StayScoutFinding student housing in Amsterdam can feel like a full-time job. With thousands of international students arriving each year, the demand for rooms far outweighs the supply. On top of that, Erasmus exchange students, interns, and expats all compete for the same housing options.
If you're moving to Amsterdam in 2025 and wondering "Where should I live as a student?", this guide will help. We'll walk you through the best student-friendly neighborhoods in Amsterdam, what makes them unique, and what you can expect when looking for housing.
Amsterdam Oost (East) – Affordable and Multicultural
Why students like it:
- More affordable compared to central Amsterdam
- Lively and multicultural, with plenty of international food spots
- Great connections to UvA campuses and the city center by bike or tram
Average rent for a room: €750–950/month
Amsterdam Oost is a solid choice if you want a balance between affordability, culture, and accessibility. It's especially popular with international students who want to experience the city without paying the highest rents.
De Pijp – Popular but Competitive
Why students like it:
- Packed with bars, cafés, and restaurants
- Lively atmosphere and popular with internationals
- Close to the city center
Average rent for a room: €900–1,200/month
De Pijp is one of Amsterdam's most popular neighborhoods for students who want nightlife at their doorstep. But be warned: the competition is fierce, and prices are higher than in other areas.
Amsterdam Noord – Up-and-Coming
Why students like it:
- More affordable compared to central districts
- Creative, alternative vibe
- Short ferry ride to Amsterdam Central Station (free and runs all day)
Average rent for a room: €700–900/month
Noord has transformed in recent years into a hip, creative hub. It's still cheaper than living in the city center, making it attractive for budget-conscious students.
Bijlmer (Amsterdam Zuidoost) – Cheaper but Farther
Why students like it:
- Cheapest rooms in the city
- Very diverse community
- Strong metro connections to the center
Average rent for a room: €600–800/month
Bijlmer is often overlooked by students, but if budget is your main concern, it's worth checking out. While it's further from the city center, good transport connections make it manageable.
Around University Campuses (VU / UvA)
Why students like it:
- Walk or bike to class
- Save on transport costs
- Meet other students easily
Average rent for a room: €850–1,200/month
Living near UvA or VU campuses is the most convenient option, but rooms are limited and expensive. If you manage to secure one, you'll save a lot of time commuting.
Alternative Cities to Consider Near Amsterdam
Because the housing shortage in Amsterdam is so extreme, many students end up living just outside the city. These nearby towns are well connected by train, metro, or bike, and often offer cheaper housing options.
Student Housing in Amstelveen
- Popular with international students and expats
- Green, calm, and close to VU Amsterdam
- Average rent: €700–950/month
Student Housing in Diemen
- A student-friendly town right next to Amsterdam
- Many shared apartments and student complexes
- Only 10 minutes by train or bike to the city center
Student Housing in Zaandam
- Cheaper housing compared to Amsterdam
- Good train connections (15 minutes to Amsterdam Central)
- Growing popularity among students
Student Housing in Haarlem
- Beautiful, historic city 15–20 minutes by train from Amsterdam
- Slightly higher rents than Zaandam, but more relaxed atmosphere
- Popular with students who prefer a quieter lifestyle
Student Housing in Almere
- Modern city about 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train
- More affordable than central Amsterdam
- Plenty of new housing developments and student-friendly options
👉 These areas may not have the same energy as Amsterdam's student neighborhoods, but they can be a great compromise between affordability and accessibility.
How to Find Student Housing in These Areas
Students usually find student housing on:
- Platforms like Pararius, Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, Room.nl
- Facebook housing groups (but beware of scams)
- Rental alert tools like StayScout, which scan listings and notify you first so you don't miss opportunities
👉 Pro Tip: Before deciding, check out Hoodmaps Amsterdam. It's a crowdsourced map showing how locals perceive each neighborhood — a fun and useful way for students to explore which area fits their lifestyle best.
Final Thoughts – Where Should You Live in Amsterdam as a Student?
Choosing the right neighborhood depends on your budget and lifestyle:
- Oost if you want affordable and multicultural
- De Pijp if you want social life and nightlife
- Noord if you want something creative and up-and-coming
- Bijlmer if you're on a tight budget
- Campus areas if convenience is your top priority
- Nearby towns (Amstelveen, Diemen, Zaandam, Haarlem, Almere) if you want cheaper rent but easy access to Amsterdam
👉 Don't let the housing market stress you out. Use StayScout to get rental alerts and be the first to know when new rooms in your favorite neighborhoods appear. That way, you'll save time, avoid scams, and secure housing faster.
FAQ
Q1: Where do most students live in Amsterdam?
Most students live in areas like Amsterdam Oost, De Pijp, and Amsterdam Noord. These neighborhoods balance affordability, accessibility, and student-friendly vibes. Some also choose Bijlmer for lower rent or stay near university campuses for convenience.
Q2: Where do students hang out in Amsterdam?
Students often hang out in De Pijp (cafés, bars), Leidseplein (nightlife), Jordaan (chill cafés), and Amsterdam Oost (multicultural food and affordable spots).
Q3: Where to look for student housing in Amsterdam?
Good starting points are platforms like Pararius, Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and Room.nl. Many students also check Facebook groups and use rental alert tools like StayScout to get notified first.
Q4: Is Amsterdam a good place to live as a student?
Yes! Despite the housing challenges, Amsterdam is one of the best student cities in Europe thanks to its international community, vibrant nightlife, bike-friendly lifestyle, and world-class universities.
Q5: Where do the rich live in Amsterdam?
Wealthier residents often live in neighborhoods like Oud-Zuid, Canal District (Grachtengordel), and Museumkwartier. These aren't typical student areas due to high rents.