Title: How to find decent housing as a student in the Netherlands, Sweden, or Germany

Introduction

Moving to another country to study is one of the most exciting, but also most stressful, stages in a student’s life. One of the biggest challenges is finding safe, affordable, and decent housing. In this complete guide, we focus on three popular destinations for Romanian students: the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany. We analyze the differences between these countries, offer concrete advice, and point to the best information sources to help you avoid traps set by those who take advantage of inexperienced young people in the diaspora.

1. Reality on the ground: why finding housing is difficult

A common problem in all three countries is the student housing crisis. Demand far exceeds supply, especially in university cities. In addition, most landlords prefer local tenants with stable income over international students.

Situation at a glance:

Netherlands: chronic housing shortage; prices have surged since 2020.

Sweden: state-regulated system; waiting lists; rent caps.

Germany: acceptable rents, but bureaucracy and competition are high.

2. How to find housing in the Netherlands

Recommended platforms:

Pararius.nl

Kamernet.nl (paid)

HousingAnywhere.com

Facebook Groups: “Romanian Students in NL”, “Housing in Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Utrecht”, etc.

Types of accommodation:

Studios/private rooms: on average 650–1,000 euro/month

Shared flats: 400–800 euro/month (for one room)

Social housing (rare): very hard to obtain, usually after years of waiting

What to avoid:

People who ask for transfers via Western Union or refuse contracts

“Perfect” apartments at unrealistically low prices

Landlords who do not want to sign anything official

Useful tip: Apply for accommodation as early as possible. Some universities only offer support for first-year students.

3. How to find housing in Sweden

Important specifics:

The housing system is heavily regulated

There are waiting lists (Bostadskö), and priority is given based on seniority

Useful platforms:

Bostadsportal.se

Blocket.se (beware of scams)

Qasa.se

SSSB.se (for Stockholm)

Approximate prices:

Stockholm: 4,000–7,000 SEK (350–600 euro) for a room

Malmö / Gothenburg: cheaper, but competition is high

Watch out for:

Illegal subletting

Landlords who avoid contracts

Useful tip: Register on official platforms as early as possible (ideally from high school). In Malmö, for example, studentbostader.se offers housing dedicated to students only.

4. How to find housing in Germany

Advantages:

Lower costs compared to the Netherlands or Sweden

More diverse supply, including for international students

Useful platforms:

WG-Gesucht.de (most used for shared apartments – Wohngemeinschaften)

Immobilienscout24.de

Facebook Groups (“Wohnungssuche Berlin/München/Frankfurt”)

What you should prepare:

Schufa (credit report)

Proof of income

University enrollment letter or proof of registration

Useful tip: Look for shared flats (“WG”) to reduce costs and integrate more easily into the community.

5. General advice for all countries

Never pay money in advance without a contract.

Even if the landlord seems trustworthy, verify together with other students or local NGOs.

Visit the place physically or online (video call).

Avoid offers without real photos or with images taken from Google.

Be realistic about your budget.

In addition to rent, factor in utilities, internet, insurance, etc.

Be careful with temporary contracts or sublets.

Without official residence, you will not be able to receive benefits (social aid, personal number, etc.).

Talk to other Romanian students.

Facebook or WhatsApp communities can be lifesavers. Look for genuine local groups.

6. Useful links and resources by country

Netherlands:

https://www.pararius.com/

https://kamernet.nl/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/romani.nl/

Sweden:

https://www.bostadsportal.se/

https://www.blocket.se/bostad

https://www.sssb.se/

Germany:

https://www.wg-gesucht.de/

https://www.immobilienscout24.de/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/wohnungsucheberlin/

7. Conclusion

Finding decent housing in a foreign country takes time, information, and patience. Each of the three countries offers opportunities as well as specific challenges. Romanian students can avoid many pitfalls if they know where to look, what to watch out for, and how to prepare in advance. This guide is a starting point to reduce the stress of moving abroad and to make the transition to international student life easier.

Suggestion for DUO: This article can be used within the “Digital Studentopedia” project as a valid educational resource created by students for students, with a civic and informative purpose.

Title: What you need to know when working part-time in Europe: contracts, wages, taxes

Introduction

More and more Romanian students choose to study in Europe, and many opt for a part-time job to support daily living or gain professional experience. Whether in the Netherlands, Sweden, or Germany, each country has its own rules on student work: types of contracts, minimum wages, taxes, and special conditions for EU citizens. This detailed guide gives you everything you need to work legally and without problems as a Romanian student in another European country.

1. Types of part-time contracts for students

1.1 Netherlands

Minijob / part-time contract: fixed weekly hours, paid hourly.

Zero-hour contract: no guaranteed hours; paid only for hours worked. Legal but unstable.

Freelance (ZZP): possible, but involves more bureaucracy (registration at KvK, VAT, insurance).

1.2 Sweden

Timanställning (hourly contract): no fixed schedule; paid for hours worked.

Deltidsanställning (classic part-time): fixed-term or permanent with proportional pay.

Staffing agencies (Bemanningsföretag): temporary assignments via agencies.

1.3 Germany

Minijob (max. 538 euro/month): low or no tax, reduced social contributions.

Werkstudent: contract for enrolled students; limited hours, competitive pay.

Hiwi: working within the university in administrative or research roles.

2. Minimum wage and typical earnings

2.1 Netherlands

Minimum wage varies by age:

18 years: 5.61 euro/hour

21+ years: 13.27 euro/hour

Common jobs: delivery, courier, café, shop, call center

Freelance: typically 15–30 euro/hour

2.2 Sweden

No legal minimum wage; unions set thresholds:

Entry-level jobs: 10–13 euro/hour

Paid volunteering: 80–110 SEK/hour

Good work–life balance

2.3 Germany

Minimum wage: 12.41 euro/hour (from 2024)

Students typically earn 450–1,000 euro/month

Hiwi: 12–15 euro/hour

3. How many hours can you work as an EU student

3.1 Netherlands

No official cap for EU students; if you receive DUO funding, you must work at least 56 hours/month.

16 hours/week is nearly full-time; watch impact on studies.

3.2 Sweden

No legal hour limit for EU citizens.

Universities may impose academic performance requirements.

3.3 Germany

Max. 20 hours/week during the semester by federal law.

Full-time allowed only during holidays (max. 3 months).

4. Taxes, contributions, and fiscal obligations

4.1 Netherlands

Income tax withheld at source.

Partial refunds via Belastingdienst.

Freelancers: VAT obligations and periodic filings.

4.2 Sweden

Tax withheld automatically.

If you exceed the annual threshold (approx. 22,000 SEK), you must file a return.

Deductions possible for study/work-related expenses.

4.3 Germany

Under 538 euro/month (Minijob): no tax.

Werkstudent: low or zero tax with allowance (Freibetrag).

Tax return required if you had multiple jobs.

5. Health insurance and student status

Netherlands: mandatory Dutch insurance (about 130 euro/month); low-income subsidy (Zorgtoeslag) available.

Sweden: with a personal identity number (personnummer), healthcare is covered; employer contributes.

Germany: student insurance (about 110 euro/month); some jobs require switching to standard insurance.

6. How to find a good part-time job

Platforms:

Netherlands: Indeed, YoungCapital, Temper, Randstad

Sweden: Academic Work, Arbetsformedlingen, StudentJob.se

Germany: Jobmensa, Zenjob, Stepstone, Indeed

Other sources:

Social media groups (Facebook, Discord, WhatsApp)

University job boards and internships

NGOs (sometimes indirectly paid via Erasmus+ or grants)

7. Essential advice for Romanian students

Check contracts carefully; sign only if you understand terms (use translation tools if needed).

Avoid illegal work; you can lose rights.

Keep documents: contracts, pay slips, bank statements.

Stay organized with income records.

Seek counseling: many universities offer free legal or financial advice.

Conclusion

A part-time job in Europe brings benefits—financial independence, experience, and personal growth—but also legal and fiscal responsibilities. With correct information, any Romanian student can navigate work in the Netherlands, Sweden, or Germany successfully. This article is a strong foundation, but each case differs. Stay informed, ask peers, read official sites, and do not hesitate to seek help.

Digital Studentopedia supports you.

Five common mistakes Romanian students make when moving abroad

A practical guide for a smoother transition

Introduction

Going abroad to study can be one of the most formative experiences of your life. But the transition comes with real challenges, especially for Romanian students who often face cultural shock, lack of information, and administrative hurdles. Mistakes are inevitable, but some can be easily avoided if you are well prepared.

This guide shows the five most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Underestimating real living costs

Problem:

Optimistic expectations about costs; reliance on scholarships or part-time income without proper budgeting.

Example:

Netherlands: 500–800 euro/month for a room; Sweden: 400–700 euro; food 150–300 euro; transport 50–100 euro; plus subscriptions.

Effect:

Financial strain, reduced quality of life, academic impact.

Solutions:

Create a realistic budget (use university sites or Numbeo).

Keep an emergency fund (1,000–2,000 euro).

Apply early for aid (studiefinanciering in NL, CSN in SE).

Use student housing networks, not only commercial sites.

2. Not understanding documents and legal obligations

Problem:

Lack of knowledge about residence permits, registration, bank accounts, insurance, contracts.

Effect:

Loss of funding, fines, study interruption, lack of healthcare, extreme cases of expulsion.

Solutions:

Check official university and immigration guides.

Use platforms like Studentopedia or GCRS.

Create a checklist: personal number, permit, bank, insurance, GP registration.

Keep digital and printed copies.

3. Staying isolated in the Romanian community

Problem:

Remaining only within Romanian circles.

Effect:

Difficult integration, limited networks, reduced cultural exposure, fewer job prospects.

Solutions:

Attend multicultural events.

Live with international students.

Join clubs or sports.

Learn the local language.

4. No legal or tax work plan

Problem:

Working without contracts, undeclared income, misunderstanding VAT and deductions.

Effect:

Fines, issues with funding and permits, exclusion from aid, exploitation.

Solutions:

Check labor law.

Register legally if freelancing.

Record all income.

Consult GCRS or a local accountant.

5. Ignoring mental health and balance

Problem:

Homesickness, stress, isolation leading to anxiety or burnout.

Effect:

Lower grades, social isolation, dropping out, health problems.

Solutions:

Use university counseling services.

Create balance routines.

Exercise and socialize.

Talk openly with peers or mentors.

Conclusion

Life abroad brings opportunities and subtle pitfalls. The mistakes above are common lessons. Stay informed, connected to support communities (like GCRS), and seek help early. Every decision—from housing and work to health and integration—matters long-term. With planning and the right resources, the transition can be truly transformative.

Mental health and balance – English version

5. Ignoring mental health and personal balance

The problem:

Moving to a new country is emotionally demanding. Homesickness, academic pressure, financial stress and social isolation can easily lead to anxiety, depression or burnout. Many students avoid asking for help, either out of shame or because they do not realise that psychological support is considered normal and encouraged in many countries.

Effects:

Lower grades and poor academic performance

Social isolation and withdrawal

Risk of dropping out of university

Physical health problems triggered by chronic stress

Solutions:

Use the counselling services offered by your university. Most campuses have free or low-cost psychological support.

Create a daily and weekly routine that includes both study time and rest.

Stay physically active: sports, walks, group activities. Movement helps more than you expect.

Talk openly with colleagues, mentors or trusted friends about how you feel. You are not the only one going through this.

Conclusion – English version

Life as a Romanian student abroad brings many opportunities, but also subtle traps. The mistakes described above are not something to be ashamed of; they are common lessons that many others have gone through before you.

What matters most is to stay informed, stay connected to a support community (such as GCRS) and ask for help early, before small issues become crises.

Every decision you make – about housing, work, health or integration – has long-term consequences. With careful planning and the right resources, the transition to studying abroad does not have to be merely survivable. It can be a truly transformative experience.

Digital Studentopedia – Instagram Posts and Stories

Instagram Post – Carousel (5 slides)

Title: Checklist for Your First Semester Abroad

Theme: Friendly, practical guidance for Romanian students starting out

Goal: Practical education, reduce anxiety, support adaptation

Slide 1 – Main title (cover)

Text:

“Checklist for your first semester abroad”

“You’ve landed – now what? Save the checklist below!”

Call to action: “Swipe to see the checklist”

Slide 2 – Mandatory documents

Text:

Residence permit / registration at the town hall

Local bank account

Health insurance

National identification number (BSN / NIN / personnummer)

Tip: Book your appointments online wherever possible.

Slide 3 – Housing and daily life

Text:

Find accommodation with a legal contract

Set a realistic monthly budget

Buy essentials (bedding, towels, basic food)

Tip: Share common expenses with your flatmates.

Slide 4 – University and routine

Text:

Check the academic calendar

Find out which apps/platforms are used (Canvas, Moodle, etc.)

Create a weekly schedule

Attend events for new students

Tip: The first days are crucial – be curious and show up.

Slide 5 – Social network and well-being

Text:

Get to know other international students

Join campus WhatsApp/Discord groups

Find a balance between study and downtime

Explore the city with other first-year students

Tip: Accept help. Everyone has been in your position.

Caption (Instagram):

Just arrived in a new country as an international student? This checklist is for you. From documents, housing and courses to avoiding social isolation – it’s all here. Save this post and send it to a friend who just left for studies. What would you add to the checklist?

Visual suggestions:

Background: soft, neutral pastels (beige, light blue, sage green)

Icons: document, key, house, helping hand, globe, calendar

Font: friendly but clear (Poppins, Nunito, Montserrat)

Instagram Post – Carousel (5 slides)

Title: Do You Need a NIN, BSN or Personnummer?

Subtitle: How to get them in 3 simple steps

Theme: Quick guide to ID numbers in the UK, Netherlands and Sweden

Goal: Civic education, administrative integration, clarity

Slide 1 – Cover

Text:

“Do you need a NIN, BSN or personnummer?”

“A quick 3-step guide for the UK, NL and SE”

“Without these, you cannot work legally, open a bank account or access healthcare.”

Call to action: “Swipe for clear steps”

Slide 2 – NIN (United Kingdom)

Text:

What is it? National Insurance Number

How to get it:

Apply online via the official government website (gov.uk)

You may receive an invitation for an interview (sometimes by phone)

Your NIN arrives by post in about 2–4 weeks

Tip: Use a stable address and check your email (including spam) carefully.

Slide 3 – BSN (Netherlands)

Text:

What is it? Burgerservicenummer – Dutch citizen service number

How to get it:

Book an appointment at the town hall (gemeente) in the city where you live

Bring your passport, rental contract and, if needed, proof of studies

You receive your BSN on the spot or within a few days

Tip: Without a BSN you cannot open a Dutch bank account or sign many formal contracts.

Slide 4 – Personnummer (Sweden)

Text:

What is it? Swedish personal identity number

How to get it:

Go to Skatteverket with your passport, rental contract and university letter

Fill in the “Moving to Sweden” form

You receive your personnummer by post (it may take 2–8 weeks)

Tip: Without it, you are practically “invisible” in Sweden – you can do very little legally.

Slide 5 – Visual recap

Text:

Three countries – three processes:

United Kingdom: NIN – online application plus possible interview

Netherlands: BSN – at the town hall

Sweden: personnummer – at Skatteverket

Save this post and share it with friends who are moving abroad to study.

Caption (Instagram):

In the UK, Netherlands or Sweden? Your first real step to official student life is a number. Whether it is NIN, BSN or personnummer, without it you cannot live legally in that country. Apply early – some processes can take up to two months. Send this post to a colleague who just moved to Europe. Have you already applied for your identification number?

Visual suggestions:

Background: small UK, NL, SE flags as decorative elements

Icons: ID card, postbox, calendar, interview bubble

Font: clean and modern (Montserrat, Lato)

Palette: navy blue, light grey, soft yellow accents

Instagram Post – Carousel (5 slides)

Title: How Much Can You Earn With a Part-Time Job in Europe?

Subtitle: Comparison UK | Netherlands | Sweden

Goal: Practical info for students who work part-time

Justification: Civic and financial support for integration

Slide 1 – Cover

Text:

“How much can you earn with a part-time job in Europe?”

“UK – NL – SE”

“Find out salaries, taxes and what you actually take home.”

Call to action: “Swipe for details”

Slide 2 – United Kingdom

Text:

Minimum wage: £11.44/hour (from April 2024)

Deductions (approximate):

Income tax: 20 percent

National Insurance: about 12 percent (only above roughly £1,048 per month)

Net in hand: around £9/hour

Maximum recommended during term time: about 20 hours/week

Tip: Retail and hospitality are usually the easiest sectors to enter.

Slide 3 – Netherlands

Text:

Typical student wage: 13–15 euro/hour

Deductions (approximate):

Income tax: about 8–12 percent

Health insurance: about 120 euro/month (mandatory if you work)

Net in hand: roughly 11–12 euro/hour

Recommended maximum: 16–24 hours/week

Tip: If you work legally, you may be entitled to “zorgtoeslag” (a subsidy for health insurance).

Slide 4 – Sweden

Text:

Typical wage: 120–140 SEK/hour (about 10–12 euro)

Deductions:

Tax: 0 percent if you earn under roughly 22,200 SEK/year (about 1,900 euro)

Above that, general tax rate is around 30 percent

Net in hand: often equal or close to gross, if you stay under the threshold

Legal practice: up to about 25–30 hours/week is common for students

Tip: Sweden has generous thresholds for tax-free student income – but always check current rules.

Slide 5 – Quick summary

Table-style text:

Country | Average student wage | Net per hour (approx.) | Max hours/week

United Kingdom | £11.44 | about £9 | 20

Netherlands | 13–15 euro | about 11–12 euro | 16–24

Sweden | 10–12 euro | about 10–12 euro (often tax-free) | 25–30

Want more comparisons? Tell us in the comments. Save this post for future reference.

Caption (Instagram):

Looking for a part-time job abroad? Here is what you should know before signing a contract. Salaries differ, but the hidden costs and taxes matter just as much. Share this with a friend who is hunting for a student job. Where are you working, and how much do you earn per hour?

Visual suggestions:

Background: country-tinted pastels per slide

Icons: small maps with flags, currency symbols, calculator

Font: clear, infographic-style

Palette: white plus each country’s main colour accent

Instagram Post – Carousel (5 slides)

Title: Has DUO Cut Your Funding?

Subtitle: 3 simple steps to avoid panicking

Goal: Fast information plus immediate action

Justification: Civic and emotional support for affected students

Slide 1 – Cover

Text:

“Has DUO cut your funding?”

“Here are three things to do right away.”

“Emergency guide for Romanian students in the Netherlands.”

Call to action: “Swipe”

Slide 2 – Step 1: Do not panic – check the official message

Text:

DUO sends notifications via MijnDUO or by letter

Look for the stated reason: missing proof of work, freelancing doubts, suspicion etc.

Take screenshots of the message and save everything in one folder

Why? You will need solid evidence for your objection.

Slide 3 – Step 2: Gather your evidence

Text:

Helpful documents include:

Work or freelance contracts

Bank statements

Invoices or task descriptions (for collaborations)

Letters from employer/NGO/partner

Collect everything into one PDF, in a logical and chronological order.

Slide 4 – Step 3: Write your objection

Text:

Send a clear letter with all your supporting documents attached

Include:

Your personal details

DUO reference number

List of attached evidence

A clear request for reconsideration of the decision

Send via MijnDUO or by registered post.

Need a template? GCRS can help – send us a direct message.

Slide 5 – Conclusion and call to action

Text:

Remember: you have rights.

Time is running – you usually have a maximum of six weeks to object.

You are not alone: GCRS has already supported dozens of students in similar cases.

Save this post and send it to someone who needs it.

You can find more templates and guides on Studentopedia.eu.

Caption (Instagram):

Has DUO cut your funding without a clear explanation? Do not panic. Check the message, gather your evidence, write a proper objection. Need a model? Contact us and we will help. Tag a colleague who went through this.

Visual suggestions:

Background: pale yellow with red accents for “urgent” tone

Icons: laptop, stop sign, paperclip, magnifying glass

Slide 1: large “DUO STOP?” style stamp

Slide 4: blurred mock-up of an objection letter as design element

Instagram Story 1 – Quiz: “Do You Know the Minimum Wage Where You Study?”

Goal: Civic education + interactive engagement

Theme: Rights of working students in the EU

Format: Interactive quiz (4 slides)

Slide 1 – Intro

Text:

“Are you a Romanian student in the Netherlands, Germany or Sweden?

Let’s see how well you know your work rights.

Quiz time: What is the minimum wage in your country?”

CTA: “Swipe and answer the quiz.”

Sticker suggestions:

Poll: “I am ready / I have no idea”

Slide 2 – Question 1

Text:

“How high is the gross monthly minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2025 (age 21+)?”

Options:

A. 1,995 EUR

B. 2,123 EUR

C. 2,223 EUR (correct)

CTA: “Tap the answer you think is correct.”

Sticker: Quiz sticker

Slide 3 – Question 2

Text:

“In Sweden there is no national minimum wage.

But on average, how much does a typical student part-time job pay?”

Options:

A. 9 EUR/hour

B. 12 EUR/hour (correct)

C. 15 EUR/hour

CTA: “Choose what you think is right.”

Sticker: Quiz sticker

Slide 4 – Conclusion + Learning

Text:

“Well done if you knew the answers. If not, now you do.

Minimum wages differ, but you still have rights as a working student in any EU country.

Do you want a guide with everything you need to know?”

CTA: “Send us ‘SALARY’ in a direct message and we will send you the GCRS guide for free.”

Sticker suggestions:

“Send message”

“Save this”

Instagram Story 2 – Quick Guide: “How to Send a Formal Email to Your University”

Goal: Practical education (soft skills)

Theme: Academic communication

Format: Educational story (4 slides)

Slide 1 – Intro

Text:

“Writing an email to a professor or the international office?

Not sure how to start or what to say?

Here is a simple three-step guide.”

CTA: “Swipe to see how to write a formal email.”

Sticker suggestions:

“Email time”

“Ready to write?”

Slide 2 – Basic structure

Text:

“Basic structure of a formal email:

Clear subject line (for example: Request for student certificate)

Respectful greeting (for example: Dear Professor Smith)

Purpose of the email in one or two sentences

Your exact request and any deadline (if there is one)

Thanks and your full name”

CTA: “Save this for next time.”

Sticker: “Good to know”

Slide 3 – Concrete example

Text:

“Example:

Subject: Request for Erasmus student certificate

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is Andreea Popescu and I am a second-year student in the Faculty of Letters.

I kindly ask you to issue a certificate confirming my Erasmus student status for the period February–June 2025.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

Andreea Popescu”

CTA: “Copy, adapt and use.”

Sticker: “Copy this”

Slide 4 – Conclusion + CTA

Text:

“A good email helps you build a good relationship with your university.

Do you want a PDF guide with more examples?”

CTA: “Send us ‘EMAIL’ in a direct message and you will receive it for free.”

Sticker suggestions:

“Send message”

“Email guide”

Instagram Story 3 – “Tell Us: What Was Your Biggest Erasmus Fail?”

Goal: Interaction, humour, real engagement

Format: Story with question sticker

Slide 1 – Fun intro

Text:

“Student life without mistakes does not exist.

Erasmus means many unforgettable ‘fails’.

Do you want to laugh together?”

CTA: “Tell us your story below.”

Sticker: Question sticker with text: “Write your biggest Erasmus fail”

Slide 2 – Example to break the ice

Text:

“My own first-week in Sweden:

I took the wrong bus, ended up in the next village at 23:30 with no internet.”

CTA: “Now it is your turn.”

Sticker: “Your story?”

Slide 3 – Conclusion + CTA

Text:

“The funniest answers will be shared tomorrow in our Stories,

and maybe even turned into a Reel.

The best ones will receive a small surprise from GCRS.

Write your story now before you forget it.”

Sticker suggestions:

“Tell us”

“Send your answer”