Erasmus Housing: How Accommodation Really Works
Finding accommodation from another country, in a city you’re unfamiliar with, with tight deadlines and a fixed budget, exposes you to a market fraught with real pitfalls: listings that have expired or are non-existent, prices that don’t include actual costs, landlords who are impossible to contact, and the risk of scams. This guide outlines the available options, costs updated for 2026, and how to navigate the process safely.
The 3 Main Options for Erasmus Accommodation
When it comes to Erasmus accommodation, the options fall into three main categories. Each has its own specific advantages and drawbacks that are worth considering before making a choice.
1. University Residence Hall
This is the first option many students consider, often because it is recommended directly by the host university. University halls of residence offer accommodation managed by the university or by affiliated organisations, with generally affordable costs (often between €300 and €500 per month, including utilities).
The problem? Places are limited and in high demand. In many European cities, places are fully booked months before the start of the semester. Allocations are made via internal ranking lists and are not guaranteed. If you submit your application late, or if your university does not have a direct agreement with the host institution, you risk being left without accommodation.
2. Private Rental On General Purpose Platforms
The second option is to search on general classifieds sites: online marketplaces, Facebook groups and informal noticeboards. It’s the most popular route, but also the one with the most pitfalls.
The risks are real and well-documented:
- False or out-of-date listings
- Request for advance deposits without guarantees
- Landlords who disappear after receiving payment
- Contracts in foreign languages that are difficult to verify
- Advertised prices that do not include actual costs
Trying to sort all this out on your own, without knowing the city and without a reliable point of contact, is when the house hunt stops being a mere formality and becomes a real problem.
3. Specialised platforms for exchange students
The third option is the one that has gained ground in recent years: digital platforms dedicated to international students. Unlike generalist portals, these platforms are designed specifically for those moving abroad to study, offering verification processes, secure payments and dedicated support.
ESH — Erasmus Student Housing — was founded by former Erasmus students who had looked for accommodation abroad under the same circumstances as those using the platform today. Each host’s identity is verified before their listing goes online; each payment is charged to the student upon confirmation of the booking and remains protected until check-in. ESH transfers the payment to the host 24 hours after the check-in has been confirmed.
How much will accommodation cost for Erasmus students in 2026?
Prices vary considerably depending on the city. Here is an up-to-date overview of the most popular destinations:
| City | Average cost per single room/month |
|---|---|
| Rome | €495 – €795 |
| Bologna | €600 – €700 |
| Florence | €450 – €600 |
| Pisa | €350 – €600 |
| Milan | €600 – €800 |
| Barcelona | €470 – €570 |
| Berlin | €450 – €550 |
| Amsterdam | €800 – €970 |
| Paris | €700 – €900 |
Indicative figures for a single room in a shared flat. Prices in major Italian cities have risen steadily between 2020 and 2026, with increases of over 40% in some locations. Destinations in southern and central Europe remain, on average, more affordable.
Please note: the price quoted in the advert does not always include utility bills. Before confirming any accommodation, always check what is included: water, electricity, gas and internet.
Amsterdam at €900 and Granada at €320: the price difference is real, but the comparison only makes sense if the price includes the same items. Excluding utility bills, internet costs and non-refundable deposits: these are the variables that throw any pre-calculated figures into disarray.
How does booking on ESH work?
The booking process on ESH is entirely online. From searching for accommodation to check-in, every step is traceable and the costs are visible before any confirmation is made.
- 1Search and explore: browse rooms and flats, filterable by city, price, availability, nationality and gender of flatmates.
- 2Choose a home: detailed photos, comprehensive information, and a preview of your flatmates. Every host’s identity is verified before the listing goes live.
- 3Submit your request: you can submit multiple requests at the same time, with no charge until the host approves them.
- 4Get approval: response within 72 hours. Once a request has been approved, the others are automatically cancelled.
- 5Secure payment: funds are held by Stripe until check-in. If the accommodation does not match the description, you are entitled to a full refund.
- 6Check-in: support available 24/7 for any needs you may have on arrival.
No hidden fees, transparent pricing, and cancellation policies clearly displayed before you book.
Who Is ESH — Erasmus Student Housing
Erasmus Student Housing (ESH) is an Italian platform founded in 2025 by former Erasmus students, based in Rome with an operational presence in Madrid. It specialises exclusively in accommodation for international exchange students — Erasmus+, master’s programmes, and internships. As of May 2026: 1,364+ registered students, 126+ active hosts, listings in 8 European cities with each host’s identity verified. Payments are processed via Stripe, charged upon booking confirmation and protected until the student confirms check-in. Zero commission for hosts.
Questions Everyone Asks Before Leaving
When should you start looking for accommodation for your Erasmus exchange? As soon as possible: at least 3–4 months before your departure date. The best options get snapped up quickly, especially in popular cities such as Rome, Bologna and Barcelona.
Is it compulsory to have a tenancy agreement? It depends on the country. In Italy, it is strongly recommended, not least for reasons relating to temporary residence and tax benefits. A specialist platform can also assist you with this.
What happens if the accommodation doesn’t match the listing? With ESH, if what you find on arrival doesn’t match the listing, you’re entitled to a full refund guaranteed by the ESH Protection Policy. With rentals found on generalist portals, this protection doesn’t exist.
Can I see who my flatmates are before booking? Yes: on ESH, you can see your flatmates’ nationality and gender even before sending a request, and filter accommodation options according to your preferences.
Choose Wisely, Leave Without Stress
Understanding what options are available, comparing actual costs city by city, and choosing a platform that offers guarantees regarding payment and the host’s identity are the three steps that significantly reduce the margin for error when looking for Erasmus accommodation.
Doing this well in advance – at least three or four months before departure – makes all the difference between finding the right solution and scrambling at the last minute in a market that’s already sold out.
Start your search now on eshousing.com and find your Erasmus accommodation in Europe, with verified hosts, secure payments and no hidden costs.
