Housing

Are you planning on moving to Arnhem, Enschede or Zwolle to study at ArtEZ? All three cities have much to offer. However, in the Netherlands, students do not live on campus, and ArtEZ does not provide housing. Finding housing is your responsibility.

If you arrive without a permanent place to live, you may need to stay in hotels or hostels (if there is space). This can be very expensive, inconvenient and stressful. Make housing your top priority and be aware that the search is often long and difficult. On this page you will find useful tips to help you get started.

Housing crisis

There is currently a housing crisis across the Netherlands. The number of available rooms in Arnhem, Ensschede and Zwolle is far too low for the demand. Please take this situation seriously and start your housing search months before you arrive.

If you have not arranged permanent housing before you travel, and none of the options work out, ArtEZ cannot provide you with a place to stay when you arrive.

Housing tips

The Dutch Student Union (LSVb) has a helpful section on their website about housing. Here you will also find the Housing Hotline. The Housing Hotline provides a place for (international) students to ask questions regarding housing and voice their complaints. Think about finding an accommodation, prices, tenant’s rights and other questions about housing.

Another recommendation is to listen to the podcast below before starting your search. Three students share their experiences of looking for a room in the Netherlands. They discuss all the key issues you need to know. After listening, you will have a realistic picture of the housing situation and what steps you need to take to secure accommodation before you arrive.

Listen to the podcast here:

Tips for finding accommodation

Affordable housing in Arnhem, Zwolle and Enschede is scarce, so start your search early. Consider rooms in nearby towns. If you live outside the city, keep in mind the extra travel time and travel costs.

- Near Arnhem: Ede, Velp, Rhenen or Ede
- Near Zwolle: Deventer or Kampen
- Near Enschede: Hengelo, Almelo, Oldenzaal or even Gronau (Germany – non-EU students should check if their visa allows this)

A temporary room (1–3 months) can be a good option to start with. Some students even stay in a chalet or bungalow on a campsite until they find something permanent.

Facebook is a widely used platform for finding accommodation. Try keywords such as Kamers te huur Enschede/Zwolle/Arnhem to find housing groups. Most posts are in Dutch. Be careful though – scams are common.

Some commercial websites charge a one-time or monthly payment fee to apply for rooms. Paying these fees can increase your chances. A list of websites is included at the end of this page.

Tips to avoid rental scamming

Unfortunately, students - especially international students – are often targeted by rental scams. Scammers can be active on any platform that advertises accommodation. Keep these tips in mind:

- Always check if the address of the property really exists.
- Compare the photos in the advert with Google Maps Street View. Do not trust the advert if they don’t match.
- Do not visit a property alone – take someone with you.
- Always arrange a viewing in person or via video chat. If a landlord cannot show you the room, treat it as a warning sign.
- Never transfer money to a landlord who claims to be abroad and will post you the keys.
- Always get a receipt for any deposit you pay.
- Make sure you understand your tenancy agreement. For more on your rights as a tenant, check the website of the student union.

Tips for viewings

In some buildings, residents have the right to choose new roommates themselves. This is called the vote-in system. Residents often invite a few candidates to a viewing and then choose their new roommate.

If you are invited for a viewing, here are some tips.

Facts about housing in the Netherlands

- Rooms are 10–24 m². This may be smaller than you are used to.

- Men and women to live together in shared houses.

- You may need to share facilities such as the shower, toilet, kitchen, living room.

- Most rental contracts run for at least six months to a year.

- The average room costs €400–700 per month, but prices can be higher due to the housing crisis.

- The deposit of the room can be one- or two-month’s rent, and you pay it before moving in.

- Costs for electricity, gas and water are often included in the rent.

- Additional costs may be charged for internet and services such as a shared washing machine.

- Most rooms are unfurnished.

Housing websites