How can I secure housing if I don’t know whether I’ll get admitted?

I’m an international student looking into how to find student housing in the Netherlands. Almost every guide recommends securing a place well before the academic year begins.

I plan to apply for (competitive) master’s programs in four different cities, starting in fall 2026. I’m aware of the ongoing housing crisis, so I’m trying to plan ahead.

But here’s my concern: What if I manage to find housing in, say, Rotterdam, but then I don’t get admitted to the university there?

Do I just go ahead, sign the contract, pay the deposit and rent, and hope it all works out? (Not that I could afford paying rent in multiple cities… (Not to mention I plan to apply in other countries as well))

Am I missing something here? I’m already stressed—and I haven’t even applied yet.

Could someone who is more familiar with how these thing are done explain it?