Finding a home can be a challenging and lengthy process. With the information on this page we want to help you by explaining the most important procedures and offer you tips and help for finding a home in Amsterdam.
Housing shortage in The Netherlands
There is currently a housing shortage throughout the Netherlands, and this affects our international student body most of all. In normal conditions, finding housing in Amsterdam is a competition against other students and expats, however at present this is exacerbated by the national housing crisis that has been ongoing the Netherlands over the past years.
It is strongly recommended to begin your search for a new home as early as possible. In September, as the academic year begins, finding housing is extremely difficult. It is advised that you begin your search in April or May and register online as soon as possible with various student housing providers. You do not have to be a student to do this. Unfortunately, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie only provides limited temporary accommodation for international students only.
Housing from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie
In cooperation with DUWO, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, offers a limited number of student housing units in Amsterdam-West for incoming international students. DUWO is a non-profit organization that builds, rents and manages affordable student housing in various cities throughout the Netherlands. A total of 86 upholstered studios with private bathroom and kitchen are available for the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, which are distributed among our exchange students, bachelor's and master's students and students of the Preparatory course. These studios are only intended for international students who are moving to the Netherlands from abroad and do not yet have a residential address in the Netherlands. Do you currently already live at an address in the Netherlands? Then you are unfortunately not eligible for these housing units.
After admission, all prospective international students will receive an email invitation to apply for our housing offer. The Gerrit Rietveld Academie charges a fee of 70 euros to cover the student housing costs. Bachelor students can only rent a studio for their 1st year of study, which is why they are also required to register with Room.nl to increase their chances of housing after that first year. The other target groups will receive a studio for the duration of their studies at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie.
In the assignment of the studios, students from outside the EEA have priority. The remaining studios will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Important for NON-EER students
In the end, it is important for every student to register at the address where you’re living but it is even more important for non-EER students because this also affects your residence permit. If you don’t register at your new residential address in the Netherlands, there is a chance that you will lose your residence permit.
Contact
For questions regarding our housing offer and for advice and guidance regarding other housing issues, please contact our Housing department at the following email address: housing@rietveldacademie.nl. Our contact person is also available in the office from Wednesday to Friday at Student Affairs on the 1st floor, room 130, of the BC building.
Housing websites
There are many websites and groups where you might can find accommodation. Some sites charge a fee. Some sites mainly serve professionals, and some are for students only. In all cases, please be vigilant and watch out for people who are looking to steal your money.
- Register at DĀK StudentenWoningnet (€22.50 for 10 years). There is a waiting list, but if you rent something here you can keep it for the duration of your studies. (English/Dutch)
- Register at ROOM (€35 for 8 years).There is a waiting list, but if you rent something here you can keep it for the duration of your studies. (English/Dutch)
- Register at Ymere and see what short-stay accommodation is available each day. (Dutch)
- Register at ASVA (€15) (Dutch).
- Register at Hotel Casa from October through June (€30) (English/Dutch).
- Share with other students: Facebook group Amsterdam apartments
- Visit OurCampus for student housing in Diemen-Zuid (English/Dutch)
- Register at Kamernet and see what is available each day (English/Dutch)
- Register at Holland2Stay (€23.50, high administrative costs!) (English/Dutch)
- Become a member of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Facebook group
- Register at HiCondo (€25) (English/Dutch).
- Check Socius to see what is available (Dutch)
- Register at VPS.com or call 088 0183800. This is temporarily housing (Dutch)
- Register at Gapph vastgoedbeheer. This is temporarily housing (Dutch)
Be aware of housing scams!
There are always nasty people who take advantage of the housing shortage in Amsterdam. Below is a list of red flags that are reliable signs that you may be in the process of being scammed:
- Is the price too good to be true?
- Does the account post multiple listings in several cities?
- Is the landlord abroad and cannot arrange a viewing?
- Are you immediately referred to a second person?
- Are there signs of non-Dutch power plugs, appliances, brands, food etc. in the photos?
- Does the view outside of the windows look like the Netherlands?
- Is the apartment perfect in every way? (Close to amenities, fully furnished, good price, etc.)
- Do they request payment via Airbnb?
- Do they pressure you into paying?
One approach to discover the validity of a rental is to use Google Image search for the photos that you have been sent. If these photos show up on a different listing, it’s likely that they are fraudulent. Do not pay any money before you have signed a contract and received the keys!