Budgeting your student life
Your lifestyle determines how much money you will need as a student. We strongly recommend you to make a budget plan to manage your finances effectively.
Estimated monthly expences
Experience has shown that students living and studying in Rotterdam spend approximately €800 - €1,000 a month. This covers everyday expenses like food, housing, insurance, study materials, and more. Keep in mind, the estimate below does not include tuition fees and unforeseen costs, so it is wise to use it as a rough indication. Housing costs can vary considerably, and if you are planning to travel during your stay, you will need extra budget for that too.
Tips & know-hows
- Groceries at Lidl, Dirk or Aldi are less expensive than the same products at Albert Heijn;
- Keep track of grocery discounts, all weekly discounts ('aanbiedingen' in Dutch) are advertised on the websites of the supermarkets too;
- Buy good but cheap produce at the nearby market every Tuesday and Saturday;
- Make use of the sharp discounts of the ESN card;
- Get a Rotterdam pas or Rotterdam Welcome card for sharp discounts on cultural activities in Rotterdam;
Examples of living expenses
- You can convert these amounts into your own currency with the currency converter
- Further information about the costs of living in the Netherlands and related subjects can be found on Study in NL
| Average living expenses per month | Price |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (furnished, including (shared or individual) utilities) | €800 |
| Insurance | €55 |
| Books and study materials (may vary per study programme) | €50-150 |
| Daily expenses (food, drinks, clothes, going out, public transport, etc.) | €350 |
| Other (non-recurrent) expenses | Price |
|---|---|
| Visa and residence permit fees (for non-EU students) | €228 |
| Bicycle (secondhand) | €150 |
| A number of items with their average prices | Price |
|---|---|
| Cup of tea or coffee in a café | €3.00 |
| Cheese sandwich | €4.00 |
| Beer | €3.00 |
| Meal in a typical student restaurant | €12.50 |
| Cinema ticket | €12.50 |
| Hairdresser (cut and blow-dry) | €25-€60 |
| Average prices for travelling to nearby European cities | Price |
|---|---|
| Trip to Paris | €35* |
| Trip to Brussels | €30* |
| Trip to London | €60* |
* These are prices if you book well in advance.
Do you need help?
What is your monthly budget?
Frequently Asked Questions
The costs of your accommodation depend on the city where you study, what is included in the rent and the arrangements made by the institution. Housing in Rotterdam for example is more expensive than in smaller towns.
A room in Rotterdam costs between €600-€1000. If you are concerned whether the asked rent is too high, don't hesitate to contact us.
You can use the Rent Checker to estimate a correct price.
Yes, there are discounts for student applicable for certain services. Many bars, restaurants, museums and cinemas give student discounts. Most of these ask for proof in the form of a student card from your institution. You should check in advance if a student discount is available.
Especially for international students, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can provide some interesting discounts and offers on travel, shopping, museums and more, worldwide. Find out more on the ISIC website.
Also contact ESN-Rotterdam in regard to discounts. They have a lot of sharp offers for you and can inform you about this in detail.
Spending approximately €150,- to €200,- on food per month is considered to be normal. That is, if you don't eat out too many times a week and do your grocery shopping not only at the higher priced Albert Heijn (but instead at Lidl or Dirk).
Doing your groceries at the weekly markets, at Aldi / Lidl instead of Albert Heijn, and paying close attention to deals and sales (compare supermarkets!) might be first things to consider. Bringing your own lunch and snacks and not going out for dinner / coffee can also be easy tricks to save some money. Are you already doing these things and still have financial issues? Don’t hesitate to contact our student counsellors, they’re here to help you.
Find more information and tips about daily expenses on out 'Cost of living in the Netherlands' page.