If you plan to start your studies at Saxion in September 2026, this is the right moment to start looking for housing. Many international students who apply to a bachelor’s or master’s programme in the Netherlands compare universities of applied sciences before making their final decision. At this stage, housing often becomes an important factor when choosing where to study.
Living in the Netherlands
You may already know that the Netherlands is facing a student housing shortage. It is important to understand that the housing situation differs significantly between cities. In large cities such as Amsterdam or Utrecht, rents are high and finding a place to stay can be extremely difficult.
Saxion has campuses in Enschede, Deventer and Apeldoorn, cities where the housing market is generally more accessible for international students. Enschede stands out for its affordability. The rental prices for a room in Enschede start at €425 a month. In comparison, according to the Kamernet Rental Report 2025, the average price of a student room in Amsterdam is about €950 per month.
Housing is closely connected to the overall cost of living in the Netherlands. Rent is usually the largest monthly expense, which is why the city where you study can make a significant difference.
Even though housing in cities like Enschede is significantly more affordable, it is still important to start your search early. On average, students need around three months to find accommodation, so beginning your housing search in time will give you the best chance of securing a suitable room before your studies start.
Student housing in the Netherlands
Most students in the Netherlands live in shared student houses. This means you rent a private bedroom and share the kitchen and bathroom with other students. It is the most common way students live and often helps international students quickly meet people and build a social network.
Another option is a student studio, which includes a private bathroom and kitchen. Studios offer more privacy but are usually more expensive. Because of this, demand for studios is high, and availability is limited.
It's important to check beforehand if the rent includes basic utilities such as heating, water and internet; this depends on the contract. Student rooms are often unfurnished, which is normal in the Dutch housing market.
Prepare your housing search with Saxion
Finding housing in the Netherlands can feel challenging, especially if you are arranging everything from abroad. To support international students, Saxion offers practical guidance to help you start your housing search with confidence.
Our housing page explains how the student housing market works and what steps you can take to find a suitable room. It also helps you recognise reliable offers and avoid common scams.
On this page, you will learn:
• how to find a suitable student room
• how to recognise reliable housing offers
• how to avoid common scams
• which websites you can use to search for accommodation
If you prefer to ask questions directly, you can also join one of our housing webinars. During these sessions, the International Office explains how the housing search works in the Netherlands and answers questions from prospective students.
