Student Accommodation Rotterdam

If you are looking for ideal student accommodation in Rotterdam, you’ve hit the jackpot. University Living is your one-stop solution for ideal student housing in Rotterdam. 

Student accommodation in Rotterdam offers modern housing facilities. The city is home to top universities like Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, etc. Currently, over 50,000 students are enrolled at the Universities in Rotterdam. 

Rotterdam is one of the best places for students to live and study. It is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is famous for its university, riverside setting, cultural life, modern architecture, and maritime heritage. Student life in Rotterdam is full of exciting opportunities.

Top Demanded Student Accommodation in Rotterdam

Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and Erasmus University Rotterdam neither owns nor operates any student housing. Students have to take the responsibility of arranging their accommodation in Rotterdam.

Students in Rotterdam can choose to live in private student accommodations or villages, private apartments, or homestays. These are student friendly properties next to the universities and popular destinations.

Here are the popular types of student accommodation in Rotterdam:

University Halls of Residence

University halls of residence are owned and managed by the universities in Rotterdam. These properties are located within walking distance of the university campus, making them ideal for students to save time and money on travel. 

Private Rooms

These are comfy student properties next to popular attractions in Rotterdam. Private rooms in Rotterdam are available for short and long-term, depending on the lease agreement. These rooms offer comfy facilities and privacy and are suitable for students with extra budget.

Student Housing

Student housing villages or complexes in Rotterdam are commercial properties for university students. These are off-campus properties known for their cheerful and vibrant lifestyle. They offer furnished housing options and a wide range of social and entertainment opportunities.

Homestays

Homestays in Rotterdam offer the chance to live with a local host. Students in homestays are offered a private bedroom and bathroom, common living spaces, and meals with the family. Homestays are the ideal for students seeking immersion in the Dutch culture and a firsthand experience of the local lifestyle.

About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a modern and dynamic student city. It offers a lot more than just academic opportunities. This millennium old city has seen all the major medieval and modern period developments. It played a major role during the two great wars and was the world’s largest spy center because of its neutrality.

Today, Rotterdam is home to over 50,000 students from 135 countries across the world. There are dozens of museums, highlighting the city’s historical and industrial past: Rotterdam Natural History Museum, Rotterdam Maritime Museum, Chabot Museum Rotterdam, etc.

History of Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam was established as a city in 1340 by Count William IV of Holland. In around 1350, the first shipping canal, the Rotterdamse Schie was completed. This canal provided easy access to the larger towns in the north and later become a local trans-shipment center between the Netherlands, Germany, and England.

By the 17th century, Rotterdam became a flourishing hub of commerce and learning. It attracted scholars like Erasmus, whose legacy is still honored through Erasmus University. This growth in trade and intellectual exchange laid the groundwork for Rotterdam’s modern, multicultural character, making it a unique place for students seeking both history and diversity.

During the WWII, Rotterdam was destroyed by the German bombing raid, leaving it largely in ruins. After the war, it embarked on an ambitious reconstruction project, transforming itself into a model of modern urban design with cutting-edge architecture like the Cube Houses and the Markthal. 

Facts About Rotterdam

1. Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe, processing over 440 million tons of cargo a year.
2. Rotterdam’s skyline is the largest architecture in the Netherlands.
3. The Markthal has the largest artwork in the world covering its interior ceiling.
4. Erasmus University Rotterdam was named after Desiderius Erasmus, a 16th century Dutch scholar and priest.
5. Rotterdam has a rich multicultural scene with over 170 nationalities represented in its population. 
6. Rotterdam’s annual International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is one of the most significant film festivals in Europe.

Cost of Living in Rotterdam

The average cost of living in Rotterdam is 900€ to 1150€/ month. This does not include your tuition fee. It is the sum of monthly rent, groceries and meals, transportation, clothing, and entertainment expenses. 

However, when calculating the cost of living in Rotterdam, students must consider the annual/ semester tuition fee as well. The annual tuition fee at Erasmus University Rotterdam is €5,600 for Dutch and EU students. Non-EU and Non-EEA students have to pay €15,900/ year as tuition fee.

Student accommodation rent in Rotterdam can range from €450 to €750/ month. The accommodation cost can vary depending on the type of property, it’s distance to the university, and facilities available.

Groceries and food in Rotterdam can cost €350 and €450/ month. It depends on individual choices and consumption of resources. There are multiple grocery stores and food chains, like Jumbo, Wah Nam Hong, Ah to Go, AH Grotemarkt, etc.

Here’s a breakdown of the entire cost of living in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

1. Tuition fee: €5,600 to €15,900/ year.
2. Student accommodation rent in Rotterdam: €450 to €750/ month
3. Grocery and food cost: €350 and €450/ month
4. Electricity and Utility costs: €150 to €200/ month
5. Internet and Mobile phone cost: €100 to €150/ month.
6. Laundry cost: €80 to €120/ month
7. Clothing cost: €120/ month
8. Stationery and Academic Cost: €50 to €100/ month
9. Travel cost (Busses, Trams, Trains): €100 to €150. month

Top 3 Student Friendly Areas in Rotterdam

1. Kralingen

Kralingen is one of the student-friendly and safe places in Rotterdam. This area features multiple student accommodation with a wide range of student apartments and is located within walking distance to Erasmus Rotterdam University. It is also close to supermarket stores like Lidl, Dirk, etc.

2. Crooswijk

Crooswijk offers a more budget-friendly option next to Kralingen in Rotterdam. Crooswijk was historically a working-class area. It has now grown popular for its affordability and central location. Students in this area experience a vibrant, authentic Rotterdam vibe and easy access to city amenities.

3. Oude Westen

Oude Westen is an artsy district near Rotterdam city center. This area is known for its multicultural community and lively arts scene, with many local shops, cafes, and affordable housing options. It is next to Rotterdam’s nightlife, cultural venues, and Witte de Withstraat, a popular street for dining and entertainment. It is a social hub ideal for students looking for urban, vibrant settings.

Universities in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe. These universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence and campus lifestyle. Here are some of the top universities in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)  

Erasmus University Rotterdam is a multicultural institution and is the perfect blend of quality education with an enriching global perspective. EUR is ranked #158 in the QS World University List 2025 and #23 in the European Ranking. The average tuition fee is €8,600/ year. It offers 15 undergraduate majors and 105 postgraduate majors in fields like Business, Economics, Law, History, Arts, etc.

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS)

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS) is known for its practice-oriented approach. Students at RUAS are offered hands-on learning in a multicultural environment. Over 39,000 students are currently enrolled at the university, and it is ranked among the top applied sciences institutions in the Netherlands. RUAS provides an array of programs across 11 schools, including fields like Technology, Business, Health, and Arts. Tuition fees average around €2,200 for EU students, while international fees vary. 

Codarts University for the Arts

Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam

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