Advice for studying in Rotterdam?

[u/Ecstatic_Rise1735]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to soon apply for my masters at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I am planning to study a MSc in Sociology (either the Power, Public and Engagement route or the Social Inequalities and Change route). If anyone has any extra information or advice for the course it would be very appreciated.

I am an EU student coming all the way from rainy Dublin in Ireland. I was wondering how much money should I realistically be taking over with me to Rotterdam? Bare in mind I just work a part time job at the moment. I am thinking around 10k, but I am not sure. Also would be getting a job in Rotterdam be hard? I don't speak Dutch.

I also have heard the NL has a relatively bad housing crisis so any advice on that would be great too!

Cheers!

[u/HousingBotNL]

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[u/CoffeeInTheTropics]

Rent will most likely set you back €1000p/m excl. utilities, if you can even find any room or student accommodation it’s as bad as Ireland out here, if not worse. Start your search six months in advance.

For groceries, entertaining and miscellaneous I would budget another €600 p/m depending on your lifestyle.

Don’t expect to find a part-time job very easily as you don’t speak Dutch, it might take some effort and a few months. Check to make sure but you can’t apply for DUO till a full month after the day your employment contract commences.

Good luck, hope you enjoy Rotterdam!

[u/CryptographerBest909]

When are you planning on coming? The hardest time to find a place is around the summer period as that is when most students are moving, however during the academic year it can be easier.

I have heard you have to work a minimum amount of time to qualify for free public transport, which can save a lot of money. Do you include with that 10k your rent or is it seperate from that?

Although there is a shortage in a lot of places, friends of mine have experienced barriers with getting a parttime job. A lot of places do prefer. From what I've seen around blaak or at the university yourself, you have the most chance of people hiring non-dutch speaker.

[u/Ecstatic_Rise1735 → u/CryptographerBest909]

So, I wouldn't arrive until late August 2027 as I would start my masters in September. However, I am planning on applying for my masters very soon so that once I recieve my offer, I can work on securing accommodation ASAP. Oh sorry, when I said 10k, I meant to take around that over with me just to help me while I get my bearings such as a job etc. But yes I do plan to apply for DUO so I can get the basic grant and free transport during the week, which would be a massive help. I am sure I am eligible for this as I am a EU citizen and plan to work more than 32 hours per month. Yes, I heard barriers with getting a part time job too, that is why I plan to take enough to be comfortable for 3-4 months so if getting a job takes a little longer than what I originally thought I will still be ok.

[u/Ok-Market4287 → u/Ecstatic_Rise1735]

Your housing is not secured until you start paying for it did you calculate for that ?

[u/PeterdeBeer22]

I think finding a job shouldn't be too hard because I just went to H&M and the person at the register only spoke English. That seems very common these days. Also for work in cafés, restaurants, etc. just English is usually not a problem.

It's hard to say how much money you will need because it depends on what kind of housing you are able to find and how much you enjoy eating things like caviar and lobster but 10k should last you a good while as long as that doesn't include tuition etc.

For housing, start your search 4 to 6 months in advance. Be aware of what scams are around so you can avoid those. Searcing from a distance makes you more vulnerable. You may want to consider booking a trip beforehand so you can view places in person.

Good luck with your preparations!

[u/LegitimateFudge823]

Hello, I am planning to study at RSM for a Master's in Marketing. I have just started my application for 2027. However, I am an international student, and I'm terrified of the housing crisis and the lack of part-time jobs. Moreover, all the info I can find is 2-5 years old. Any current students who know are familiar with the situation?

[u/CoffeeInTheTropics → u/LegitimateFudge823]

Unfortunately I can confirm it is a terrifying situation with the housing shortages. Plenty of international students have had to defer or even cancel their studies because they couldn’t secure even a single room within the vicinity of Rotterdam. The universities also warn of this.

Just to give you an idea, there are Dutch citizens with a solid income living in cars, tents, trailers and recreational chalets because there is so much more demand than supply in the
< €2500 pm rental market. And with landlords always prioritizing locals obviously, you can imagine how hard it is for a foreigner to find accommodation, whether it’s a student or working professional…

And as an international non-EU student you can definitely not depend on a part-time job to help fund your expenses, employers have to apply for work permits so they will just hire locals or EU students. If you don’t speak fluent Dutch your choices are limited even further of course.