UU Reserved Accommodation Programme for Exchange students (February 2027)

Utrecht University has reserved accommodation with housing provider SSH Short Stay for new international UU exchange students. Please note that availability is limited and that securing housing through the programme is not guaranteed.

  • Availability is limited

    Due to the high demand for housing, anticipate that you might not be able to book reserved accommodation. 

  • Fixed rental period

    The rental agreements have a fixed start and end date. It is not possible to extend the contract or to cancel the contract prematurely.

  • One semester only

    Erasmus/Exchange students who start their studies in February can apply for one semester only.

Conditions

  • You plan to enrol as an (Erasmus) Exchange student per February 2027 for one full semester;

  • You do not currently live, nor have previously lived in the Netherlands;

  • You agree to the fixed rental period. The lease cannot be terminated early, nor can it be extended.

Reserved housing: SSH Short Stay

The UU Reserved Accommodation Programme has reserved furnished rooms and studios for Exchange students with housing provider SSH Short Stay. 

SSH Short Stay is located at various international student residence buildings in Utrecht and Zeist. All SSH residence buildings are within travelling distance of the various university buildings and Utrecht city centre. You can find more information on the different SSH Short Stay buildings on the SSH's Utrecht University Short Stay page.

  • Types of housing

    SSH Short Stay offers private studios, private bedrooms and shared bedrooms, all furnished with basic furniture, such as a bed, wardrobe, desk and chair. Internet is provided by SSH Short Stay. With the exception of the SSH Short Stay private studios, all SSH Short Stay units have shared facilities (kitchen/bathroom). Like in all common areas, good tenancy is expected with regard to nuisance and cleanliness. Read more about what is expected of tenants in the Netherlands.

  • Rental period

    There are two different rental periods to choose from (depending on availability):

    • 4 February 2027 until 6 July 2027

    • 4 February 2027 until 16 August 2027

    Please note that the SSH's rental periods do not necessarily cover entire semesters; educational activities may be planned before or after the rental period.

Rent and other costs

Monthly rent including utilities

Shared bedroom with shared facilities: 440 - 583 euros
Private bedroom with shared facilities: 662 - 841 euros
Private studio with private facilities: 752 - 1008 euros

Registration costs

Free

Reservation fee

113 euros

Tax fee

21% VAT over combined rent

First payment

2500 to 4500 euros - due within 24h of booking

Bedding package (optional)

83 euros

Cleaning fee (one off):

Varies

Rent allowance

Not possible

When and how to apply

There is a limited number of SSH Short Stay rooms and studios reserved for Exchange students. For a chance to book any of these accommodations, you need to sign up for the housing lottery. To apply for this lottery, please follow the steps in the checklist below.

Housing lottery checklist

20 October - 26 October

Sign up via the housing lottery sign-up form between 20 October 2026 11.00 am CEST and 26 October 2026 11.00 am CET (link to form will be posted here). If you miss the lottery sign-up deadline, it will not be possible to enter the lottery (no exceptions).

20 October 11 am onwards

After signing up for the lottery, please create an SSH Short Stay account (link will be posted here). Select Exchange under type of student and Spring semester 2026-2027 under housing period. Your account will then be reviewed for eligibility: if you are eligible, your account will be put on hold.

27 October onwards

Make sure your SSH Short Stay account has been put on hold; this means you are eligible. You can check this in your My SSH account under My details - My SSH Short Stay registrations. 

27 October

The lottery takes place on 27 October 2026. That afternoon, you will be informed about your spot in the lottery and the next steps via email.

3 November onwards

Depending on the lottery outcome, you will be let into the SSH Short Stay booking portal to book available accommodation on one of the following dates:

  • 3 November 2026, 11am CET
  • 9 November 2026, 11am CET
  • 17 November 2026, 11am CET
  • 24 November 2026, 11am CET

Your exact booking time slot will be communicated to you on 27 October 2026. For more information about the actual booking process, please visit the SSH Short Stay website.

Cancellations

Students can cancel their booking up to four weeks (28 days) before the start of the rental period via My SSH. The first payment minus a 106.50 euro cancellation fee and the 113 euro reservation fee will then be refunded. Visit SSH’s Help Center for more information.

The information on this page can be subject to change and no rights can be derived from the information. To stay informed, please regularly check this page for updates.

Questions?