Student House

In The Netherlands most students live in a student house. Student houses are privately-owned houses which were renovated to make them suitable for students. They may be houses with only a few bedrooms or larger complexes with many individual rooms on different floors. Every student has his or her own room but shares a bathroom, kitchen and possibly living room with the other residents. Although the majority of residents will be students, some people choose to live in this type of communal housing even when they have begun working. Campuses are not common in the Netherlands, and so you should not expect to find accommodation on-site at the University.

When living in a student house you will need to take the house rules into consideration. New tenants sometimes struggle with the rules and habits of the household, but you will usually find it easy to adapt over time. It is not always easy to live with 'strangers', and it is important that you establish and follow ground rules, such as using only your own crockery or cleaning the kitchen on a rota. Living in student house has great social advantages: it makes approaching fellow students easier and is a good way to extend your social network.

When one of the tenants wants to move out of a smaller student house, the other residents have to choose a replacement housemate. Potential tenants are invited to come over for a so-called 'Hospiteeravond', a 'visit evening', during which they receive information about the house, the other housemates and any house rules. Essentially this is a housemate interview, after which you may be offered the vacant room if you were 'successful'.

How does it work?
You can ask friends and family if they have any ideas for finding a suitable student house, but often the best and easiest way to search for a free room is on the internet. Many Dutch websites offer rooms in student houses. Alternatively you could get assistance from a student housing association, essentially a student organisation which offers advice and information on student properties, and which often either owns student houses or can offer help finding a room in one. It is important to remember however that some student housing associations will have particular regulations which they expect their tenants and/or members to follow.

Average rent for a room in a student house: € 320

Advantages
Housemates: a great way to get to know people and make new friends.
Costs: it is possible to share the running costs of the property, 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.
Costs: a room in a student house is often more expensive than a room in a student apartment.