Housing
- General
Each year around 20,000 students start their studies at Hanze UAS and the University of Groningen. So finding a room is a massive challenge. We strongly advise you to be prepared: start searching as soon as possible and explore multiple possibilities.
Finding accommodation in Groningen
Student housing in general
In the Netherlands student housing is generally not arranged by the university: it is your own responsibility. Most students rent a room in a shared house or apartment with other students, but you can also rent a room or studio apartment on your own. Student accommodation is usually provided by real estate agents or private landlords who advertise their rooms on various platforms. You can find a selection of these platforms at the bottom of this page.
Because there is a huge housing shortage on the Dutch housing market, we urge you to read the following:
Our advice
Do not come to Groningen if you haven't found accommodation before the 1st of August. If you decide to come to Groningen without a place to stay, you will most likely be depending on staying in hostels or hotels for a longer period of time. This comes with high costs, a lot of discomfort and stress.
Tips for finding accommodation
Tip #1: Start your search as soon as possible
Groningen is a popular university city and the demand for student housing is very high. Start searching for a room as soon as you have received your letter of acceptance. For more information and tips on searching for accommodation, visit athomeingroningen or contact our Housing Officer at [email protected].
Tip #2: Use your network
Use your network to find accommodation. Friends, social media, online platforms. Get in touch with students who already live in Groningen. Contact agencies for rooms on the private market. Let everyone know you're looking for housing in Groningen. Also see Tip #6
Tip #3: Don't be too picky
Of course, you want a large room with a private bathroom and kitchen five minutes by bike from Hanze UAS, preferably for around €200.- a month. Unfortunately, this is not a very realistic scenario. So don't be too picky when it comes to facilities and pricing. The average room in Groningen has a rental price of €414,- per month.
Tip #4: Widen your search area
The Netherlands is a small country, so living outside of Groningen when you can't find a room is a great alternative. For example, the cities of Assen (15 min. by train) or Leeuwarden (35 min. by train) are nearby.
Tip #5: Be persistent
Don't give up too soon. It might take months to find a room. However, due to the overheated housing market we do advise you not to come to Groningen if you haven't found a room before the 1st of August.
Tip #6 Use your common sense
If you are trying to find housing on your own, please make sure to do so through official websites or companies that you can trace. Beware of fraudulent practices and scammers. Avoid identity theft: never send a copy of your passport to strangers. Do not send money without receiving a contract or lease. Do not transfer money, especially if the bank account is outside the Netherlands. If you are using social media to find housing, check the social media profile for any signs of the account being fake. When in doubt, contact our Housing Officer at [email protected].
We wish you the best of luck finding accommodation for your studies at Hanze UAS. If you have any questions about housing or are experiencing problems with finding accommodation, please contact our Housing Officer by e-mail at: [email protected].
How to prepare and start your search
Are you trying to find accomodation as an international student? Watch the video! Viliam, Elena, Ariana and Nyasha will give you some top tips on how to search effectively and improve your chances.
Where to look for accommodation? Some suggestions
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Housing
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