Spread your chances:

Do not rely on one platform, listing or lead. You will likely have to go through a lot of rejections on different platforms before even being invited to a viewing. Also, do not blindly rely on UvA Student Housing to provide you with a room – if you choose to apply, you are participating in a lottery, and housing is not guaranteed. It is therefore crucial to start searching for housing independently before you get your lottery result. Do not put all your eggs in one basket and do not be discouraged by failed attempts.

Use your network:

Inform friends, family, and university contacts about your housing search. Use your social media (Instagram, LinkedIn etc.) to spread the word that you are looking for a room. Consider reaching out to your (future) study organization or faculty to see if they can get you in touch with more students.

Be proactive in your search:

Join groups and create accounts on numerous different housing platforms, and set up alerts so that you get notified when new room listings are posted. React to listings daily and as quickly as possible. Make sure to have a standard introductory message ready to send to potential landlords or roommates.

Use local Dutch platforms:

Some popular housing platforms in the Netherlands (like Kamernet.nl, Pararius.nl, Huurwoningen.nl) might not always have English versions but offer more listings than international platforms. Use translation apps if necessary, as many landlords list only in Dutch. It can also help to learn some basic housing-related Dutch vocabulary.

Expand your search area:

Consider housing in nearby towns, such as Diemen, Haarlem, Zaandam, Amstelveen, Almere, Purmerend, Hoofddorp, Utrecht and more. Public transport in the Netherlands is generally well-organized, and compared to other capital cities, the commute time from these towns is very acceptable (i.e. < 1 hour). Competition and rent prices are likely a bit less in these towns, whereas commute time and transportation costs will be higher.

Manage your expectations:

Do not expect a room with canal view in the city centre of Amsterdam for an affordable price. Start with an imperfect room if necessary – it’s better to look for a housing upgrade once you’re already in Amsterdam rather than having no place to stay at all.

Start planning your move early:

Think about whether it is feasible for you to arrive earlier in Amsterdam to avoid the peak of incoming international students. Most students are trying to move to Amsterdam in July and August, so competition will be high in these months. The ASVA Student Union provides general information and tips for renting a roomExternal link in Amsterdam, and can act as a mediator between students and landlords. They also provide guidelines on what to consider when viewing a room. For more information, check out their websiteExternal link.

• If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Do not transfer money before a viewing (especially via Western Union or PayPal). Always check the apartment and make sure the keys work, before handing over large amounts of money. If you cannot go visit the room yourself, see if you can ask someone else to help.
• If you cannot go to a viewing in person, ask for a live video tour instead of a pre-recorded one. Scammers often reuse photos or videos, and live calls are harder to fake.
• Research advertised photos via Google reverse image search.
• Google the landlord and address. Always good to read some reviews. And look for a KvK-number (check their registration with the Dutch Chamber of CommerceExternal link).
• Always ask for a contract. That gives you more security and will also be necessary to register with the municipality.
• Be aware of illegal subletting, as this may affect your rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not allow registration, it’s likely that the room is an illegal sublet.
• Be wary of illegal fees. Examples of illegal fees are: agency fees, disproportionally high administration fees or contract fees. A deposit of one or two months’ rent is usually required. This is refunded if you leave the property in good condition.
• Keep written proof of communication. Communicate via email or messaging apps where conversations are recorded. In case of disputes or scams, this can be important evidence.
• If in doubt, check your rights. The tenant support agency !WoonExternal link is specialized in providing confidential and free legal advice.
• The Dutch Student Union (LSVb) has a Housing HotlineExternal link. Here you can ask questions regarding housing and voice your complaints.
• CollegeLife offers The Complete Guide to Student HousingExternal link, with a wealth of information on how to find housing, what rental contracts typically look like, and also how to avoid scams.
• TenantHeroExternal link is an AI tool that helps you to understand your rental contract.

If you are coming to Amsterdam for only 1 or 2 semesters as an exchange student, it might be even more challenging to find housing. Here are a few important things to keep in mind during your search:

• Furnished rooms are not very commonly offered on the private housing market. Most offered rooms are unfurnished.
• Temporary housing contracts for just 1 or 2 semesters are not very common, as Dutch law restricts temporary contracts. You might have more luck finding a sublet for this timeframe rather than a ‘normal’ room.

During the Spring semester (February-July), less exchange students come to Amsterdam than during the Fall semester (August-January). If you can, try to arrange your exchange during the Spring semester. You will have a bigger chance of finding a room, even through the UvA Housing lottery.

Housing platforms are an essential way to find a room. However, with a complex and everchanging housing market, it is not possible for us to present a list of housing platforms where success is guaranteed.

We only list a few providers and websites that we know are trustworthy as we have some form of partnership or agreement with them. We urge you to do your own research on other suitable websites and platforms, as the search for accommodation is ultimately your own responsibility. We also strongly advise you to first check out our tips on how to avoid scams.

ROOM.nlExternal link

ROOM.nl is a waiting time-based platform; the waiting time for a room on average is around 2,5 - 3 years. It is beneficial for all incoming students to apply as soon as they have received a student number – please consult the ROOM registration page to apply directly and find additional information. Due to priority regulations for international students, this waiting time can be shortened. Please do note that these priority rooms are different from the rooms offered via the UvA housing lottery, so be sure to read the information on their page closelyExternal link.

Studentenwoningweb.nlExternal link

Studentenwoningweb.nl is a waiting time-based platform, with an average waiting time of 2,5 - 3 years. Please check the Studentenwoningweb registration page for more information on how to apply.

Student ExperienceExternal link

Has multiple locations in Amsterdam. Creating an account is free of charge. You can then sign up for fully furnished studios that are allocated through a lottery system.

OurCampusExternal link

Offers self-contained studios and apartments at their location in Diemen with several additional amenities. Registration requires a one-time fee of €100, with an estimated waiting time of 12-14 months.

The Social HubExternal link

Has two locations in Amsterdam. Offers fully furnished rooms with a private bathroom and shared kitchen. You can subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates, news and offers.

CasaExternal link

Offers short-stay rooms from October to June every year. The waiting time for these rooms is currently around 2 years.

HousingAnywhereExternal link

An international housing platform for students and trainees. Rooms, studios and apartments are offered by verified private landlords and by outgoing students. Sign upExternal link to receive a UvA profile, a discount for their platforms fee, and priority access to the listings. For more information, please contact vip@housinganywhere.comExternal link.

RoomplazaExternal link

Offers flatshares for students. You can apply as an existing group of roommates, or use their find-a-flatmate tool to form your own. They charge a one-time registration fee of €35.

Hospi HousingExternal link

Hospi Housing is the biggest platform for homestay in the Netherlands. They offer a free-to-use platform with hundreds of verified hosts and guest families. Hospi Housing does not charge any registration fees, you only pay a one-time fee if you found a successful match.

KamernetExternal link

Offers a large number of rooms. You need to have a personal profile to respond to room adverts. They charge a fee for membership (Premium Membership 1 month: €34).