International students are often refused for student accommodation in Arnhem. Kayleigh Hofstede of student union AKKU says she is shocked to see how often landlords of student rooms keep foreign applicants out in advance.

Foreign students also complain about this. Especially in Facebook groups where rooms are offered, international students are excluded. Kayleigh sees the message “No internationals please” at almost every post.

In Arnhem, the market for student accommodation is largely in the hands of private individuals. In Nijmegen, student housing provider SSH& is a major player, but not in Arnhem. “The private landlords often let the current tenants choose a new roommate themselves. Many students are now looking for a room but the supply is limited. That’s why landlords can be very critical,” says Kayleigh.

Many international students have paid thousands of euros to be able to study in Arnhem. They come from China, Japan, Brazil, the Middle East and other countries. But eventually they end up being homeless, in a country far from home, not being accepted for a place to live. That can feel very lonely.

HAN Housing Office

Fortunately, our international students receive help from the HAN Housing Office. They ensure these students are allocated a room for their first year. After that year, international students are expected to be able to arrange a room themselves.

Source: Gelderlander