Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
12 November 2026
Magazine
Nederlands

Housing

Student Life & Society 6 October 2026

The race for a room

At the start of every academic year, hundreds of VU students chase the same scarce accommodations. Dozens of applications, gruelling meet-ups and hundreds of euros in subscriptions – with no guarantee of a place to live.
Student Life & Society 15 April 2026

Choose your own housemates? That’s up to the landlord, says housing minister

Students and local politicians have criticized DUWO’s new housemate selection policy, but the housing minister has ruled out any official intervention.
Student Life & Society 9 April 2026

Room service and rats

In the midst of Amsterdam’s housing shortage, student hotels offer a lifeline to incoming international students looking for a room. But do the amenities weigh up against their exorbitant prices?
Student Life & Society 12 July 2025

4,600 signatures against ‘equal opportunities’ in flatmate interviews

In a short amount of time, a petition against DUWO’s plea for ‘equal opportunities’ in flatmate interviews for housing has been signed 4,600 times. Residents want to continue to decide for themselves who their new flatmate will be.
Student Life & Society 15 April 2025

Government wants more temporary leases for students

Landlords should always be able to offer students a temporary lease, according to housing minister Mona Keijzer. This would make it more attractive for them to manage student houses again.
Campus & Culture 15 December 2023

The squatters near Uilenstede are ready for winter

Rain or shine, the residents of ‘Krakenburg’ in Amstelveen are determined to continue their project. “The cold is still manageable, but that endless rain is really nasty.”
Student Life & Society 14 February 2023

At least 338 international students lack housing

Of the 1363 international VU students who filled in a survey by the International Office, 338 of them do not have a stable housing situation. That is a quarter of them.
Student Life & Society 24 October 2022

New construction alone is not the solution for student housing problem

The six cities in the Netherlands with the largest student population warn that they can’t solve their shortage of student accommodation simply by building more housing. Among other things, they want measures to stem the influx of international students.
Student Life & Society 19 August 2022

Wanted: young female flatmate who cooks and cleans

What do you do when you’re desperate for accommodation and a homeowner asks you to get into his car? And would you be willing to cook or clean for someone if that means you can get a roof over your…
Student Life & Society 7 April 2022

‘It’s definitely a puzzle’

LONGREAD – The Ukrainian students that VU lecturer Kilian Wawoe is bringing to VU Amsterdam need permanent housing as they finish their studies. Two of his Psychology students are now coordinating the search.