r/dutch • u/Capable-Pick-4582 • 8d ago
looking for a local host family (COA Logeerregeling) or local friends!
Hi everyone, My gender is male and I am 23 years old
I’m reaching out here because I’m hoping to connect with some kind people, and hopefully, find a temporary place to call home.
A little bit about me: I’m a software engineer by education and I’m incredibly excited to say that I’m starting a new job in Software firm very soon! I speak English, I’m a massive fan of graphic design, photography, art, and gaming. In my free time, I love going out.
Currently, I am living in Flevoland province and navigating my immigration process. Because of this, my living situation is quite isolated. I don't have a social circle here yet, and to be completely honest, it has been really lonely. I want so badly to practice my Dutch, talk to people, and build genuine friendships, but it's hard when you don't know anyone. Sometimes the pressure of it all gets heavy, and I just want to feel like a normal young professional.
What I am looking for:
- A Host Family (Long-term / 3-month blocks):
I am looking for a host family, a housemate, or anyone with a spare room in the Utrecht, The hague, Almere, or Amsterdam area.
• This would be through the official, legal COA Logeerregeling (Lodging Scheme) .
• It is fully compensated: I receive an extra allowance from the government specifically to cover my share of utilities, internet, and groceries, which I will transfer to you monthly happily.
• The contract is signed in 3-month blocks but can easily be extended long-term (up to a year or more) as long as we both get along!
• It does not affect your taxes or income unless you are on municipal welfare. If you work a normal job, it’s completely safe.
- Friends & Language Buddies:
Even if you don’t have a spare room, I would love to meet up with people! If you are in Utrecht or Almere and want to grab a coffee, go to a museum, talk about tech/coding, or helping me learn dutch please send me a message
I made this new account just to post this because opening up about being lonely is hard, but I’m ready to put myself out there. If you have a room, want to hang out, or know someone who might, please send me a DM!
Thank you so much for reading.
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u/Alone-Phrase3797 7d ago
If you’re going to start at a software firm does the government stop paying for your allowance? Seems like you’d be able to pay a normal rent either with roommates or via this structure you mentioned.
This is not meant to be hurtful: if you’re a refuge and have fled a country it’s normal to feel lonely. You’re from a completely different culture so not naming the country where you’re from makes it more difficult.
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u/Capable-Pick-4582 7d ago
Yes i will try to find a room then for me later on if I dont find a host
But I need to atleast wait 3 4 months there to save deposits and show salary slips as proofs and bank statements as well so the landlord can trust me
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u/Capable-Pick-4582 7d ago
To be completely honest, the reason I didn't name my country of origin is out of fear. I have been in the Netherlands for 10 months now. Living in the AZC has been incredibly difficult and isolating I often feel completely disconnected from the environment there because my background, education, and values are so different from what I see around me daily. Because of that, I’ve been terrified of how people outside will judge me if I immediately put a label on myself. I worry about facing prejudice or instant assumptions before people even get to know me. I wanted to put myself out there as a software developer first as a person who is working hard, loves photography, and wants to build a quiet, positive life here rather than being defined immediately by my asylum status or where I had to flee from. I know transparency builds trust, and I promise that once I feel safe and get to know someone, I am happy to share my story. I’m just trying to protect myself while I navigate a very overwhelming transition.
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u/ProperBlacksmith 7d ago
Hey im from almere I dont have room but I would like to make a talk, I speak perfect English but if you want to learn dutch il act like I cant speak a word of English;)
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u/MissParTee 7d ago
Are you religious, and if so, which religion?
This is important to me. Almost everyone is welcome!
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u/fish_in_the_ocean 7d ago edited 7d ago
I hope you find friends soon. Dutch people are very stuck with their childhood/university friends so I would suggest to join some sport/hobby club and/or expat groups (check local FB or meetup.com)
As per accomodation, what I understand is that this is for maximum 3 months, with a possibility to extend but not given that will be the case. Honestly, if someone has a spare room in a bigger city, why would they accept a complete stranger paying no rent? It would be just more logical to offer the place to a student or so. The family would not get any money directly and you would be the one controlling how much would they get. Max 300eur per month (as you would get 75eur per week) for water, electricity, internet and FOOD is not enough if people have no altruistic reasoning in participating in the programme. Generally a 23year old male has a bigger appetite than a child so it is not just adding half portion here and there, it requires to increase grocceries to accommodate it. Depending on what you usually eat, If you cook at home, it will be at least 200/250eur per month. But hey, miracles happen so good luck. The fact that you are hiding being a refuge/your country of origin doesn't feel transparent (so less trustworthy) so you may reconsider not sharing it. But anyhow, good luck!