Step 4: Research different accommodation types

Room (‘Kamer’ in Dutch)

Renting a room is going to mean sharing a kitchen, bathroom and usually a living space with others. While it’s uncommon at the Design Academy, you can find ‘studenthuis’ accommodation in Eindhoven – large houses where up to 20 students live together, however often these are Dutch speaking. Rooms in houses shared with Design Academy students and graduates will often be shared on Facebook.

Approximate Cost: €300 - €500/month incl*

Studio

A studio is a single person apartment, meaning you have your own kitchen, bathroom and bedroom and all of these are contained within a single space. The self-contained nature of this means you can receive the Huurtoeslag (Housing Allowance) from the Gemeente. Be aware that the Huurtoeslag will only cover you up to a certain price and is dependent on age. For 2023 you can use this calculator to see how much you would be entitled to in Housing Allowance.

Approximate Cost: €500 - €1200/month incl*

Apartment (’Appartement’ in Dutch)

An apartment is recognised for being able to house a number of people. If you rent an apartment, double check with the person renting to you how many people are able to register there. Usually only two people can register (and for more than two a property needs an environmental permit to deviate from the zoning plan). If you live alone in an apartment you will be able to receive the Huurtoeslag. If you live with others, but you have your own bathroom, kitchen and door, you may be able to receive the Huurtoeslag. If you live with others but share facilities and spaces you will not be eligible for the Huurtoeslag.

Approximate Cost: € 600 - € 1500/month incl*

*all estimations aim to take into considerarion the price of utilities - water, gas, electricity, and waste - however due to the energy crisis in Europe at the moment, these figures are erratic. It is recommended that you ask during discussions with landlords and agencies what you can expect in terms of utility costs.

Rooms and apartments in the Netherlands are measure in m2. Keep in mind the following simple measurements to understand how large the room you are looking at is - A single bed measures around .75m x 2m (1.5m2). A double bed measures around 1.5m x 2m (3m2).

More information on the Huurtoeslag can be found here – Huurtoeslag (belastingdienst.nl)

Emergency Solutions

In the past there have been students who have lived in holiday campsites and tents far outside of the city. These are emergency solutions and not conducive to studying.