Not as big a tourist attraction as Amsterdam, Rotterdam is still a very interesting place to explore. Always innovating, the cosmopolitan city is filled with modern architectural marvels, and loaded with alluring cultural, dining, and entertainment offerings that qualify it as a wonderful study destination.
Place yourself in the thick of things in this unique port city by booking student accommodation in Rotterdam with Student.com. We offer student housing with good transport links to Erasmus University.
Our student apartments are modern and come fully equipped with the necessary amenities for comfortable student living. Send us your inquiries through our website’s live chat or give us a call to find out more.
Get to know Rotterdam
A city in the Dutch province of South Holland, Rotterdam (dam in the river Rotte) lies along both banks of the New Meuse (Nieuwe Maas) River.
With a population of over half a million people, Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Home to Europe’s largest port, and one of the largest in the world, Rotterdam is a major transportation hub for the Northern and Central parts of Europe.
It is also the Netherlands’ most modern city.
The southern city has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing village in the 13th century to become a cultural and architectural metropolis.
Innovating and inspiring
Rotterdam was on its way to becoming an industrial and trading power before World War II largely destroyed its development. But thanks to a progressive attitude to post-war reconstruction, Rotterdam rose from the ashes of war to become a city of innovation, constantly evolving and moving forward.
The city’s extensive distribution system of roads, rail, and waterways has earned it the nickname ‘the Manhattan on the Meuse.‘ It is home to some of the best post-war architecture in all of Europe.
Stunning skyscrapers, the world’s first floating dairy farm, and The Markthal, a unique hybrid between market hall and housing, are just a few of the city’s unique architectural wonders that have brought many visitors to this urbane, cosmopolitan city.
Unlike any other Dutch city
A former labourers’ city that used to be characterised by its honesty and hard work, Rotterdam has evolved into a unique and dynamic metropolis.
While Amsterdam is the brightest beacon for the Netherlands internationally, with many attractions, festivals, museums and galleries, a lively urban culture, and a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes, Rotterdam has all the amenities and the vibe of a city on the up.
A place that wears many faces, Rotterdam is not only a tough port city, and the architectural beacon of the Netherlands, it is also a trendy nightlife city, a hip artistic city, and a sophisticated shopping city.
While it is more ‘blue collar’, down to earth, and much less touristy than Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s many offerings give the capital some competition.
Its host of exciting attractions and cultural offerings are sure to pull in visitors, making Rotterdam a prime city for great student living.
Student life in Rotterdam
Beyond its impressive, bold and modern architecture, there is plenty more to see and do in Rotterdam.
Experience one of the world’s smartest ports in all its glory with a boat tour fromSpido and Steamship Rotterdam. Or experience stunning views of the city from over 100 metres above ground atthe Euromast, the highest observation tower in the Netherlands.
Nightlife
With a relatively large and lively city centre, there are many restaurants and bars in Rotterdam, so there are plenty of options when you get hungry or thirsty.
Laidback café-bars, such as Boudewijn, which serves more than 100 Belgian beers, are dotted throughout the city.
Go up north for live music atthe Bird, a club nestled below railway arches.
Take a stroll alongWitte de Withstraat, one of the most popular and liveliest streets in Rotterdam, and find a high density of chic cocktail bars, such as the gin specialist ballroom, restaurants, and bars.
Culinary scene
Situated on the trendy Witte de Withstraat is Bazar, whose selection of Middle-Eastern and North African cuisine, upbeat world music, and colourful interior, is popular among students and young professionals.
There are not many better places to dine in Rotterdam than the gloriousHotel New York. Enjoy the city’s unique skyline, a nice view of the Meuse, and an extensive menu that allows guests to choose from a wide price range.
Events
The city also hosts several special events.
Attracting some of the world’s most famous jazz musicians and international media coverage annually in the middle of July, theNorth Sea Jazz Festivalis the Netherlands’ most prestigious jazz event.
Themaritime eventWorld Port Days(also known as World Harbour Days) is large, festive, and one of the largest events in the country.
For some revelry, head toRotterdam Unlimited Summercarnival. The eventhas represented a mix of music, dance, theatre, and carnival annually for over two decades.
In July, experience one of the most exciting music events in the country for free at theMetropolis Festival. To see more newbies for free, check out some of the coolest acts from Rotterdam at theEendracht Festival every third Thursday of July.
If you want to learn about new and experimental filmmakers, the annualInternational Film Festival Rotterdamis held across several cinemas in the city.
Great location and transportation
Getting around the city is a breeze due to the city’s various modes of transportation. Everything is accessible by tram, metro, or bus.
Just make sure you get an OV-chipcard as soon as you get to the city, since it’s the only valid travel pass for getting around Rotterdam. But, as is the case in all Dutch cities, a bike is the cheapest and often the easiest way.
Getting out of the city is also easy. Thanks to its great location, Rotterdam is only minutes away from many of the Netherlands’ main attractions and just a few hours away from other major European cities. Amsterdam and Utrecht are less than an hour away. And thanks to a metro line that connects the two cities, Rotterdam is under 30 minutes away from The Hague.
For even further afield, Rotterdam has its own international airport (Rotterdam The Hague Airport) which is located in its Zestienhoven district.
Where to study in Rotterdam?
With more than 50,000 students studying at various institutions, Rotterdam is one of the largest student cities in the Netherlands.
The highest-ranked and most influential university in Rotterdam is without a doubt Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Founded in 1913, Erasmus University Rotterdam is the largest university in Rotterdam.
Named after the 15th-century humanist and theologian Erasmus of Rotterdam, the namesake for the Erasmus study exchange programme, EUR has built a strong reputation for its world-class education and cutting-edge research.
A top 100 university globally (72nd in the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings), EUR consistently places high in the rankings of the best European universities.
Through its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, it helps bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students pursue their ambitions in the areas such as business, medicine and health, governance (public administration), and arts and culture.
Based on the concept of a “multicultural classroom,” EUR blends high-quality education with a strong global perspective.
With more than 20% of its 30,000-strong student population coming from overseas, it’s one of the most international universities in the country.
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Established in 1988, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (Rotterdam UAS) is a dynamic knowledge institution for higher professional education.
It’s one of the major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. Divided into 11 schools at eight different locations throughout Rotterdam’s city centre, the university offers more than 90 graduate and undergraduate programmes in seven fields to its almost 40,000 students, these fields being:
- Education
- Health
- Technology
- Arts
- Business
- Media and information technology
- Behaviour and society
Following the Rotterdam Educational Model, Rotterdam University of Applies Sciences reflects the region’s practical mentality by incorporating practical experience and personal development into all the courses it offers.
Many of the university’s programmes are taught in English.
Frequently asked questions about student apartments in Rotterdam
How do I apply for off-campus student housing in Rotterdam?
Applying for off-campus student housing in Rotterdam on Student.com is easy and free.
Select the housing you want to rent, then click ‘View rooms’ to go to the property page. When you’re on the property page, choose your preferred room type and click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’.
After you have made your selection, leave your contact details and one of our booking consultants will contact you to answer your questions and take you through the next steps in the booking process.
Do you offer accommodation for Erasmus students and other international students?
Yes, we do. As long as you are a full-time student, you can book any of the accommodations we offer on Student.com.
Are bills included in the rent?
Yes, in most of the properties we list on our website, all bills are included in the rent. Some landlords have different policies though, so make sure to check on the property page of the property you’re thinking of booking if this is the case.
Are the apartments fully furnished?
No. The properties we currently offer in Rotterdam are not rented furnished.
FAQs
How much does the average student rent in Rotterdam? ›
Students living and studying in Rotterdam spend approximately €1000 to €1400 a month. It is needed to cover daily expenses, meals, accommodation costs, insurance etc. The amount varies based mainly on each student's rent. The biggest part of your budget will usually go up to your rent.
Where do students live in Rotterdam? ›The most popular areas in the east of Rotterdam are the neighbourhoods of Kralingen and Crooswijk. Crooswijk is the adjoining neighbourhood with working-class families. Due to its relative proximity to the city centre, Kralingen is very popular amongst international students.
How much is student accommodation in Netherlands? ›| Dormitories | Included in Tuition fee (EUR) | Amount in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Private Owned Houses | €1,000/ month | ₹84,000 |
| Shared Apartments | €400 – €700/ month | ₹33,500 – ₹58,600 |
| Student Houses | €350 - €600/month | ₹29,300 - ₹50,300 |
- Kamer.nl connects students with rooms, studios and apartments. ...
- Kamernet is a large search engine of rental apartments and rooms. ...
- KamersAmsterdam (in Dutch) features a range of affordable, student-friendly rooms in Amsterdam.
The cost of living in Amsterdam is 28% more expensive than in Rotterdam. Cities ranked 294th and 2127th ($2311 vs $1799) in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 1st and 10th in the Netherlands.
How much do international students spend on living in Netherlands? ›In general, the monthly cost of living in the Netherlands for an international student will be around €800-1200. An average room will cost between €300 and €600, but keep in mind that small towns will generally be cheaper than cities and that the type of accommodation will also have an impact on the price.
Do most people speak English in Rotterdam? ›In the Netherlands, the English language can be spoken by the vast majority of the population, with estimates of English proficiency reaching 90% to 93% of the Dutch population.
Is Rotterdam a good student city? ›Rotterdam is an excellent place to study. The Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the best universities in the world. The city also has a lot to offer for higher-education and vocational-education students.
Do people speak English in Rotterdam? ›Dutch people are generally very proficient in English and can understand most conversations easily. So, to answer the question, do people speak English in the Netherlands? Yes, they do! In larger cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the percentage of English speakers is much higher than in smaller, rural areas.
Is it cheaper to live in the Netherlands or the USA? ›The average cost of living in the Netherlands ($1780) is 20% less expensive than in the United States ($2213). the Netherlands ranked 19th vs 5th for the United States in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.
Is Netherlands cheap for international students? ›
Although education is relatively cheaper and subsidized in the Netherlands, international students are required to pay an institutional fee, which varies for different universities. In some universities, the institutional fee is considerably high, which could potentially put a dent in your pocket.
Is 2000 euro a good salary in Netherlands? ›1. Re: What would be considerd a "good" salary in Amsterdam? Hi there, For all of Holland (no Amsterdam surcharges): around 3000-4000 euro gross per month which usually (taxes and social security premiums) translates to between 1500-2000 euro net in hand.
Do international students get accommodation? ›As a first year international student, some universities guarantee first year international students accommodation. However, you will still need to meet strict deadlines for confirming and paying a deposit to secure your place.
How hard is it to find accommodation in Netherlands? ›There is not enough student housing to accommodate everyone. That's why it's very important to arrange your housing as soon as possible. As it's not easy at all finding a good place, this is something you have to arrange before arriving in the Netherlands.
Where do most international students in the Netherlands come from? ›Three-quarters of all international students in the Netherlands were from the European Union, mostly Germany. Among the non-EU students were relatively many Chinese. Two-thirds of the international students came to the Netherlands for a Bachelor's degree programme. This applied to 80 percent of the German students.
How much does it cost to rent in Rotterdam? ›| Type of Accommodation | Rental price in € |
|---|---|
| Apartment | € 1334 |
| Studio | € 837 |
| Private Room | € 550 |
Summary of cost of living in Rotterdam, Netherlands: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,332.9$ (2,994.9€) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 958.0$ (860.9€) without rent. Rotterdam is 35.0% less expensive than New York (without rent).
How much does the average student rent in Amsterdam? ›Living on campus is the best option if you are looking for low-cost housing because the prices are lower than a privately rented flat or room. Off-campus housing costs vary depending on the type of accommodation. The average monthly rent in Amsterdam for a single student ranges between 500 and 1000 €.
How much does the average student cost in Netherlands? ›You can expect to pay anywhere between: 6,000 - 15,000 EUR/year for a Bachelor's degree. 8,000 - 20,000 EUR/year for a Master's degree.