Rent a room in Rotterdam Rotterdam

As one of the biggest ports in the world, Rotterdam has a strong international flavour, counting nearly 175 different nationalities. This makes it a true cultural melting pot and an interesting city to live in. In Rotterdam you will never get bored. Rotterdam is the second largest city of the Netherlands but due to its many different suburbs, all with their own character, the city feels very personal. Rotterdam is also host to many famous events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), the Rotterdam Marathon and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Rotterdam is the third student town of the Netherlands with approximately 80,000 students (Erasmus University, Hogeschool Rotterdam, INHolland, University College amongst various others).

In Rotterdam most Dutch education institutes only started introducing curriculums in English in the past decade hence finding a good room can be challenging for international students since the supply hasn’t adjusted to full-concept requirements from non-Dutch students

Student accommodation

Some privately offered accommodation is high quality. However, although high quality rooms exist, the quality of many rooms is not attractive. Many private landlords offer small rooms with old furniture in dated buildings, houses or buildings, including potential safety issues. ISHR has consistently rebuild all its houses and made them purpose-build for high intensity student-usage

Students typically share a house and have their own room (sometimes with balcony), with shared kitchen and bathroom. Sharing a room is not common in the Netherlands and in many cases against municipality rules In Rotterdam there are not many studios.

Most common are a two-room flat (living room and bedroom) or three-room apartment. There are also some larger units that may have been converted in four-room apartment. Student housing with three or four rooms usually requires a permit from the municipality. Please verify with a potential landlord that all housing room rental permits have been received, this will be a key indicator of a trustworthy reliable landlord.

The costs of student accommodation in RotterdamRotterdam

Student housing room rates in Rotterdam start at about € 500 ranging up to € 850. Prices typically depend on location and quality of the premises. Sometimes university operated buildings are cheaper; equally the supply is very limited. Rooms in the Kralingen-area tend to be most expensive even surpassing prices in city centres in many cases. This is because it is considered a very nice neighbourhood while also next to the Erasmus University

The use of gas, electricity and internet / Wi-Fi is sometimes included in the rent. Landlords usually charge a deposit.

Students should ask for a checklist to find out what is and isn’t included in the rent of the room they’re considering. Fully furnished room means that really everything is included, including municipality taxes issued to the occupier. If internet and/or taxes are not included then it is a partly furnished rooms. Unfurnished rooms for international students are uncommon.

You are only eligible for rent benefit or housing allowance from the Dutch government / fiscal authorities / tax service office if you lease self-contained accommodation (kitchen, toilet and bathroom in your room).

Finding student accommodation

Most international students find their place to live on the private market. Private housing market providers offer an endless range of rooms and apartments owned by an infinite number of private owners

You can check on the site of the Erasmus University for some trustworthy private landlords: www.eur.nl/en/education/practical-matters/student-life/housing-international-students/other-accommodation-providers/private-market

Public transportation in The Netherlands is popular and widely available however you’ll find that most people prefer to cycle. In Rotterdam there is a metro stop close to Woudestein campus from Erasmus University. Almost all ISHR houses in Rotterdam (everything in Kralingen and the Lage Land-area) offer access to Erasmus University within 20 minutes max. Some houses (mostly the ones in Rotterdam Zuid) have easy access to the tube.

Why choose ISHR for student rooms in Rotterdam?

All bills included
Tailored locations
Value for money
Short or long stay
No agency fees
Easy to book
Direct from owner
Caretaker cover