Studying in the Netherlands is an exciting opportunity—whether you're from the EU or a Non-EU country. The country offers world-class universities, excellent English-taught programs, strong student support, and a vibrant international community. But moving here also comes with responsibilities: housing, registration, BSN numbers, bank accounts, part-time jobs, and cost management.

This guide explains everything a new student needs to know, step by step.

1. EU vs Non-EU Students: Key Differences

EU Students

• No visa needed

• Can work unlimited hours

• No work permit required

• Pay lower tuition (around €2,530 per year)

• Health insurance from home country may be accepted (EHIC)

Non-EU Students

• Visa + Residence Permit required

• Can work only 16 hours/week during semester OR full-time in summer

• Employer must apply for Work Permit (TWV)

• Higher tuition (usually €8,000 – €22,000 per year)

• Must take Dutch or private health insurance

• Must show financial proof (€1,064/month requirement by IND)

🏠 2. Student Housing in the Netherlands (With Official Links)

Housing is the biggest challenge, especially in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, and Leiden.

Top Student Housing Platforms (Official + Trusted)

University Housing / DUWO

• DUWO student housing:
  👉 https://www.duwo.nl/en

• Used by many universities (Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden, The Hague)

Roommatch

• Student rooms & shared apartments
  👉 https://roommatch.nl/

SSH Student Housing

• Rooms in Utrecht, Groningen, Maastricht
  👉 https://www.sshxl.nl/en

Kamernet

• The most-used student rental platform
  👉 https://kamernet.nl/en

HousingAnywhere

• International students sublets & studios
  👉 https://housinganywhere.com

Pararius

• General rentals (for higher budgets)
  👉 https://www.pararius.com

Funda Rentals

• Good for long-term housing
  👉 https://www.funda.nl/en/huur

⚠️ Avoid Scams

Do not pay before:

• Signing a contract

• Seeing the room (virtual/real)

• Verifying the landlord

💶 3. Student Living Costs (Monthly 2026)

💡 4. How Students Can Reduce Living Costs

1. Get a Bike Instead of a Transport Subscription

• Buy used bike: €60–€120

• Avoid OV subscription unless you live far

2. Buy Groceries Smart

• Cheapest supermarkets: Lidl, Dirk, Coop

• Use TooGoodToGo app for cheap meals

3. Share Accommodation

Groups of 2–4 students save €250–€400/month each.

4. Use Student Discounts

• ISIC card

• Dutch museum card

• Student cinema & restaurant discounts

5. Cook at Home

Eating outside is expensive; students save around €200/month by cooking.

🏛 5. Register with the Gemeente (City Hall) – For BSN

Every student staying longer than 4 months must register at the local municipality.

👉 BSN Appointment (Official)

Find your city and book:
https://www.government.nl/topics/identification-documents/bsn-citizen-service-number

Examples:

• Amsterdam: https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/registration/

• Rotterdam: https://www.rotterdam.nl/loket/registration/

• The Hague: https://www.denhaag.nl/en/immigration-registration.htm

• Utrecht: https://www.utrecht.nl/city-of-utrecht/living/

What You Need:

• Passport

• Rental contract

• Birth certificate (sometimes)

• University enrolment

• Appointment confirmation

Within 5–10 days, you receive BSN (Burger Service Nummer) which is required for:

• Opening bank account

• Working

• Health insurance

• Taxes

🧑‍💼 6. How Students Can Work in the Netherlands

   EU Students

• Can work unlimited hours

• No work permit needed

• Must still get BSN + bank account

🌍 Non-EU Students

• Allowed 16 hours per week during study

• OR full-time in June/July/August

• Employer must apply for TWV work permit

• Cannot freelance

• Must have Dutch insurance

🚴‍♂️ 7. Best Part-Time Jobs for Students

Common Student Jobs

• Delivery jobs (UberEats, Thuisbezorgd, Deliveroo)

• Supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl)

• Hospitality (restaurants, bars)

• Warehouse jobs (bol.com, DHL)

• Retail (H&M, Primark)

• University assistant jobs

Delivery Job Registration Links

• 🚴 UberEats: https://www.uber.com/nl/en/deliver/

• 🚴 Thuisbezorgd Jobs: https://www.thuisbezorgd.nl/en/bezorger-worden

Note for Non-EU

Delivery jobs usually require a work permit, which restaurants often provide.

🏦 8. Open a Bank Account (Required for Job & Rent)

Best banks for students:

1. ING

Easy online registration
👉 https://www.ing.nl

2. Bunq (Popular among internationals)

Open an account without Dutch address
👉 https://www.bunq.com

3. ABN Amro

English-speaking service
👉 https://www.abnamro.nl

🏢 9. When Should a Student Register With KVK?

Register with KVK only if you start a business or freelance.

⚠️ Non-EU Students:

Freelancing is NOT allowed.
You need a different residence permit (startup/self-employed).

🇪🇺 EU Students:

You can freelance.
To register:
👉 https://www.kvk.nl/english/

KVK will give you:

• VAT Number

• Business registration

• Authorization to work as a freelancer

🏫 10. University Resources to Save Money & Find Housing

University Housing Pages

• University of Amsterdam: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/practical-information/housing

• Erasmus University (Rotterdam): https://www.eur.nl/en/education/practical-matters/housing

• Leiden University: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/housing

• Utrecht University: https://www.uu.nl/en/education/practical-information/housing

• TU Delft: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/education/practical-matters/housing

Student Help Centers

All universities have:

• Career office

• Mental health support

• Financial help desks

• Housing advisors

📘 11. Useful Apps for Students

• 9292 → Public transport

• NS App → Trains

• Marktplaats → Buy used items

• TooGoodToGo → Cheap leftover meals

• Tikkie → Easy payments

• DigiD → Government login

🧩 Final Tips for New Students

• Start looking for housing at least 2–3 months early

• Register for BSN ASAP (appointments are full quickly)

• Buy a second-hand bike

• Use student discounts everywhere

• Learn basic Dutch phrases

• Join university Facebook groups for housing

• Avoid paying upfront to unknown landlords