Housing in Rotterdam in 7 steps
Important to know is that student housing in the Netherlands is not arranged for you by the university. This is your own responsibility.
We feel obliged to inform you that there is an ongoing dramatic shortage of such accommodation in the city and in the surrounds of Rotterdam. The Netherlands is experiencing a housing crisis. The unfortunate resultant effects are higher prices and unprecedented competition for too few student housing units.
We therefore strongly advise you to start your housing search on time, at least 3 months before arrival in Rotterdam, and ensure that you have secured accommodation before you travel to the Netherlands.
So make sure to set up a search yourself, on time! Below we mention the differences between our reserved accommodation providers and other accommodation providers.
Although we see it as our responsibility to help out our international students the best way we can in securing housing, Dutch law does not allow us to use our budget to build our own student housing. We therefore depend on third parties and we work together with various accommodation providers and reserve rooms with them to offer to our students.
At this moment the EUR has reserved spots for about 25% of our yearly incoming international Bachelor, (Pre) Master and exchange students. Which means we have at this moment about 1200 reserved rooms.
If you want to make use of the EUR Reserved accommodation you should register on time. Check the time table and an overview on our reserved accommodation webpage
Since we can only offer accommodation for roughly 25% of our international students through our collaboration partners, most of you will have to find your room another way.
You can look for on our webpage other accommodation for housing options through Housing Anywhere, RoomPlaza, Stadswonen Rotterdam, Social Media or the private market.
For social housing in the Netherlands it is common that housing is appointed to students with the longest registration period. We would therefore advise you to register as soon as you decide to study at EUR to register at Stadswonen Rotterdam and SSH. The waiting time is more than 15 months, so if not for your first year than hopefully you have more change for your second year.
- Don’t be too picky! Because there is a shortage, lower your demands of the room. Keep in mind that after you have arrived in the Netherlands you can always look for another room but make sure that you have a room to start with.
- Student housing in Rotterdam will usually mean sharing a flat: you’ll have your own bedroom, but share the rest. Also, men and women live together in such flat shares (if you prefer not to, make this known).
- Housing in Rotterdam is not cheap – rents can vary between 600 and 1000 euros – and additional costs (electricity, water, gas, municipal taxes) are not always included! How much money you will actually need depends on your lifestyle. We strongly recommend you to make a budget plan. Also check out our website regarding costs of living!
- Rotterdam is a big city but everything is within a half our commute time by public transport.
- Not all housing agents or landlords can be trusted. If you have any doubts concerning your rental agreement, strange fees or the landlord’s behaviour, please reach out to us via studenthousing@eur.nl.
Don't get scammed
Apart from your housing search in general, be aware of the fact that you might encounter frauds online. Especially for those who look for accommodation whilst still being abroad, keep your eyes and ears open and use legit platforms to complete your search.
Read this article for some useful tips and pointers to prevent yourself from being scammed.
- Send out as many enquiries as you can. Did you find 20 suitable offers? Reach out to them all!
- Before signing anything, don’t forget to go over the legal aspects about what to look for in a contract.
Getting into the legal aspects of renting accommodation is not likely to be anyone’s favourite pastime. We do, however, recommend you acquaint yourself with this topic beforehand. That way, you will know what to expect and will be able to avoid unnecessary bills or disagreements when you leave.
Check out our webpage regarding Legal aspects for some tips and pointers.
Make a budget plan
Know what type of room you can afford.
Practical matters
Let us help you prepare for your stay here.