A handy guide to planning the cost of living in Amsterdam for students

Cost of living in Amsterdam for students | An overview

Studying abroad is a very appealing option for all students. It offers opportunities such as applying to your dream college, immersing yourself in an abundance of opportunities, and advancing your career prospects. The cost of living is a barrier that every study abroad aspirant faces. Despite the obvious cost of tuition, there are numerous other expenses that you must plan into your budget. This blog discusses the cost of living in Amsterdam, from housing to tuition fees. It will help you prepare for your long-awaited transition to the Amsterdam standard of living and learning.

Studying in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to one of Europe’s top universities while also serving picturesque landscapes and iconic tourist destinations. Apart from its stellar academic reputation, the universities’ multicultural environment allows students to interact with people from all walks of life. Despite being a Dutch-speaking country, universities in Amsterdam offer high-level English programs, making it an appealing destination for international students.

Cost of living in Amsterdam for international students

Let’s look at the expenses that make up the average cost of living in Amsterdam, from food to transportation, and what else you’ll need to spend money on to study in this popular learning destination.

Type of expense	Average expenditure
Accommodation (Monthly rent)	€1000 (INR 88,000)
Food	€150 – 170 (INR 15,000) approx.
Travel	€35-80 (INR 5000) approx.
Lifestyle	Varies according to personal preferences
Miscellaneous	Depends on the person, roughly €100 (INR 8000)

Accommodation

The cost of living in Amsterdam is high. Not to mention the additional costs of food, electricity, gas, and so on. Depending on your course, the university will most likely offer you a room if you are an international student.

The cost of living is entirely dependent on where and how the student chooses to live. They usually have the option of living on or off campus.

Generally, the university provides on-campus hostel dormitory services, which are usually included in the total tuition fees. Living on campus is the best option if you are looking for low-cost housing because the prices are lower than a privately rented flat or room.

Off-campus housing costs vary depending on the type of accommodation. The average monthly rent in Amsterdam for a single student ranges between 500 and 1000 €. Renting your private space would cost around INR 60,000, while sharing a room with a colleague or classmate would cost around INR 45,000. There is also the option of staying in a hotel, which will cost around 65 € (INR 5,000) per night for a decent hotel. It is not economical if you plan to stay for an extended period.

Food

Your choice of lodging largely determines this. On-campus housing services typically include food and meals in the monthly fee. If you live in your own privately rented space, you will incur additional costs for groceries and take-out meals.

The table below provides a summary of food expenses per person-

Item	Amount
Groceries (monthly)	About €85 (INR 7,500)  per person
Fast food combo meals, McDonalds	€8 (INR 700)
Pizza joint	€10 (INR 880)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	€10-30 (INR 2,500)
Meal, Mid-range Restaurant	€75 (INR 6000)

Travel

Travel expenses are also included in the cost of living in Amsterdam. The country has an extensive public transportation system that runs throughout the city, including buses, metros, trams, and so on. A student’s monthly travel expenses would be approximately €88 (INR 7,800). This is also affected by the distance between your home and the university. If you take a taxi, the basic fare for 8-10 kilometres is €25. (INR 2000).

Lifestyle

Apart from the necessities like food, transportation, and housing, you should also factor in leisure and utility costs when calculating the cost of living in Amsterdam.

These the cost of living in Amsterdam vary by student, and they depend on your personal preferences. You’ll need some extra cash for leisure and entertainment purposes, such as going out with friends for drinks or coffee, going to the movies, museums, and other tourist attractions, and so on. These costs can range from €50 to €150, depending on how much you are willing to spend.

Miscellaneous expenses

There are numerous other minor expenses that you must consider. Examples of such items include books, study materials, laundry detergent, and mobile data packs. The following are some of the miscellaneous expenses that should be considered when calculating the cost of living in Amsterdam

Item	Amount
Internet recharge (1 month)	€31
Laundry detergent	€9
Clothes	Around €60-100
Hygiene and medicine supplies	€50
Books and study material	€30 – 65
Average cost of utilities	€100 – 230

Tips to plan the cost of living in Amsterdam

It is less expensive to live on campus in the university’s hostel or dormitory facilities.

Most universities in Amsterdam provide temporary housing to international students to assist them in settling in. As a result, foreign students should contact their respective universities to inquire about their accommodation programs.

Many establishments, including bars, restaurants, museums, and cinemas, provide student discounts. It is always a good idea to keep your ID card on hand at all times in order to provide proof of eligibility for these student discounts. Foreign students can also obtain an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which entitles them to a variety of interesting discounts and offers.

Cycling or riding a bike is a popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam. A bicycle can be rented for as little as €10 per day. Renting a bicycle can help you save a lot of money. Not to mention the added benefit of getting some physical activity.

When renting a private space, keep in mind whether the apartment is furnished or unfurnished, as well as how much you will have to pay for additional utilities each month. You will also be required to pay a small security deposit, which will be deducted if you cause any damage to the house. This amount is refundable at the end of your lease.

Key takeaways

• Despite Amsterdam’s beautiful landscape and iconic tourist destinations, it is home to one of Europe’s top universities. The university’s multicultural environment and stellar academic reputation help students interact with people from all walks of life.
• The cost of living in Amsterdam is high, and there are additional costs of food, electricity, gas, and so on. The university will most likely provide you with a room if you are an international student, but room allotment also depends on your course.
• On-campus housing services might include food and meals in the monthly fee. If you live in a privately rented space, you will have additional costs for groceries and take-out meals. Travel, lifestyle and other expenses are also a part of the cost of living.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on the cost of living in Amsterdam for students. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Is Amsterdam expensive for international students?

Ans- An international student’s monthly living expenses in the Netherlands will range between €800 and $1200. A typical room will cost between €300 and €600, but keep in mind that small towns are generally less expensive than cities. The type of accommodation also influences the price.

Q2. Is Amsterdam good for student life?

Ans- Amsterdam is one of the world’s top 25 student cities. With an overall score of 85 out of 100, it outperforms other popular European student cities such as Manchester and Stockholm.

Q3. Is it easy to find a part-time job in Amsterdam?

Ans- Amsterdam is an excellent place if you are looking for part-time jobs. As a tourist destination, the city is brimming with hospitality and customer service opportunities. Working knowledge of Dutch is welcome but not required. When it comes to working permits, EU students do not need one to work in the Netherlands.