Accommodation
Finding somewhere to live can be daunting, especially if you're new to the Netherlands. Every year, thousands of students move to Groningen and Leeuwarden, so it’s smart to start your search early.
Important: The University of Groningen does not provide accommodation. You are responsible for arranging your own housing. A great starting point is the platform at home in Groningen, which offers helpful tips, including how to spot scams and understand Dutch rental terms.
Finding a room can take time, especially during the summer months when many students are looking. That’s why we strongly recommend starting your search in April if you’ll begin your studies in September.
To give yourself the best chance of securing a suitable place, aim to arrange your housing before 1 August. While it’s possible to find something later, options may be limited — and short-term alternatives like hostels or hotels can be costly and less convenient.
If you’re considering housing outside the city, make sure to factor in travel time and transportation costs. Planning ahead will help make your arrival in Groningen or Leeuwarden smoother and less stressful.
Short Stay accommodation with SSH
SSH (Stichting Studenten Huisvesting) offers a number of short stay rooms for new international students.
These rooms go quickly, so register and book early. Availability is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration with SSH for degree students opens on April 17th at 10 a.m. Booking will open on April 29th at 10 a.m.
For more information on renting a room with the SSH, please visit the SSH website: https://www.sshxl.nl/en/shortstay/university-of-groningen
For more information on housing in Groningen, law & financial matters and finding a room please visit our housing platform www.athomeingroningen.com.
Homestay with Hospi Housing
Hospi Housing is the biggest homestay platform in the Netherlands. You can stay with a verified host or guest family for an authentic Dutch experience. There’s no registration fee — you only pay once you secure a room. They also offer personal advice to help you settle in comfortably.
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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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.
| Last modified: | 17 April 2025 4.46 p.m. |