Moving to the Netherlands is a big step, often accompanied by pitfalls. One of the biggest challenges a new student in the Netherlands faces is managing their budget to maintain a reasonable cost of living. In this short guide, we’ll outline the financial essentials of Dutch university life, ensuring you don’t miss out on anything and make it to the end of the month!
🏠Accommodation
The student nightmare in the Netherlands: having a roof over your head.
Rent prices vary depending on the area you’re moving to: for large cities like Amsterdam, they can reach up to more than €1,000 a month, but in areas like Utrecht and Rotterdam, good deals can be found between 600€ and 1,000€. Groningen is one of the cheapest: prices aren’t usually higher than 800€.
This also varies depending on the type of accommodation you’re looking for: a studio will certainly be more expensive than a student dormitory or a shared apartment.
Scams are undoubtedly the biggest fear for university students: how do I know if the apartment I found actually exists? Domakin can help! On our website, you’ll find not only convenient student accommodation offers, but also a viewing service that lets you remotely check everything you need to know about your next home!
Also, find out more about rent allowance here.
🛒Food and Groceries
Don’t be too tempted by restaurants and bars: eating at home is the best way to save some money while improving your cooking skills. The best-stocked and most convenient supermarkets include:
- Lidl
- Albert Heijn
- Aldi
- Jumbo
🚲Transportation
Bikes aren’t just a stereotype, they’re an incredible reality! For moving around the city, cycling is the best option.
You don’t necessarily have to buy a brand-new one: a second-hand bike (€50-€200) or a monthly rental (about €20 per month) can be a perfect solution.
Tired of cycling in the freezing cold? Read our article on Student Finance to find out how to get transportation benefits.
💪Wellness and Sports
That’s right, you’ve spent a whole day sitting down studying and now you want to get some exercise.
A monthly gym membership can cost up to €55, but there are many student discounts at local sports centers, yoga/pilates studios, and swimming pools. But first, find out about any gyms at your university that might be right for you!
🎉Social Life and Leisure
The greatest heritage of the Dutch (after Van Gogh): beer, which you can enjoy on your weekends for as little as €3.
Now it’s Van Gogh’s turn: with the Museumkaart for €75.00 a year, you’ll have unlimited access to over 400 museums in the Netherlands.
And if you prefer movies, with the CineVille Pass, you can see all (and I mean, all!) the movies you want for €19 a month.
🏥Health Insurance
Don’t worry, the boring part is coming. You’ve found a place, moved in, and gotten your BSN (if you don’t know what it is yet, what are you waiting for? Find out here). All that’s left is to choose your health insurance, mandatory if you are planning to work in the Netherlands and if you are not a EU citizen.
Basic coverage can cost you around €130 a month, but find out if you can benefit from government subsidies.
Conclusion
If being a university student is tiring, doing it while trying to save money can be even more so. But with a little planning and a few good tips, you can cut down on costs and enjoy your student life at the fullest.
