Not as big a tourist attraction as Amsterdam, Rotterdam is still a very interesting place to explore. Always innovating, the cosmopolitan city is filled with modern architectural marvels, and loaded with alluring cultural, dining, and entertainment offerings that qualify it as a wonderful study destination.

Place yourself in the thick of things in this unique port city by booking student accommodation in Rotterdam with Student.com. We offer student housing with good transport links to Erasmus University.

Our student apartments are modern and come fully equipped with the necessary amenities for comfortable student living. Send us your inquiries through our website’s live chat or give us a call to find out more.

Get to know Rotterdam

A city in the Dutch province of South Holland, Rotterdam (dam in the river Rotte) lies along both banks of the New Meuse (Nieuwe Maas) River.

With a population of over half a million people, Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Home to Europe’s largest port, and one of the largest in the world, Rotterdam is a major transportation hub for the Northern and Central parts of Europe.

It is also the Netherlands’ most modern city.

The southern city has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing village in the 13th century to become a cultural and architectural metropolis.

Innovating and inspiring

Rotterdam was on its way to becoming an industrial and trading power before World War II largely destroyed its development. But thanks to a progressive attitude to post-war reconstruction, Rotterdam rose from the ashes of war to become a city of innovation, constantly evolving and moving forward.

The city’s extensive distribution system of roads, rail, and waterways has earned it the nickname ‘the Manhattan on the Meuse.‘ It is home to some of the best post-war architecture in all of Europe.

Stunning skyscrapers, the world’s first floating dairy farm, and The Markthal, a unique hybrid between market hall and housing, are just a few of the city’s unique architectural wonders that have brought many visitors to this urbane, cosmopolitan city.

Unlike any other Dutch city

A former labourers’ city that used to be characterised by its honesty and hard work, Rotterdam has evolved into a unique and dynamic metropolis.

While Amsterdam is the brightest beacon for the Netherlands internationally, with many attractions, festivals, museums and galleries, a lively urban culture, and a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes, Rotterdam has all the amenities and the vibe of a city on the up.

A place that wears many faces, Rotterdam is not only a tough port city, and the architectural beacon of the Netherlands, it is also a trendy nightlife city, a hip artistic city, and a sophisticated shopping city.

While it is more ‘blue collar’, down to earth, and much less touristy than Amsterdam, Rotterdam’s many offerings give the capital some competition.

Its host of exciting attractions and cultural offerings are sure to pull in visitors, making Rotterdam a prime city for great student living.

Student life in Rotterdam

Beyond its impressive, bold and modern architecture, there is plenty more to see and do in Rotterdam.

Experience one of the world’s smartest ports in all its glory with a boat tour from Spido and Steamship Rotterdam. Or experience stunning views of the city from over 100 metres above ground at the Euromast, the highest observation tower in the Netherlands.

Nightlife

With a relatively large and lively city centre, there are many restaurants and bars in Rotterdam, so there are plenty of options when you get hungry or thirsty.

Laidback café-bars, such as Boudewijn, which serves more than 100 Belgian beers, are dotted throughout the city.

Go up north for live music at the Bird, a club nestled below railway arches.

Take a stroll along Witte de Withstraat, one of the most popular and liveliest streets in Rotterdam, and find a high density of chic cocktail bars, such as the gin specialist ballroom, restaurants, and bars.

Culinary scene

Situated on the trendy Witte de Withstraat is Bazar, whose selection of Middle-Eastern and North African cuisine, upbeat world music, and colourful interior, is popular among students and young professionals.

There are not many better places to dine in Rotterdam than the glorious Hotel New York. Enjoy the city’s unique skyline, a nice view of the Meuse, and an extensive menu that allows guests to choose from a wide price range.

Events

The city also hosts several special events.

Attracting some of the world’s most famous jazz musicians and international media coverage annually in the middle of July, the North Sea Jazz Festival is the Netherlands’ most prestigious jazz event.

The maritime event World Port Days (also known as World Harbour Days) is large, festive, and one of the largest events in the country.

For some revelry, head to Rotterdam Unlimited Summercarnival. The event has represented a mix of music, dance, theatre, and carnival annually for over two decades.

In July, experience one of the most exciting music events in the country for free at the Metropolis Festival. To see more newbies for free, check out some of the coolest acts from Rotterdam at the Eendracht Festival every third Thursday of July.

If you want to learn about new and experimental filmmakers, the annual International Film Festival Rotterdam is held across several cinemas in the city.

Great location and transportation

Getting around the city is a breeze due to the city’s various modes of transportation. Everything is accessible by tram, metro, or bus.

Just make sure you get an OV-chipcard as soon as you get to the city, since it’s the only valid travel pass for getting around Rotterdam. But, as is the case in all Dutch cities, a bike is the cheapest and often the easiest way.

Getting out of the city is also easy. Thanks to its great location, Rotterdam is only minutes away from many of the Netherlands’ main attractions and just a few hours away from other major European cities. Amsterdam and Utrecht are less than an hour away. And thanks to a metro line that connects the two cities, Rotterdam is under 30 minutes away from The Hague.

For even further afield, Rotterdam has its own international airport (Rotterdam The Hague Airport) which is located in its Zestienhoven district.

Where to study in Rotterdam?

With more than 50,000 students studying at various institutions, Rotterdam is one of the largest student cities in the Netherlands.

The highest-ranked and most influential university in Rotterdam is without a doubt Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Founded in 1913, Erasmus University Rotterdam is the largest university in Rotterdam.

Named after the 15th-century humanist and theologian Erasmus of Rotterdam, the namesake for the Erasmus study exchange programme, EUR has built a strong reputation for its world-class education and cutting-edge research.

A top 100 university globally (72nd in the 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings), EUR consistently places high in the rankings of the best European universities.

Through its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, it helps bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. students pursue their ambitions in the areas such as business, medicine and health, governance (public administration), and arts and culture.

Based on the concept of a “multicultural classroom,” EUR blends high-quality education with a strong global perspective.

With more than 20% of its 30,000-strong student population coming from overseas, it’s one of the most international universities in the country.

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Established in 1988, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (Rotterdam UAS) is a dynamic knowledge institution for higher professional education.

It’s one of the major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. Divided into 11 schools at eight different locations throughout Rotterdam’s city centre, the university offers more than 90 graduate and undergraduate programmes in seven fields to its almost 40,000 students, these fields being:

• Education
• Health
• Technology
• Arts
• Business
• Media and information technology
• Behaviour and society

Following the Rotterdam Educational Model, Rotterdam University of Applies Sciences reflects the region’s practical mentality by incorporating practical experience and personal development into all the courses it offers.

Many of the university’s programmes are taught in English.

Frequently asked questions about student apartments in Rotterdam

How do I apply for off-campus student housing in Rotterdam?

Applying for off-campus student housing in Rotterdam on Student.com is easy and free.

Select the housing you want to rent, then click ‘View rooms’ to go to the property page. When you’re on the property page, choose your preferred room type and click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’.

After you have made your selection, leave your contact details and one of our booking consultants will contact you to answer your questions and take you through the next steps in the booking process.

Do you offer accommodation for Erasmus students and other international students?

Yes, we do. As long as you are a full-time student, you can book any of the accommodations we offer on Student.com.

Are bills included in the rent?

Yes, in most of the properties we list on our website, all bills are included in the rent. Some landlords have different policies though, so make sure to check on the property page of the property you’re thinking of booking if this is the case.

Are the apartments fully furnished?

No. The properties we currently offer in Rotterdam are not rented furnished.