Studying in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second city and home to Europe’s largest port. Rebuilt after WWII, it has a bold, modern skyline, a diverse and youthful population, and a strong, internationally minded university — with rents that, while rising, are lower than Amsterdam’s.

Universities and major institutes

• Erasmus University Rotterdam (incl. Rotterdam School of Management)
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Codarts (arts) and Willem de Kooning Academy

Cost of living

Rotterdam is somewhat cheaper than Amsterdam, though housing is still tight. A room typically runs €550–€900 per month, with an efficient metro, tram, and bike network.

Neighbourhoods for students

• Kralingen — near Erasmus University, leafy with a lake.
• Cool / Centrum — central and modern.
• Delfshaven — historic and characterful.
• Noord — increasingly popular and more affordable.

Explore more: universities in Netherlands, cost of living, and student visas.