Investing together in student city Eindhoven with new student housing covenant 2021-2028

Eindhoven has a new Student Housing Covenant, a follow-up to the Student Housing Covenant 2012-2020. The covenant is an initiative of the Municipality of Eindhoven, Holland Expat Centre South, TU/e, Fontys Hogescholen, Design Academy Eindhoven, Summa College, Woonbedrijf/Vestide, Stichting Vastgoedbelang, Stehven and Brainport Development. Together they offer a long-term commitment to the students of Eindhoven and to making Eindhoven an attractive and welcoming student city. The covenant is a guide for giving student housing the attention it needs and deserves in the coming years.

Talent influx
Eindhoven is growing and, as an important part of the Brainport region, has big ambitions for further growth. The number of (international) students is also increasing. An influx of talent from home and abroad is essential for the development of the Brainport region in Eindhoven. Eindhoven wants to be a city where students like to come, feel at home and continue to live and work after completing their studies.

Suitable housing
Attracting and retaining (international) students requires excellent education, job prospects and suitable housing. The covenant, therefore, not only contains agreements about the realisation of new housing but also about the quality we strive for and about building according to need. It also focuses on the entire housing career of students and the involvement of companies and institutions that have an interest in attracting and retaining talent in and around Eindhoven.

Ingrid de Boer, general director/manager of Woonbedrijf: 'We need to cooperate to ensure that the pieces of the puzzle fit together properly. Together we must provide enough housing for (new) students and also for graduates. This will create a flow so that everyone can live in a place that suits their needs at that time. At every stage of their housing career.'

Living environment
Besides providing sufficient and affordable housing for students, the covenant also includes other joint objectives in the field of housing and living environment.

A good relationship between tenants and landlords is essential for the well-being of the students. The Huurteam was successfully launched for this purpose in 2020. The Huurteam helps students with (legal) questions about rental prices, service costs and residence maintenance.

The covenant also pays attention to the production and allocation of and support for housing for international students.

Finally, Eindhoven is a city for everyone. A good relationship between students and local residents is, therefore, an important condition for a pleasant living environment. Student initiatives that contribute to the quality of life in the neighbourhoods are encouraged.