Living on your own in amsterdam

To ensure the availability of as many student rooms as possible, the UvA is engaged in continuous dialogue with the municipality of Amsterdam, housing associations and other organisations. While new housing is currently being built, finding a room in Amsterdam can certainly be challenging. Demand for student housing continues to exceed supply. Still, it is important not to get discouraged. There are plenty of options out there. Finding a room in Amsterdam starts with exploring the various organisations, landlords and intermediaries.

Get an early start 

If you start looking on time and do your research, you will generally find something before too long. You should also make sure to let all your friends and acquaintances know you are looking for a place to stay; many students find their accommodation through word of mouth.

It is also important to keep in mind that you probably will not find your ideal room right away. While you obviously never know what could happen, you probably will not manage to find an affordable room in a canal-side house in the city centre at the start of your studies. You stand a much better chance of getting a room a little further from the centre. In other words, try not to expect too much from your very first student room.

UvA ‘Kameractie’ (Room Initiative) for first-year Bachelor's students

The UvA KameractieExternal link (Dutch text only unfortunately) is a priority scheme for first-year Bachelor's students with a pre-university education background aimed at helping this group to considerably increase their chances of finding a room in Amsterdam. Click the link below to find out whether you are eligible and learn more about the registration procedure.

Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Landlords are not allowed to charge you additional fees when you sign a rental contract. For example, they are not allowed to charge mediation fees, and you cannot be required to pay key money. Please make sure to do some research in advance so you know what to do if you are charged any fees to get a room. The termination of rental contracts is also subject to numerous rules. For example, your landlord cannot simply evict you, even if you have a temporary contract.

Please make sure you are properly informed about the rental regulations. Click on the links below for more information on the various aspects of rent regulations.

• Municipality of Amsterdam housing information resourcesExternal link (in Dutch)
• Rent subsidyExternal link (in Dutch)
• WoonbondExternal link (in Dutch)
• WWS/Rent CheckExternal link

Accommodation for high-level competitive athletes

Ymere offers 102 flats for students involved in high-level competitive sports at Laan van Spartaan. These accommodations are awarded on the basis of a nomination by Topsport AmsterdamExternal link. If you play sports at a competitive level, feel free to contact them to find out if you are eligible for housing.