Students face 'impossible' search for rooms in Groningen amid high rents and shortages

Students arriving in Groningen for the academic year are facing a severe housing crisis, with many struggling to find affordable accommodation. Anie, an 18-year-old starting her human resource management program, described the search as "difficult. Very difficult." She has applied for around a dozen rooms shared on Facebook and through platforms like myHospi, but has yet to secure a place.

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I wish. It is difficult. Very difficult.

For students like Anie, the prospect of commuting is daunting. If she doesn't find a room soon, she faces a four-hour round trip daily from her hometown of Oldenzaal. Other students are resorting to Airbnbs, hotels, or campsites for the introductory KEI week. Celine, 17, who is studying communication, travels back to Zwolle every night, missing out on social events due to the last train's departure time.

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Friends had to come to ten hospitations and they still don't have a room.

The competition for rooms is fierce, with many houses preferring older students who can participate in drinking activities and are perceived as more experienced in household chores. Celine, who turns 18 soon, hopes this will improve her chances. The university and Hanze University of Applied Sciences recommend starting the housing search in April, but many students, like Celine, begin in July or August, only to find the market already saturated.

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I miss a lot, but well, I knew that beforehand.

According to the Knowledge Center for Student Housing (Kences), there is a shortage of over 20,000 rooms. While social housing providers are building more student accommodations, the number of private rooms is declining rapidly. The Wet betaalbare huur (Affordable Rent Act) has led to the sale of many private rental properties, further reducing the available supply. Kamernet, a room-finding platform, reports that students are paying an average of 643 euros per month for a private room, which is double the amount of the basic student grant for those living away from home.

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They naturally prefer eighteen-year-olds, then you can drink along. I understand. If you are older, you usually have more experience with cleaning and cooking. I'm not very good at all of that. I turn eighteen in September. Maybe it will work then.