Accommodation in the Netherlands?

Question

Does anyone know any good sites for longterm accommodation in the Netherlands? Preferably around Amsterdam, but anywhere will do as a start. Keyword is "cheap". I don't care if the apartments are rubbish, I just need a roof over my head when I get there.

Basically I'm looking for info on small rental apartments. Craigslist was no help (too expensive... lol)

I've just started looking, so and help/tips are welcome.

Answer 1

Renting a house/apartment in amsterdam is extremely difficult. Students often get themselves on housing lists years before they move. The best way to get one and circumvent those lists, is to simply be in Amsterdam, and look around there, keep asking, look for ads put up in supermarkets like the Dirk van den Broek, Albert Heijn, etc. That's pretty much the only way to get something other than a hotel.

There is one more alternative though: Vacation rentals. They are WAY cheaper than a hotel, and they'll usually give you a discount for longer stays. I'd recommend renting an apartment or a house in or near Amsterdam (for example Haarlem is a good choice too, and easy to get to amsterdam by bus or train in just 15 minutes). http://www.traversia.com has lots of houses in the netherlands, and they're pretty cheap.

Answer 2

There are, as far as I know, no cheap places to stay around Amsterdam (and I spend about 4 months a year in that city).  You might look into a campground - there is at least one right by a tram line.  If the camping doesn't suit you at least you would be in a great place from which to start your search.

They have rent control in Amsterdam, and people who qualify  get decent rates.  The problem is that you have to already have lived in town for a while to be eligible, otherwise you have to rent "free-market," which is very expensive.  You might be best to get something in another city and commute by train - a lot of people do that, but it takes up your time and the trains cost money, too.  

PS  You don't need to bring a lot of camping stuff with you, there are plenty of places to buy it in town.