In the Netherlands, the organization of student accommodation differs from that in many other countries. Students are expected to find their own accommodation on the private market, as universities do not provide housing for incoming (exchange) students.
In Groningen, the best student city in the Netherlands, finding accommodation can be quite challenging. Therefore, we would urge you to take responsibility for finding accommodation independently to ensure you find the most suitable option for yourself on time. Below, you will find a few different websites which could aid you in your search for accommodation. Especially have a look at the subsection Hospiteren, since this is the most common way for students to find housing in the Netherlands.
At Home in Groningen
At Home in Groningen is a website of the municipality in Groningen, on which new available rooms offered by trusted landlords will be posted regularly. The website provides you with all information you need about finding accommodation in Groningen, your legal rights, neighbourhoods, and financial matters.
Hospi Housing
Hospi Housing is an organization that matches students to a host or guest family. You will have your own private room and shared facilities like a kitchen and bathroom. Hospi Housing has a big network of verified hosts and guest families. You can apply and use their platform for free. Hospi Housing collaborates with the Municipality of Groningen.
On room.nl, you can find an overview of the accommodation that Lefier offers. Lefier is a non-profit housing corporation, which has a large and varied offer for students in the city of Groningen.
SSH Student Housing
Through SSH, an organisation that is funded by the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, you can apply for a room. SSH offers furnished accommodation in Groningen for new international students up to the first 12 months of their stay in Groningen. SSH acts as an intermediary in finding temporary accommodation for international students.
The Village
The Village is an international student complex in Groningen. Find out more on their website.
The Student Hotel
The Student Hotel offers fully furnished rooms with a lot of included services.
Huurwoningen.nl
Huurwoningen.nl is the biggest independent rental website in the Netherlands, where landlords can advertise their property. You can check out their Facebook.
Gruno Verhuur
Gruno Verhuur has housing located at Helperpark 302, it provides 32 fully furnished short-stay studios and apartments located in close proximity to the city center. The housing specifically designed for international students and expats who come to Groningen for 6 months or less. You can check out the website grunoverhuur.nl!
RentSlam
RentSlam is a website on which you can find checked, reliable links to offered rental properties.
Ghuus
Ghuus is a website that gives an overview of available accommodation of multiple housing corporations in Groningen.
Housing Anywhere
Housing Anywhere is a website for exchange students who would like to rent a room in a Dutch student house from a Dutch student that sublets its room. Only students can post advertisements on this website (so no landlords) and all advertisers are verified.
Kamernet
Kamernet is a website that is used by Dutch students as well as landlords to give an overview of all available rooms. Most of the rooms on this website are not furnished. To be able to access the rooms that are available you will have to create an account that will allow you to view and reply to the rooms. You can check out their Facebook page here.
Facebook
There are multiple pages on Facebook where students post their room, either temporarily or for a longer period. Some rooms are left furnished, whereas others are empty.
Student Housing Groningen and Groningen Housing are two examples of useful Facebook groups.
Hospiteren
“Hospiteren” is a common practice in Groningen where prospective tenants visit a student house to meet its occupants and potentially secure a room. This allows both parties to get to know each other and see if they are a good fit. When searching for housing through platforms like Kamernet or Facebook, it’s important to understand this process. Students in Groningen often have a say in choosing their housemates rather than the landlord. Therefore, when reaching out to potential roommates, it’s essential to craft a friendly and informal message about yourself. Share details such as your interests, field of study, preferences for roommates that you might have, and any other relevant information. Be authentic and genuine while showcasing your qualities. This increases your chances of being invited for a viewing or a “hospiteeravond” (an evening to meet potential housemates). If you’re reaching out to a landlord directly, a more formal approach may be suitable.
We wish you good luck finding a room & hope you have a great stay here!