When you come to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam, it helps to know what everyday life in the Netherlands will cost you. Tuition fee, rent, groceries, nights out and even a coffee between lectures can add up quickly.
Experience shows that students living and studying in Rotterdam spend approximately €1000 to €1800 per month, mainly depending on housing costs. This estimate includes everyday expenses such as housing, groceries, insurance and study materials, but not tuition fees or unexpected costs. A simple budget plan helps you understand where your money goes and gives you control over your finances.
Start with a budget plan
Your lifestyle and housing situation determine a large part of your monthly costs. To get a clear overview, make a budget plan:
- Estimate your monthly income, for example student finance, part time work and savings.
- List your fixed expenses, such as tuition fees, rent, insurance and public transport.
- Add your variable expenses, such as groceries, eating out and social activities.
You can then see whether you spend less than you receive and where you may need to adjust.
Average expenses in Rotterdam
You can convert these amounts into your own currency with the currency converter
| Average living expenses per month | Price |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (furnished, including (shared or individual) utilities) - on average | €700 - €1000 |
| Insurance | €56 |
| Books and study materials (may vary per study programme) | €50-150 |
| Daily expenses (food, drinks, clothes, going out, public transport, phone & sport subscription etc.) | €450 |
| Other (non-recurrent) expenses | Price |
|---|---|
| Visa and residence permit fees (for non-EU students) | €243 |
| Bicycle (secondhand) | €150 |
Smart ways to save money
- Do your groceries at discount supermarkets such as Lidl, Dirk or Aldi. These are often cheaper than supermarkets like Albert Heijn;
- Check weekly discounts (“aanbiedingen”) on supermarket websites or in their apps before you go shopping;
- Buy fresh and affordable produce at the Blaak market in Rotterdam, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tuesdays are usually less busy;
- Cook at home more often and bring your own lunch to campus instead of using delivery apps;
- Review your subscriptions, such as streaming services. Cancel what you rarely use or share them with housemates. Be careful with free trials you might forget to cancel;
- Use food saving apps such as Too Good To Go and similar services to save on food and reduce waste;
- Get a Rotterdam pas for sharp discounts on cultural activities in Rotterdam;
- Buy books secondhand through Tweedehands studieboeken kopen en verkopen | Bookmatch or get a discount from your study association;
- Buy furniture, home decoration or clothes at one of Rotterdam’s many thrift or second-hand stores;
- Make use of student discounts: many companies and organisations offer discounts specifically for students, even if they do not advertise them clearly. Using these can save you a lot each year:
Need help with your budget?
If you are unsure whether your budget is realistic or if you are worried about money matters during your studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you do not have to figure it out on your own.