Quick start checklist (do this today)

• Make a 1 page CV and add an availability block (days, hours, start date).
• Pick two to three categories for one week: Hospitality, Delivery, Events, Tutoring, Customer support.
• Apply in the morning and follow up the same day if the listing has contact details.
• Prepare ID, IBAN, and your BSN (or appointment confirmation).
• Start here: all Rotterdam jobs or English friendly only.

Work permits and hours (EU vs Non EU)

Rules depend on your nationality, residence status, and enrollment. Keep it simple: verify your personal situation before you commit to a schedule.

• EU and EEA students: you can usually work without a work permit under normal Dutch rules.
• Non EU students: employers may need to arrange a permit and many study permits have limits during the academic year (often a weekly limit or seasonal full time option).

Always confirm with official sources and your employer: IND and Rijksoverheid.

Contracts, pay, and allowances in Rotterdam

Most student jobs are part time, on call, or agency roles. Pay depends on your age, experience, and the sector agreement. Always check the contract and payslip for extras.

Contract types you will see

• Part time: fixed weekly hours, predictable schedule
• On call: flexible shifts, ask about minimum hours and cancellation notice
• Agency: fast onboarding, check travel reimbursement and shift extras

Typical pay ranges (gross) for students

• Many employers add holiday pay (8%).
• Some roles add premiums for late shifts and weekends.
• Travel reimbursement matters if you commute to Waalhaven or event locations.

Neighborhoods and commute tips (match faster)

Short commutes help you keep a stable schedule. Mention the areas you can reach quickly in your first message.

• Centrum: hospitality, retail, events, busy venues
• Kralingen and EUR: cafés, tutoring, campus related work
• Zuid and Zuidplein: retail, events, good metro links
• Waalhaven and port area: logistics and warehouse shifts, often evenings

Best categories for students in Rotterdam

• Hospitality: fast hiring, tips, lots of weekend shifts (browse)
• Delivery: fast onboarding and flexible shifts (browse)
• Logistics: structured schedules, often higher pay (browse)
• Events: short contracts, busy periods (browse)
• Tutoring: high hourly pay if you have strong subjects (browse)

Where to find jobs fast

• Student Jobs Rotterdam (all listings)
• English friendly filter
• Browse categories
• For internships or study related roles, check your university career channels and faculty boards.

CV and message templates (copy paste)

Weekly schedule that works with classes

• Two evening shifts on weekdays (logistics, retail, hospitality)
• One weekend shift (events, café, retail)
• Keep the same pattern each week, managers reward reliability with better shifts

BSN, bank, payslips, taxes

• BSN: needed for payroll, keep your appointment confirmation if you are waiting
• IBAN: Dutch bank account helps you get paid smoothly
• Payslips: check hours, gross, net, and extras each month
• Taxes: keep year statements, students often have refunds depending on income

FAQ

Is Dutch required for student jobs in Rotterdam?

Not always. Many roles in hospitality, logistics, delivery, events, and tutoring can be English friendly. Retail often prefers basic Dutch.

How many hours can students work?

Many students target 8 to 20 hours per week. Extra limits can apply for Non EU students depending on residence status.

What is a good starting wage in Rotterdam?

Many student roles sit around €13 to €17 per hour gross, and tutoring can be €15 to €22. Extras and tips can increase your effective rate.