FOR A ROOM

STEP 1: ROOM SITES

Now you have decided to study at the University of Twente, is it time for the next step: Finding a room. It is definitely recommended to find a room in Enschede. This is a must for many students, given the travel time, but also if your parents live nearby, finding your own room is worth it! You only really experience student life when you live in student accommodation!

Student House

Most rooms in Enschede can be found in student homes. As the name suggests, these are homes where only students live. These homes come in all shapes and sizes: quiet, active, clean, dirty, mixed, or only students of one gender. In other words, plenty of choice. You must also choose between a home on campus or in the centre of Enschede. The campus is nearer to the lecture halls and the sports facilities; the city is nearer to the shops and the nightlife. But above all: the atmosphere is different. So, take a good look around to see what appeals to you most.

TIPS!

Ask questions

Do not only try to just answer, but also ask questions yourself. Obviously about the home in general, but also about the life of the residents. This is especially fun during the introduction round. In addition, to learning as much as possible about the home and the residents, you will also come across as interested and social. In general, a home wants a new housemate with whom you can have a nice conversation and a conversation must of course come from both sides.

Start looking for a room early

Choosing a room is very important, so take your time. Also keep in mind: students also go on holiday! It would be perfect if you could move in one week before the Kick-In but paying an extra month to ensure you have a roof over your head, might be worthwhile.

Right. Now we have convinced you, you will think: How do I get a room? This starts on one of the room sites mentioned on the previous page. These sites contains adverts for student rooms, where the student homes present themselves. Here you must carefully look for a room in a home that you like. Found it? Then you are ready for the next step.

STEP 2: RESPOND

Now it is time to present yourself. You usually get a room in Enschede when it suits both sides. You must like the home, but the home must also like you! To be invited for an interview to apply for the room, you must send a nice message in which you present yourself. Please keep in mind that each home will probably get dozens of e-mails, so make sure yours stands out! If the home likes your message, they will invite you for an interview to apply for the room. In general, this means that you will have a quick talk (20-60 minutes) at the home. During this interview, the home and you will see whether you fit inside the home. To give you a small advantage, you will find some tips below for your interview.

Be on time

But not 10 minutes early! Most homes have several interviews in a row, and they therefore appreciate it if you stick to their schedule. If you have to travel far and you are afraid of a delay, ask for a telephone number; so, you can call the home if you are running late.

Make a good first impression

Come well dressed, alone (leave your mother at home or in the car) and introduce yourself politely to all housemates when you enter.

Join the conversation

An evening where you apply for a room obviously begins with introductions and asking each other questions. It often happens – especially if you are the fifth person looking for a room – that you continue with an ordinary conversation after this. This does not have to be about you or the home but can also be about everyone’s holiday or a strange story someone has heard. If you cannot talk about this, ask some questions. At such a moment, the home will best notice the difference between a person joining the conversation and a person who is just sitting there.

Expect strange questions

During an interview to apply for a room you may occasionally get the strangest questions thrown at you, such as: “What do you see in the wallpaper pattern?”

The residents do of course understand that you do not have a prepared or sensible answer for this, but that’s the whole point. They just want to know how you respond to questions other than, “What are you studying?”.

Be honest

Of course, you want to sell yourself to a home, but: the truth will always come out. This is of course a cliché, but: be yourself. Being honest about difficult eating habits or other weird customs is usually appreciated. And you never know, they might remember you because of your weird story...

Don’t be put off

You and the home should be a match. There is a good change that the first home where you apply is not immediately a perfect match. You are really no exception if you only find a home after applying 5 or 10 times. Being rejected is of course not nice, but fortunately there are plenty of rooms to choose from, so just send another message!

It must come from both sides

A home must like you, but one thing is even more important for you personally: you must like the home. Ask yourself whether this home can be the perfect base for you to explore student life. A nice house is the best start you can wish for your future student life.