Kralingen-Crooswijk – handy for the uni, handy for the city
What are the best spots for international students in Kralingen-Crooswijk?
Both Erasmus University and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences are located in this diverse district to the north east of the city centre. Lively and busy, it gives students the best of both worlds: being close to their studies but also close to the many attractions of downtown Rotterdam.
Life and style
Living in Kralingen-Crooswijk, you’ll have no excuse for being late to lectures. Rotterdam’s two largest universities are located here and there is a lot of accommodation for students both on and off campus. Just 15 minutes from the centre using tram or metro, it is a great place to live and has a lively, international feel thanks to all the students living here.
Abundant affordable accommodation is available with plenty of student digs particularly in central Kralingen and Oud Crooswijk. The Student Hotel on Oostzeedijk is one option – just a ten minute bike ride to Erasmus Uni. Alternatively, if you join one of the many student associations in the area (such as Laurentius, Gaudium, RSC/RVSV and RSG) they offer accommodation to their members. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is also a good way to network with other students who may help with accommodation. In addition, Housing Anywhere and Stadswonen Rotterdam offer many different kinds of properties in this district while SSH is particularly strong here with five complexes as well as short stay options on campus. But remember, this is the main student area of the city and waiting times might be longer so the sooner you register with a housing provider the better. Find out more about how to rent a student accommodation home in Rotterdam in our Step by Step Guide.
Seeing and doing
You’ll find all the amenities and shops you need as well as plenty of sport and leisure options. In particular, the large lake and woods of Kralingse Plas and Kralingse Bos provide the perfect location for walking, running, sailing or even skating. They form a huge outdoor playground that’s enjoyed by walkers, runners and sailors all year round. It’s an amazing spot for all kinds of outdoor activities and sports. If you prefer your swimming indoors, try the Oostelijk pool, a national monument with its ample room and impressive glass roof.
Eating and drinking
There are also plenty of eating, drinking and shopping options in Kralingen-Crooswijk particularly along the lively Crooswijkseweg and on Oostplein. Locus Publicus is a friendly traditional bar with a huge selection of beers while Proeflokaal Lokanta offers superb tapas. Osteria Vicini is Italian cuisine at its best – whether you just go for an espresso in the morning or take that special person for a night out. Around Kralingse Plas there are many super bars and terraces including restaurant De Tuin which is the perfect spot on a summer’s day down by the water. Eaten too much? Then walk it off by taking a stroll along the Maasboulevard with its beautiful view over the river and the skyline of “Manhattan on the Maas”!
Close to the main universities, this district has a lot to offer students – which is why so many choose it for their Rotterdam home.
Want to live in Rotterdam? Check out:
SSH
Stadswonen Rotterdam
Nestpick
Housing Anywhere
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