The Scale of the Problem: Housing Shortages and Rising Demand

The Dutch student housing market has been under immense pressure for years, and the situation shows no signs of improving in the immediate future. According to a report by ICEF, the Netherlands was short by nearly 27,000 student beds in 2022, and while there are plans to add 60,000 new student beds by 2030, the gap remains significant, especially for the international student population. Many students face waiting times of up to five years just to secure a spot in student housing from shortlisting providers.

Due to the ongoing housing challenges, discussions have emerged in the Netherlands about how to better manage the rising demand for student accommodations, particularly for international students. International students represent a significant portion of the overall housing demand, and these concerns have sparked debates about how the country can sustainably support its growing student population while ensuring adequate housing options for everyone.

Challenges for International Students

For international students, the housing crisis presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike their Dutch counterparts, they do not have the luxury of visiting potential apartments in person, negotiating with landlords, or relying on family or friends for short-term accommodation. Many international students arrive in the Netherlands with little knowledge of how the local housing market works and no network to rely on for support. The result is often a sense of isolation and helplessness, with many students struggling to secure housing before their studies even begin.

Furthermore, international students tend to be more vulnerable to scams or unfavorable rental agreements, as they may be unfamiliar with Dutch housing regulations. This situation creates additional stress for students already trying to navigate the complexities of settling into a new country.

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The Role of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS)

Amid the housing crisis, universities like The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) are stepping up to provide the vital support their students need more than ever. Recognizing the challenges of finding accommodation and settling into a new environment, THUAS is taking proactive measures to ensure that their students feel secure and supported from the moment they start their journey.

One of the standout ways THUAS is addressing this challenge is by leveraging Goin’, a student community platform designed to help students connect and support one another throughout the admission to enrollment period. Goin’ serves as a space where students can find both practical advice and emotional support, creating a valuable network of peers navigating similar challenges.

By offering a fresh, innovative approach to student connection, THUAS ensures that its community feels empowered. With Goin’, students can alleviate their housing concerns, access key resources, and go through the process with like-minded peers by their side. This shared experience creates a sense of belonging, making students feel more confident and supported as they prepare to begin their new lives in the Netherlands.

Using Goin’ to Bridge the Gap

The Goin’ Community at THUAS offers a suite of tools and features to help students navigate the housing crisis more easily:

• Findability: Goin makes it easy for students to find others in similar situations. Whether it's connecting with potential roommates, fellow students from the same country, or those studying at the same campus, this feature helps students collaborate in their housing search. It streamlines finding roommates or sharing resources, making the process more efficient.
• Group Chats: Students can join group chats to exchange valuable information about the housing market, share personal experiences, and gather advice on neighborhoods, rent prices, and avoiding scams. This peer-to-peer communication fosters a sense of community and helps students make more informed housing decisions.
• Leveraging Champions: The inclusion of experienced students, known as "champions," further enhances the housing search. These champions are well-versed in navigating the local housing market and are eager to share their knowledge and offer support to new students, providing real-world insights and advice without needing incentives.
• Discovery Module: Universities can curate essential housing resources within the Discovery Module, providing students with direct access to vital information on securing accommodations. From finding legitimate listings to understanding rental agreements, this module equips students with everything they need to navigate the housing market.

Champions in the Community - Polina and Radu

Polina and Radu, both dedicated champions in the THUAS Goin’ Community, play an active role in helping students get through their university journey. From answering questions about procedures to sharing valuable insights, they’ve seen firsthand how Goin’ has transformed the student experience at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

"When looking over the community groups, I noticed that the housing group quickly skyrocketed to number one in terms of activity and members. I was very surprised by how open and helpful the THUAS community is. As a champion (and being in the group myself), I saw the text messages firsthand. Students would not only post available rooms or search for roommates, but they were also often organizing to attend viewings on behalf of someone else! This is incredibly valuable in my opinion, as I was once in the position of not being able to attend viewings due to not being able to come to the Netherlands before moving in August. The students are so fortunate to have such a helpful platform, thanks to the collaboration between Goin’ and THUAS.

Once I started being a part of the Goin’ initiative, my friend Radu and I supported the community, from engaging with students, to updating the ‘Discover’ channel, but most importantly, helping to answer questions within the communities and group chats. I once mentioned my role at a party while talking to some classmates, and they told me that they had met through Goin’. It turns out that my classmates connected on Goin’ after they accepted their offer at THUAS and met up before moving to the Netherlands, as they were from the same city and about to start the same program. This was highly beneficial for them, as they formed a friendship and were no longer moving abroad alone. They went on to find an apartment together and have been roommates for over three years now."

Polina - THUAS

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"Besides the internal help students offer each other, Goin’ also has the 'Discover' channel, which can be very useful if positioned correctly. We took advantage of the high activity on the platform and offered 'official' answers on the 'Discover' page about THUAS procedures, housing, life in The Hague, etc. We strongly believe this feature of the app should be as visible as possible, as it provides students with a new channel for receiving information, in addition to the university website or asking teachers and staff members directly.

As a Romanian, I joined the group chat made for Romanian students on the Goin’ platform and observed some very nice initiatives. For example, on Orthodox Easter, many students were organizing dinner or lunch parties and inviting other Romanians to join for the egg-cracking competition—one of the most fun traditional activities we have for Easter. Furthermore, students were looking for roommates or coordinating to be on the same flight when they moved here. I believe Goin’ also plays a valuable role in connecting communities and cultures, which is especially important for international students who want to make this new place feel as much like home as possible."

Radu - THUAS

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Polina and Radu’s experiences are a powerful reminder of the impact a strong community can have on students, helping them form meaningful connections and feel supported as they transition into life at university.

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The Impact The Community has on students

Across all our Goin communities, nearly 70% of students who used the platform for housing reported that it helped them find a home by connecting with potential roommates or accessing reliable listings. Additionally, 86% of students shared that Goin helped them practically prepare for their move abroad, providing valuable insights on housing and life in a new country. Moreover, 78% of students said the platform answered many questions they would have otherwise needed to ask university staff, saving both time and effort for everyone involved.

For THUAS, the stories shared by students who have benefited from the community. Alexandru, a prospective student from Romania studying International & European Law, shared how Goin helped him find other students in the same situation and exchange tips about housing and other challenges. Brannon, another prospect from South Africa, echoed this sentiment, saying that Goin' helped him feel a sense of community and made his decision to move abroad easier.

Addressing the Issue, One Connection at a Time

THUAS understands that addressing the housing crisis is about making the process easier for students. By using Goin', they’ve been able to reduce the amount of time students spend searching for housing and provide much-needed emotional support. Goin' helps to diversify the needs of the student; it's a community that gives students the tools they need to succeed, both academically and personally.

A Path Forward for Other Universities

The housing crisis in the Netherlands is far from over, but universities like THUAS are showing that with the right tools and strategies, they can still support their students effectively. By prioritizing community-building and leveraging platforms like Goin’, THUAS is helping its students navigate one of the biggest challenges they face—finding a place to call home.

If your university is looking for innovative ways to support students during the housing concern or other transition periods, reach out to us by filling out our form, or scheduling a conversation. We'd be happy to show you how Goin’ can make a difference for your student community.