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Hallo! If you’re planning your exchange or studies in Groningen, you’re probably looking for accommodation. Here we provide you with all the necessary information about student residences in Groningen. Discover their advantages and disadvantages, the differences between university and private residences, how to find affordable options, and find answers to students' most frequently asked questions. Let's get started!
One of the first things you need to bear in mind is that there’s a severe shortage of accommodation in Groningen (as in many other cities in the country). That’s why both previous students and the universities strongly recommend that you start looking for accommodation and make a reservation as soon as possible. The closer you get to the start of term, the more competitive the market becomes!
Below we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing:
There are several private student residences available in this Dutch city. These residences are located in different neighbourhoods. For example, some are in the city centre, while others are in surrounding neighbourhoods such as Zernike. All of them are designed to provide easy access to the universities and the centre of Groningen, allowing students to easily enjoy everything the city has to offer.
As for the type of accommodation offered by these residences, the most common are studio flats and one-bedroom flats. This means that both the bathroom and kitchen are for private use for each flat. In some residences in Groningen, you’ll also find single rooms, which usually have a private bathroom. In this case, the kitchens are shared with the other residents. Sometimes you can choose between different room sizes, which means more or less space, as well as a higher or lower rental price.
Student residences in Groningen have a variety of communal facilities to encourage community building among residents. The most common areas include study rooms, games rooms, leisure areas with sofas and televisions, and gyms. Some residences may also have a garden or outdoor spaces, as well as panoramic views of the city.
Among the services that are usually included in the rental price are service charges, cleaning of common areas, and building maintenance. However, be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully, as some expenses such as internet or television may incur an additional cost.
An important point to bear in mind is that private student residences in Groningen can accommodate students as well as young professionals and tourists. This means that the atmosphere will not be purely student-oriented, and that there may be a high turnover among the people living there.
In this section, we refer to the residences offered by the institutions themselves in the Dutch city. We should point out that in the Netherlands, it isn’t common for universities to have their own accommodation to offer their students. This is also the case in Groningen, where institutions don’t usually have their own university residences.
This institution doesn’t have accommodation options available for its students. However, it has agreements with the non-profit organisation called SSH studentenhuisvesting, where you can apply for accommodation as a student at this university if you meet certain requirements. For example, they offer some places to international students, although there are conditions such as applying on certain dates and residing there for a season or a full year.
If you would like to know about accommodation near the University of Groningen, check out this article.
On platforms such as Erasmus Play, you can compare different private residences, filtering by price and exploring the most affordable options. You can also check additional features to find the residence that best suits your needs and make your booking securely online. Bear in mind that Groningen is a very popular destination for students from all over the world, so be sure to book your place as soon as possible.
You must be enrolled in an educational institution during your stay. In addition, some residences may request a security deposit and proof of income or a guarantor to cover the rent. It’s common for residences to request minimum rental contracts, which can vary between six and twelve months, depending on the policy of each residence. Please note that you must register with the city if your stay exceeds four months.
The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the location, type of accommodation and services included. The average price is usually between €500 and €800 per month, although the most luxurious options can cost up to €1,200 per month. For example, some residences offer studio flats from €540 per month, while others offer rooms from €690 per month.
There are no specific scholarships to cover the cost of student accommodation in this city. However, international students can benefit from scholarships such as the Erasmus programme, which offers financial support for expenses such as accommodation. In addition, some residences allow international students to access rent subsidies.
It’s essential to start the application process as early as possible, ideally between three and five months before the start of your studies. High demand and limited accommodation make finding a suitable place challenging, especially as the semester approaches. For example, for the semester starting in September, it’s recommended to start your search in April.
They usually include services such as heating, water, and electricity. However, be sure to check carefully because in some cases, Internet access comes at an extra cost. Some residences offer shared bicycles and community events. They also usually include cleaning of common areas and basic furniture.