Housing

As you prepare for your study abroad adventure, one of the key things on your to-do list is finding a cozy place to call home. You'll be in charge of arranging your own accommodation, so before you depart to the Netherlands, make sure you've got this sorted (even if it's just temporary). Given the current housing shortage in The Netherlands, it can be a bit tricky to find a place. That's why we recommend starting your search at least 5 months before your study programme begins. But don't worry, we're here to help! We've mapped out 6 different routes to guide you in finding a place to stay:

1: VHL international student housing

VHL facilitates student housing through an official accommodation partner in Velp. They offer furnished rooms to international students which you can rent for one year. Some of these rooms will be accessible from early August, while others from 1 October. Rooms are assigned through a lottery. There's approximately a 50% chance of being allocated a room, so it's not guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to keep searching for housing on your own. If you are assigned a room in October, you may need to arrange temporary accommodation (e.g., through Airbnb) for five weeks as the introduction weeks will take place in the last week of August.

Do you want to sign up for a spot in the VHL international student building? Email [email protected] to let us know and don’t forget to mention your student number.

Click here for an overview of the process, deadlines and details of the room offer.

2: Apply for a room at SSH&

SSH& is specialised in student housing in Arnhem. Once you have a completed profile, you can enter the lottery system for available rooms.

3: Use Facebook groups

Many students find housing via Facebook groups. Great options are offered here, but it’s also a place where scammers are active. Feel free to check with us if an offer is legit. The best pages are:

• • Facebook group VHL students Velp
  • Student rooms Arnhem Velp
  • Rent a house in Arnhem
  • Rooms in Arnhem
  • Rooms and studios Arnhem

4: Check private housing agencies

The following housing agencies offer student rooms in the area of Velp/Arnhem:

• • Kamernet.nl
  • Kamer.nl
  • guesthousenijmegen.nl
  • Alvast
  • Huurwoningen.nl
  • Rentsy.nl

These housing agencies will charge fees for their services or will work with paid membership accounts which cost around € 30/month. Check the terms and conditions before you register. Did you find another agency that is not on this list? Do check in with us for advice to verify their legitimacy before making any payments.

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

5. Hospi Housing

VHL cooperates Hospi Housing, a platform that brings together hosts and students. A host is a person, couple or family who has a spare room in their house to rent out.

6. Use the Goin' App

At VHL, we have our own social networking app: Goin'. With this app, you can connect with other students even before your arrive in the Netherlands. Through the app, you can meet your future classmates, make friends with similar interests, and chat with current students who are willing to answer all your questions, for example about finding a place to live. Once you are admitted, you will receive a link to register for the app. 

Avoid getting scammed

Be aware of scammers on the housing market. Red flags are not wanting to do a call or video call (only contact per email or WhatsApp) and not allowing a (online) viewing of the room. So never transfer money for a deposit if this is the case. Feel free to ask us for help if you are not sure, we’re happy to give advice.

Housing hacks

• The earlier you apply, the more choice you have.
• Almost 50% of students find their room through friends and family. So tell everyone you are looking for a room!
• 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. 
• 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.
• Check StudyinNL or Arnhem Student City for general information about finding a room.

Questions?

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