There’s nothing more fun than looking inside someone’s home. Get to know our residents and get inspired by how they decorate their rental homes. Peek inside at Francisco’s and Shebab’s places, both renting at VB Student Living in Eindhoven.

Who: Francisco (17) and Shehab (19)
Nationality: Swedish & Spanish and Egyptian
Home: VB Student Living in Eindhoven
Type: Studio

In August, Francisco and Shehab moved in at VB Student Living in Eindhoven, like 454 other students of TU/e (Eindhoven University of Technology). VB Student Living is located in the former VB building – for many familiar as the former headquarters of Philips. Students live together in communities, while also having their own private room equipped with everything they need for their stay in Eindhoven. Francesco and Shehab are happy to give a peek inside their rooms and communities.

Unique concept

VB Student Living has a unique concept. This building used to be the headquarters of Philips Netherlands (later Philips Benelux and Signify). All office floors have been transformed into 456 furnished student rooms, with on each floor four community groups. Francisco explains: “Everyone has their own room. In every community, you live with around 9 others. I’m in another group than Shehab, but we can visit each other as there’s only one door between both groups.” Every group has its own kitchen, living space, and sanitary facilities to share.

Shehab: “Every group has its own rules. One has strict rules about, for example cleaning the shared kitchen, the other leaves it until it’s a bit out of control. So far, it’s working well in my group.” Besides sharing a kitchen, living space, and sanitary facilities with their own group, there’s more in the building. On the ground floor, there's a large garden to enjoy study breaks and there will come a quiet corner for focused studying.

"We've got awesome views over Philips de Jongh Park and Strijp-S" – Shehab

All furnished rooms are about 15 to 19 square meters and have all the space a student needs. A private room allows students to focus on their studies without distractions. It’s a place where they can recharge, unwind, and seek some personal space. The rooms have large windows with spectacular views. Shehab: “We’re living on the 11th floor, with awesome views over Philips de Jongh Park and Strijp-S.” Francisco adds: “The sun sets at our side, so we’ve had some great evening views.” Students living on the other side of the building look out over Woensel and Eindhoven’s city center.

 

Living at VB Student Living

College is a time of academic challenges and personal growth, and for many a time of living away from home for the first time. After the TU/e introduction week and the first weeks of college, Francisco and Shehab are now getting used to their student lives. They are both freshmen at TU/e and started their bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. They became friends quickly: “It’s a coincidence that we’re doing the same study at TU/e.”

Living in this student community is a significant opportunity to build lifelong friendships. It’s a place where different backgrounds come together, and shared living spaces provide an ideal environment for forming strong connections. “From late-night study sessions to weekend movie nights, you create bonds that can last forever here”, Shehab explains. Francisco: “Simply having someone to discuss course material with makes your study time definitely easier.”

"I never had a bed this big"- Francisco

“After the introduction week of TU/e, I went back to Sweden to pack the last things for the big move. I only had to take my personal belongings with me, as there already was a bed and furniture. I never had a bed this big,” Francisco says enthusiastically.

Francisco (left) and Shebab (right) put their personal stamp on the space by bringing their personal belongings from home with them to the Netherlands. With 55 other nationalities in the building, there's a dynamic vibe. Property Manager Samantha explains: “Everyone learns about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives by interacting with their diverse group of neighbors and fellow students. I think it’s good to have fellow students around you when studying. It’s good for your emotional well-being. It will help battle feelings of homesickness that some students may experience. You’re sharing this experience with each other. It’s new for everyone.”