Think about your budget:

Start by calculating how much you can realistically afford to spend on rent each month. Make sure to also budget for extra costs such as utilities, deposit, municipal taxes, transportation costs, and general cost of living, as these costs can quickly add up and may be higher in the Netherlands than what you are used to in your home country.

Understand the Amsterdam housing market and housing types:

Your options will most likely come down to rooms in shared apartments, studios, university-facilitated student housing, and anti-squat accommodations.

Research neighborhoods:

Look into different areas in and around Amsterdam. Consider factors such as proximity to campus, accessibility by public transportation, local amenities, and price differences.

Familiarize yourself with various housing platforms:

Begin browsing and learn how different housing websites and platforms work.

Join waiting lists:

If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for multiple years, register in advance on platforms like ROOM.nlExternal link and Studentenwoningweb.nl (only in Dutch)External link, as waiting times can average 2.5 - 3 years.

Create accounts:

Set up profiles on numerous different housing platforms. Consider activating alerts to respond quickly to new listings. Also consider joining relevant Facebook groups and other social media housing communities.

Apply regularly and quickly:

New listings get many responses within minutes, so aim to react as soon as they are posted. Make a habit of checking and applying daily to increase your chances.

Write a strong introduction message:

Prepare a friendly but professional message introducing yourself to potential landlords or roommates. Include key details like your background, personality, and why you’d be a good tenant or flatmate. Keep a standard message ready that you can send quickly once a new listing is posted.

Use your network:

Inform friends, family, and university contacts about your housing search. Post on social media and ask others to share and spread the word. In our experience, most students find a room through word-of-mouth.

Start planning your move:

Think about whether it is feasible to arrive earlier in Amsterdam to avoid the peak of incoming international students in August. The housing market becomes even more competitive closer to the start of a new semester, especially in the summer.

Broaden your search area:

Don’t limit yourself to central Amsterdam. Expand your search to nearby towns like Diemen, Zaandam, Haarlem, Almere, Purmerend, and Hoofddorp. These areas may offer more affordable housing options and less competition.

Apply broadly:

Expand your efforts across more platforms and consider a wider range of accommodation types. You may need to compromise on preferences like location, housing type, or price.

Beware of scams:

Unfortunately, some people are trying to exploit the difficult housing situation in Amsterdam. Always be cautious and avoid transferring money before verifying the legitimacy of an offer. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, and use trustworthy platforms for your search.

Follow up on applications:

If you haven't heard back after applying, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up message. Don’t be discouraged by rejections or silence – it can easily take over a hundred reactions before being invited to a viewing.

Prepare documentation:

Have essential documents ready such as a copy of your ID, proof of enrollment or admission, bank statements, and other important documents.

Use the UvA’s resources:

Attend our UvA housing webinars for tips and insights. Also inform yourself and apply for UvA student housing if you are eligible.

Prioritize securing a place:

Aim to have accommodation confirmed before your arrival, even if it’s not your ideal choice. A temporary room or an accommodation that does not tick all your boxes is better than no housing at all. However, we strongly recommend temporary housing only if you have a long-term plan in place, along with a backup option in case you do not succeed in securing proper long-term housing.

Finalize details:

If you’ve secured housing, make sure everything is confirmed: double-check your move-in date, sign the rental contract, and arrange payments of the rent and deposit (if applicable). Keep all written communication with your landlord or housing provider for your records.

If you haven’t secured accommodation by now, urgent decisions need to be made. The UvA strongly recommends not travelling to Amsterdam without proper housing in place.

Prepare your move and arrival:

If you have secured housing, start organizing your relocation and arrival. Carefully read the information the Upon Arrival pageExternal link.

Intensify your search:

If you still haven't secured long-term housing, continue applying to as many listings as possible every day. Broaden your criteria and consider all housing types and locations within commuting distance to Amsterdam. Explore last-minute short-stay options (temporary sublets, hostels etc.) but only as a short-term solution and if you have a backup plan in place.

Be ready to change your study plans:

The UvA strongly advises against travelling to Amsterdam in case you have not found a proper place to live at least 2 weeks before the start of your study programme. Without the guarantee of a residence, you will likely find yourself in an unsustainable position. You risk having to resort to (expensive) hotels or hostels long-term, or ending up in an unsustainable and potentially unsafe living situation, with that situation likely to last for an extended period after your arrival. You should therefore seriously consider changing your study plans and/or postponing your arrival.

Register your address:

You must register your Dutch address with the local municipalityExternal link within a required timeframe. This is essential for non-EU students, as your registration is linked to your residence; but it is also important for all other students in order to access basic services in the Netherlands.

Inspect the property:

Upon move-in, check the condition of your accommodation. Note any existing damage and keep documentation for your own records.

Make yourself at home:

Settle into your new environment by exploring your neighborhood and locating essential services. Get familiar with daily routes such as your way to class, and get a bike and/or public transportation card.

Begin searching immediately:

Affordable housing in Amsterdam is very scarce, and it often takes months to find a room, so begin your search as quickly as possible. Do not wait until your visa or study enrolment is approved, or until you have received your UvA housing lottery result. If you wait, you might not find housing at all, as competition increases sharply closer to the start of the new semester (especially in July/August).

Get social:

Activate your social network and tell everyone you are looking for a room. Get in touch with current students and study organisations who might know of rooms that are opening up. Use housing platforms and reach out to landlords, agencies, students, anyone who could provide you with tips or leads. Try to find people or organisations that are more knowledgeable on the subject and use their expertise.

Prioritise securing a place:

Aim to have accommodation confirmed before your arrival, even if it’s not your ideal choice. A temporary room or an accommodation that does not tick all your boxes is better than no housing at all. However, we strongly recommend temporary housing only if you have a long-term plan in place, along with a backup option in case you do not succeed in securing proper long-term housing.

DO NOT TRAVEL TO AMSTERDAM if you have not found housing 2 weeks before the start of your study programme:

The UvA strongly advises against travelling to Amsterdam in case you have not found a proper place to live at least 2 weeks before the start of your study programme. Without the guarantee of a residence, you will likely find yourself in an unsustainable position. You risk having to resort to (expensive) hotels or hostels long-term, or ending up in an unsustainable and potentially unsafe living situation, with that situation likely to last for an extended period after your arrival. You should therefore seriously consider changing your study plans.