‘I’m considering remaining enrolled as a student after I graduate’, fellow-student S. recently confided in me. My first reaction was ‘what?!’, but after discussing it, that changed to ‘oh wow’.
The housing protest (leads to Dutch content) had only just taken place, and we were discussing our living situation and (future) housing shortage with another two fellow students. All four of us live in student rooms or studios owned by student housing, and all four of us are considering our future living situation after graduation. As soon as we graduate, we are obligated to leave our current residence, but to where… we have no clue!
Enter S’s idea to simply re-enrol as a student for an additional year (or two). This will allow him to remain in his current room legally. Paying an additional €2.170 (tuition fees) in rent sounds like a lot, but where in Amsterdam could you possibly rent a studio for €644 a month (his rent of €464 plus the monthly €180 in tuition fees) – never mind not being able to find anything comparable for that price. For S., graduation not only means finally getting his coveted degree but also having to leave his beloved city. A hard pill to swallow.
For S., graduation not only means finally getting his coveted degree but also having to leave his beloved city
Obviously, remaining registered as a student for the sole purpose of staying in your student room is not how things are intended to be, but it underscores the extent of the housing shortage, especially among youngsters. We have not been able to build up enough time on the waiting list to be considered for subsidised housing, and renting a home in the private sector is only affordable in rural areas far from the city. Purchasing a house on our (expected) meagre starting salaries is entirely out of the question.
So yes, I do understand that S. is considering this option. It is not a permanent solution, it is not what you are “supposed” to do, and it will keep a room occupied that would otherwise be available to a new student. But S.’s alternatives aren’t that great either. Housing is a basic right and should be treated as such. The Hague, are you paying attention?
Emma Mouthaan (25) is a master’s student of Molecular Nutrition and Toxicology and is also taking a master in Writing at the VU. Emma blogs on studying and finances on the website The Stingy Student. Previously, she wrote about fashion and food.
