Housing near University of Twente: 2026 student guide

What campus reviews reveal about student life

Student reviews of the University of Twente campus offer a mixed but instructive picture for anyone considering housing nearby. The overall Google rating of 4.4 from 497 reviews suggests that most students are satisfied, but the specifics matter more than the average.

One reviewer, Nils Boer, gave a 5-star review and noted “Great vibes, many good professors (and a few terrible ones)”. This captures the generally positive atmosphere on campus, but also acknowledges variability in teaching quality — a factor that may affect how much time you want to spend studying on campus versus at home.

Another reviewer, Gino Schilders, described the campus as “Huge campus with old and new faculty buildings spread out. Spacious lay-out gives a nice vibe. Fully equiped with whatever you’re looking for”. This points to a large, well‑resourced campus, which means walking distances between buildings can be significant. If your accommodation is on the far side of the city, the walk to class could be a genuine daily consideration.

A contrasting perspective comes from Suk Madik, who gave a 1-star review and stated “The tuition fees are really high, and students are treated very poorly. The psychology program is really bad”. While this is a single negative review, it highlights that not all programmes meet expectations, and some students feel disappointed. This matters for housing choices: if you are unsure about the course, you might prefer a flexible rental contract rather than a long‑term commitment.

These reviews show that the campus environment is mostly positive, but students’ experiences vary. Proximity to campus can make daily life easier, especially if you spend long hours in labs or libraries. On the other hand, living slightly further away might give you more housing options for your budget.

The city context: Enschede and student housing market

Enschede is a mid‑sized city in the eastern Netherlands, close to the German border. It is not as expensive as Amsterdam or Utrecht, but student housing demand still outstrips supply in many segments. The University of Twente is located in the Drienerlolaan area, on a green campus several kilometres from the city centre. The campus itself has student accommodation, but many students also live in Enschede’s city centre or in surrounding neighbourhoods.

The Dutch student housing market is regulated for some social housing, but most international students will be looking at private market rentals. Contracts are typically for 12 months, though some landlords offer shorter stays. Be aware that many Dutch rental agencies require a guarantor or proof of income — if you are coming from abroad, you may need to arrange a deposit and possibly provide a bank statement or a letter from your university.

Because the university is relatively self‑contained, some students prefer to live on campus to be close to classes, sports facilities, and the student association. Others choose to live in the city centre for more nightlife, shops, and a wider variety of restaurants. The choice often comes down to budget and lifestyle preferences.

Budget bands for student housing (2026/2027)

Rental prices in Enschede vary widely depending on type, location, and condition. The figures below are indicative — confirm with the operator before signing any contract.

Budget option: €350–€450 per month (all‑inclusive)

• Typical for shared houses (studentenhuizen) with 3–5 housemates.
• Rooms are often 10–15 m², furniture basic.
• Found mostly in older neighbourhoods like the city centre or Oost/Roomsweg area.
• Walking distance to campus: 30–40 minutes; cycling 10–15 minutes.

Mid‑range: €450–€600 per month

• Larger private rooms in shared flats or small studios (15–25 m²).
• Often includes utilities and internet.
• Can be found in areas like Deppenbroek, the campus itself (university‑run housing), or the new Bultserve neighbourhood.
• Cycling time to campus: 5–15 minutes.

Higher range: €600–€800 per month

• Self‑contained studios or one‑bedroom apartments.
• Newer buildings, often with own kitchen and bathroom.
• Located around the campus or in the western part of Enschede.
• Walking distance to campus facilities: 10–20 minutes.

These bands apply to the 2026–2027 academic year. Always verify the total cost including service charges, insurance, and any agency fees.

Walk vs transit: trade-offs for University of Twente students

The University of Twente campus is about 4 kilometres from the train station Enschede Centraal. The city’s bus network serves the campus mainly via lines 1, 4, and 9, with a journey time of roughly 12–15 minutes from the centre. A bus pass costs around €50–€60 per month for unlimited travel within Enschede.

Walking directly from the city centre to the university takes around 40 minutes. This is feasible if you enjoy walking and don’t mind the time, but most students choose to cycle. The Netherlands’ flat terrain makes cycling the most practical option. A second‑hand bicycle can be bought for about €100–€200; maintenance is low. Cycling time from the centre to campus is about 12–15 minutes.

If you live very close to campus — e.g., on the campus itself or in the immediate neighbourhood — you can walk to your faculty building in under 10 minutes. The trade‑off is that campus housing tends to have long waiting lists and slightly higher rents. Also, living on campus can feel isolated from the city’s social life, especially on weekends and evenings.

If you live further out, you save on rent but spend 20–30 minutes each way cycling or 30–40 minutes walking. This is manageable for most students, but it means you need to factor in weather (rainy days) and safety after dark. The campus is well‑lit, but the route from the centre passes through some less‑lit areas.

How to shortlist your housing options

Given that no specific nearby residences are provided in this data set, you will need to search on your own using platforms like Kamernet, Pararius, and local Facebook groups for Enschede student housing. However, the following logic will help you prioritise your search.

1. Start with your budget – Use the bands above to filter listings. Be realistic about what you can afford after rent, utilities, food, and transport.
2. Decide your maximum travel time – If you have early lectures, a 10‑minute walk is better than a 30‑minute cycle. If you prefer city life, accept a slightly longer commute.
3. Check contract length – Some landlords require a 12‑month commitment. If you are uncertain about your course, look for flexible or sublet options.
4. Read reviews of the landlord/agency – The negative review about poor treatment of students suggests that not all housing providers are student‑friendly. Search for the agency name online before signing.
5. Visit the property (if possible) – Photos can be misleading. If you can’t visit, ask for a video tour or check Google Maps Street View to evaluate the area.
6. Consider shared versus solo – Sharing a house (studentenhuis) is the most common and affordable choice. Solo studios give more privacy but cost more.
7. Verify all‑inclusive or not – Many listings say “€500 including utilities”, but some exclude gas/electricity. Ask for a breakdown in writing.

By applying these criteria, you can narrow down the hundreds of listings to a manageable shortlist. Keep in mind that the Dutch rental market moves quickly — respond within 24 hours of a new listing to secure a viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How far in advance should I start looking for housing in Enschede? Start searching at least 2–3 months before your programme begins. Many university‑run housing options open applications in May for the September intake. Private market listings appear throughout the summer, but popular rooms are taken by July. If you arrive in August, you may have limited choice. For a February 2027 start, begin looking in November 2026. These timelines are indicative — confirm with the operator.

2. Is it cheaper to live on campus or in the city centre? Generally, living on campus (university‑run accommodation) is mid‑range: around €450–€600 per month for a room. City centre shared houses can be slightly cheaper (€350–€450) but with a longer commute. Studios in the city centre are more expensive (€600+). The campus itself offers convenience, while the centre offers more social and shopping options. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.

3. What should I check before signing a rental contract? Read the contract carefully for: deposit amount (usually 1–2 months’ rent), notice period (often 1–2 months), whether utilities are included, and whether you can sublet. Also check if the landlord requires a Dutch bank account or a registration at the address (important for BSN registration). If anything seems unclear, ask the university’s housing office for advice. The negative review about poor treatment underscores the importance of knowing your rights as a tenant — you can contact the Dutch rental committee (Huurcommissie) if disputes arise.

Data updated: February 2026

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