Find Rental Housing in Groningen
Groningen is the ultimate student city of the Netherlands - over 25% of the population are students. With the University of Groningen and Hanze University, pressure on rooms is enormous. The atmosphere is young and lively, but finding housing requires patience and speed.
Kijkie in Groningen
Source: automatically collected data via Kijkie. Last updated: December 28, 2025
How the rental market in Groningen really is
Groningen has the highest student density in the Netherlands, making the room market very competitive.
Prices by property type
A room costs €400-550 per month on average - cheaper than the Randstad. Studios are scarce and cost €750-1,000. Apartments start at €900-1,200 for a one-bedroom.
The reality of searching
The room market is as competitive as Amsterdam despite lower prices. Popular rooms receive 50+ responses within hours. SSH and Lefier have long waiting lists. Start searching months in advance.
Student housing
With 60,000+ students in a city of 230,000, pressure is maximum. SSH Groningen and Lefier offer social housing. There are also many live-in landlord rooms and private rentals.
Neighborhood popularity
The center (within the Diepenring) is popular but expensive. Student neighborhoods Paddepoel, Vinkhuizen, and Selwerd are more affordable.
Seasonal patterns
August-September is chaos due to KEI week (introduction). January (second semester) is also busy. Summer is relatively quieter.
Neighborhoods in Groningen
Centrum (Binnenstad)
ExpensiveWithin the Diepenring. Nightlife, shops, everything at hand. Expensive.
Paddepoel
AffordableStudent neighborhood with many facilities. Shopping center, affordable.
Selwerd
AffordableQuiet student neighborhood next to Zernike campus. Good value.
Oosterpoort
AveragePopular neighborhood just outside center. Mix of students and professionals.
Helpman
AverageQuiet residential area in the south. More families, slightly more expensive.
Best strategy for Groningen
Budget < €550
Focus on rooms in Paddepoel, Vinkhuizen, or Selwerd. Register early with SSH. Live-in landlord rooms are an option.
Budget €550 - €850
Large rooms or small studios possible. Oosterpoort or just outside the ring. Look for private rentals.
Budget > €850
Studios or apartments in center or popular neighborhoods. Still competitive in Groningen.
Scam advice for Groningen
KEI-week fraude
During intro week, scammers are extra active. Be alert with rushed offers.
Student-targeting
First-year students are popular targets for scammers. Always ask for verification.
Hospitafraude
With live-in landlord rooms: make sure everything is in writing. Check the rights you have.
Vooruitbetaling
Never pay without seeing the property. Certainly not to foreign accounts.
Tips for Groningen
Start searching before summer - August is too late for popular rooms
Register with SSH Groningen immediately upon admission
The student website Kamernet.nl is popular in Groningen
Live-in landlord rooms are often cheaper - check At Home Eerst
Groningen is a cycling city - 15 minutes cycling is no problem
How Kijkie helps in Groningen
Kijkie scans 284+ rental websites and sends you free alerts as soon as a property in Groningen becomes available that matches your preferences.
Create a free account and set up your Groningen alertsFAQ about Groningen
Is Groningen cheaper than Amsterdam or Utrecht?
Yes, significantly cheaper. Rooms cost €400-550 (vs €650-850 in Amsterdam). Groningen is one of the cheapest student cities.
How difficult is it to find a room in Groningen?
Very difficult despite lower prices - 25% of the city are students. Popular rooms receive 50+ responses. Start months in advance.
Which neighborhood is best for students?
Paddepoel and Selwerd are popular and affordable. Oosterpoort is more expensive but closer to center. The center itself is nice but expensive.
When should I start searching for Groningen?
At least 3-4 months in advance. In August (KEI week) everything is gone. Register with SSH immediately upon admission.
Are there alternatives to Groningen itself?
Haren (now part of Groningen municipality) is 10 min cycling. Hoogkerk too. Further away are Bedum and Zuidhorn, accessible by bus/train.