How to rent a flat in Rotterdam?

List of documents: 

• ID
• University Proof of enrollment
• Income statement
• Contact information

Where to look for housing: 

Before signing up for any student housing platform, we advise you to look for student housing offered by your university. Almost all universities collaborate with SSH. It has various buildings (very close to uni) at very good prices (450-600) and the quality of the rooms is very high (we could add some pics??). Unfortunately, there are not many spots available so you have to register very early in April and keep your phone at hand to reserve a spot as soon as they give you access to the platform. 

Platforms to search on:

• Housing Anywhere: Most options
• Kamernet: Ideal to find a room if you don’t have housemates yet
• Pararius: Agency Fees
• Xior: Individual studios, with private bathroom and kitchen
• TSH: if you don’t want to worry too much about housing, The Student Hotel is the perfect solution, prices average around €800/month

Where to live: 

Kralingen: family district, very safe, close by supermarkets and cafes

De Esch: cheaper neighbourhood, very close to EUR campus

Blaak: city center, a bit more expensive

Alexander: Very close to uni and Alexander train and metro station, residential area with a lot of cheap but good apartments.

Rotterdam North and West: closer to Central Station, cheaper options, very young districts

Rotterdam South: commonly considered the unsafe part of the city. All students are recommended to stay in the area above the river. 

What is the budget I need to live in Rotterdam?

• Rotterdam Cheap vs Expensive per month    (in Euros):
  

Housing: 500 / 800 

Utilities: 40 / 70

Food: 200 / 400

Transport: 20 / 40 (depending on transport, most of the time you will use your bike)

Leisure: 50 / 200

SIM card: 15

• Total 900 / should stay below 1500, otherwise, you’re doing something wrong

Tips

Use the app Unidays for discounts (restaurants, supermarkets, fashion, technology…) 

Whenever you purchase something ask for student discounts

• Check cost-of-living website

Cost of Living in Rotterdam. May 2021. Prices in Rotterdam (numbeo.com)

• Check currency conversion

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/

How can I get around in Rotterdam?

Your new best friend… Your Bicycle!

The first purchase you should make as soon as you reach the Netherlands is your bicycle. There are many second-hand ones at all bike stores and on Facebook groups. We recommend buying it at a bike store so you can easily bring it back there if it breaks and needs maintenance (it will happen often, trust us). Don’t forget to buy a high-quality lock (20-40 Euros), otherwise, you’ll get your bike stolen in less than a month. The average price of a second-hand bike bought at the shop is 80-150 (a bit more than in the rest of Europe) so don’t be shocked. If you buy a good lock and treat it well it’ll become your best friend for all your uni days. 

• Drivers license :
  

Honestly, unless you live close to the Netherlands and plan on going back home frequently, having a license or making one is really not the best option. Safe bike lanes reach every corner of the city and you will not want to miss out on the fun when all your friends go to a club on their bikes.

• Public transportation:
  

The first thing to do when you get to the Netherlands is get an OV chipkaart at one of the ticket stalls in the stations or at the airport. The card costs a default of 7,50 and can be topped with money at the same stall. Without this card, you will have to pay a full ticket for each trip and will be charged the full amount  (4 Euros) independently of the stops you stay on board. This card can be used all over the Netherlands for trains, busses, trams and metro.

Initially, it’s good to purchase the Anonymous OV Chipkaart (blue) to start moving around. If you plan on a longer stay in the Netherlands you can apply for the Personal one (yellow). This will be a card registered in your name and you will be able to charge it automatically from your bank account without having to go to the stalls. Another benefit of the personal card is that if you were to lose it you can retrieve the money that was on it and request a new one. Unfortunately, if you lose an Anonymous one you wouldn’t be able to do that. 

Is Rotterdam a safe city?

The Netherlands is one of the safest countries in the world. You won’t have to worry much when you walk around the city during the day or at night. There’s a lot of bicycle theft, so just watch out for that.

The safest neighborhoods are Kralingen, Oostplein, Blaak (city center) and De Esch. As mentioned before, it is always best to avoid the southern part of the city (across the bridges), especially at night. 

Things you should know about Rotterdam:

1. Rotterdam has the largest port in Europe
2. It’s the only city in the Netherlands to have a skyline
3. Rotterdam has a city motto: Make it happen.
4. “The Swan” is the nickname of the most famous bridge (Erasmusbrug)
5. Gnome butt plug is the most famous piece of art in Rotterdam (go visit it to see why ) 
6. There’s a perfect night event for every day of the week
7. The Kapsalon was invented in Rotterdam! (you can find it at any kebab shop)
8. There’s a nudist beach at the Kralingse lake