Flatshare in Rotterdam

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Rotterdam

Here are the pros and cons of living in a shared flat in Rotterdam:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Rotterdam

• Sharing a flat gives you a larger budget to live in more convenient neighbourhoods, like Kralingen or Rotterdam Centrum.
• Locals are used to the presence of international youth in the city. If you have a Dutch roommate, you can enjoy their hospitality and maybe even learn some Dutch!
• You’ll live with other young people who want to share new experiences and make the most of their stay in Rotterdam.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Rotterdam

• The demand for rooms and shared flats exceeds the supply, especially at the start of the academic year, So you should start your search as early as possible. You can use Erasmus Play for safe and online booking.
• Sometimes it’s difficult to make all colleagues comply with the rules, especially when it comes to the cleaning schedule and order.

Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Rotterdam

To make your Erasmus experience smoother, use the Erasmus+ apps available. These apps provide essential information and instructions for necessary procedures before, during, and after your Erasmus exchange to Rotterdam. You'll also find insights into the local culture and must-try dishes like kibbeling (battered fish with sauce), rijsttafel (a typical rice dish), and erwtensoep (pea soup).

How to meet people in Rotterdam

One of the easiest ways to meet people in Rotterdam is to live in a shared flat. This ensures you’re in contact with other young people from the moment you arrive in the city. Here are some other ways to connect with people:

Student associations in Rotterdam

One of the best-known associations in the city is ESN Rotterdam, which helps international students settle in and integrate. Universities like Erasmus University have various student organisations for different interests, including international students, different religions, sports, art, and culture.

Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Rotterdam

Many university international offices in Rotterdam have Facebook groups where you can solve doubts and connect with other students. ESN Rotterdam and various university courses, like Business Administration or Economics, also have their own Facebook groups.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Rotterdam

Some associations and Facebook groups often create WhatsApp groups to help students connect easily. These groups are great for asking questions, offering help, and meeting new friends in the city.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Rotterdam

Keep these tips in mind for sharing accommodation in Rotterdam:

• In this Dutch city, it’s common to find apartments where all residents are of the same sex, either all women or all men.
• Biking is huge in the Netherlands. You can easily get around by bike or public transport, so don't hesitate to rent accommodation a bit farther from the city centre.
• Every year on April 27, King's Day is celebrated, commemorating the monarch’s birthday. The whole city turns into one big celebration with different activities. In Rotterdam, there are three different festivals on this day, so you won't run out of things to do!

Frequently Asked Questions about sharing a flat in Rotterdam