meer studenten kiezen voor thuis wonen tijdens hun studie
Utrecht, vrijdag, 6 februari 2026.
sinds de invoering van het leenstelsel in 2015 kiezen steeds meer studenten om gedurende hun hele studie bij hun ouders te blijven wonen. ruim de helft van de mannelijke studenten die in 2020 afstudeerden had geen eigen kamer gehuurd. dit percentage lag bij vrouwen lager op 34 procent. de vertraging in uitwonen hangt samen met de financieringsdruk en een strakke huizenmarkt. het effect is merkbaar rond universiteiten en hogescholen. jongeren bouwen later autonomie op. het patroon markeert een blijvende verschuiving in de transitie naar volwassen leven.
shift in student housing patterns intensifies
Since the introduction of the study loan system in 2015, more students across the Netherlands continue to live at home throughout their education. Data shows that 52 percent of male students who graduated in 2020 did not move out during their five-year study period [1]. For female peers, the figure stood lower at 34 percent [1]. This widening gap suggests gender-specific financial or social considerations shaping housing decisions. The persistence of parental cohabitation reflects broader economic pressures affecting young adults entering higher education [1][2].
delayed independence among hbo and university youth
Students at both universities and hogescholen increasingly delay moving out. Among those graduating in 2023, 43 percent lived at home during their studies compared to 31 percent in 2016 [1]. The rise is sharper among hbo students where the share increased from 41 percent to 55 percent 34.146 [1][3]. At universities, it grew from 19 to 32 percent 68.421 [1]. These trends indicate systemic barriers to independent living regardless of institution type [1][3].
financial strain reshapes early academic years
More students remain under parental roofs beyond their first year. In 2016, 63 percent still lived at home after year one [1]. By 2023, this rose to 79 percent 25.397 [1]. After three years, 60 percent stayed home compared to 43 percent previously 39.535 [1]. Rising tuition costs and stagnant income options contribute to this shift. High rental prices in cities near campuses further limit alternatives [1][4].
gender disparities deepen in housing behavior
Male students are significantly more likely than females to stay home during studies. Among 2020 graduates, 52 percent of men never moved out, rising from 40 percent in 2016 30 [1]. Female figures climbed from 24 to 34 percent 41.667 [1]. Though both groups show growth, the pace differs markedly. Possible factors include employment gaps, differing career paths, or cultural norms influencing decision-making [1][3].
policy responses fail to close growing housing gap
Despite reintroducing the basic grant in 2023, financial pressure persists [1]. Many students face monthly housing expenses consuming nearly half their budget [4]. With only 54 percent of hbo and wo students currently living independently, demand outweighs supply [4]. A shortage of 21,500 rooms exists across nineteen major cities [4]. International students fill some vacancies, yet domestic demand remains unmet. Financial vulnerability limits mobility despite educational achievement [1][4].