HOUSING IN UTRECHT

Finding housing is often the most stressful part of moving to a new country and this is particularly true if that country is the Netherlands, with the ongoing housing crisis.

This is especially tough on international students who have to navigate a foreign and complicated housing market, often from abroad. Coupled with the numerous Dutch students also searching for housing and the anti-international attitude prevalent in most shared housing, it can easily turn the excitement of moving abroad into a tiring and frustrating ordeal. No matter your situation, whether you are searching for the first time or looking to move, the advice in this article can hopefully help alleviate some of the stress and aid you in your search for accommodation.

Beware of Scammers

Before getting into the details of finding housing in the Netherlands, it is important to emphasise caution in your house hunt. Unfortunately, scammers preying on desperate accommodation-seekers is not a rarity in the Dutch housing market. So it's important to keep some things in mind before starting your search. First, if an offer looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Studios and rooms in the city center do not come cheap, and an ad that says otherwise is likely a scam. Second, it is a good idea to be wary of ads that lack information or apparent landlords who give only vague details and unclear responses. Finally, do not pay for anything upfront without being able to see the room or apartment. If you are searching from abroad and unable to view the room in person, then viewing it through a video-call is a good alternative. Anything that can assure you the accommodation is real and the landlord is legit. Remember that being scammed is a reasonable fear to have, so if a landlord is very defensive or does not understand your concerns then this is a red flag.

Where to look?

There are many different platforms through which to search for housing in Utrecht. Kamernet is a site which advertises rooms, apartments, and houses. Funda and Parasius are other housing sites, although dedicated to apartments and houses. Joining facebook groups dedicated to housing in Utrecht is another option. SSH offers rooms specifically dedicated to students, and also includes rooms reserved by Utrecht University for international students. ‘First come first serve’ is the basis of university and student housing, so it's important to be early in your search if you would like one of these rooms. Another option is Hospi Housing, which is a site that matches room-seekers with local hosts. Do not remain limited to Utrecht either, oftentimes searching for accommodation in surrounding towns and villages can be easier and more affordable, and commuting is relatively simple by bike and public transport. Should you seek to find housing outside of the city but within cycling distance, Bilthoven, Lunetten and Houten are good places to start.

Student houses vs student accommodation

As already mentioned, some housing providers cater to students specifically. This includes university accommodation. Often this housing will either be small self-contained studios, or rooms in a shared apartment. On the other hand, there are also student houses. These accommodations are normal houses or apartments shared among students, and can be found advertised on sites like Kamernet or Facebook. It can be hard for international students to find accommodation in these kinds of houses, as many are for Dutch students and specifically state “no internationals,” but this is not always the case, and it is possible to find international houses as well.

Housing Ads

When looking at advertisements for accommodation in Utrecht, some information to be aware of is: length of stay, possibility of registration, “hospiteeravonden,” and furnishing. With regards to length of stay, it is important to check the length of the accommodation offered. Many rooms in Utrecht are rented out on a short term basis while their occupants are away for holidays, internships or exchanges. It is important to be able to register at your address if you are staying in the Netherlands, as without proper registration you will not be able to receive your BSN number, and not all rooms allow for this.

“Hospiteeravonden” means “hospitality evenings,” and will be a common feature on advertisements for shared and student accommodation. On the given date, you, and occasionally other potential tenants, will meet with the residents of a house and get to know each other. This is a good way to find out if you will be a good fit for the house, so it’s important to be yourself and not let your concern for finding housing blind you to potential personality or behavior clashes that could make your time in the house miserable.

Above all it is important to not get discouraged or lose hope. Finding housing in Utrecht is definitely a struggle. Sometimes you may have to stay in a hostel for a few weeks or move during your time in Utrecht, but this is normal and something many students have dealt with moving to the Netherlands. If you persevere and keep the above advice in mind, then finding great accommodation is possible!

Cheap ways to do sports in Utrecht!

The Dutch are obsessed with football, hockey, and especially ice-skating. Did you know that in the 2014 Winter Olympics the Dutch won 23 of the 36 speed skating medals? It is considered to be the single most dominant performance by a country in any sport, at any Olympics.

Even though your studies and social activities might take up a lot of time, it is worth investing time in sports because it will improve your overall quality of life. So even the most diligent students and night owls can benefit from taking the time to enjoy sports. Joining a sports club will not only improve your physical health but also give you the opportunity to make new friends. Most clubs organise many social events on the side to help you connect with fellow sports enthusiasts!

Where to do sports in Utrecht?

You can do almost any sport that you want in Utrecht. Sports Center Olympos is the place to go if you want to do sports as a student in Utrecht. Olympos is situated at The Uithof and offers many different sports to students. For only €160 per year, you can do unlimited group lessons like yoga or boxing Some lessons require a small extra fee. Still, prices are very low compared to regular sports clubs, especially considering the amount of