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PoliticsNetherlands

Netherlands: Housing shortage hits university students

04:39

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Tessa Walther in Utrecht
September 11, 2025

Thousands of university students in the Netherlands cannot find accommodation, potentially derailing their education plans. Authorities in Utrecht even put up tents in a train station to serve as temporary student housing.

Faced with a deepening housing crisis, Dutch students are resorting to temporary tents at Utrecht’s central station. With rents soaring and rooms scarce, many commute hours or drop out entirely. Student advocate Bor van Zeeland highlights rising scams and legal uncertainties, while Utrecht University warns international students not to come without first securing housing. The city plans new builds, but national support is urgently needed.

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