Introduction: The Search That Never Ends
If you're a student trying to find a place to live in the Netherlands, you've likely faced endless scrolling, unanswered emails, and sky-high prices. The shortage of student housing isn't just frustrating — it’s real, widespread, and growing.
Whether you're moving to Utrecht, Amsterdam, Groningen, or The Hague, you're not alone. Thousands of Dutch and international students are struggling to find affordable, safe, and available places to live. But there are ways to make your search more effective and less stressful — and platforms like Huisly can help.
What’s Causing the Student Housing Shortage?
1. More Students Than Ever
The number of students in Dutch universities has grown significantly — especially international students. With thousands coming from abroad each year, the demand for housing far outpaces supply.
2. Not Enough Affordable Rooms or Studios
Social housing providers can’t keep up with demand, and private landlords often focus on higher-paying tenants. Student-friendly housing like rooms and small studios are increasingly rare, especially in major cities like Utrecht.
3. Slow Construction and Bureaucracy
While universities are expanding, new housing developments for students lag behind. Municipal rules, zoning laws, and resistance from local residents often delay or block projects.
How Bad Is the Situation?
- In Utrecht, there’s an estimated shortage of over 5,000 student units.
- Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Groningen face similar or worse numbers.
- Students report waiting months for a spot in student dorms, or paying €700+ for a small private studio.
- Many end up living far outside the city, commuting long distances to campus.
Common Housing Types for Students
Understanding the options can help you make better decisions:
Housing Type
Pros
Cons
Student dorms
Affordable, social environment
Long waiting lists
Shared apartments
Cost split with roommates
Less privacy
Private studios
Full independence, ideal for focus
More expensive, high demand
Host families
Cultural exchange, affordable
Limited availability
If you're looking for a studio for rent in Utrecht or a student room in Rotterdam, filtering by housing type helps target your search.
How Students Can Boost Their Chances
Start Early
Begin looking months before your program starts. Some listings go live in spring for September move-ins.
Expand Your Search Area
Cities like Amersfoort, Nieuwegein, or Hilversum (near Utrecht) offer better availability and lower rents — with decent public transport links.
Use Huisly to Your Advantage
Huisly collects listings from dozens of platforms, including Funda, Kamernet, and Pararius. That means:
- You don’t have to check 10 sites separately
- You can filter by location, price, housing type, and availability
- You'll see real-time listings without missing opportunities
- Whether you’re searching for a studio te huur Utrecht or shared housing in The Hague, it’s all in one place
Huisly is built to save students time — and help them avoid scams and fake listings.
Staying Safe in a Tight Market
Housing shortages attract scammers. Watch out for:
- Listings that ask for money before viewing
- Offers that seem “too good to be true”
- Landlords who refuse to show ID or lease documents
Huisly helps reduce your risk by only showing verified listings from major, reliable platforms.
Conclusion: Don’t Give Up — Get Smart
Yes, the student housing shortage in the Netherlands is serious. But if you understand what’s happening, prepare in advance, and use the right tools, you can absolutely find a place that fits your budget and needs.
Even in a difficult market, there are still hundreds of opportunities — you just need to know where to look and how to act quickly.
Searching for student housing in the Netherlands? Use Huisly to see every verified listing from the top housing platforms — all in one place. Studios, shared flats, and more — made for students, simplified for success.