Finding an affordable place to live is not easy. Begin your search in good time and tell everyone you know you are looking for accommodation; hang up notices in faculty buildings, study centres or in the supermarket. There are many housing options specially for students.

Student rooms

Many rooms are rented out in Amsterdam. If you are renting a room, you usually have a room for yourself and you share the kitchen and bathroom. There are a number of websites that advertise student rooms (see below).

ASVA Student Union Rooms Bureau

The ASVA Student Union Rooms Bureau raffles off a room among its members each day providing there is sufficient supply. You can also approach the ASVA Student Union Rooms Bureau for advice and addresses of reliable room hiring agencies.

Anti-squat

‘Anti-squat' accommodation is affordable and adventurous. You take up temporary residence in a building in order to prevent squatters from moving in.

Priority given to those that live far way

The UvA ‘Kameractie' (room initiative) is a priority arrangement for first-year students of the UvA that live far outside Amsterdam and who register before 1 May. You can find more information via the link below.

Studenten WoningWeb

StudentenWoningWeb brings together the considerable stocks of student accommodations offered by housing associations De Key, DUWO, Ymere and Stadgenoot in the city centre, Osdorp, north Amsterdam, Diemen and Amstelveen. Rents are between €160 and €350. Registering with StudentenWoningWeb costs €30.

WoningNet

Register as quickly as possible with WoningNet if you are going to study at the UvA (registration costs €60). As a registered member, you will be able to search WoningNet's supply of rented and owner-occupied housing according to region. If you find something suitable, you can apply for it. Allocation of housing depends on how long the applicant has been a registered member.

CASA Academica

From October through to May, Casa Academia rents out rooms (rent around €325; with one kitchen for eleven rooms). In the summer Casa Academia is a hotel. It is located near Amstel Station.

Temporary housing

Ymere has around 600 dwellings (for one to four students) that it rents out temporarily. Rent: €250 to €500.

Other useful tips

Want to read more about living in Amsterdam? Then check the following site. Dienst Wonen offers information about housing permits and more.