Accommodation in the Netherlands
The International Office of VU University Amsterdam provides accommodation for the following students:
- Short-stay accomodation for IBA, International Masters, and exchange students
- Short-stay foreign PhD's and visitors
Rental periods
This is the period during which student and VU University Amsterdam, in co-operation with the housing association, have agreed to rent (out) accommodation.
The rental periods for VU University Amsterdam students are always fixed periods, even if you arrive later, or leave earlier.
- Rental period Master students
International Master’s will receive a tenancy agreement for a fixed period of 1 year.
For students who are enrolled in a two year Master programme, it is possible to obtain accommodation for a second year. During the first year (around April or May) you will be asked to extend the tenancy agreement for the maximum period of another year. If you choose not to extend you will have to find accommodation by yourself for the 2nd year.
Rental period: 17 August 2012 - 12 August 2013
For students of 1 year master programmes it is not possible for any reason to extend after the first year.
For students of 2 year master programmes it is not possible for any reason to extend after the second year. - Rental period Bachelor students
International Bachelor’s will receive a tenancy agreement for a fixed period of 1 year. After the first year, it is not possible for any reason to extend after the first year.
Rental period: 17 August 2012 - 12 August 2013 - Rental periods Exchange students
Exchange students will receive a tenancy agreement for the fixed period of 1 semester of 1 year, depending on the period they will come to VU University Amsterdam.
For exchange students that come to the VU University Amsterdam for 1 year, the rental period is:
Rental period: 17 August 2012 - 12 August 2013
For exchange students that come to the VU University Amsterdam for 1 semester, the rental periods are:
First semester: Rental period: 17 August 2012 - 29 January 2013
Second semester: Rental period: 1 February 2013 - 12 August 2013
Limited rooms
The International Office does its utmost to find suitable accommodation for everyone. However the number of available rooms and apartments in Amsterdam is limited, so unfortunately accommodation cannot be guaranteed. In order to improve your chances of obtaining accommodation via the International Office, you are strongly advised to apply well in advance.
Facilities
Accommodation consists of furnished (single) rooms with private or shared facilities. Some rooms can be reserved in one of our student dorms with shared shower and toilet. Students usually have their own bedroom. In most cases, bathroom, kitchen and living room must be shared with other students. It is common that men and women live together in the same student house.
Given the shortage of good accommodation, you may find the room you get is rather small and not of the standard you had expected. Accommodation in Amsterdam is not only limited, but can also be more expensive than at home. Thinking about these things in advance could help avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Housing fee
Students who want to obtain accommodation through VU University Amsterdam will be have to pay a fee of €400. (€200 for students who stay for one semester). This fee is charged to cover the costs of the university in providing the housing service to international students.
Students have to pay VU University Amsterdam this fee of €400/€200 by 1 June 2012 at the latest. Applications for accommodation will not be dealt with until the university has received this sum. Details of how to pay this fee will be included in the offer letter which you will receive from VU University.
Refund of housing fee
If you do not actually come to the Netherlands to study, your housing fee can be refunded. You must request this refund before 13 July 2012. For the transfer we need your address and your bank account details. You can email this to admissions-support.dsz@vu.nl. We will try to transfer the refund of your application fee within four weeks after having received this information.
Rental prices
All prices mentioned are subject to change, and as such you cannot derive a right from these prices. If you have any questions about the rooms and apartments or the rules and regulations (please be sure to check these first!), please contact the contact person for accommodation at the faculty.
Complaints
Complaints about housing should be addressed to the caretaker from the housing company. In case they do not deal with your complaint seriously, you can come to the International Service Desk.
