Accomodation

Dorms, private housing, shared appartments which one is best for you and why?

Here we will explain each option and walk you through the application process, from prices and avoiding a scam to which papers you will need.

If you would like more information you can check the housing section on our website:

Student Dorms

We reserve approximately 220 rooms per year from Stichting Studenten Huisvesting (Foundation for Student Housing, SSH) for incoming international students.

These dorms provide a private room and shared amenities with 1 or 2 other students. Water, gas, electricity and internet are included.

Dorm rooms are only available during your first year as a student, whether you do a bachelors or a masters.

To reserve a dorm room you must:

1. Create an account at sshx.nl and wait for approval, to be approved you must show:

  • Proof of enrollment or conditional letter of admission.
  • Passport

2. Once your account has been approved you will be informed of the date that reservations open, beware of the date and time as rooms are reserved very quickly!

3. Once you have chosen and reserved your room you must pay the first and last rent within 24 hrs.

  • Contracts are available for 1 year or 6 months.

All International students are eligible for a dorm room you can apply if you are coming to the Netherlands to do a bachelors, masters or even if you are coming for an exchange.

Student dorms locations:

Robert Baeldestraat

Erasmus International House

Hatta Building

Private Housing

Private housing is your alternative option for housing in Rotterdam.

RUAS doesn't mediate with these providers, however here are some helpful links and information on how to avoid scams, what neighbourhoods are best and what you should look out for when searching for apartments online.

Avoiding scams:

When looking for apartments, there is always a risk that you might run into a scam, especially if you haven't arrived in the Netherlands yet and can't see the apartments in person, here are some things you can do to avoid being scammed:

  • Reverse Google search the apartment's images, copy a picture and place it in the google finder to check that the apartment is indeed in Rotterdam and owned or managed by the person you are contacting.
  • Check the user's credibility: you can do this by checking that the user's profile on the website is verified or asking for additional information like a personal website or verified customers.
  • Never send money abroad or before you have seen the apartment, although you might be looking to rent the apartment before you arrive, it is best that you do not send any money or personal information beforehand. To avoid being in this situation we advise you to use private housing companies that are verified or make time to come to the Netherlands before so you can see the apartments in person.

Documents needed for private housing:

Many agencies and tenants will request some documents before you can rent an apartment in the private market, these are some of the documents they could request:

  • Passport/ Visa
  • Proof of enrollment at University (if apartments are for students)
  • Proof of Income (if you are financing yourself independently)
  • Guarantor letter (if your parents are financing your stay, this is a letter that is signed by your parents stating they bear the responsibility of paying your rent)

Housing benefits:

Depending on your income and housing situation, you might be eligible for housing allowance, this is a monetary help from the government for people who live alone have a relatively low income and a high rent.

You are not eligible for benefits if you live in the dorms!

For more information on housing benefits click here:

Links to alternative housing providers:

Neighbourhoods of

Rotterdam:

Kralingen:

This neighbourhood is very popular among students and young families.

10 mins away by bike from the Erasmus campus and 10 mins away from the centre this area is very convenient.

Rent here is €500-€600

It is also where the SSH dorms are located.

Blijdorp/ Noord:

Another family neighbourhood, this area is quieter as it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the north, nonetheless, you will be in Rotterdam centre in 10 mins by bike and at the Erasmus campus in 25 mins by bike. This neighbourhood has beautiful parks and is also a favourite for students.

Rent here is €400-€600

Centre:

The most convenient location when it comes to transport and stores, however, it is very expensive and not many students live here.

Rent here is around €500-€800

Rotterdam West:

A multicultural neighbourhood that is conveniently located. This neighbourhood has a very mixed crowd and is full of supermarkets, restaurants and international stores. It is 20-30 mins by bike from the RUAS campus and 10 mins to the centre. Some areas like Delfshaven are very picturesque whilst some others like Marconiplein are quite busy and industrial. The cost of rent here is €450-€600. Rotterdam Zuid:

Perhaps the cheapest neighbourhood in Rotterdam, Zuid is an up and coming neighbourhood with many housing options, the neighbourhood is still being built and developed so a lot of construction is happening here. It is a bit further away from the RUAS campus: 30-40 mins by bike and the prices range from €300-€600. Schiedam:

This neighbourhood is officially not a part of Rotterdam but it is a great option for many students as the neighbourhoods are family-oriented, quiet and the cost of rent is lower. On average rent here is around €300-€500. The best transport option is metro and you will be at the RUAS campus in 40mins or in the city centre in 15 mins.