Discover Groningen: Your Student City in the Netherlands
Welcome to Groningen, one of the Netherlands’ most vibrant and student-friendly cities. With over 60,000 students, a youthful energy, and everything on bike-distance, Groningen truly feels like a campus where the city is your classroom
Why Choose Groningen as Your Student City
✔️ Young & Dynamic Population
About a quarter of the city’s residents are students, making Groningen the youngest city in the Netherlands.
✔️ Compact but Complete
Everything you need, study buildings, cafés, shops, parks, is just a bike ride away.
✔️ Cultural Hotspot
From the Groninger Museum to the long-running Noorderzon festival and Eurosonic Noorderslag, the city brims with cultural events.
✔️ Start-up Friendly
Groningen supports student entrepreneurs, with a strong network of student associations, co-working spaces, and local business opportunities.
Student Life in Groningen: Living and Getting Around
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Cycling Culture
Groningen is extremely bike-friendly. Owning or renting a bike is the easiest way to get around and part of daily student life.
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Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to other Dutch cities, living here is relatively affordable for students: rent, food, transport, it all adds up to a manageable monthly budget.
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Nightlife That Never Sleeps
Bars and cafés in Groningen don’t have fixed closing times, so when you want to wind down or let off steam, the city’s nightscape is always open.
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Student Associations
Whether you are into sport, politics, culture or academics, there’s a student or study association for you. These groups are a great way to meet peers and get involved.
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International Community
Weekly international meetups and events are hosted by student communities, making it easy for newcomers to settle in and make friends from all over the world.
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Mental Health & Well-Being
Support systems are present for students: wellbeing initiatives, peer groups, and university resources make sure you’re not alone.
Budgeting & Practicalities
Monthly Living Costs
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Housing: ~€350–€500 / month (depending on size and location)
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Food & Drinks: ~€250–€400 / month
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Other costs (transport, recreation): €150+ / month on average
Housing Tips
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Start your search early. International students especially should register with housing platforms well before the semester begins.
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Use reliable platforms like At Home in Groningen, SSH Student Housing, and Hospi Housing.
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Be careful with scams. Always ask for a contract, visit (if possible), and verify payment details.
Nature & Outdoor Life
Groningen isn’t just buildings and bicycles, it's also green:
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Parks & Water Spots: Relax in the Noorderplantsoen or Stadspark, or head out to nearby waters like the Hoornseplas or Paterswoldsemeer for swimming and picnics.
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Sustainable Living: The city embraces eco-friendly transport and green spaces, making it a refreshing place to live and study.
Getting Involved & Exploring
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Festivals & Events: KEI-week (student introduction week), Noorderzon, and Eurosonic are just a few of the highlights.
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Clubs & Sports: With 49+ student sport associations and the ACLO organisation, there are tons of ways to stay active.
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Media & Stories: Dive into GroningenLife, a student-run platform with blogs, videos, and tips about study life, nightlife, and culture.
How to Make the Most of Your Time in Groningen
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Plan Your Move Early: Secure housing and sort out logistics before arrival, the student housing market fills up fast.
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Join Associations: Whether for sport, study, or social reasons, these are your best bet for building a network.
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Explore: Spend weekends discovering green spots, museums, local cafés, and hidden corners.
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Budget Wisely: Use public transport, cook at home, and take advantage of student discounts.
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Stay Connected: Use GroningenLife, ESN, and university resources to stay informed, meet people, and find support when needed.
Ben je een Nederlandse studiekiezer? Ga dan naar onze pagina's voor Nederlandse studenten.