Universities in the Netherlands usually do not provide foreign students with traditional on-campus accommodation. The foreign students, which are following education at Dutch universities, usually live at student rooms in a shared with other students apartments.

As a rule the universities have the furnished rooms for foreign students at special student apartments or in the private sector.  Sometimes student accommodation is arranged by special Dutch organisations, which responsible for student housing and are appointed by universities.  The booking is regulated through the international department of the university, or appointed housing organisation as soon as the application form is obtained.

First year Bachelor or Master programme students usually use service of university housing organisations. Bachelor students after finishing of first year look for a housing by themselves. For those who would like to search for accommodation themselves, check these websites: easykamer.nl, kamernet.nl, DUWO.nl.

What kind of housing do universities provide?

The accommodation usually consist of the room which is also a dormitory. There is a shower, a toilet, a kitchen and sometimes even a living room. All these facilities are shared with other students.

An approximate price for a room in the Netherlands starts from €250 and up to €600 per month. Most of the time gas, electricity and Internet are already included in the rent. It is necessary carefully read the rental contract. It may happen that a tenant is expected to pay for gas, water and wi-fi separately.

It is also a possibility to choose a furnished or unfurnished room. Furnishings can include just a bed and a chair or a fully-equipped room with a desk, arm-chair and washbasin among others.

Some universities offers are inclusive catering possibility. In this case the price will be calculated and dependent on the duration of programmes.

Work during studies

The students, studying in the Netherlands, are allowed to work. There are some different regulations for citizens depending of country of origin.

• students from the EU/EEA countries (excluding Bulgaria and Romania) or from Switzerland can work in Holland during studies without any work permit. 
• there are the following restrictions for citizens of Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland and any country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland: they need to have a work permit and allowed to work or 10 hours per week maximum or instead have full-time in June, July and August. In this case the students must buy one of the Dutch basic healthcare insurance police.

How to obtain a work permit?

Application for a work permit for you should be submitted directly by your employer to the organisation that decides on work permits (UWV Werkbedrijf).