Costs
An important difference between the housing options concerns finances. Okay, if you are a Dutch student and/or live nearby, you can choose to stay with your parents and save yourself some money (read more in our Dutch article). But as an international student, whether you plan to live in a student house or on your own, you'd have to pay rent, and there are additional costs such as groceries. The difference between living in a student house and living on your own is that the average rent of a student room in Enschede is about 377 euros, while the costs for an apartment or studio are a lot higher.
Fortunately, in some situations you can get compensation for these higher costs in the form of housing benefit; a monthly contribution towards the payment of your rent. Depending on your income and rent, among other things, you may be entitled to a certain amount of housing benefit per month. To be eligible, you need the nationality of an EU country, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Iceland or a valid residence or work permit. This way, having your own apartment or studio can still be affordable. Do you want to know if you are entitled to housing benefit? Then take a look at this website.
Sociability
One of the biggest advantages of living in a student house is sociability. There is almost always someone at home to chat, study or watch a series with. If you like company, a student house is probably a better choice than renting your own studio or apartment, where you will be on your own more often.
Quiet at home
In general, a student house offers more dynamics than living alone. Fortunately, there are different types of student houses, so there is always one that suits you. From lively houses with 15 students where there is always something going on, to smaller houses with few roommates where things are quieter and everything in between; the choice is vast. So, look for a student house that suits you! If you are looking for a quieter student house, you don't necessarily have to live in a studio or flat.
Shared spaces
In a student house, you will have to share the bathroom, toilet, kitchen and living room with roommates. This can be fun, of course, but at times it could also be frustrating. There’s nothing more annoying than a housemate occupying the shower in the morning, right when you are in a hurry. The advantage of having your own studio or apartment is that you don't have to share any space.
Own responsibilities
Cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry yourself: it is all part of the life of a student living away from home. In a student house, tasks are often a shared responsibility. For example, you don't have to clean as often as when you live alone, where you have to do everything yourself. Unfortunately, though, not every student is a fan of tidying and cleaning, so keep in mind that a student house may not always be as clean.
Furthermore, in a student house, students often take turns cooking for the house to eat together, which saves you time, is often cheaper and also fun. If you live alone, these tasks are your own responsibility. However, this also offers advantages, as you can determine your own routines and schedules and, importantly, choose what you want to eat every day yourself!
Freedom versus responsibility
No matter what you decide, living from home means freedom and independence. You can go wherever you want and don't have to be home at a certain time like when you lived with your parents. In a student house, you share space with housemates, which means you need to be mindful of each other. On the other hand, living in your own studio or apartment provides you with the freedom to do as you please and set your own rules. This is very liberating, but it also means taking full responsibility for your living space and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the sociability of a student house or the independence of your own place, each option has its pros and cons. Every student is different, so weigh your options and make the choice that suits you best! Are you curious about how other UT students experience living alone or together? Check out this virtual housing tour and get a glimpse of the different houses on campus - maybe even your potential future home!
