Amsterdam is a popular destination for students from all over the world, and for a good reason.
The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and world-renowned universities. Amsterdam ranked 21st of the best student cities out of a total of 115 considered. That’s why more and more students come to study here. Among them, many new students are from abroad. Last academic year, over 42,000 international students enrolled at some Dutch universities for the first time. In total, there are 40% of international students in the Netherlands.
However, it can be quite difficult to find affordable accommodation in Amsterdam. The demand for housing in the Dutch capital is high, and the city has a relatively low housing supply compared to the number of people who want to live there.
But, you will find out why Amsterdam is still a terrific place and what are the best locations for students. Let’s see.
Is Amsterdam a Good Place for Students?
If you consider attending college in Amsterdam, you might wonder if the city has everything you need. Amsterdam has proven to be an excellent place for students for several reasons.
As many as 7 universities are located in the city (University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam University College, HvA Jakoba Mulderhuis, Amsterdam University of Arts, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Fashion Institute). At the Universities, you can choose the faculty that interests you, so your whole study experience will certainly be positive.
The place you choose to study for your future development is as crucial as the faculty you choose. If you think about it, Amsterdam is considered to be a safe city to live in. Crime rates in Amsterdam are generally low compared to other major cities in Europe and the rest of the world. According to the Economics Intelligence Unit, Amsterdam ranks 6th globally and 2nd in Europe in terms of safety.
In addition to feeling safe, you will find so many things to see and explore in Amsterdam city. And not only that, this place is open-minded, which is a great starting point for new and unforgettable experiences that young people are looking for. What is certain is that you will feel free here.
You don’t need to know Dutch to study and live in Amsterdam, although you will probably learn over time. So, it’s quite easy to fit into society because almost everyone speaks English. But what everyone is probably most interested in is how much money you need to live here. So, let’s see.
Is Amsterdam Cheap for Students?
Although Amsterdam is one of the more expensive cities in Europe, it can be relatively affordable for students. The cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and housing situation. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation can add up quickly in Amsterdam, but there are also ways to save money as a student.
On the other hand, It can be a little more difficult for students to find affordable housing in Amsterdam, which is one of their biggest expenses. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat (about 40m2) is about €1,770, excluding utilities.
However, as a student, you may be able to save money by renting a room in a shared apartment/house or by living in a student dormitory or residence hall. Overall, Amsterdam can be a bit expensive, but with planning and budgeting, students can find ways to save money and still enjoy their student life.
The table below shows the most common expenses students have in Amsterdam.
| ACCOMMODATION | AVERAGE PRICE (2022) |
| One-bedroom flat (40m2)/month | €1 770 |
| One-bedroom flat (40 m2) utilities/month | €110 – €150 |
| Furnished Private Room with utilities | €649 |
| Furnished Studio with utilities | €1,177 |
| FOOD | AVERAGE PRICE |
| Lunch/Dinner | €8 – €15 |
| Lunch/Dinner for two | €30 – €60 |
| Coffee | €3.50 – €5.75 |
| Grocery cost/month | €200 – €350 |
| TRANSPORT | AVERAGE PRICE |
| Public transport/single ticket | €3.20 |
| Public transport/monthly pass | €97.50 |
| Taxi | €3.19 + €2.35 per/km. |
| Second-hand bicycle | €50 – €100 |
| OTHER | AVERAGE PRICE |
| Gym membership/month | €30- €80 |
| Cinema ticket | €11- €18 |
| Haircut | €30 – €60(female); €20 – €32 (male) |
Best Locations for Students in Amsterdam
The best locations for students in Amsterdam have everything students need for a safe, easy, and fun life. These are some of them.
1. The Pijp (De Pijp)
Located south of the city center, De Pijp is a lively and diverse neighborhood popular among students. Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse mix of residents. That’s why this is one of the best areas for student housing, where they can experience different events, a pleasant environment, and people.
De Pijp is also home to several universities and colleges, which makes it attractive for students. It’s only half an hour away from the University of Amsterdam by public transport, which runs every 10 minutes. It’s also well-connected with other universities and parts of the city. This allows students to get to their universities and other locations quickly.
In addition to students, this part of the city is known for its artistic appearance, numerous cafes, markets, and beautiful streets. If you came with your family, you might not find life in this area so attractive, but for students, workers, artists, and bohemians, this is the perfect place to live.
It’s generally a cheaper area than other parts of Amsterdam. That’s why students most often choose accommodation in The Pijp. However, like many other neighborhoods in Amsterdam, finding affordable accommodation in The Pijp can be challenging.
The housing market in Amsterdam is very competitive, and it can be hard to find a place to live, especially if you are looking for a room in a shared apartment. The demand for housing in The Pijp is high, and the housing supply is relatively low.
There are also several private student dormitories and other forms of student housing in the area, but they tend to fill up quickly and have long waiting lists, so early planning is needed.
2. Jordaan
Located in the heart of the city, Jordaan is a charming neighborhood for students. The area is known for its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and cheerful atmosphere.
Jordaan is home to several universities and It’s also connected to other schools and universities by public transport that runs every 10 minutes. Most of them are less than half an hour’s drive away.
You can enjoy walking along the colorful, stunning streets and canals. Have lunch in elegant restaurants, and drink coffee or beer with a view reminiscent of the past. You can also visit numerous museums, and one of the most famous is at the very end of the neighborhood – the Anne Frank House.
Due to the comfort and typical Amsterdam atmosphere offered by the Jordaan, this is also a frequent choice among the students.
Accommodations in this area are a little more difficult to find than in The Pijp. In Jordaan, apartments are a bit more expensive and hard to get. However, with the help of experts in this field, it’s possible to find an adequate accommodation for a decent price.
3. Amsterdam Noord
This up-and-coming neighborhood in Amsterdam is becoming increasingly popular with students. The district is located just outside the city center and is known for its relatively low housing costs, vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to public transportation.
One of the main advantages of living in Amsterdam Noord for students is affordable housing. The prices are generally lower than in other neighborhoods closer to the city center, and there are many different types of housing available, including apartments, houses, and rooms in shared apartments.
In terms of transportation, Amsterdam Noord is well-connected to the rest of the city. The area is also easily accessible by bike. The North also has a few green spaces, parks, and gardens, perfect for spending time outdoors and enjoying nature.
In summary, Amsterdam Noord is a good choice for students looking for an affordable, diverse, and well-connected neighborhood. Keep in mind that Noord is outside the city center, so it may be less convenient for students looking to be close to the city’s nightlife and other attractions, but it’s worth checking out.
4. Uilenstede in Amstelveen
This district is known for being a large student housing complex, mostly popular among the students of VU University Amsterdam and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
The Uilenstede housing complex offers a variety of different types of accommodation, including shared apartments and studios, so you can choose what best suits your needs. The complex also offers a good range of amenities, such as a gym, laundromat, shops, a library, and a bar.
It’s quite isolated from the rest of the city, in a peaceful and green environment. This isolation can be seen as a positive aspect as it can offer a study-friendly and quiet atmosphere.
It’s important to note that this area is a self-contained student community, and you will find many students from all over the world, which is a great opportunity to meet and make friends with people from diverse backgrounds.
Plus, Uilenstede is well-connected to the rest of the city by buses and trams. There is also a great bike rental service in the area that can make it easier to get around.
You Choose – We Do The Legwork
Amsterdam is an exceptional place to live as a student because it offers countless opportunities. Many colleges are available and affordable for both foreign and domestic students, so it’s no wonder that more and more young people are choosing this place to start their careers.
One of the biggest problems is finding accommodation for students. Due to the high prices and the small number of rooms/apartments available, students struggle to find the best accommodation for themselves. However, in the best districts for students, like The Pijp, Jordaan, Amsterdam North, and Uilenstede in Amstelveen, with a little help your search may be successful.
So, if you want to increase your chances of finding a suitable apartment, you can contact us. With our help, you will ensure that you find an apartment based on your budget and other preferences. Let us handle everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about that.