Typical Dutch student housing
Student housing in the Netherlands may be different from what you are used to. On this page you can find more information on what you can expect.
Dutch student housing: What's it like
Dutch universities do not own student housing. Instead, this is offered by private home owners and housing providers. Because of this, student housing is diverse and located all over Utrecht and surrounding towns.
Living with housemates
If you live in student housing with shared facilities, the number of housemates may range from 1 to 10+, and student houses may be single or mixed gender. The landlord is rarely involved with practical matters like cleaning and furnishings. It is common to arrange such matters yourself or together with your housemates.
Searching for a new housemate
Existing tenants mostly get to search for a new housemate themselves. This is usually arranged in direct student-to-student contact and with a group viewing. Because of this, chances of finding housing are low if a parent or caregiver searches for housing on your behalf.
Common types of student housing
Private room
Many students in the Netherlands rent a private room that they furnish and decorate themselves. The facilities (like the bathroom and kitchen) are shared with the other housemates. This housing is typically allocated to the top candidate after attending a group viewing.
Average size: 10-17 m2.
Private studio
Many students in the Netherlands rent a private studio. This is a small accommodation, sometimes already furnished, that fits a bed, wardrobe, private bathroom and kitchen in one room. This housing is typically rented out by housing providers or agencies.
Average size: 15 – 35m2
Uncommon types of student housing
Shared roomShared student rooms with two beds are not common in the Netherlands. Students usually rent a private room or private studio.
Couples housingIt is difficult to find student housing as a couple. Student housing (rooms and studios) usually only allow one tenant.
ApartmentsLandlords and housing providers usually prefer to rent out apartments to working professionals, rather than one or more students.
Cleaning Cleaning is always the tenants' responsibility. If you share facilities, you are expected to clean up after yourself, to wash your own dishes, and not to leave any rubbish to prevent pests. It is not uncommon to arrange a cleaning schedule with your housemates for the shared facilities. The landlord is not (or rarely) involved with this, nor are parents / caregivers or the university.
Nuisance If you live with others, it is expected that you take each other in account. Your housemates or neighbours may for example have a different sleeping or study schedule than you. If there is an issue among tenants, this is commonly addressed without the involvement of the landlord, university, parents or caregivers.
Furniture For many student rooms not part of the Reserved Accommodation Programme, the tenant is expected to arrange flooring, furniture and curtains themselves. Sometimes the previous tenant will have items that you can buy. There are also companies that rent out furniture for the duration of your stay (like Student Furniture Holland). Many students also buy new or second hand furniture.
Maintenance Usually, small maintenance that can easily be fixed (like changing lightbulbs or indoor painting) is the tenants' own responsibility. This information would be included in the rental agreement.
Laundry Usually, laundry facilities are shared with your housemates or with other tenants of the residence building. In all cases you are responsible for doing your own laundry.
Shared costs If you live with others and buy products to share with your housemates (such as for dinner or cleaning) it is common to 'go Dutch'. This means splitting the costs. Some student houses may have a list that keeps track of who paid for what and settle the costs at the end of the month.
