Moving to Rotterdam for your studies? Great choice! With Erasmus University, a vibrant international community, and a creative, forward-thinking atmosphere, Rotterdam is an exciting place to live and learn.
But the city is big, and choosing a neighborhood can be a challenge. Therefore we have creates a short overview to help you get to know the city a bit better.
Living in the city center means you’re in the middle of everything: shops, nightlife, cultural events, and great public transport. It’s more expensive than other areas and apartments tend to be smaller, but if you like urban energy and want to walk to bars, clubs, and stations, Centrum is hard to beat.
Located in the south of Rotterdam, Charlois offers some of the most affordable housing in the city. It’s a multicultural area that’s changing fast, with more artists and students moving in. It’s a bit farther out, but with a bike or metro card, you’ll get around easily. It’s a good choice if you’re on a tighter budget or looking for more space.
A charming, historic area that survived WWII bombings, Delfshaven has a unique vibe. Think canals, old buildings, and a multicultural feel. It’s not right next to Erasmus, but the metro and bike routes make commuting easy. Rents are generally lower, and there’s a strong sense of community.
Perhaps the obvious choice for many students is Kralingen as it is green, lively, and close to campus. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars, and affordable eateries, plus the beautiful Kralingse Bos park and lake, perfect for study breaks or BBQs in summer.
The neighbourhood has a mix of student housing, but also classic Dutch townhouses for families, and apartments for young professionals and seniors. Especially in this neighbourhood, the municipality is watchful for student nuisance and has created an action plan in collaboration with all residents.
Rotterdam Noord is an increasingly popular choice among creative students and young professionals. It’s a bit quieter than the center, with local markets, vintage stores, and cool cafés. Rent can be more affordable here, and you’re still only a short bike or tram ride from the university and the center.
Further east, Prins Alexander and Lage Land are quiet, residential areas with lots of greenery, shopping centers, and affordable housing. While it’s not a typical student hub, it’s a smart option if you want peace, space, and lower rent. Public transport to Erasmus University is direct and reliable, but it also only a 15-minute bike ride.
The Municipality of Rotterdam gathers data on its neighbourhoods, so if you like a more in-depth look into the neighbourhoods, check out the Neighbourhood Profile Page on municipality website.
Neighbouring cities
Due to the ongoing housing shortage in the Netherlands, finding accommodation in Rotterdam can be quite challenging and expensive. However, there are several neighbouring cities, which offer more housing options and can be great alternative looking to settle in the area.
Capelle aan den IJssel, located just east of Rotterdam, has a calm, family-friendly vibe with a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Rotterdam. Surrounded by green spaces, parks, and nature, it's an ideal spot for those who appreciate a bit of peace and quiet. The city is working on attracting more students by adding more amenities and housing options. While Capelle offers a quieter environment, it is still very well connected to Rotterdam, making it easy to travel to the city for university or entertainment.
- Distance to campus Woudstein: About 15 - 30 minutes by bike or 15 -30 minutes public transport
- Room prices: Between € 400 and € 800 per month
- Studio prices: € 1,000 - € 1,500 per month
Capelle aan den IJssel is more affordable than Rotterdam, making it a great option for students on a budget.
Known for its rich history and lively student scene, Delft is a city that balances historical charm with a youthful vibe, thanks to the presence of Delft University of Technology. With its beautiful canals, narrow streets, and vibrant student life, Delft offers a unique mix of old and new. The city is both calm and safe, with lots of green spaces for relaxation, while still providing plenty of activities, cafes, and events for students.
- Distance to campus: About 50 minutes by public transport or at least 1 hour by bike
- Room prices: € 350 - € 700 per month
- Studio prices: € 800 - € 1,500 per month
Although Delft faces its own housing challenges, prices tend to be lower compared to Rotterdam, and the city also has a great student atmosphere.
Ridderkerk, situated southeast of Rotterdam near the river, is another peaceful suburb that offers a quiet, small-town feel. It’s surrounded by nature and water, with cycling paths and access to ferry connections that offer scenic routes into the city.
It’s not as lively as central Rotterdam or student-heavy areas like Kralingen, but it can be a solid choice if you prefer a slower pace and don’t mind a bit of commuting. Public transport options (bus, metro, and waterbus) are reliable, and bike routes are well-maintained.
- Distance to campus Woudestein: About 35–40 minutes by bike or 30 minutes by public transport
- Room prices: Between €400 and €750 per month
- Studio prices: €700 and €1,300 per month
Ridderkerk offers a calm and affordable alternative to inner-city living which is perfect for students who enjoy nature, value peace and quiet, and still want relatively easy access to campus and city life.
Schiedam, located to the west of Rotterdam, is a charming city with a mix of traditional Dutch elements and modern features. Known for its historic windmills and jenever (Dutch gin), Schiedam’s city center offers picturesque streets, canals, and historic buildings that give it a unique, cozy feel. It is an informal and friendly place, ideal for students who prefer a more relaxed living environment while staying close to Rotterdam.
- Distance to campus Woudestein: Between 30-45 minutes by bike or public tranportation
- Room prices: € 400 - € 1,000 per month
- Studio prices: € 1,000 - € 1,500 per month
Schiedam is both affordable and close enough to Rotterdam to enjoy the energy of the larger city whenever you need it.
Located southwest of Rotterdam, Spijkenisse offers a calm and friendly vibe. Perfect if you want to escape the city hustle but still stay connected. It is a green and spacious town, with plenty of parks and nature trails along the “Oude Maas” river. Which is ideal for study breaks, jogging or just hanging out with friends in the fresh air.
Spijkenisse has everything you need for daily life: supermarket, restaurants, gyms, and even a theatre. The town is investing in becoming more student friendly, with new housing projects and improved facilities.
Commuting to Rotterdam is super easy. The metro takes you to Erasmus University in about 50 minutes. If you prefer biking, it is possible although it will take about 60 minutes. Still, many students find the trade-off worth it more space, relaxed environment and much more value for money.
Speaking of money, rent in Spijkenisse is generally cheaper than in Rotterdam. You can find a room for around 350 to 700 euros per month, and studios usually go for 800 to 1200 per month. That is a big plus if you are on a student budget.
If you are looking for a safe and affordable place with a laid-back vibe and easy access to Rotterdam, Spijkenisse could be a smart choice for you.
Vlaardingen, located west of Rotterdam, offers a mix of urban convenience and a small-town feel. With a rich fishing history, the city retains a charming ambiance, especially in the historic town center, which features cozy streets and relaxing terraces. It is quieter than Rotterdam and has plenty of green spaces, making it a great place for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle while still being well-connected to Rotterdam.
- Distance to campus: Between 50 minutes to an hour by bike or 40 – 50 minutes by public transport
- Room prices: € 400 - € 1,000 per month
- Studio prices: € 800 - € 1,400 per month
Vlaardingen offers a friendly, safe atmosphere with a strong sense of community, perfect for students who enjoy a quieter living environment.