In the run-up to the new academic year, one thing became clear on Woudestein Campus: students are keen to find affordable, sustainable ways of furnishing their rooms. During the first edition of the Free Furniture Festival at Erasmus University Rotterdam, they could take home furniture and other items for free, and they made full use of the opportunity.
Collaboration across the city
The festival at EUR was part of a broader Rotterdam-wide partnership. Alongside the International Office and RE&F at Erasmus University, Zadkine, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Rotterdam), Inholland and Albeda were involved in the organisation. Although the festival was aimed at students from across the city, around 60 per cent of visitors came from EUR.
The furniture was collected by Stichting Ontspulknul and the Municipality of Rotterdam, in collaboration with thrift shops RataPlan and Het Goed, Rotterdam recycling centres and various give-away shops.
Festival atmosphere among sofas and desks
On arrival, students were welcomed with free coffee. They entered the hall in small groups so everyone had time to look around. Inside, a marked route led them past the furniture through what felt like a mini homeware store. Students “reserved” furniture by sitting on it, made plans with housemates and helped each other with lifting. Before long, small lines of chairs, sofas and tables formed, ready to leave for student rooms.
85 per cent found a new home
Interest was high: after just over two hours, most of the furniture had gone. The pieces were solid items that can easily last for years to come. The organisers describe it as a successful “flow-through”: good-quality goods were given a second life, while students were able to furnish their rooms without any expense.
Transport also called for creativity. Students rolled sofas and cupboards across campus, including towards the Hatta building. Outside, cargo bikes were available, as well as vans that could deliver furniture the same day for 15 euros. Others ordered an Uber or came with friends to collect their new interiors together.
First introduction to second-hand
The festival not only offered practical help, but also a different perspective on consumption. Around 60 per cent of visitors already buy second-hand more often. For the remaining students, the Free Furniture Festival was a first introduction to pre-owned furniture and items.
For this group, it was an accessible way to see that second-hand is not only sustainable, but also attractive, sturdy and ready to use. In this way, the festival ties in with Rotterdam’s ambition as a circular city: using valuable goods for as long as possible instead of throwing them away.
Next steps: Free Furniture Festival Rotterdam-West and other initiatives
The organisers look back with enthusiasm on this first edition and are exploring options to organise the festival on campus again next year. First, another edition will take place at a different location in the city.
On Saturday 12 September (11:00–15:00), another Free Furniture Festival will take place at the Citrusveiling (Marconistraat 25), especially for Rotterdam students. Students from Erasmus MC are also very welcome.
In addition, international students can visit the International Office’s pop-up Swap Shop to choose items donated by students and staff.
Pictures by Jan de Groen
