10 Tips for students to find the perfect housing in Groningen

Finding student housing in Groningen in the Netherlands can feel like winning the lottery—rare and requiring luck! With thousands of Dutch and international students competing for decent and affordable accommodation, you need strategy and insider knowledge. Whether seeking in Groningen for flat rent options or hoping to rent an apartment in Groningen close to campus, these 10 practical tips will help you navigate this challenging market.

🏠 The student housing situation in Groningen

Groningen has over 60,000 students in a city of 200,000 people, that means a lot of pressure on the available student housing options in Groningen, especially during the start of the academic year. The compact city center combined with two large educational institutions (University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences) creates a housing crunch that affects both Dutch and international students. Despite these challenges, with persistence and quick action, you can secure suitable student housing Groningen that meets your needs and budget.

🕒 1. Start your search far in advance

When hunting for student housing Groningen options, timing is everything! Most contracts start in August/September or February, with the best places typically claimed 2-3 months before the semester begins. International students often underestimate how quickly housing disappears in this competitive market.

To avoid disappointment, begin your search at least 3 months before your planned arrival. Set up email alerts on housing websites for new listings and consider booking temporary accommodation if you can’t secure something permanent immediately.

⚠️Prevention/Warning: The market is especially competitive in August/September. If you wait until arrival, you might face limited options at higher prices or change to not find a home!

🌍 2. Know where to look online

The internet is your best friend when searching for accommodation in Groningen. Various platforms cater to different housing needs, from shared rooms to private rental studios in Groningen.

These platforms help you find flat rent options in Groningen. Combining multiple platforms increases your chances of finding the perfect place.

📱 3. Leverage Facebook groups

Facebook housing groups have become essential resources for finding student accommodation in Groningen. These groups often post listings that never show up on official websites, so you have access to a hidden market of options. To search for Facebook groups just search for terms like “Groningen Housing”, “Student Rooms/Apartments Groningen” and “Find a room(mate) or house in Groningen”. To use these effectively, turn on notifications for new posts and prepare a standard introduction about yourself that includes key details like your budget, move-in date, and study program.

However, stay vigilant for Facebook scams. Unusually low prices, requests for money before viewings, or landlords who refuse in-person meetings are all red flags that should not be ignored.

📍 4. Choose the right neighborhood in Groningen

Groningen has many neighborhoods, each with its own advantages for students looking to rent a flat or an apartment in Groningen. Your choice will greatly impact your daily life, from commute times to social opportunities.

The city center offers historic charm and vibrant nightlife but comes with premium prices and potential noise issues. Selwerd and Paddepoel provide more affordable options with excellent connections to Zernike Campus, where many university buildings are located. For a hip, multicultural vibe, Korrewegwijk and Indische Buurt offer reasonable rent prices while maintaining good city connections.

Artists and musicians might prefer Oosterpoort with its venues and creative atmosphere, while those looking for a quieter life could consider Helpman or Vinkhuizen. When evaluating neighborhoods, don’t just look at rent prices but also at distance to your faculty buildings, public transportation, cycling routes and proximity to supermarkets and fitness centers.

💰 5. Understand costs and budget

Before you start your housing search, make a realistic budget that includes all housing costs. The table below shows the average monthly costs of 2025:

Common additional costs: deposit (1-2 months rent), utilities (€80-150 if not included), internet (€30-50), municipal taxes and insurance (€10-15). A good rule of thumb is to budget €150-200 on top of your rent for extra monthly housing costs. Money saving options are to apply for housing subsidies (huurtoeslag) if you qualify, share with more roommates to reduce individual costs and consider properties further from the center for more affordable options to rent a flat in Groningen.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 6. Decide between private rental and shared housing

Here are the main points of shared and private housing:

Shared housing

• Lower costs per person
• Built-in social circle
• Shared responsibilities for cleaning and maintenance
• Often furnished or partially furnished
• Ideal for international students to connect with peers and local culture

💡Tips : Always meet potential roommates before moving in. The people you live with significantly impact your experience!

Private housing

• More privacy and independence
• No roommate conflicts
• Higher rental and utility costs
• Requires stronger financial credentials
• Usually unfurnished or minimally furnished

🔎 7. Spot and avoid scams

Unfortunately, housing scams targeting vulnerable students are common in Groningen. Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs:

Common Housing Scams in Groningen:

1. The absent landlord who can’t show the property in person
2. Requests for deposits or payments before signing proper contracts
3. Listings with prices significantly below market rates
4. Pressure to make immediate decisions “because others are interested”
5. No formal rental agreement or contract offered
6. Requests to transfer money internationally

📄 8. Understand rental contracts and rights

Dutch rental agreements might seem complex, but understanding your rights is essential when seeking options for an apartment to rent in Groningen. Rental contracts typically specify duration (fixed-term or indefinite), rent amount and what it includes, notice periods for termination, deposit amount and return conditions, maintenance responsibilities, and house rules.

As a tenant in the Netherlands, you have significant protections under the law, including:

• Rent protection (limits on how much rent can increase)
• Required maintenance by landlords for structural issues
• Privacy rights (landlords cannot enter without permission)
• Protection against immediate eviction

🧠 Good to know : If you suspect your rent is too high for the property, you can have it assessed by the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal) within six months of signing. Many students successfully reduce their rent when landlords charge above legal limits.

🏠 9. Prepare for property viewings

When viewing potential apartments for rent in Groningen, preparation and presentation can make all the difference in a competitive market. First impressions matter to landlords who often have multiple candidates for each property.

Before the viewing:

• Research the area and property
• Prepare questions about the accommodation
• Gather documents (ID, proof of income, references)
• Arrive on time or slightly early
• Dress neatly to make a good impression

During the viewing, pay attention to details beyond the obvious aesthetics. Check water pressure, signs of dampness or mold, noise levels, heating systems, and security features. Ask practical questions about utility costs, internet connection quality, maintenance responsibilities, and policies on guests or pets.

Being organized and professional during these interactions gives you an advantage over other applicants and increases your chances of securing your preferred rental flat in the Groningen.

🧳 10. Have a backup plan and be flexible

For students navigating the challenging Groningen housing market, flexibility is your greatest asset. While searching for your home, consider temporary housing first.

Temporary housing solutions include:

• University emergency housing programs
• Short-stay hostels and Airbnb accommodations
• Temporary rooms in neighboring villages with good transport connections
• Short-term rentals near university areas

🏁 Conclusion – Navigating Groningen’s student housing market

Student housing in Groningen can be complex, but understanding your rights is key when looking for an apartment to rent in Groningen. Rental contracts usually specify duration (fixed-term or open-ended), rent amount and what it includes, notice period for termination, deposit amount and conditions for return, maintenance responsibilities and house rules. Finding your student housing in Groningen takes time, preparation and speed. By starting early, using multiple search platforms, knowing the neighborhoods and being ready for viewings you will be more successful.

Whether you’re looking for a flat in Groningen near the campus, trying to rent an apartment or just searching for houses for rent in Groningen, these tips will help you through the process. Remember housing situations change—many students move once or twice during their studies as they get to know the city. Stay positive, be persistent and welcome to your new student life in Groningen!