Student Flats and Apartments
Most big cities have blocks of flats which are for students only. Every floor has different apartments, shared by groups of students. Each student has their own bedroom, but will share the bathroom, kitchen and living room. Student flats / apartments tend to offer smaller bedrooms than you would find in a student house, and you will usually find that you have more housemates too: it is not unusual for twelve people to share student apartment facilities.
A student apartment has its advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, there are more housemates, which offers you more chances to meet people but also increases the number of people with whom you could potentially argue! It is important to set and adhere to ground rules, and remember that you will have to reach compromises if everyone is to be in agreement. You may find that you have more freedom in a student apartment than in a student house, because your neighbours are less likely to complain about late-night noise or regular parties. However, each apartment and each block of flats is different and you should always aim to respect the rules if you want to avoid problems.
In The Netherlands there are places where several blocks of student flats / apartments are situated on one site, for example in Utrecht in 'De Uithof' or 'Uilenstede' in Amstelveen. In these complexes you will often find additional services on offer, such as large bicycle sheds, car parks or even a small grocery shop. Often, these complexes are not very clean. However, there may be a group of students who organise cleaning initiatives to improve the living standards for everyone. If you volunteer to join in you can help improve standards and earn brownie points from your fellow residents!
How does it work?
Many student flats / apartments are owned by student property organisations. To get a room you will have to register, whereupon your name will be added to a waiting list. You will be offered a room as soon as one is available, but the waiting time will depend on demand: some students wait up to a year for a room. Before you are asked to sign the contract you will be given the chance to see the room and meet your housemates. You are allowed to refuse the room if you do not feel that it meets your requirements, but you may find that you slip back down the waiting list if you refuse too many rooms or appear to be too fussy.
Average rent for a student apartment: €300
Advantages
Housemates: it is very easy to meet people.
Costs: it is possible to share running costs, for example the internet and telephone bill.
Disadvantages
Housemates: you may find it difficult to adjust to living with others or have difficulties with the other tenants.
Privacy: student flats are often noisy and you may find that you have to spend a lot of time in your bedroom if you value your privacy.
