0 Student halls of residence in Amsterdam

If you’re exploring accommodation options and considering a student residence in Amsterdam, this article is for you! Here are all the details you need to keep in mind about residences, addressing their advantages and disadvantages, distinctive characteristics of private residences versus university residences, strategies for finding an affordable residence and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

The first thing we want to highlight is that in Amsterdam, and in the Netherlands in general, there’s a very evident shortage of accommodation. You have to do the search and book as soon as possible!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Amsterdam

These are some of the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in student dorms in Amsterdam

They have heating included in all spaces of the building. This is very important: remember that winter in the Dutch city is very cold, and you’ll even see snow!
Both the cost of heating, electricity, water, and other basic services are included in the rental price.
They are normally located near the university campuses of Amsterdam, and in the neighbourhoods of Amsterdam Nieuw-West and Weesperzijde.
Within its price different services are included. Among the most common are 24-hour security and free bicycles depending on availability. And, sometimes, they can also have room cleaning service, change of sheets and towels, and even breakfast included.
It’s an ideal way to meet people in a city where you’re alone upon arrival. In addition, they usually host students from different parts of the world, which allows you to live your experience in a multinational and multicultural environment.

Cons of living in student dorms in Amsterdam

Finding a place in residences in this city is usually very complicated due to the shortage of accommodation.
In some cases, although not the most frequent, they aren’t furnished with the basics to move into. For this reason, you’ll have to take care of getting a bed, wardrobe, desk, and other furniture that you want in your room when you arrive. Sometimes they are furnished, but bed linen and towels aren’t included.
You have to share common spaces with a large number of students, so you’ll have to stay in your room to have a little peace and quiet.
Unfortunately, some residences don’t have the necessary maintenance so that everything is in good condition.
Living with so many people can affect your concentration in studies. Try to avoid FOMO to do well in classes!

Private student residences in Amsterdam

You probably expect to find many residences in this wonderful city, but, due to the scarcity of accommodation in the Netherlands, this isn’t the case. However, you’ll find some private residences where you can apply for a spot. Remember that the demand for this type of accommodation is very high and the availability is generally not enough, so you should start your search as soon as possible.

There are two types of accommodation you can choose from in private residences in Amsterdam. On the one hand, there are the single rooms, which can have a private bathroom or share it with residents of other rooms, and with access to the shared kitchen. On the other hand, there are the studio apartments with a private kitchen and bathroom. These have a higher cost because they offer more privacy.

One of the characteristics that distinguishes residences from private apartments the most are the different facilities and amenities that they offer. Among the common areas that you’ll be able to enjoy in private residences in Amsterdam, there are usually some such as: patio with tables to enjoy the outdoors, gym, games room (with some like ping pong or billiards), lounges for studying and coworking, seating area with sofas and television, and a bar or cafeteria. There’s also usually a washing machine room with an ironing area, so that you can wash your clothes whenever you want.

Among the services that they can offer are: free bicycles, monthly cleaning of room and sheets, and breakfast. Furthermore, all of them include 24-hour security, maintenance, and cleaning of the common areas.

University student halls of residence in Amsterdam

With the term “university residences” we mean those offered by the universities in Amsterdam. You should know that, in the Netherlands, universities aren’t allowed to own accommodation. Therefore, university residences are not an option in the Dutch capital.

However, there are some institutions that have agreements with private residences in which accommodation is offered for a limited time and to a very small number of students. Keep in mind that the requirements to be able to access a place are several and the allocation of accommodation is done through a lottery system. In addition, students who have AES, ASTS or AMS scholarships have priority if they apply within an established deadline.

University Residences of the University of Amsterdam

As we indicated above, it doesn’t have its own residences. Nevertheless, it offers some places in residences with which it has an agreement, although the requirements to be able to get one are various. In addition, they are very limited and it’s very difficult to access one.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Amsterdam, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Amsterdam

In the Erasmus Play search engine, you’ll be able to compare between the different verified and available residences in the Dutch city easily! You can filter by price, accommodation type, and included features. This makes finding your ideal residence very simple. Besides, through our platform you’ll be able to make the reservation completely online and safely. Do it as soon as possible! This way you take the worry out of finding accommodation in Amsterdam and can take care of other details of your exchange, such as researching whether you prefer to buy a second-hand bike or rent one when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Amsterdam

How much does a student residence in Amsterdam cost?
The cost of residences is generally between €500 and €900 per month, always depending on the type of room and what’s included in that price. The advantage is that most include the costs of services in that price.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Amsterdam?
Yes, there are scholarships available for students who want to stay in student residences in Amsterdam, and one of the most popular options is the Erasmus scholarship for exchange students. This scholarship can help cover accommodation and living expenses during your stay in Amsterdam, although the specific amount may vary depending on the student's country of origin.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Amsterdam?
In general, the minimum cost of a room in a private apartment is lower than the minimum cost of a room in a student residence in Amsterdam. This is due to several factors. The residences offer a greater number of services and common areas that can be enjoyed, and are fully furnished. In the case of cheap rooms in private apartments, the most common thing is that they aren’t furnished and that you have to incur extra expenses when moving in. In addition, residences usually include all service costs and private apartments do not.
When to book a student residence in Amsterdam?
It’s advisable to start the process well in advance, ideally several months before your planned move-in date. Once again, we remind you that in the Netherlands there is an obvious shortage of accommodation, so demand usually far exceeds supply.
Are there male and female university residences in Amsterdam?
The truth is that the most common thing is to find mixed residences in the Dutch capital. However, we remind you that the type of accommodation offered in them is usually single rooms (with or without a private bathroom) or entire studio apartments just for you. That way, you’ll have privacy and can share the common spaces whenever you want.