Accommodation
Accommodation in Groningen and Leeuwarden
Finding a place to live in a new country can be challenging, especially in a student city like Groningen. Each year, thousands of students move here, so start looking for housing as early as possible.
The University of Groningen does not provide accommodation, so you are responsible for arranging your own place to stay. A great place to begin is the official platform At Home in Groningen, which offers practical tips on where to search, how to recognise scams, and what Dutch rental terms mean.
Start your housing search around April if you plan to begin your studies in September, and try to secure a room before 1 August. Options become limited during the summer, and temporary alternatives like hostels or hotels can be expensive.
If you consider living outside the city, make sure to check travel times and transport costs in advance.
Short-Stay Options
SSH Short Stay
SSH (Stichting Studenten Huisvesting) provides a limited number of short-stay rooms for new international students. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early.
Registration for degree students opens 17 April (10:00) and booking starts 14 May (10:00).
More information can be found on the SSH website.
Homestay with Hospi Housing
For a more personal experience, consider Hospi Housing, the Netherlands’ largest verified homestay platform. You can stay with a local host or family, get personal advice, and only pay once you find a room.
Useful Resources
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At Home in Groningen: Official platform with housing tips, reliable listings and scam awareness information.
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SSH: Short-stay housing for new international students.
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Hospi Housing: Trusted homestay network across the Netherlands.
At Home in Groningen
A good starting point for your housing search is www.athomeingroningen.com. They offer useful tips, guidance, and links to trusted platforms where you can look for accommodation.
The platform was created by the municipality and local educational institutions, including the University of Groningen, to help students navigate the housing market. You’ll find clear information about the housing situation in Groningen, explanations of Dutch rental terms, and advice on how to avoid scams when searching for a room.
Temporary accommodation
Currently there is accommodation available for international students (whether you are new or already enrolled) at Cornus student accommodation. This can be booked via SSH Groningen.
SSH Student Housing, number of rooms limited
If you are coming to Groningen for the first time, and you apply within a few days, you can rent one of the rooms the University has reserved for new international students with SSH Student Housing. SSH is a non-profit housing corporation specialised in student accommodation, with furnished rooms available for a maximum of one year. You can choose from a single or double room or a studio, with prices currently ranging from €300 to €660 a month, including all utilities (rent, heating, electricity, furniture, and internet access). Make sure to check the website for the latest information on room pricing.
Please note that you will have to pay a reservation fee (€100) as well as the first and last month’s rent at the time of your reservation. There are several SSH International Student Houses across the city where you can live with students from all over the world.
SSH housing is not available for PhD students except in the case of ultra-short-stay contracts (details can be received from the relevant graduate school).
Private accommodation
In case all SSH accommodation is fully booked, you need to look for private accommodation in or around Groningen or Leeuwarden. Be aware, accommodation in the city of Groningen is high in demand, be prepared also to look outside Groningen. There are several ways to find private accommodation in the city. One of the options is to search for a room on Hospi Housing, which connects students with verified local hosts and guest families. The platform allows you to search accommodation and contact hosts for free but charges a one-time fee once you have found a room. Living with a local host is a great way to quickly get to know the ins and outs of your new city.
Alternatively, you can search for accommodation in the private sector e.g. via rental agencies or social media (Facebook for example), but we ask you to be aware of scammers as this is a serious problem in student cities such as Groningen. Until you have seen your room in person and received your keys, don’t pay any money. A list of housing alternatives can be found on the AHIG website.
You can also email (housingUG rug.nl) the University of Groningen should you need further information.
Advice on looking for accommodation
Tips for Finding Accommodation
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Start looking as early as possible, especially if you plan to arrive in August or September.
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Use official housing websites and platforms with a traceable physical address.
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Always view the room (in person or virtually) and always read your contract carefully before committing.
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Never pay anything without a written contract, and always ask for a receipt.
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Do not rely on waiting lists
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Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
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Protect your identity, never send a full copy of your passport to strangers. If you do share a copy of your passport, make sure to block personal details.
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If you're renting in a building with three or more tenants, check whether the landlord has the correct rental permit.
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Don’t go to viewings alone. If possible, take a Dutch speaker with you.
University College Groningen/Campus Fryslân/University College Fryslân accommodation
If you are joining a programme at University College Groningen or University College Fryslân - you will be living residentially with your classmates.
We highly recommend that you look for a room or an apartment as soon as you have received an offer from the University. If you are going to study at Campus Fryslân in Leeuwarden then the same will apply as in Groningen: start your search on time!
Are you are planning on doing a master's degree at Campus Fryslân? You can find more information about accommodation in Leeuwarden on the finding accommodation page.
University College Groningen and University College Fryslân
If you are joining a programme at University College Groningen or University College Fryslân - you will be living residentially with your classmates.
Corona measures
Please note: At this point in time there are no Covid-19 regulations in place. It is your own responsibility to act according to the newest Covid-19 rules / regulations set by the Dutch government.
Ben je een Nederlandse studiekiezer? Ga dan naar onze pagina's voor Nederlandse studenten.