Imagine this: you’ve got your acceptance letter, packed your bags, and you land in the Netherlands. Bright canals, fresh croissants, bikes everywhere … but wait - where will you live? Finding housing is one of the biggest early challenges international students face, and often one of the most stressful. But you’re not alone - there are many services, tricks, and “housing allies” that can help you. Here’s how to navigate the maze.
Why housing in NL can be tricky
Before we get to the solutions, let’s understand what you’re up against:
- Housing shortage: Many Dutch cities are facing tight housing markets, especially for students. Demand is high, supply is low.
- Limited university-owned housing: Most universities don’t have big dormitories or full campus housing. They might reserve a few rooms, but it’s never guaranteed for all.
- Competition & rising costs: Private market rents are going up; competition from both local and international students makes timing and readiness important.
Because of this, finding your housing early, knowing your options, and getting help where possible can make a big difference.
What kinds of help exist for international students
🏠 Reserved Rooms via University / University-Affiliated Providers
- Universities often reserve a portion of student housing for international students.
- Rooms are usually fully furnished and close to campus.
- Managed by university housing offices or partner associations.
- For: First-year, exchange, or master’s students.
- Pros: Convenient, reliable, often cheaper than private rentals.
- Limitations: Limited availability and early deadlines - backup options needed.
📋 Pre-Arrival Services / Housing Assistance Forms
- Universities invite admitted students to fill out forms requesting help before arrival.
- Example: Radboud University’s Pre-arrival Services (PAS) form.
- For: Eligible bachelor, pre-master, exchange, or master’s students.
- Pros: Increases chances of early housing offers.
- Limitations: Not guaranteed; fixed-term contracts; strict deadlines.
🎟️ Housing Lotteries / Room Lotteries with Priority
- Some housing associations use lotteries for room allocation.
- International or first-year students often get priority.
- Example: SSH& (Netherlands) housing lottery.
- For: Bachelor, pre-master, and sometimes master/exchange students.
- Pros: Fair system; can secure housing for the entire study period.
- Limitations: Not guaranteed - depends on luck and early registration.
🤝 Housing Mediation Services
- Universities partner with agencies or housing platforms to mediate offers.
- Includes shared flats, studios, or furnished rooms.
- Example: HAS Green Academy’s housing mediation.
- For: New international or exchange students, especially in applied sciences programs.
- Pros: Easier and safer than private searches.
- Limitations: Limited options; may have higher costs.
⏳ Short-Stay / Temporary Housing
- Short-term accommodation for students arriving before securing long-term housing.
- Includes hostels, student residences, or “short-stay” rooms (e.g., SSH in Groningen).
- For: Any student awaiting permanent housing.
- Pros: Reduces arrival stress; flexible in duration.
- Limitations: Expensive per night; limited stay duration.
Key institutions & their housing help
To make it more concrete, here are how some universities/housing associations work in practice:
- Erasmus University Rotterdam: They reserve accommodation for about 25% of their incoming international students. The rest must use private market. They warn strongly to start early, because of the housing crisis.
- Radboud University (Nijmegen): They offer housing assistance (via PAS form) for first-year international master's and exchange students who live abroad. They also have room lotteries (with SSH&) for bachelor / pre-master’s students with travel priority.
- University of Groningen: SSH Student Housing offers reserved rooms for new international students. Rents typically in the range €300-€660/month for furnished rooms with utilities & internet included. There are also platforms and guides (e.g. “At Home in Groningen”) to avoid scams
- Leiden University: They have limited reserved rooms for international students who apply early. But number of requests always exceeds availability, so students also must proactively search independently.
👉Still Unsure Which University Housing Program is Right for You? Contact Our Experts Now
What you should do: Your housing action plan
To improve your chances and reduce stress, here’s a step-by-step plan:
Start early
As soon as you accept an offer to study in the Netherlands, begin your housing search. Universities often open housing assistance / reservation windows months in advance. Missing deadlines = fewer options.
Check eligibility
For each university: are you eligible for reserved housing, lotteries, PAS or other assistance? Some services are only for certain categories (exchange, master’s, first-year, living abroad).
Fill in pre-arrival / assistance forms
If there is a PAS or similar, complete it carefully (with correct address, preferences, etc.). This signals early that you do want assistance.
Register with housing associations / platforms
Platforms like SSH, DUWO, RoomMatch.nl, etc. Registering may cost a small fee, and you might need to wait, but being in the queue matters.
Know the budget & contract terms
Furnished vs unfurnished; shared vs private bathroom; what utilities are included. Know upfront what deposit / extra fees will be. Also know the lease duration (often fixed for a year or contract period).
Prepare documents & deposits
Sometimes, once you accept a room offer, you will need to pay a deposit (maybe first month, last month, or more), show proof of enrollment, passport / ID, bank details, payment ability, etc.
Plan temporary housing backup
If long-term housing isn’t secured yet, have short-stay options in mind (hostels, “short stay” student rooms) for first weeks. This gives breathing room to search locally.
Be alert to scams
Use trusted platforms, verify landlords, always insist on contracts, view places (virtually if needed) before payment, don’t send money to someone you don’t know.
Understand municipal registration (for BSN), rent benefit etc.
Once you have a fixed residence, you’ll likely need to register at the local municipality to get your citizen service number (BSN). This is often required for many things: opening bank accounts, permits, etc. Leiden, for example, emphasizes having a Dutch address ready so you can register town hall.
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Costs you should expect
(Rough ranges to help you budget)
Shared Room / Student Room (furnished, shared kitchen & bathroom)
- €300–€600 per month in many cities.
- Prices vary widely - Amsterdam, Leiden, and The Hague are more expensive.
Studio / Private Flat
- €600–€1,000+ per month, depending on location and amenities.
Temporary / “Short Stay” Rooms
- Higher per-day rates than regular housing.
- May include additional service or cleaning fees.
Final tip & your mental checklist
Here’s a checklist you can use so that you don’t miss anything
Did I’ve checked university’s housing assistance / reserved rooms?
Am I eligible for lotteries / PAS / mediation services?
Have I applied / registered with housing associations early?
Do I understand the contract, furniture, utilities, deposit, lease duration?
Do I have backup short-term housing just in case?
Do I know travel / transit time if living further out?
Do I have a budget cushion for hidden costs (internet, registration, furniture)?
Conclusion
Finding a home away from home in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be overwhelming - but it will take planning, speed, and smart use of available assistance. Use the support your university offers, take advantage of housing platforms, apply early, and always have backup plans.
Get started today by exploring our plans .!
