Commercial parties
If you have not been allocated a room by the University, and have not succeeded in finding accommodation with one of the non-commercial parties, you will need to find one on the private market, with one of the commercial providers. Because the number of students in Amsterdam exceeds the number of rooms available, this can be difficult and time consuming.
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Commercial agencies and private landlords
Commercial agencies offering houses or rooms must be registered with the Amsterdam authorities. They are allowed to ask only a reasonable registration fee. If they are not able to offer you a house or room within four months, your registration fee will be reimbursed. If they do find you a room, you must pay for their services. This amount also has to be reasonable.
Room agencies
We advise you to be careful when applying to a room agency. If in doubt, you can go to the ASW office (Amsterdams Steunpunt Wonen) for information and advice.
You can find a room by checking the websites listed below, but also by checking the local papers or advertisements in the grocery store.
Before a viewing
Before you visit a rental property, it is important to prioritise what you are looking for in terms of price, location, size and so on. During the viewing, carefully inspect the condition of the room and the facilities available and make sure everything meets your needs. Unfortunately, rogue landlords are common.
Condition of the room
During the viewing, look carefully at the condition of the room (check for proper insulation, possible mold/water damage, signs of vermin) and the facilities available (heating, kitchen, bathroom, etc.) in order to determine if it meets your needs. Don't go to a viewing alone, and don't pay anything until you have made clear agreements in writing.
Official contract
Illegal subletting of social housing is common. Make sure that you will get an official rental contract which you will need in order to register with the municipality.
Student rooms
Many rooms are rented out in Amsterdam. If you are renting a room, you usually have a room for yourself and you share the kitchen and bathroom. There are a number of websites that advertise student rooms.
Temporary rooms
Please be aware that these sites provide a searchable database for temporary rooms only. They are not housing agencies. Kamernet offers a large number of rooms online. You need to pay a membership fee in order to respond to room advertisements. Studentenkamers provides similar services.
Student Hotel
The Student Hotel in Amsterdam West offers students fully furnished rooms with a private bathroom, shared or private kitchen, high-speed internet access (WiFi) and a flatscreen TV with international channels. Included in the price is your own bike, use of the gym, study rooms, lounges and game rooms. The Student Hotel has a reception with 24-hour security, a laundry room and a restaurant/bar.
Rooms at The Student Hotel can be viewed and booked online for one or two semesters. Rooms can also be booked by the week or month.
Students for Students
Students for Students provides listing of rooms owned by private landlords. They charge a 10 euro registration fee and a commission when you find a room through the website.
Airbnb and other online platforms
Airbnb and Wimdu are websites for people who want to rent out their lodgings, from a room in their house to an apartment, for a very short time (a weekend or week). The hosts themselves may be present during your stay.