Housing shortages prompted an emergency solution in 2022 and 2023: sharing rooms. Photo Guy Ackermans Just before the start of this academic year, many exchange students had still not been able to find a room. WUR and Idealis came up with an emergency solution: shared rooms. Meanwhile, this approach has been evaluated, and the results are strikingly positive, says Idealis spokesperson Hellen Albers.
Students who shared a room were happy to be able to start their studies. They also value the friendships that resulted from the shared accommodation, as well as the lower rent. They did suggest a few practical improvements for a possible continuation. For example, reserving slightly larger rooms so that both occupants have enough desk and storage space. Moreover, bunk beds could increase privacy, and roommates would like to be able to select who they bunk with.
Giuseppe Macaione (23) and Stefano Fazzari (21) were strangers when they started sharing a room in Dijkgraaf in September. In the first week of February, Fazzari returned to Italy. He looks back upon his room-sharing adventure fondly. ‘Sharing a room with Giuseppe was fantastic. There is always someone to talk to. However, it is important that the roomies get along. I was lucky to have Guiseppe.’
Roommate versus housemate
There is a difference between a roommate and other housemates, says Fazzari. ‘You can go days without seeing some of your housemates, but you see your roommate every day. If you get along, that can be fun.’
Macaione, who will continue to rent the formerly shared room until July, is also positive. ‘If I were asked to share my room again with a random guy, I would decline. Because sharing with someone you don’t like can be really tough. But I rate my experience with Stefano with a ten. He has become one of my best friends.’ Other room-sharing students that Macaione is acquainted with were also happy with their roommates. ‘Perhaps we were all lucky.’
‘Loneliness is one of the greatest fears when you embark on an Erasmus adventure’, says Macaione. ‘I was very happy to have Stefano close by.’ Now that his friend has returned to Italy, Macaione has the room to himself. ‘On the one hand, a pity because I liked having Stefano around. On the other hand, I now have more privacy, and it is easier to live my life according to my own rhythm. I try to focus on the positive side.’
