In Groningen students live throughout the city and among the locals or ‘Stadjers’ as they call themselves. As such there is no campus or campus accommodation, but to help international students to find proper housing, the University of Groningen cooperates with the Housing Office.
Housing Office
The Housing Office is an independent non-profit organization. Through the work of the Housing Office, the University strives to offer each international student a furnished room to rent for the maximum of one year. International students can rent accommodation directly from the Housing Office, or the Housing Office can mediate to arrange for privately owned accommodation. Should you prefer to search for housing on your own, we urge you to take note of the warning below.
Various options
Accommodation varies from single rooms to double rooms and studios. Prices for accommodation are between € 280 and € 450 per month, but most rooms will be around 350 euro. These rents are all inclusive (room, heating, electricity, furniture, often internet, et cetera). When you register, you can state your wishes for the type of room and the amount of money you wish to spend.
When to Apply
It it is very important that you apply for accommodation with the Housing Office as soon as you are accepted at the University. This will increase the possibility of finding a room that suits your preferences. Note that it is not possible to apply for a room before you are accepted at the University. Also, you will have to pay registration costs ( € 300) and a deposit ( € 375) . Please check the site of the Housing office for detailed information on the application procedure.
> Housing Office website
Student Managers
The Housing office exploits various International Student Houses. All International Student Houses employ (Dutch) student managers to welcome new students and act as care-takers.
> read interviews with student managers
Warning
The Housing Office guarantees reliable service. If however, for some reason, you do not wish to make use of the Housing Office and find housing on your own, please be aware that there may be untrustworthy landlords and unreliable room agencies. We therefore ask you to take note of the following tips:
- In the summer months and at the beginning of the Academic year there are a lot of students trying to find accomodation, it is wise to start looking for a room early
- If you try to find housing on your own, please make sure to do this through official websites or companies that you can trace
- Do not go to a viewing alone (preferably bring a local)
- Do not pay anything before you have made clear agreements in writing
- Always ask for a payment receipt
- A rent that is too low for the location or type of housing as well as unrecognizable pictures of the location may indicate fraudulent practices
- Avoid identity theft: never send a copy of your passport to strangers
