0 Student halls of residence in Rotterdam

Are you going to study in this city and think about living in student residences in Rotterdam? In this article we tell you everything you have to take into account when doing your search: the advantages and disadvantages of living in this type of accommodation, facts about private and university residences, the best way to find cheap options and answers to the most common frequently asked questions.

A very important detail that you have to keep in mind when planning your stay in Rotterdam is that there’s a very significant shortage of accommodation in the Netherlands. For this reason, one of the best things you can do is start your search as soon as possible! Likewise, once you have decided on your ideal accommodation, make the reservation as soon as you can.

Now, let's go with all the most important details about student residences in Rotterdam.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Rotterdam

Below you’ll find some of the most notable characteristics of this type of accommodation in the Dutch city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Rotterdam

You’ll have the possibility of living with Dutch students and young people from other parts of the world. This creates an enriching and multicultural environment.
They offer services that make the lives of their residents easier, including cleaning, maintenance, and security. Furthermore, as it’s very common to use a bicycle for transportation in the Netherlands, some also offer free bikes according to availability.
Among the common areas there are usually living, study and game rooms, laundry, gym, and TV or cinema room.
They are all well equipped, especially with heating to spend the winter and autumn comfortably. Remember that, in Rotterdam, temperatures in the winter season average 3ºC. You’ll be very grateful to be able to live without worrying about being cold!
It's a great way to meet people as soon as you arrive in Rotterdam, so don't be afraid of feeling lonely.

Cons of living in student dorms in Rotterdam

It’s usually very difficult to get a place due to the high demand and shortage of accommodation in the Netherlands.
Some of them, despite being private, give priority to students from certain universities.
Normally the residences have more rules of coexistence compared to private apartments. They may have restrictions on the use of common areas, schedules and invitations from outsiders.
With so many residents, there’s always something going on or something fun to do. This can be a disadvantage if you find it hard to concentrate on your studies and you get FOMO easily.

Private student residences in Rotterdam

It’s true that in this Dutch city there isn’t a wide variety of student residences to choose from. However, you’ll find some private ones where you can request your place. One thing to keep in mind: some of them, despite being private, are only available to students of certain institutions, so you have to pay close attention to whether you can apply for a place (if not, you can sometimes get on a waiting list anyway in case there are extra places).

Most residences offer studio apartments or single rooms with a private bathroom. Their cost is a little higher than if you had to share both the bathroom and the kitchen, but they provide much more privacy. This way, you can decide when you want to spend time alone and when you want to enjoy the common areas with the other residents.

In fact, the residences usually have facilities which aim to make the stay more enjoyable and fun, as well as generate community among residents. Among the most common are: living room with sofas and television, study and coworking room, gym, cinema, lounge area, games area, library, a small store for essential products, among others.

This type of accommodation also offers several services to its residents. All include cleaning of the common areas, 24-hour security and maintenance of the building. In addition, some may have other services, such as free bicycles or monthly cleaning of the room or apartment.

University student halls of residence in Rotterdam

With the term “university residences” we refer to the accommodation options associated with academic institutions in Rotterdam. As in other parts of the Netherlands, universities in Rotterdam are not authorised to own or manage student accommodation directly, which means that traditional university residences are not an available alternative in this city.

However, some universities in Rotterdam have established agreements with private residences to offer accommodation to a limited number of students for defined periods of time. It’s important to keep in mind that access to these accommodation places is subject to various selection criteria, and allocation is typically done through a lottery process, which can limit the options available to many students seeking accommodation in the city.

University Residences of the Erasmus University Rotterdam

This institution has agreements with some private residences, with which it offers accommodation places to only approximately 25% of its students.

If you want to know about the accommodation near Erasmus University Rotterdam, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Rotterdam

One of the best places to find affordable student residences in the Dutch city is in our Erasmus Play search engine. You can filter by price, accommodation type, and other features that are important to you! That way you can see the available and verified residences that you can rent for your stay. Once you find the ideal one for you, you can book online and safely through our platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Rotterdam

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Rotterdam?
To live in a student residence, you must be enrolled in a recognised educational institution. Other requirements may include a minimum of academic credits per semester, the presentation of financial documents that prove your ability to cover the rent, and, in some cases, going through a selection or lottery process. Additionally, it’s common for a security deposit to be requested before moving in.
How much does a student residence in Rotterdam cost?
Prices can vary considerably, depending on location, services included, and type of accommodation. Generally, the monthly cost ranges between €500-€1,000, with more luxurious options that can exceed this range. This range includes basic rooms in shared apartments to individual studios with additional services such as cleaning and gym.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Rotterdam?
The cost of a room in a private shared apartment in this Dutch city can vary widely, but it’s usually a cheaper option compared to student residences, especially those run by private entities. Student residences may offer additional services included in the price, which may justify their higher cost.
When to apply for a student residence in Rotterdam?
The ideal time to apply for accommodation in a student residence in Rotterdam varies, but it’s advisable to do so as soon as possible, preferably several months before the start of the academic semester. Many residence halls begin their application processes at the beginning of the year for the fall semester, so starting the applications between January and March can improve your chances of obtaining a place.
Are there male and female university residences in Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, as in many cities in the Netherlands, student residences tend to be co-educational, reflecting the country's policy of equality and inclusion. It’s not common to find exclusively female or male university residences. Most housing options are designed to be inclusive and welcome students of all genders, fostering a diverse and enriching environment.