/Media/Q0untygp/Logo Brave Ones
Join our talent pool

Fantastic Houses and Where to Find Them

18-11-2024
IMG 6202

Gabriel

Group 20960 (1)

Fantastic Houses and Where to Find Them

Welcome, international students, to the charming yet sometimes baffling world of housing in the Netherlands! Here’s a light-hearted yet informative guide to help you navigate the quirky Dutch housing market without losing your sanity (or your deposit).

 

Where to Start Looking

First off, let’s talk about where to find housing. You have a few options:

1. University Resources: Many Dutch universities offer housing services for international students. This is like asking your mom to make your bed – convenient but not always available.

2. Online Platforms: Websites like, Kamernet, Huisvinder, Rent.NL, Funda, and Pararius are like the Tinder of housing – lots of options, some great, some… not so much. Swipe carefully!

3. Social Media: Facebook groups and expat forums can be gold mines. It’s like a treasure hunt but for apartments.

4. Real Estate Agents: They know the ropes, but remember, they’re not your best friends, so get ready to pay up.

 

What to Look Out For in Housing

Now, let’s discuss what to look out for:

1. Location, Location, Location: Prioritize accessibility to your university. Living next to a cheese shop sounds dreamy until you realize it’s a two-hour commute to class.

2. The Condition of the Property: Dutch stairs can be steeper than your learning curve. Make sure you can actually get your furniture (and yourself) upstairs without defying gravity.

3. Contracts and Legal Stuff: Read your contract like it’s the last piece of stroopwafel left on Earth. Understand what you’re signing up for.

Lesly Scott Bcffgftx M4 Unsplash

Tips and Tricks When Looking

Here are some tips and tricks:

1. Start Early: Like, yesterday early. The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the less moldy apartment.

2. Budget Wisely: Remember, you’ll need money for more than just rent. Like those impromptu trips to Amsterdam or that bike you’ll inevitably have to replace.

3. Network: Talk to seniors or alumni. They might have leads or at least some entertaining horror stories.


What Makes Good Housing

Good housing in the Netherlands is like finding a four-leaf clover. It should be:

1. Dry and Warm: Essential, unless you enjoy living like a character from “Frozen”.

2. Safe and Secure: You should worry more about passing exams than burglars.

3. Functional: Check for good plumbing, heating, and maybe even a view that’s not just your neighbor’s bathroom window.


Avoiding Scams: Be a Detective

Scams in the housing market can be as common as rain in the Netherlands. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Never Pay in Advance: If someone asks for money before you’ve even seen the place, run.

2. Too Good to Be True: If it looks like a palace with a price tag of a shed, it’s probably a scam.

3. Check the Landlord’s Credentials: Make sure they actually own the place and aren’t just some random person who found the keys.

General Tips

Whilst Facebook is the easiest place to find Housing, it is full of scams, one tip for easily identifying them is:
Marcus Loke Wqjvwu Hzfo Unsplash
  1. If they look too good to be true, they probably are.
  2. Check the seller’s profile, if they have multiple posts either of the same place or multiple properties and they are not real estate agents they’re probably a scam.
A lot of the housing sites might ask you to pay up front, one of the most reliable sources is Kamarnet, however if you’re being asked so pay check online for reviews.
Final Words of Wisdom, remember, finding housing in the Netherlands can be a rollercoaster – thrilling, a bit scary, but ultimately a memorable part of your international student adventure. Arm yourself with patience, a good sense of humor, and a willingness to dive into the Dutch way of life. Veel succes (good luck)! 
CAN A2 5

Short term housing in Nijmegen

Group 20960 (1)

Fantastic Houses and Where to Find Them

Marvin Langer Lxukvvo3f10 Unsplash

Writing the Perfect Email