More than half of Dutch students continue to reside in their family homes, posing a challenge to their quest for independence, warns Kences, the student accommodation knowledge center.

The organization attributes this phenomenon to the scarcity and high cost of student housing in the Netherlands, as indicated in its recent student accommodation monitor.

The introduction of the student loan system in 2015, where students had to borrow to finance their education, has compounded the issue. On average, students graduate with around €25,000 in debt, which affects their ability to afford independent living.

During the academic year 2015-2016, 53% of students lived away from home. This number has now dropped to 44%, according to Kences. Approximately 50% of students cite high rental prices as the primary reason for staying with their families, while 20% struggle to find suitable accommodation.

Jolan de Bie, director of Kences, expresses concern over this trend, stating, "Fewer Dutch students are leaving home, and that is bad news. We know that moving out contributes to the well-being and development of students and young people. It's a natural step toward independence."

The influx of international students has contributed to an overall increase in the number of students living independently. However, the reintroduction of grants for this academic year is expected to make the student housing situation even more challenging, with a projected shortage of 23,700 places this year, rising to 56,800 by 2030 if no action is taken.

In response, the Dutch government has launched an action plan to build 60,000 student homes by 2030 to address the growing demand for affordable student housing.