteren as a co-optation/selection procedure used by current occupants.
How to Win in a Competitive Market
Practical strategies that actually improve your chances
Start Earlier Than You Think
In many cities, universities explicitly advise students to start searching early due to shortages.
Expand Your Radius
Being 20–40 minutes away by train / bike can drastically improve your chances and price.
Prepare a "Housing Application Pack"
Landlords/roommates often respond faster if you can immediately send:
- Short intro (who you are, programme, start date)
- Preferred move-in date and budget
- Proof of enrolment / admission (if available)
- Guarantor info (sometimes requested in private rentals)
Use Short-Stay Strategically
If you can secure a short-stay for the first month or two, you can attend viewings in person (which helps a lot). SSH's short-stay, hotel, hostel, and Airbnb options are good examples of this kind of landing plan.
Scam-Proofing: Essential Rules
Scams target international students because many can't view rooms in person. Use these safeguards.
View the room in person or via live video call
Scammers often refuse.
Don't transfer large amounts upfront
Without proper guarantees and a real contract.
Be cautious with unsolicited emails offering rooms
Be wary of unsolicited offers, especially if they ask for money upfront.
If rent seems unrealistically cheap, it's a red flag
Consider checking pricing via the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal).
If You Still Can't Find Housing
- Consider a different city (or a nearby town) with better availability.
- Delay travel until you have at least short-term housing secured.
- Ask your university what options exist — some have limited partner providers or advice pages even if they don't offer housing directly.
StudyPath Tip: Plan Housing with Your Application
Housing strategy should be part of your admissions strategy. When you shortlist programmes, we help you plan:
- When to start searching (based on city + intake)
- Which housing channels are realistic
- What budget range makes sense
- How to avoid common scams and contract pitfalls
If you tell us your target city, start month, and budget, StudyPath can tailor a simple housing plan — platforms to register on, a realistic timeline, and what type of housing to prioritize.