How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is an excellent destination for an exchange, home to respected institutions like the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). However, securing short-term housing here is notoriously difficult. Landlords are often hesitant to rent to international students, short-term lease options are scarce, and online platforms can be riddled with scams targeting students trying to book from abroad. Despite these challenges, Rotterdam is an amazing modern city, and housing struggles shouldn't keep you from coming!

Useful information and links for finding housing in Rotterdam as an exchange student

Check the website of your host university(Erasmus University Rotterdam)and look for housing tips specifically tailored to exchange students. Keep an eye out for less popular, short-term options or contact their international student support services directly. Even if you aren't officially registered yet, you can reach out to ask about accommodation leads.

Don’t forget the website of your host city Rotterdam.(translate the page to English in the top-right corner). Municipalities often post valuable insights into the local housing market and tenant rights.

Beware of Scams: Many exchange students resort to social media groups to find housing. While it often feels like the only resort, it can be cumbersome and high-risk. Never pay any deposit or rent upfront before verifying the property, and consider contacting local housing advisory services to double-check if a listing is authentic. Whenever possible, rely on verified listings platforms

Use Dedicated Student Platforms: Standard channels aren't designed specifically for short-term exchange needs—but Exchange Rooms is. It is a dedicated platform designed for exchange students, offering short-term rentals directly from real fellow students. Feel free to have a look at the available accommodation on our platform.

Local Insights: Life, Living Costs & Getting Around

To help you prepare for your stay, here is key local information about living in Rotterdam as an exchange student:

1. Estimated Cost of Living

On average, an exchange student in Rotterdam spends between €1,000 and €1,800 per month, depending heavily on your rent.

• Groceries: Expect to spend €200 to €300/month. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Dirk keeps costs lower. You can also visit the outdoor market at Blaak on Tuesdays and Saturdays for cheap, fresh produce.
• Personal & Social Expenses: Set aside €150 to €300/month for dining out, night life, and leisure.

2. Cost of Student Housing

• Monthly Rent: Rent for a furnished room in a shared apartment generally ranges from €550 to €1,000 per month (including utilities). Private studios or high-end options can push past €1,100/month.

3. Popular Student Neighbourhoods

• Kralingen: The most popular area for EUR students. It is right next to the university campus, features the scenic Kralingse Bos lake/park, and has a lively student atmosphere.
• Rotterdam Centrum (City Centre): Ideal if you want to be close to shopping districts, main railway hubs, and nightlife.
• Rotterdam Noord: A trendy, bohemian neighbourhood popular among students for its relaxed cafes, independent shops, and characterful architecture.
• Delfshaven: Historic, canal-lined, and slightly more affordable while remaining well-connected to central parts of the city.

4. Transportation

• Cycling: The absolute best way to get around Rotterdam. Most students buy a secondhand bike via local online markplaces or use a monthly bike subscription (around €20–€25/month).
• Public Transport (RET): Rotterdam offers an extensive network of metros, trams, and buses run by RET. Checking in/out via debit/credit card (OVpay) or an OV-chipkaart makes commuting easy. Expect to spend €60 to €100/month on public transit if you use it regularly.

The bonus tip you might not expect

Finding housing at your destination can start by offering housing at home.

Post your available room on Exchange Rooms, and email the listing link to the international office at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Let them know that EUR students traveling to your home university can rent your room. Creating this reciprocal pathway helps generate listings in Rotterdam right where you need them.

Don't have a room to sublet? No problem! You can create an account on Exchange Rooms without offering a space. Simply sharing the platform with your home and host universities helps grow the network—the larger the community gets, the higher everyone's chances become of securing a place to stay.

Get Started with Exchange Rooms

Exchange Rooms can help you secure your stay in Rotterdam. Explore available rooms in the area, learn more about how subletting works, and create your account today.

Good luck finding housing—you got this!