Student Accommodation Amsterdam

Finding student accommodation in Amsterdam can be a mammoth exercise. The city is a top student destination, home to leading universities and modern housing options. Therefore, University Living is dedicated to helping you secure the ideal student accommodation in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a growing student city. Studying and living in Amsterdam provides a unique experience. The top universities in the city offer quality education and a vibrant campus lifestyle. Friendly student apartments in Amsterdam offer comfortable and affordable housing options.

Top Demanded Student Accommodation in Amsterdam

Student life in Amsterdam provides a unique opportunity to study, live, and thrive. Amsterdam housing is crucial for every non-EU student in Amsterdam, as it is required to register an address with the municipality to maintain a residence permit. The top student housing options include university halls, private and shared apartments, student housing villages, and homestays. These properties offer furnished housing close to the top universities in Amsterdam.

University Halls

International students in Amsterdam can book university halls within or near the university campus. These halls of residence offer a limited number of student rooms in Amsterdam to undergraduate and postgraduate international students, making them ideal for those who want to live close to campus.

Private Apartments

Private apartments in Amsterdam are the right choice for students who want privacy and a luxurious living experience. These are spacious properties with furnished options, centralized heating and air conditioning, and multiple entertainment options.

Student Housing

International Student housing in Amsterdam is a popular choice among international students. These properties come with a wide range of rooms, including studios, ensuites, and other apartments. Most Amsterdam housing villages are socially friendly buildings with amenities for socializing and entertainment such as gyms, yoga studios, communal areas, outdoor courtyards, swimming pools, etc.

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments in Amsterdam are an affordable housing solution for international students. Shared student rooms in Amsterdam allow 2 to 3 university students to live together and share resources like kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and other facilities.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a major cultural and academic hub in the Netherlands. The city is ranked as the 19th best city in the “Most Livable Cities 2024” category by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). It is known for its historic canals, vibrant arts scene, and progressive atmosphere. Amsterdam is home to renowned institutions such as the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, offering a rich academic environment alongside a unique European lifestyle.

History of Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a history spanning over 1,000 years. The city was founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village. Amsterdam’s strategic location made it a major city for trade with other major European cities of that time. By the 17th century, Amsterdam had become one of the world’s wealthiest cities, known as the "Golden Age“ for its prosperity and cultural achievements.

During the 15th century, Amsterdam became the granary for the northern Low Countries and Holland’s leading trading city. Legend has it that on March 12, 1345, the "Miracle of Amsterdam" took place, transforming the city into a significant pilgrimage destination. The influx of pilgrims contributed greatly to the town's growth. Today, an annual Roman Catholic procession known as the Stille Omgang is held to commemorate this miracle.

Facts About Amsterdam

1. Amsterdam is often nicknamed Mokum, after the Yiddish word for ‘safe place’.
2. Amsterdam is built on clay soil, below sea level. The city stands on 11 million wooden poles.
3. The city has over 1,200 bridges, which is four times that of Venice.
4. There are over 2,500 boathouses, offering a unique living experience.
5. The streets of Amsterdam have more bicycles than cars.

Cost of Living in Amsterdam

Calculating the cost of living for international student housing in Amsterdam is very important for every student. This allows students to understand the expenses required to sustain in the Dutch capital and choose a lifestyle accordingly. The cost of living in Amsterdam for students is €1,000 and €2,100/ month excluding tuition fee. This cost of living includes your accommodation rent, food and groceries, location transportation, clothing and leisure, utilities and bills, and miscellaneous.

The tuition fee at the universities in Amsterdam can range from €19,500 to €34,800/ year for Non-EU/ EEA students. Students can visit their respective university websites to understand the annual tuition fee structure.

The student accommodation rent in Amsterdam can vary from €500 to €1,200/ month. Your accommodation’s location, room type, and facilities available will determine the monthly rent. Some student properties in Amsterdam offer all-inclusive rent, where utility expenses are already included.

The food and groceries cost in Amsterdam can vary from €200 to €400/ month. Popular grocery stores in the city are Albert Hejin, Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi, and Marqt. The ideal time for buying groceries is the festive season and clearance sales, where you can find exciting discounts and offers.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the entire cost of living in Amsterdam for international students.

1. Tuition fee: €19,500 to €34,800/ year
2. Accommodation rent: €500 to €1,200/ month
3. Food and groceries: €200 to €400/ month
4. Electricity and Utility costs: €50 to €90/ month
5. Internet and mobile phone costs: €30 to €50/ month
6. Laundry cost: €20 to €30/ month
7. Clothing and entertainment: €100 to €130/ month
8. Stationary and academic expenses: €50 to €70/ month
9. Travel cost (bus, metro, cab): €80 to €100/ month

Top Student Accommodation in Amsterdam

Student accommodation in Amsterdam offers comfy and modern housing options to university students. There are student complexes/ villages next to the top universities. These properties offer multiple student rooms, including studios, ensuites, and other apartments. The basic Amsterdam housing facilities for students include furnished bedrooms, private bathrooms, private and communal study spaces, on-site gym, bicycle storage, on-site security, etc. Here are some of the best student accommodations in Amsterdam:

1. Happy Go Lucky
2. Beautiful Rooftop in Amsterdam
3. Bedroom Near Center, in Alive Area
4. Ecofriendly Room Closer to the Center
5. Cozy Room by Vondelpark!
6. Wethouder Wierdelsstraat - 1123484 Amsterdam
7. Wethouder Wierdelsstraat - 1563270 Amsterdam
8. Buikslotermeerplein - 1140164 Amsterdam

Top 3 Student Friendly Areas in Amsterdam

Amsterdam welcomes international students from all over the world. Areas like Amsterdam West, Jordaan, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Oost are some of the most student friendly areas in the city. These areas are known for their affordable housing options, exciting nightlife, and proximity to top universities.

Amsterdam West

Amsterdam-West is the ideal choice for students in the capital. This area is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern urban life. This area was created in 2010 by merging Oud West, Westerpark, De Baarsjes, and Bos en Lommer. Today, it is well-known for its lively neighborhoods like Kinkerbuurt and Staatsliedenbuurt. Amsterdam-West stands out for its cultural diversity, buzzing markets, green spaces, and high-density housing, making it a popular spot for students, families, and young professionals.

De Pijp

De Pijp is in the south of Amsterdam’s city center and is part of the Amsteram-Zuid borough. This area is well-connected with De Pijp Metro Station. It is composed of three districts: Oude Pijp, Nieuwe Pijp, and Diamantbuurt. The main roads of this area are Stadhouderskade and Ceintuurbaan on East and West, and Ferdinand Bolstraat, Van Woustraat and Amsteldijk on North and South. It is well-connected by tram lines 3, 4, 12, 16, 24 and 25.

The underground metro Noord/Zuidlijn, connects the northern part of the city to the Zuidas in its southern borough. The metro line and an underground station at Ferdinand Bolstraat called De Pijp.

Jordaan

Jordaan is one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Amsterdam. This area is bordered by the Singelgracht canal to the west, Prinsengracht to the east, Brouwersgracht to the north, and Leidsegracht to the south. This historic area has transformed from a working-class district into one of the Netherlands' most sought-after locations. The Jordaan is steeped in cultural history; Rembrandt spent his final years here and was buried at the nearby Westerkerk church. Just beyond its borders lies the Anne Frank House, a powerful symbol of World War II history located on Prinsengracht.

List of Universities in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe. These are institutes of higher excellence known for quality education and research-oriented programs. These universities are listed in the global ranking organizations like QS, Times Higher Education (THE), Forbes, US News Education, etc.

1. University of Amsterdam (UvA)

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the top 60 universities in the world. This institution of global excellence stands out as a leading center of learning, research, and innovation. The UvA has four campuses: The University Quarter,the Science Park, the Roeterseiland Campus, and Amsterdam UMC. There are currently over 42,000 students enrolled in the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Admissions at UvA are offered in two intakes: Fall and Spring.

1. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Free University)

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is one of the Netherlands' leading universities. It is globally renowned for its commitment to impactful research and innovative education. VU Amsterdam offers over 200 programs across nine faculties, including science, law, business, and humanities.

The current university enrollment is over 31,000. It provides a rich academic environment that supports both personal and intellectual growth. Admissions are available for both Fall and Spring intakes, catering to a global community of learners.