Surviving Groningen’s housing crisis: what you need to know

Finding a place to live in Groningen can feel like an endless roller coaster—stressful, unpredictable, and full of scams. Episode two of our podcast International in Groningen dives head-first into this notorious housing crisis, offering students essential survival tips, legal insights, and ways to combat abusive landlord practices.

This episode, hosted by Maria Flori, welcomes special guest Jitske Wielers, chair of the Groningen Student Union (GSb). Jitske shares vital insights about the current housing landscape from her personal and professional experience. According to her, while Groningen is actively working to expand student housing, affordability remains a critical issue. ‘International students often pay €700-800 monthly while student aid (DUO) only covers €380,’ she explains.

Yet, hope is not lost. New legislation like the “Wet Betaalbare Huur” now caps how much landlords can legally charge, using a point system based on room size and amenities. If students suspect they’re paying too much, organizations like Huurcommissie or Kadaster NL can assess fair rent prices and confirm landlord details—an essential tool against widespread housing scams.

Listeners shared personal stories illustrating just how dire the situation can be. Tales ranged from unresponsive landlords neglecting necessary repairs to outright scams, where students lost money without ever seeing the promised apartment. Yet among these experiences emerged practical wisdom: start your search early, leverage your networks, verify landlords through official channels, and never transfer money without a proper contract.

Jitske emphasizes a critical takeaway: ‘Know your rights, and never normalize abuse.’ She highlights how students, out of desperation, often tolerate subpar conditions or unfair treatment. This cycle continues unless individuals document abuses, seek legal advice, and hold landlords accountable.

The Groningen Student Union and legal advisory services like GSb offer free help to empower students. As the podcast advises, being proactive—by using platforms like Kamernet and ROOM.nl, checking official sources, and building a reliable network—can significantly ease the housing hunt.

What’s life like as an international student in Groningen? Whether you’re already a student here or are thinking about making Groningen your home, this podcast is for you! Sara and Maria dive into the Groningen student experience and invite you to join them…