If you want to rent a room in a residential group, you have to deal with hospiteren/ co-optation! The current residents of the group get to choose their new roommate. They often organise an introduction session; during this session, you can view the room and introduce yourself to the group. This may be difficult when you are insecure or shy. That is why Roomspot gives you a number of tips and tricks.
Example of letter:
Tips to write a great e-mail:
- Introduce yourself
The first contact is by e-mail. In this e-mail, you have to tell the group that you are interested in the room. Tell them something about yourself (things that you do, what your interests are). Also, tell the group what you are looking for and what you expect from living with other roommates. Ask the group how they will be organising viewings and if you can come and take a look yourself. Make it clear that you expect a response from the group. - Social media
Look critically at your profile on social media. Especially Facebook is a place where group residents will check for information in order to make a first selection. If you prefer not to display certain items, please block your profile for non-friends (for doing this, see privacy settings), but also realise that it may be strange if they cannot find you.
Tips if you are invited to a meeting and get to meet the current residents:
- Come alone
Do not bring family or friends to the interview: the interview is about you, not about them. If you are traveling with friends or family, ask them to wait elsewhere; - Think ahead about frequently asked questions
You can prepare answers to many frequently asked questions in advance, such as "What are your hobbies?", "What does your week look like?" and "What would you add to our group?" Consider how the group may respond to certain answers. - Think ahead about questions that you would like to ask
When the opportunity arises, it is good to ask a couple of questions to the group yourself. Examples include:
- Is there a washing machines and dishwasher for general use in the house?
- Do you go out together?
- Do you eat together? - Be yourself (but the optimal version)
Have you received an invitation? Be yourself! Try to show the best version of yourself during the interview. It is certainly not forbidden to give a socially desirable answer from time to time, but do not make promises during your interview that you cannot or will not keep. Do not forget to express your own wishes, because you have to feel at home in the group. - Be on time!
Try to be on time; a few minutes before the agreed time is fine. Try not to be too early, because group residents often want to prepare for the interview. Are you a little late? Call the group to tell them that you are late< make sure you always have a phone number for one of the residents of the group. - Introduce yourself and show interest
When you visit the group, introduce yourself to the group. Show an interest in your potential roommates and ask them questions as well. If the official part has not started yet, you can already have a chat with some of the residents. Keep a low profile and show interest in the residents and the house. - You should like it too!
Please note that there must be a connection between you and the group. Look critically at the house, the room and residents. Ask yourself if you can see yourself spend a few years in this group. - Dutch
Currently, many of the student houses on campus are mainly inhabited by Dutch students. Being able to speak Dutch or demonstrating a willingness to learn the language may be an advantage during the room application process.