The Student Hotel

Just one week left before the semester starts. By now, Leiden and the Hague are full of new, wide-eyed faces. Incoming students are commencing (or already finishing!) their orientation week and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime that is studying abroad. As a new student, there is an abundance of things to be excited about: Making new friends, living in a new city, mastering a new language (or navigating life without it), picking up a new sport, new hobbies, traveling and so much more. Honestly, the list could go on for the rest of this blog post.

But there is a significant number of students, whose excitement might be dulled by another issue, one which is less exciting and definitely more nerve-wracking: Potential homelessness.

It’s never been so easy to make friends from all around the world!

During every introduction week, there are people who still haven’t found a room, as it can be extremely difficult to get a place around Leiden. The Leidener has published a couple of helpful posts on that, so make sure to take a look!

Photograph by Laura Cirigliano

Wouldn’t it be nice though, if you could just book a home, as easily as booking a hotel? Well, we’re not the only ones who thought about that. To make student accommodation more accessible and fun, Charlie MacGregor founded The Student Hotel (TSH). By now, it’s a rapidly expanding chain with locations all across Europe. One of them is right next to HS Station in The Hague – and definitely worth looking into.

Meet The Student Hotel

The Student Hotel is young, dynamic and inclusive. Imagine a funky and industrial design, lots of open spaces and young people everywhere you look. Oh, and don’t forget the grand piano in the lounge. Just like the love-child of a business-hotel and a frat house, the Student Hotel offers everything from classic hotel amenities (e.g. gym, restaurant, bar, reception desk) to comforts specifically designed for students (e.g. study spaces, basketball court, washing machines and community areas with beer-pong tables… I mean ping-pong tables, of course).

Photograph by Laura Cirigliano

You can stay for a day, some months or even a year! Every long-term resident gets their own room with an en suite bathroom, and either a private or communal kitchen. Plus, every floor is equipped with essential cleaning utensils (which, yes, some students actually use).

The rooms look amazing – Photograph provided by The Student Hotel

Besides offering an amazing place to live and grow, the Student Hotel aims to create a fun-loving and curious community, that connects people and empowers them to make the world a better place. Idealistic, huh? Environmental and societal responsibility is a major theme within the Student Hotel – as such, they regularly host events and competitions that aim to inspire guests and residents alike.

Affection or beauty nap?

Well, there is one downside I have to mention, which is the price. As you might have guessed, it’s pretty steep for a regular student budget, but booking in advance can make a big difference.

Even if you never end up living there, I absolutely recommend looking into the events hosted by the TSH community! Whether you like movie nights, TedEx talks or beer-pong, the TSH community is always happy to welcome you into its almost-hipster-but-not-quite arms.

If you want to learn more about the Student Hotel, make sure to check out their website or come visit!