Rotterdam
is one of the most liked Dutch cities among students, including locals and
internationals.
Around
600,000 people live in Rotterdam, and with 50,000 students, they make up almost
10% of the town's population. Rotterdam got extremely popular among students
due to a variety of reasons.
The
Erasmus University Rotterdam (the most popular choice for internationals) is
considered an extremely high-quality education facility. It ranks number three
in the Netherlands and among 20 global universities in Europe.
Rotterdam
is cheaper than Amsterdam, offering everything you might wish for in a city. In
addition, it has an international character, with many expats starting
their businesses in Rotterdam. With its welcoming culture, modern
architecture, and an excellent university, it's a great choice for any student
that wants to get a strong start in their education.
Rotterdam
is absolutely suitable for students due to its safety, proximity to other big
cities, fantastic infrastructure, various transport options, and great
nightlife, to name a few.
The
Netherlands is generally very safe, taking 15th place in the rankings of the
safest European countries. Naturally, as in every other city, there are a few
neighborhoods in Rotterdam (like Bloemhof or Carnisse) where it isn't advisable
to go at night. However, in general, Rotterdam is a very safe city.
In
Rotterdam, you'll find many urban landmarks and modern and traditional
buildings. Furthermore, there are countless parks, and green areas, making it
suitable for everyone's taste.
Transport-wise,
you can get from one part of town to another via tram, bus, or metro. But, of
course, cycling is a trendy option like in the rest of the country. With 600
kilometers of cycling path, you'll be able to reach every point of the town
with a bike.
The
best part about their public transport is that students are well taken care of.
As a student, you'll get discounted prices on all transportation options, and
they’ll even be free in some cases.
The
Netherlands is known for its party culture, and if you like to end a week
chilling at a bar, pub, or nightclub, you'll be glad to hear that Rotterdam has
many options in stock. With live music events, festivals, dance nights, and
countless other activities, you'll always be able to find a place for
entertainment in this city.
Rotterdam
is a relatively big city, meaning there are plenty of districts to choose from.
However, since the town got very popular with expats, there is a housing
shortage, so it's crucial to find housing before arriving in Rotterdam. As a
student, one of these locations will be your best pick.
Kralingen
is one of the most elegant parts of Rotterdam, located a few kilometers east of
the city's center. As the Erasmus University Rotterdam is in this district,
it's perfectly adjusted for students.
In
this area, you'll find plenty of pubs and restaurants, as well as parks,
rollerblade tracks, jogging paths, and much more. And as it's packed with
students, there are numerous budget-friendly places.
You'll
be able to find housing in The Student Hotel, but many other options are
available.
Regarding rent prices, the average monthly rent for this district is
around 1,000 euros.
As
you might've expected, the central part of Rotterdam is the heart and soul of
the city. Big companies and businesses have their headquarters there, luxurious
hotels, modern buildings, restaurants, museums, and the like. Basically,
everything that describes a true European metropolis.
The
het Park and Museumpark are located in the Centrum, so if you're a nature lover
and enjoy walks and jogs, you'll have plenty of space to do so. In addition,
there are 17 museums in this district, dozens of nightclubs and restaurants,
many gyms and fitness centers, and the list goes on and on.
Housing-wise,
the central part is a bit more expensive, as usual. You can expect a monthly
rent of around 1,400 euros for a single-bedroom apartment.
Noordereiland
is an island just south of central Rotterdam. It is a residential area
connected to the rest of the town with two bridges - Willemsbrug and
Koninginnebrug.
It
is a calmer part of town, mostly filled with business and residential
buildings, so if you find the nightlife a little too tempting or want a more
relaxed environment to live in without the noise, this will be a perfect
choice.
Regarding
rent prices, a standard one-bedroom apartment will cost around 1,000 euros.
Delfshaven
is the western part of Rotterdam and the most diverse district of this city. It
is the most popular option among expats and is home to over 170
nationalities.
The
diversity also carries over to the lifestyle, meaning that in this district, you
can find vintage stores, the Pinball museum with playable machines, the city
brewery, and many other exciting sights.
As
it's easy to fit in with so much diversity, it’s an excellent option for
students, especially since the rent prices aren't very high - 900 euros on
average.
The
Oude Noorden is in the northern part of Rotterdam, which is rather large and is
packed with all types of contents. Around 50,000 people live in this area,
making it perfect for those who don't enjoy a crowded atmosphere.
It
is best known for its casual nature, with the two best restaurants in town -
Restaurant de Jong and FG Food Labs. However, with exciting nightlife, many
green areas, and an artistic touch, the Oude Noorden has a lot of charm and
appeal, which is why many decide to reside there.
The
rent prices in this district are around 1,100 euros.
Students
that want to reside in Rotterdam with a comfortable lifestyle should have
around 900 euros per month for all expenses (excluding rent).
The
average rent would be around 1,000 euros, accompanied by 150/200 euros for
utilities and internet.
Groceries,
like bread, milk, eggs, and vegetables, will sum up to around 200 euros per
month.
Regarding
transport, you're looking at the expense of around 80 euros per month for using
the bus, tram, or metro.
Regarding
entertainment, you'll spend around 12 euros for a movie ticket, three to four
euros for a beer, or 15 euros for a meal at a restaurant.
With
rent included, your monthly budget should be 1000-2000 euros.
Rotterdam
is a breathtaking city that combines traditional and modern values and is a
true sweet spot for students worldwide.
It’s
cheaper than Amsterdam but still offers almost everything you can find in the
capital. Of course, with so many benefits, it's no wonder many students have
decided to move to Rotterdam. Because of that, finding housing became more
complex, especially at reasonable prices.
If
you're struggling to find an apartment in Rotterdam, don't hesitate to reach out,
and we'll gladly give you a helping hand. We'll ensure you have the proper
accommodation according to all your preferences, without paying huge monthly
rent amounts.
The
only thing left to do is pack your bags and enjoy everything Rotterdam offers.