Amsterdam offers a unique experience to people from all walks of life, making it a great place for students.

You’ll live and study in comfort and convenience in one of the most vibrant, multicultural cities in the world when you book your private student accommodation near the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with Student.com.

We offer modern student housing close to VU Amsterdam. Our housing comes equipped with all the necessary amenities a student needs to enjoy their student experience.

To get more information on the VU accommodation we offer, call us or send us a quick message using the live chat feature on our website.

Where is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam located? 

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam or VU Amsterdam is one of two large, publicly funded research universities located in the city of Amsterdam, in the North Holland province of the Netherlands.

The campus is surrounded by Zuidas - one of the most dynamic business districts in the country. The lively centre is just fifteen minutes away, where there are numerous places of entertainment, cafes, shops, and parks.

So, as a student of VU Amsterdam, you are primed to benefit from the advantages the city has to offer. With Amsterdam having the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands, you are bound to make new friends within your peer group. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, so you are guaranteed to meet people from your own culture.

Another advantage is its size. With around 900,000 residents and less than 15km (9 miles) wide from east to west, Amsterdam is relatively small compared to many other famous European cities like Paris and London. It is small enough to travel from end to end by bicycle.

Studying and living in Amsterdam is a fantastic experience for foreign students who are in search of a first-class European education in a diverse, lively, and welcoming environment.

Studying at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 

VU Amsterdam is a world-renowned research university that offers a broad education to over 25,000 students.

It consistently ranks among the world’s best universities, placing 115th and 214th in the 2022 Times Higher Education and 2023 QS World University Rankings, respectively.

VU Amsterdam distinguishes itself in education and research in four interdisciplinary themes: Science for Sustainability, Human Health and Life Sciences, Connected World and Governance for Society.

Within its ten main academic divisions, the university offers over 175 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. levels in different fields of interest, including:

• Medicine
• Sciences
• Economics and business administration
• Law
• Humanities

So, if you’re looking for a place where you can complete your degree in English, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a great option!

An identity of its own 

VU Amsterdam is unique. It’s the first university in the Netherlands to be established privately without the interference from the church or the state.

Independent in its approach from the outset, it has developed its own study programs, determined its own areas of research, and practised its own methods.

That free-spirited culture is still very much part of the university to this day. It’s even in its name. Vrije Universiteit (VU) literally stands for ‘Free University.’

This philosophy has created a culture of openness to new ideas, freedom of expression, and a welcoming home for everyone.

VU regards diversity as a major source of innovation and progress. Over 4,000 of its 26,000 students are international students from more than 100 countries worldwide.

Research 

VU Amsterdam’s education and research programmes are distinctly multidisciplinary and closely linked.

Ever since it was founded, VU has stood for value-driven research with a strong social focus.

The university’s cutting-edge research focuses heavily on problems of societal, scientific, and economic importance. Its researchers work together across disciplines and themes, in collaboration with partners in business, government, and non-profit organisations worldwide.

VU’s strong social orientation and multidisciplinary approach to helping solve some of the world’s biggest challenges has resulted in the university gaining an excellent reputation for research internationally.

Industry links 

When you graduate from VU, you probably won’t have to worry about a job if you decide to call Amsterdam home. The university benefits significantly from its close proximity to one of the country’s fastest-growing business districts.

With more than 800 companies, including global giants such as Google and Mitsubishi, Zuidas provides students with plenty of opportunities for networking, work experience, and inspiration.

Also, on campus, there are several career events, workshops, and career advisors to help you better prepare for your future.

VU Amsterdam student life 

The university’s urban campus is modern and centrally located in Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district.

VU Amsterdam offers its students ample opportunities to participate in student organisations and enjoy art and culture on or around the campus, whether it’s through movies, theatre shows, expositions, or other events. This makes for an exciting student life.

Films at Rialto VU 

Enjoy some screen time at the new Rialto VU theatre and its four state-of-the-art screening rooms.

VU Griffioen cultural hub 

VU Griffioen, the cultural centre of VU Amsterdam, establishes great cultural enrichment for students. Cultural life at Griffioen includes films, dance performances, music and theatre, as well as lectures.

VU Pride (online) game night 

Play games with other VU Pride supporters during on-campus game nights. Choose from a whole host of board games, from Jenga to Unstable Unicorns in the Pride Library.

After a long day studying, have some laughs and plays games like Kahoot, Skribbl.io, Jackbox, and Cards Against Humanity. You just need to grab your phone, get on Zoom, pick a game, and have fun every other week.

VU choirs and orchestras 

If classical music is your thing, VU Amsterdam has four music groups: VU Orchestra, VU Choir, VU Chamber Orchestra, and VU Chamber Choir.

Associations 

Make the most of your student life by joining a student association.

Founded by students, the Study Association focuses on the content of your studies and de-stressing. It creates social connection opportunities between students where they can meet people from various study programmes and educational institutions.

Health and wellbeing 

With Sports Center VU and several sports associations, VU Amsterdam invests in the well-being of its students and staff. Enjoy student discount prices and a broad range of sporting activities at its two locations.

A multicultural campus 

At VU, people of different nationalities work and study closely together.

With students and staff of over 100 nationalities, the VU campus is an international and dynamic academic community representing a wide range of cultures and voices.

The university regards diversity, whether in culture, nationality, education, or character, as a source of innovation and progress.

History of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 

In 1880, VU Amsterdam was founded as a private initiative. Its most prominent founder was the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Abraham Kuyper.

The purpose was to establish an independent university unhindered by interference from the government or the Dutch Reformed Church (NHK).

Early development 

From the 1930s it was supported by a fundraising campaign set up by the women’s organisation, Vrouwen VU-hulp. Contributors primarily made donations through the ‘VU-busje’ - a collection box with a portrait of Kuyper on it.

In the early days, the university’s main building was in the centre of Amsterdam at Keizersgracht 162, where three faculties were housed: theology, law, and humanities.

Early expansion 

The university began to grow by the beginning of the twentieth century. The building of a medical faculty that included a clinic and physiology laboratory at Valeriusplein in Amsterdam-Zuid, was the first expansion project in 1907.

The sciences faculty followed in 1930 when the laboratories for physics and chemistry were built on De Lairessestraat.

Post-World War II growth and relocation 

The university experienced rapid growth post World War II. Student enrolment rose as new disciplines and faculties were added.

In the early 1970s, the university began to gradually move away from the traditional ‘reformed’ identity and became primarily state-funded, like the other Dutch universities.

In 1966, the first set of buildings was completed, which were the University Medical Center (VUmc) and the spaces for Biology and Physics.

The main building was built at Amsterdam-Buitenveldert and officially opened in 1973. Gradually, more departments moved to the new campus, and the Campus Uilenstede was built for student housing.

Many more buildings were purchased or rented to accommodate the transformation and growth, primarily in Amsterdam-Zuid.

In the 1990s, VU continued its growth into an internationally renowned research and education university. The campus was renovated and became more connected to the new Zuidas district.

Frequently asked questions about student housing near VU Amsterdam 

How can I book private, off-campus accommodation near Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on Student.com? 

Booking private, off-campus accommodation near UV Amsterdam is simple and easy on Student.com. You can use the filters to find the kind of accommodation you’re looking for. With the map function, you can see what is available right next to your campus or in any other part of Amsterdam that you’d like to live in.

Once you’ve find a property you like, go to the property page by clicking ‘View rooms’. On the property page you’ll need to choose the room type you’d like to live in and click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’. One of our booking agents will then contact you, answer any further questions you may still have and help you through the rest of the booking process.

What are the different room types you offer? 

Student.com offers three different room types:

1. Shared Rooms – Two or more people sleep in separate beds in the same bedroom. Other facilities are shared with other tenants living in other rooms.

2. Private Rooms – This room type offers a private bedroom. Depending on the property you choose, your bathroom may be either private or shared. Other facilities are shared.

3. Entire Place – A fully private, self-contained studio property with private facilities. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and cooking facilities.

Are bills included in the rent? 

In most of the properties we list in Amsterdam, all bills are included in your rent. Some landlords may have different policies though, so make sure you check on the property page if this is the case with the property you’re interested in booking.

Are the apartments fully furnished? 

Most of the apartments we list in Amsterdam are rented fully furnished. Again, check the property page to make sure if this is the case with the property you’d like to book though, as some landlords may also rent their apartments unfurnished.