Housing
Housing is limited
The Netherlands has a nationwide student housing shortage. This means that it is a struggle to find accommodation for Dutch and non-Dutch students alike. Prepare for a long, stressful and at times frustrating process. It is key you reserve a room at the earliest possibility, but at the same time be aware of scammers that take advantage of the high demand for student housing. We discourage you coming to the Netherlands if you don’t have a (reserved) room at least a month before your study programme starts. As you most likely won’t find housing in time.
Living in Utrecht as a student
Students make up a considerable part of Utrecht's population. The bustling student life adds to the city's appeal, but it also means that finding a place to live is a real challenge. Unlike other countries, it is not common for Dutch universities to provide student housing on a campus. Instead, students need to arrange their own housing in or around the city. This can mean renting a room in a student house, reserving rooms with external housing agencies or renting through private owners.
Quick facts
- You can expect to have your own room with a shared kitchen and bathroom.
- Some student housing options offer cheaper shared rooms.
- Most students don't live in studio apartments as they are in limited supply and are very expensive
- Rent can be anywhere between € 450 and € 1,100 per month.
- Bigger student flats often have units of around 12 rooms with two showers or bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living room.
- In smaller or unofficial student apartments you could be sharing a flat with up to 5 other students.
- You can expect a room to be anywhere between 7m2 and 20m2. Rooms near the city centre are usually smaller and more expensive.
Registration with municipality
Everyone staying in the Netherlands for longer than 4 months will need to register their address with the municipality. Though you may not be able to get an appointment straight away, make sure to contact the municipality where you will be living within a few days after arrival.
More information on what to do after arrival, alongside other practical information, can be found in our Welcome Magazine: Preparing for your stay.
Accommodation before the start of term
Most student rooms will be available from either 1 September or 1 February. If you’re lucky, you can move in a little earlier. If you have booked a room with SSH, they will inform you when your room will be available.
Will you be arriving before your rental period starts? Make sure you book temporary accommodation to bridge the gap. Again be advised: book as early as you possibly can.
You can start by looking at the suggestions below: