“Hello! Is this room still available?”
No response.
A few hours later, the listing updates: “Dutch only – no internationals.”
For many international students arriving in the Netherlands, this scenario is all too familiar. Despite arriving with high expectations for academic and personal growth, the initial search for housing often proves discouraging. At Domakin, we frequently hear from students who face such challenges, and we work to both understand and address them.
A Growing Crisis in Student Housing
The shortage of student housing in the Netherlands is a long-standing and systemic issue. According to the 2023 National Student Housing Monitor, the country faced a shortfall of approximately 23,100 student accommodations at the beginning of the 2023–2024 academic year. Although this marks a slight improvement from the previous year, demand continues to outpace supply. If current trends persist, the shortage is expected to increase to between 26,500 and 42,000 student residences by 2032 (Kences, 2023).
The Dutch government’s Action Plan for Student Housing, introduced in 2022, aims to create 60,000 additional affordable housing units by 2030. However, many of these homes are still in the planning phase, and municipalities often face delays due to zoning, permitting, and budget constraints. In the meantime, cities with large student populations, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Delft, remain under severe pressure.
At the same time, the number of international students enrolled in Dutch higher education has reached an all-time high. As of 2024, there were over 130,000 international degree students in the Netherlands, representing more than 17% of the total student body (Nuffic, 2024). While the growth rate has slowed slightly, the absolute number of students in need of accommodation continues to rise.
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Discrimination in the Rental Market
Alongside the broader housing shortage, international students often face discriminatory barriers in the rental process. It is not uncommon to find listings on platforms such as Kamernet or Facebook groups that explicitly state “Dutch only” or “no internationals.” These phrases, while clearly exclusionary, are often left unmoderated.
Although Dutch anti-discrimination laws prohibit unequal treatment based on nationality, language, or origin, enforcement in the private rental sector remains limited. Many landlords or existing tenants cite language barriers, cultural preferences, or “compatibility” as justifications for excluding potential tenants.
A 2024 investigation by DutchReview and NOSop3 revealed that more than 60% of room advertisements in student cities include some form of exclusionary language, often disproportionately affecting international applicants (Folia, 2024; Kutschenreuter et al., 2024). Moreover, in many shared housing situations, existing tenants organise a “hospiteeravond” – an interview evening where prospective roommates are assessed socially. While this tradition aims to create harmonious living arrangements, it often places international students at a disadvantage, particularly those unfamiliar with Dutch customs or who do not speak the language fluently.
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Impact on Student Well-being
The consequences of the housing struggle extend far beyond inconvenience. Insecure housing or the inability to find accommodation can significantly affect students’ well-being and academic success. According to a study by Nuffic, over 40% of international students report frequently experiencing feelings of depression, while 62% report high levels of stress related to housing, finances, and social integration (Nuffic, 2022).
A separate report by Leiden University in collaboration with the National Monitor noted that 18% of students were still without permanent housing three months after arrival, with another 18% still searching after six months (Timmers, 2023). Prolonged periods without stable accommodation can contribute to loneliness, anxiety, and even dropout risk, as students struggle to focus on their studies amid uncertainty.
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Domakin’s Role and Mission
At Domakin, we are dedicated to helping students navigate the challenging housing landscape. Our platform offers a fair, inclusive, and transparent alternative to traditional rental channels. We collaborate with landlords who share our values and are committed to providing equal access to housing, regardless of a tenant’s background or nationality.
Our approach includes:
- Transparent pricing with all costs disclosed upfront (including utilities).
- Multilingual support, so students can ask questions and sign agreements in a language they understand.
- A fair selection process based on order of application or lottery, rather than subjective interviews.
Since our foundation, Domakin has supported hundreds of students in finding safe and affordable housing, helping them start their academic journeys on a secure ground.
Moving Forward
Addressing discrimination in the housing market requires both awareness and accountability. It’s essential for landlords, educational institutions, student organisations, and policymakers to collaborate in order to protect students from exclusion and enhance housing infrastructure. This involves clearer legal enforcement, targeted support for international students, and a commitment to inclusive housing policies.
At Domakin, we believe that access to housing is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Every student deserves to feel welcome, safe, and supported from the moment they arrive in the Netherlands.
If you are struggling to find housing or would like to learn more about how we can support you, visit https://www.domakin.nl or contact us directly at info@domakin.nl.
References
Folia. (2024). De “vrije markt” beloont uitbuiters op de studentenwoningmarkt. Folia.nl. https://www.folia.nl/nl/opinie/161579/de-vrije-markt-beloont-uitbuiters-op-de-studentenwoningmarkt
Kences. (2024). Landelijke monitor studentenhuisvesting 2024 – Kences. Kences. https://www.kences.nl/publicaties/landelijke-monitor-studentenhuisvesting-2024/
Kutschenreuter, J., Wouter van Dijke, & Jansen, N. (2024, April 4). Grote verhuurders verdienen aan te hoge servicekosten. @NOS; NOS op 3. https://nos.nl/op3/artikel/2515456-grote-verhuurders-verdienen-aan-te-hoge-servicekosten
Nuffic. (2022). How is it going with international students at Dutch higher education institutions? https://www.nuffic.nl/sites/default/files/2022-03/how-is-it-going-with-international-students-at-dutch-higher-edcuation-institutions.pdf
Nuffic. (2024). Incoming degree mobility. https://www.nuffic.nl/sites/default/files/2024-05/incoming-degree-mobility-dutch-higher-education-2023-24.pdfTimmers, M. (2023, November 9). “Think what you want to do about international students before developing your housing policy.” Leiden University. https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/news/2023/11/think-what-you-want-to-do-about-international-students-before-developing-your-housing-policy
