First-year Bachelor students: welcome!
Welcome to the University of Groningen! We are really pleased that you have decided to follow a degree
programme here. You have made a wise decision – you will be studying at a university that recognizes the talents
of all individual students and aims to help you fully develop these talents.
For ambitious
students we now have the Honours College, an extra
45 ECTS programme that you can follow alongside your
regular Bachelor’s programme. If you would like to look beyond the borders of your own
discipline, you can follow Minors in other fields of study.
Top athletes are given every opportunity to combine their
sports activities with their studies. Would you rather gain
management experience, develop your artistic talents or
be politically active? Each and every talent is recognized
in Groningen.
What can you expect from your University once you start your degree programme? For starters, you have the right
to high-quality teaching, to well-maintained university
buildings, computers and other facilities providing
a stimulating study atmosphere, and to all kinds of
excellent facilities in the fields of sports, culture and
entertainment, as well as guidance in the event of
personal problems and study-related matters. You
may hold the University accountable for providing these
facilities. Your voice will be heard! For example through
various consultative bodies and participation councils.
Of course you can also bring a subject to our attention
yourself whenever you feel it is necessary.
At the same time, the University evidently also expects
something in return: we want you to work hard and
gain your degree. Through the menu on the left side you will find information about
the Binding Study Advice system that has been introduced at the
University of Groningen this year.
Finally, I would like to give you the following advice: try to keep up with your programme requirements and assignments from day one. Well begun is half done, and this proverb applies to studying as well – research shows that a good start is one of the most important factors in study success.
I would like to wish you good luck with your studies and
lots of fun – two things that nearly always go hand in hand!
Prof. dr. E. Sterken
Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen
