The Corona pandemic will next to health also have a substantial economic impact on society. The financial recession as a result of the Covid-pandemic already affects employment. Much as it did with the previous recession resulting from the bank crisis, lasting 2008 to 2014,. The impact of this recession will, amongst others, cause many businesses going down and organisations having to lay off workers, resulting in increasing unemployment.
Rotterdam student population will increase
Under the above mentioned scenario something else will happen: the Rotterdam student population will rise, as it did during the previous recession.
- Students will try to delay graduating, otherwise they will surely walk straight into unemployment for at least a few years.
- Anticipating students will then (resources permitting) decide to be studying longer in a master or study wider through extra courses
- Parallell to this more international students will flock to Rotterdam specifically. This since ‘hard’ studies are much more wanted in times of recession and hardship than ‘soft’ studies like the Arts and Humanities.
This all will see the demand for student rooms in Rotterdam grow exponentially in the coming months, and in a reputable university city that already struggles matching supply and demand for housing of students & young professionals.
Additionally, since January 2020 the Rotterdam Municipal laws on student housing and permits have toughened. Many landlords are no longer allowed renting out their properties as they fail to comply with the new rent standards. Also as of begin 2020, students need to commit and carry out volunteer work for the community for at least 4 hours per month. This requirement will be conditional to landlords acquiring new municipal rental permits for their properties. As a result, the supply of student housing will see a decrease in the next months as many properties will not be suitable for renting anymore.
Securing student rooms difficult
Taking the above 2 matters into account:
- Securing (good) housing will become difficult in 2021-2022, as demand will exceed supply.
- This will inevitably cause rent prices to increase. So many students have to be prepared to accept housing in areas further away from campus.
- Being pro-active the next months in securing housing is advisable. Waiting until July and August to start sourcing for housing will prove stressful. Then most properties have been rented out and/or many candidates will struggle to find vacancies and will, like dogs, fight over a few remaining bones.
- Flatgroups of 4-7 persons that seek housing for the next academic year can check & click here for the possibilities
Latest info for international students reg. Covid 19
Check this web page for the latest info concerning your study and housing in the Netherlands. The Dutch Student Union gathered all important info and links to get answers to your questions.
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