Housing

Finding a place to live

When you study abroad, one of the most important things you have to arrange is your accommodation. Student accommodation in The Netherlands differs from many other countries: most universities do not offer housing on campus and most Dutch and international students find their own accommodation on the private market. Due to the current housing shortage in the Netherlands it can be challenging to find an accommodation. Start looking for accommodation at least 5-6 months prior to the start of your studies. We strongly advise you not to depart to the Netherlands without having arranged (temporary) accommodation.

Where to start

Many private housing agencies offer affordable student housing in Leeuwarden. They offer a range of different furnished or unfurnished rooms, generally costing between €350– €500 a month. In most student houses you will have your own room and share the bathroom and kitchen with other students.

• You can apply for a room at StudentStay, they are specialised in student housing in Leeuwarden. After registration you can select your preferred rooms and submit your application. The earlier you apply the more choice you have.
• Many students find housing via Facebook groups. The best ones are:
  • Facebook group VHL Studenten Leeuwarden
  • Facebook group Housing Market Leeuwarden
  • Leeuwarden Online Garage sale (mainly for studybooks, furniture and household items)
• Housing agencies in Leeuwarden: 
  • Leeuwarden Student City
  • Berendsenkamerverhuur.nl
  • Expatrentalsholland.com     
  • Directwonen.nl
  • Elkien.nl
  • Huurwoningen.nl
  • Hopibon.nl  
  • Housinganywhere.com   
  • Kamer.nl
  • Kamernet.nl
  • Markt058.com
  • Pararius.com
  • Region Apartments
  • Woonfriesland.nl                                                               

Some websites are only in Dutch; we advise you to use the translate option in your browser. 

Housing hacks

• The earlier you apply, the more choice you have.
• Join Facebook groups, check different agencies or sign up with a student association.
• Almost 50% of students find their room through friends and family. So start building your network. Tell everyone you are looking for a room and check with other international students or family members abroad!
• Check whether the rental fees include utilities (water, heating, electricity and Internet).
• It is common for men and women to live together in a shared house.
• Make sure you read your rental contract carefully before signing it. Check what you are allowed (and not allowed) to do in your room. And check who you should speak to if there is a problem. 
• Be aware of scammers on the housing market.
• It’s common to pay for a deposit, however this should not exceed the amount of three months rent. Agencies have to follow Dutch law regulations concerning the deposit.
• More general information about finding a room in The Netherlands? Check Studyinholland.

Waiting list
VHL reserves a small number of furnished student rooms in a building owned by our accommodation partner. The rent (including utilities) is approx. €500 per month and a waiting list is maintained to administer these rooms. Would you like to be put on the waiting list? Then please contact [email protected]. The waiting list offers no guarantees, so always look for a room in Leeuwarden yourself!

Contact

If you have any further questions, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

Are you an OKP Scholarship student or a student from a non-EU partner university?
In that case, housing has already been arranged for you by VHL. You will be contacted via email with more information.