Housing

  • General
Studenten zitten aan de gracht in stad Groningen

Finding a new place to live can be difficult, especially when you are moving to abroad for the first time. Every year, 20,000 students, of which 10,000 international students, start their studies at Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen. Almost all these students are looking for an accommodation in the same period, therefore you should start looking for accommodation as soon as possible.

Our advice

Please do not underestimate the challenge of finding accommodation. Start your housing search straight away and make this your top priority before your school year begins. Make sure you have arranged accommodation in Groningen before the 1st of August. If you decide to come to Groningen without a place to stay, you will likely be depending on staying at hostels or hotels for a longer period. This comes with high costs, discomfort and stress. If you do not have a room on August 1st, we advise you not to come to Groningen. 

Tips on how to start your search:

Tips for finding accommodation, how to prepare and start your search:

Find accommodation in Groningen.jpg

Tips for finding accommodation
 

Tip #1: Start your search as soon as possible

Groningen is a popular university city with high demand for student housing. We strongly advise you to start searching for a room as soon as you have received your letter of acceptance.

Tip #2: Use your network

Reach out to friends, social media, and agencies for housing options. Get in touch with students who already live in Groningen. Let everyone know you're looking for housing in Groningen. Also see Tip #6

Tip #3: Don't be too picky

Be flexible with facilities and pricing and don’t be too picky. The average room in Groningen has a rental price of €500,- per month.

Tip #4: Expand your search area

Consider living outside of Groningen. For example, the cities of Assen (15 min. by train) or Leeuwarden (35 min. by train) are nearby.

Tip #5: Be persistent

Finding a room may take months, so don't give up too soon. However, due to the current housing market we do advise you to not come to Groningen if you haven't found a room before the 1st of August.

Tip #6 Use your common sense

Beware of scams and only use official websites and companies for your search. Avoid identity theft: never send a copy of your passport to strangers. Do not send money without receiving a contract or lease. When you do transfer money, the bank account number must start with NL.

Student housing in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, finding accommodation is the students' own responsibility. The university does not own student housing. We do reserve accommodation with housing providers, therefore go to ‘Where to look? in the drop-down menu below. You can find more information about housing in the Netherlands at www.athomeingroningen.nl.

How to prepare and start your search

International student tips.jpg

Are you trying to find accomodation as an international student? Watch the video! Viliam, Elena, Ariana and Nyasha will give you some top tips on how to search effectively and improve your chances.

Where to look?

Contact

  • Housing

    If you have any questions about housing or if you are experiencing problems with finding accommodation, contact our Housing Officer.