Finding housing on your own: tips & tricks

Finding a room in Amsterdam can be quite a challenge. On this page we provide some handy tips and tricks!

Tips & tricks

• Amsterdam experiences currently a severe housing crisis. Affordable housing is scarce, so begin your search early. Do not wait until your visa or study enrolment is approved. If you wait, you might not find housing.
• Most students find a room through their (newly built) network. Spread the word on social media and tell as many people as possible that you are looking for accommodation.
• Local AUAS students offer their rooms in Amsterdam via our Facebook group(opens in new window) when they leave the Netherlands for their exchange abroad.
• The ASVA Student Union provides general information about renting a room in Amsterdam and can act as a room mediator between students and landlords. They also provide guidelines on what to consider when viewing a room. For more information, visit their webpage(opens in new window).
• Try not to focus on the city centre. Amsterdam is a fairly small city compared to other capitals. The suburbs and surrounding towns are very nearby and can be reached easily by public transport. Also search for (cheaper) rooms outside Amsterdam and do not be too picky, while staying aware of scams.
• In July, August and September, it is really difficult to find a room in Amsterdam. You could consider finding temporary accommodation first and continue your search later.
• Also, more rooms become available each year in the months of May and June, when students finish their studies or go back to their home country. You could consider searching for a room with a start date already before summer, as you will have more chance of finding a room.
• Invest in a (second-hand) bike to save money on public transport tickets.
• Stand strong together. Increase your budget by teaming up with other students to search for a shared apartment.
• Always enquire with a landlord about the possibility to register with the municipality. It is mandatory to be registered at the address where you live. If you cannot get registered, the accommodation is probably offered for rent illegally. You can find more information about registration at the municipality on our upon arrival website.
• Read more on renting and living in Amsterdam(opens in new window) and the different Amsterdam neighbourhoods(opens in new window).