Accommodation
Finding somewhere to live can be daunting, especially if you are moving to the Netherlands for the first time. Around 10,000 students will all be looking for a room at the same time in Groningen and Leeuwarden so start your search as soon as possible. It is your own responsibility to find a place to live. The University of Groningen does NOT provide accommodation for students. Please check at home in Groningen for available accommodation.
Please do not underestimate the challenge of finding accommodation as it is often a long and stressful process. Therefore, finding accommodation is a priority and you should reserve a room as early as possible. For example, if you are starting your studies in September, we strongly advise that you begin actively looking for a room in April.
Ensure that you have found a room before 1 August if you will be studying in Groningen or Leeuwarden. If you decide to come to Groningen or Leeuwarden without pre-arranged housing, then you are highly likely to find yourself in hotels or hostels, if there is still space. This will involve high costs, inconvenience, and stress. This will likely last for a long period of time, probably months after your arrival. If you find accommodation outside of the city, then make sure you consider the potential extra travel time and travel costs. If you have not found accommodation before 1 August, we strongly advise you not to come to Groningen or Leeuwarden.
Short Stay accommodation with SSH
Through the housing organisation SSH (Stichting Studenten Huisvesting), a limited amount of rooms has been made available for new exchange students. You can choose for a half year contract or for a full year contract if you will be staying in Groningen for both semesters. Create your SSH account as of the 14th of May (Please select University of Groningen (RUG) in the dropdown menu (NOT University College Groningen)). Booking starts on the 4th of June. There is a limited number of rooms available and it's your own responsibility to register on time.
For more information on renting a room with the SSH, please visit the SSH website.
For more information on housing in Groningen, law & financial matters and finding a room please visit our housing platform.
Below you can find a video with student testimonials about the difficulties they encountered in finding housing:
The Municipality of Groningen has recently started a collaboration with Hospi Housing, which connects students with verified local hosts and guest families. In this way, you can find a room and at the same time meet residents who know Groningen well, which will help you create new cultural connections and feel at home in the city. Signing up, searching and chatting with hosts is free of charge for an unlimited amount of time. If you find a room on the platform, Hospi Housing charges a one-time fee equalling 50% of the first month’s rent. In return they ensure that the platform is 100% scam-free, support you in the matchmaking process and help draft a contract.
A useful starting place when searching for housing is www.athomeingroningen.com. This platform was set up by the municipality and educational institutions in the city of Groningen - including the UG - and is intended as a 'one-stop shop' in finding accommodation. As well as a directory of available private sector rooms, the website outlines the housing situation in Groningen, explains (Dutch language) rental terminology and offers advice on how to avoid being scammed online.
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).
How can I apply for SSH Housing?
On April 22, exchange students can register at SSH Groningen. You can reserve a room from the 6th of June (exchange fall) and 20th of June (exchange full year). Please be aware that reservations are fully booked within a few days.
Simply go to the SSH website, click on Groningen and then on "Reserve your room or residence in Groningen". Remember to apply as early as possible. You are able to reserve your room once you have received a conditional, provisional or unconditional offer from the University - don’t delay!
Please follow these steps:
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Once you have an offer from the UG, you can register for accommodation at SSH. After you register, you will receive information from us about how to finalise your registration.
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You can start looking for a room on the SSH site and book it (it’s a fully automated process). During this process, you will automatically sign the rental agreement.
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After the booking is finalised, please pay the reservation fee and the first and last month’s rent within 24 hours using a MasterCard or Visa.
Please note that once you have reserved a room with SSH, you have a limited timeframe within which to cancel your reservation. Once the contract has started it can only be terminated prematurely in the case of specific personal circumstances. Details on cancellation options for an SSH rental contract can also be found on the page linked above.
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.
| Last modified: | 17 April 2025 4.46 p.m. |