Codarts Rotterdam
trusts
HousingAnywhere
with accommodation for their students since 2014

• Founded in its present location in 2000

• Has 1,000 students

• Enrolls around 30 Erasmus students each year

• Offers courses in English

• Has partnered with Housing Anywhere since March 2014

Campus facilities

Codarts consists of three different divisions, including the Rotterdam Conservatory, Rotterdam Circus Arts and Rotterdam Dance Academy. Conveniently located, all three divisions are in the main building, which is also near the central train station. The fifth floor is considered the main level of the building, housing the library, performance spaces, the restaurant and the terrace entrance. Throughout the remaining levels, you can find additional performance spaces and classrooms, with dancing studios on the top floor.

You can always grab a snack on campus at the popular student restaurant, but be sure to also get out and about in Rotterdam to dine on some local cuisine. Feel free to check out informative online guides to dining.

Courses

Codarts offers three primary course areas, including Dance, Music and Circus, with both Bachelor and Master programmes. Some of the courses offered include: Dance Teacher, Circus, Dance, Classical Music, Jazz, Music Theatre, World Music, Pop and Music in Education.

They also offer a five-year Double Degree programme with Erasmus University Rotterdam. Students can also work towards a Master in Dance Therapy, Choreography, Music Therapy, Education in Arts and Master of Music.

You can learn even more about the university’s specific programmes, along with courses that are offered directly on Codarts website.

International dimension

Partnering with 50 different universities and learning institutions throughout Europe, Codarts also participates in the Erasmus+ programme. The university enrolls approximately 30 Erasmus students each year, from a large number of international applications.

Students at Codarts also typically spend at least one semester or even sometimes an entire year at a partner university from the Erasmus programme. When doing so, most courses are offered partly in both Dutch and English.

There is so much additional information available for incoming international students, so be sure to read on in our Rotterdam City Guide.

How to get to the university

Codarts is conveniently located directly next to the De Doelen conference and concert building, which is the well-known home to the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The university is right in Rotterdam’s city centre. It is very close to the city’s main train station, as well as numerous tram stations, making transportation fast and simple.

From train station:

If you arrive in Rotterdam via the train station, you are only within a 3-minute walk to the university.

From the airport:

If you arrive in Rotterdam via The Hague Airport, there are two easy options for reaching the university quickly. As that it is only 8 km away, many travelers opt to take a taxi. However, you may also take the Metro from Station Meijersplein at the airport, or to the Station Centraal Station, which is the central station located right by the University.

Metro:

Rotterdam has a wonderful Metro system, with five different lines (A, B, C, D and E) that snake across the city and out to surrounding neighborhoods.

Centraal Station is the closest Metro station to the university, which is accessed by lines D and E. When choosing to take the A, B or C lines, Eendrachtsplein Station will be the closest option. Upon arrival, it will be an 8-minute walk to the university.

Tram:

Many locals utilize the tram system to get around Rotterdam. With its central location, Codarts can be accessed by several different tram lines, where the university can be reached by a short walk.

Bus:

Rotterdam also offers several economical bus lines. There are numerous stops close to the university, with many lines branching back out to the area neighborhoods.

Bike:

However, as all throughout The Netherlands, the most popular method of transport is still biking. This is also an excellent way to really experience the country’s culture. Plus, there are wide bike paths that stretch all throughout the city.

If you’d like to get around Rotterdam like a local, then read on for more transportation information.

Student Neighbourhoods

City centre

If you’re thinking about wanting to live within walking distance of the university, the city centre is most definitely the best option. And this area offers more than just convenience, bustling with shopping, restaurants and bars. And it really does have the best of both worlds, as that things quiet down at night, creating a nice environment for students.

Delfshaven

Much of Rotterdam was destroyed during WWII, but this area of the city remains more intact, with historical buildings and beautiful architecture. The city’s only brewery is nestled away in this neighborhood, which draws in many locals and visitors alike for delicious food and drinks. It is still considered to be close to the city centre, with various public transportation methods available.

Kralingen-Crooswijk

Situated a bit east of the city centre, you will find one of the most popular areas to live with students and young people. There are numerous green parks with trails for walking and biking, along with Kralingse, a large lake in the area that is encircled with widely used jogging trails. These areas are also used in warmer weather for swimming or sailing. Plus, it is easy to get back and forth from the city centre via the Metro or the bus and tram lines.

Noord

If you go a bit further north of the centre, you’ll find that this area has a wide variety of amenities to offer. Expect hip bars, trendy restaurants, green parks, local shopping and sparkling canals. You can easily travel to and from Noord by using public transportation like the Metro, the tram or various bus lines.

With so many interesting neighborhoods in Rotterdam, you have a few big decisions to make! Learn as much as you can about Rotterdam’s neighborhoods before making your final choice.

Common housing practices

Rotterdam is very popular with international students, so there is a high demand for both apartments and rooms. However, the first thing that you should always do is check to make sure that you can register at the municipality, where you can also receive your BSN Number, which you will need if you are planning to live, work or study in The Netherlands. You can learn more here about the process that is involved.

Now, before you sign any type of contract for housing, you need to ask questions about what is included with the monthly payment, such as Wi-Fi, water and electricity. You may also want to know if it is available furnished or unfurnished.

It is also typically customary to pay a deposit of one month's rent before you move into space. You will receive the deposit back when your term ends, as long as there is no damage to the property.

Pricing can range, depending on location and the amenities that are offered, but you can generally expect a payment somewhere between 350€ and 700€ per month for a furnished room, including all utilities. Studio apartments, with all inclusions, usually run about 1000€ per month.

Most students either rent a room in a shared apartment with other students, or they may live in one of the student dormitories. Sharing an apartment is more popular among the students at the university.

There are many ways to locate a room, but the easiest by far is through internet searches. To avoid any pitfalls, you should use an online housing platform, such as Housing Anywhere.

One really unique organization at the university is referred to as the Codarts Agency. This is a well-known booking agency that is utilized by potential clients who are hoping to book students for events, concerts and other performances. The students also offer lessons to students of all ages who wish to learn to play an instrument or sing.

Events

Being one of the most modern cities on the planet, Rotterdam has something going on throughout the year, regardless of the season. Known for its architectural designs, there are beautiful buildings dotted all across the city.

When you think of Rotterdam, many things come to mind, like high skyscrapers, food markets, Europe's largest port, museums, dining and its many unforgettable festivals. These things make Rotterdam a truly phenomenal place to live.

To learn even more about the city and the places that are definitely worth a visit, then make sure to check out even more information on Rotterdam’s exciting events.