Student Rooms for Rent in the Netherlands: How to Find Accommodation

Finding a student room for rent in the Netherlands can be challenging, especially for those coming from abroad. Demand is extremely high, and supply is limited—particularly in student cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Leiden. But don’t panic: with the right information (and some good timing), it’s totally doable. Here’s everything you need to know to find student housing in the Netherlands.

Start as early as possible (from May!)
As soon as you enroll in university, register right away on the local platforms recommended by your faculty. In many cities, there are agencies specialized in student housing. Access is often based on a waiting list: the earlier you register, the higher you’ll climb in the rankings.

Pro tip: Rooms offered directly by universities or partner housing providers often work on a “first come, first served” basis—and they fill up quickly. Don’t wait for your final admission to start your search. Find temporary accommodation (until October/November) and keep searching for a long-term apartment. Many student rooms become available again during the autumn months.

Don’t rely only on general housing websites
Websites like Kamernet are popular but often feature outdated or duplicate listings. Look for agencies with direct availability, or rely on local partners with access to student apartments for rent in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, or Leiden—you’ll have a better chance of finding a place, and less risk.

Watch out for scams! Sadly, they’re quite common—especially on Facebook or unverified marketplaces. Never send money:

• Before seeing the room (even via video call);
• Without a clear contract;
• If the landlord isn’t verifiable.
  Have doubts about a listing? Send us a screenshot on WhatsApp—we’ll check it out together.

Have contacts in the Netherlands? You have an advantage
If you know someone who already lives in the Netherlands, ask them to view the rooms for you. Landlords usually prefer to meet tenants (or their representatives) in person.

If you don’t have any local contacts, you can:

• Book a few weeks in the Netherlands during summer to look for housing in person;
• Use our HousingBuddy service: a local contact visits the apartment for you, evaluates it, and gives you real-time updates (only for clients and partner uni applicants)

Expand your search beyond your university city
Don’t limit your search to the university city. The Netherlands has excellent train connections—living 20–30 minutes away by train can be cheaper, easier, and just as convenient!

Search every day (yes, really!)
Treat it like a real mission: search every day, respond quickly to listings, and don’t get discouraged. Persistence, speed, and flexibility make all the difference in finding quality student accommodation in the Netherlands.

Need help finding housing?
Yes—but only if you contact us early. Our housing support is reserved for:

• Students who book full-service packages;
• Students enrolled in partner universities;
• Those who reach out in the early stages (October to February).

Unfortunately, we can’t offer effective housing support if you contact us last-minute—platform access and waiting lists open months in advance.