Hospiteren (solicit for a room)

Tip 1: Make sure you are on time!

Most of the time, it’ll be in the evening time when you are invited to an ‘hospiteeravond’. You will be compared to other candidates, this may sound horrible but it’s up to the landlord or your new housemates to make the right decision. Don’t be late, as you want to make a good impression. Check in advance how long it will take you to get there and whether there are any delays in public transport.

Tip 2: Observe and consider yourself living here

It is an introduction but you should also see it as a chance to spend some time with these people. Think about what you want and whether it suits your needs. For example, if it is a student house that does many things together and often eats together, then consider whether this fits you. Otherwise, you soon become an outsider in the house.

Tip 3: Make a good impression

A student house consists of several people whom all have a voice in choosing a new housemate. It is important that when the housemates make a decision at the end of the evening, they all have a good impression of you. Make clear where your interests lie and what you do in daily life. Of course, it’s important that you are relaxed and yourself – eventually, these people may be your new housemates and you will, of course, want to feel at home.

Tip 4: Prepare for the general questions

Actually, you can see it as a kind of job interview where you need to tell about yourself in a short period of time. Prepare yourself for questions that are most likely to arise. For example, what study you are doing, what your interests are and what you like to do in your spare time.

Tip 5: Read the advertisement again

In the advertisement, the student house/landlord has provided information about the available room and the house itself. Before you go to the hospiteer evening, read this again. Thus, you do not have to ask unnecessary questions and may score better on points that are important to the housemates.

Tip 6: Try to remain calm

Try to relax during the evening. Make eye contact when you talk to someone. Smile!

Tip 7: Show interest from your side

As mentioned earlier, it is a mutual acquaintance. Remember to also ask questions to your future housemates! This way you show you are interested and you can also find out if you want to live in this house.

Tip 8: Do not be afraid of nice, awkward questions

Students are often asked slightly bizarre questions. For example, if you were a day of the week, what day would you be? A nonsense question but you should be prepared for them.

Tip 9: Improve your hospiteren skills

If you, unfortunately, weren’t chosen for the house, it is OK to ask why the decision was reached to ask someone else. You can consider this feedback to be used to prepare for the next hospiteerinvitation.