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While it might seem like the Mount Everest of moving abroad challenges, it IS possible to furnish your Dutch student room without breaking the bank. (Or, worse: living off microwaved ramen for a month.)
Here’s how to get it all sorted, with tried-and-tested tips from a former international student in the Netherlands.
1. Bag great bargains on Facebook Marketplace and Marktplaats
No joke, without Facebook Marketplace and Marktplaats, my first-ever flat in Leiden would never have been furnished. My flatmates and I bought tables, chairs, and lamps off these sites — and the most expensive item was a mere €25.
Whether you’re looking for cupboards, coffee tables, or crockery, these websites are goldmines for affordable second-hand finds. If you haven’t got a moving van handy, be sure to filter by location, so you only see items within cycling distance.
Lia’s tip: If you’re on a strict budget, look for listings with “gratis” (free) or “gratis af te halen” (free to pick up).
2. Join expat and housing groups on social media
There’s something comforting about getting advice from people who’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.
They’ve got eagle eyes that’ll spot red flags in secondhand product listings, and the lived experience to point out alternatives. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help!
Plus, many expats and international students use these groups to sell their furniture and home goods when it’s time for them to leave the Netherlands. You’ll often get a much better deal than buying these items brand new.
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3. Check out a thrift shop or kringloopwinkel
One of my favourite things about the Netherlands is how popular thrift shops (kringloopwinkels) are over here.
While they may not carry as wide an assortment of furniture, decor, and kitchenware as IKEA, they’ll save your wallet some major euros.
If you’re looking for a thrift shop in your area, I’ve found allekringloopwinkels a great resource. This website offers a list of kringloopwinkels near you, complete with contact details, reviews, and a list of what products each shop sells.
4. Hit up Dutch budget stores for your essentials
Once you’ve got furniture out of the way, it’s time to stock up on other items you’ll need for your student room.
Whether you’re looking for bedding, lamps, or the perfect rug for cold winter nights, these shops offer some of the lowest prices in the Netherlands:
Lia’s tip: Always take advantage of sales and discounts (kortingen). Action has weekly promotions, and HEMA advertises its current offers on its homepage.
5. Bonus: Reach out to the previous tenant
Sure, it might be a tad unconventional, but trust me, this one works! I once scored a desk from someone moving out, and have gifted a fan and two lamps to someone taking over my student room.
A lot of renters in Dutch student cities prefer to sell their furniture cheaply to avoid the hassle of paying for an expensive removal company. Why? Well, some landlords require you to leave your room totally EMPTY when you move out.
This means great bargains for you, or even some free furniture if you’re lucky.
Did these tips help your move? Or do you have any additional tips to add? I’m all ears, so let me know in the comments.
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