Student accommodation
No matter where they come from, students in a densely populated country such as the Netherlands do not have an easy time finding accommodation. If you have come to the Netherlands on an exchange programme which includes an accommodation arrangement, then you would be well advised to take advantage of it. Although there are agencies dealing specifically with student accommodation, the waiting lists are often long.
How to find student accommodation
First things first, bear in mind that if you stay in the Netherlands for a continuous period of four months, you must register with the municipality (gemeente). When you leave, you need to de-register (laten uitschrijven).
Some educational institutes provide student accommodation. Looking for student accommodation yourself is a major undertaking. Keep your eyes and ears open and tell as many people as you can that you’re searching for somewhere to live. You can also find advertisements in student magazines or on the Internet. Alternatively, you can post a notice on the notice board of your university or university of professional education (hogeschool).
For general information about finding accommodation, click here.
Information for foreign students click here.
Student accommodation in the Netherlands
Many students in the Netherlands live in student hostels. These are usually for both men and women. Nearly all residents have their own room, while they generally have to share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Student accommodation in the Netherlands is quite small and relatively expensive, particularly in the major student cities. Prices in 2008 start at around 275 euro per month, although they can be as high as 500 euro. This is because of the housing shortage.
Residential accommodation has to satisfy certain statutory requirements. Click here for more information about tenants’ rights.
Things to keep in mind
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Check beforehand whether a room is furnished. The quality of furnishing can vary somewhat. If your room is unfurnished, then you can find affordable furniture in a second-hand or charity store.
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Watch out for illegally sublet accommodation. As an illegal tenant you have few rights. Not only that, you risk being evicted. Tenants may only sublet part of a house or apartment if they inhabit it themselves. Under certain conditions landlords may sublet their home if they are away temporarily, e.g. for study abroad. To do so they must apply officially in advance, and the sub-letter must register with the municipality at the address in question.
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In the Netherlands it is customary to pay a deposit when renting accommodation. This is generally equivalent to one or two months’ rent. You get this back if you leave it in good condition.
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Sometimes a landlord will only let accommodation if you pay a one-off amount in addition to the rent and deposit. This is known as key money (sleutelgeld). This is, however, not allowed. The fact is that you pay something for nothing. If you have paid key money, you can take legal action to reclaim it. You must be able to prove you have paid it, either by means of a receipt or witness statements.
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Rent is often ‘inclusive’ (inclusief), i.e. the costs of gas, water and electricity are included. Bear in mind, however, that this is not always the case.
Contacts
DUWO Foundation (lists student accommodation in Amsterdam)
Website: www.duwo.nl
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