The Netherlands - Accomodation

Overview

Accommodation is a problem for students in the Netherlands, if you can arrange housing through your university this is big plus and this should be you first choice of action. Otherwise as in Australia the most common form of accommodation is a shared house/flat situation. Note that unlike Australia utilities such as gas, water and electricity may be included in the rent so should check this when inquiring. The Dutch term used to denote this is inclusief. The other matter to check is whether the accomodation comes furnished or unfurnished.

A good first port of call when looking for student accomodation is the DUWO student housing site.

Rentals can bemade from the private market, or through notice boards and advertisements you may be able to join an already existing share house.

Tenancy leases are usually for six months or a year.

If you obtain a room through the university it is normally supplied furnished. Booking of rooms will normally be handled via the international office of your university.

Rooms, apartments and houses rented privately will normally come unfurnished.

Costs: In terms of costs €700-800 per month is about the average rate for a 3 room (note not 3 bedroom!) apartment and a share in student house or apartment will be around €320 per month.

Fees in insitutional student accomodation vary, some are charged by the semester, others by the month. Longer stays usually have a slightly lower rate. €350-550 a month is about the range, though some places charge more. You should also check what these fees include and what facilities the room(s) provide and how. Undergraduate style single room accomodation, for example, may not suit you at all.

The Bond: As in Australia it is customary in the private market to pay a bond equal to one or two months rent (the latter is not so usual here) that will be refundable in full when you leave if the place is still in good condition. Beware that some unscrupulous landlords may also ask for "key money" in order to let you the place. This is illegal and you can take legal action to get it back. Make sure you obtain receipts for any money you pay and where possible try and have a witness present when making the initial financial transactions.