Renting an apartment in the netherlands?

i live in england. i want to move to holland because my gf recently moved over there to study and i want to be with her. if i moved over there, and rented an apartment would i have to pay monthly? i mean, i would much rather save up a load of money and pay like, two - four years rent straight away. so i could live there for two-four years without having to pay monthly rent because i already wouldve paid it. im talking private renting, aswell, not council renting. is this possible in the netherlands (holland)? thanks!