Finding a room
Leiden and The Hague are beautiful student cities and great places to live. However it can be tricky to find the right accommodation for the right price. Here you can find house-hunting tips and useful advice, both for new arrivals and students who have been with us a while.
House hunting
For newly-arriving international students
Every semester, Leiden University reserves a number of rooms via DUWO, a local housing agency. These are intended for newly-arriving international students only.
Limited availability
The number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms, so new students should request a room early and always have a plan B in case they are unsuccessful. Visit the housing website for information on how and when to request a room via Leiden University.
Tips and advice
Whether you are looking for your first room, or want to move to a new place, our Finding housing yourself page is a good place to start. Here you can find up-to-date information on rental rates and housing organisations, as well as a handy Dutch terminology guide.
Look out for rental scams!
Although Leiden and The Hague have reputations as safe and welcoming cities, there are always a few rotten apples. Bogus agencies or landlords occasionally try to take advantage of (new) students by offering non-existent properties. Make sure to read our information on How to avoid a rental scam before embarking on your search for a place to stay.
Rent benefit
If you are renting a property in the Netherlands you may, in some circumstances, be able to claim rent benefit. See the Dutch Tax Authority website for details. You are responsible for your own rent benefit claim but if you need assistance or advice, you can contact the Leidse Rechtswinkel (free legal aid centre) or the JIP (youth information point).
Students with a disability
If you have a disability you may require additional facilities or adaptations to your accommodation. Take a look at our page about studying with a disability or speak to a student counsellor at Fenestra Disability Centre for more information.