Introduction events

You’ll soon be joining a community of pioneering scholars and world-class researchers here in Groningen. We look forward to supporting you on your path to completing your degree. That’s why the university organises a range of introduction events to make you and our other international students feel right at home in Groningen.

Welcoming Ceremony

We would love to welcome you to Groningen on February 1st at 10:30 at MartiniPlaza. Within the 1.5 months leading up to the event, you will be sent an invitation containing information about the venue, schedule, and a registration link. We will communicate all updates through this webpage and through email.

For the time being you will be able to find a lot of useful information already in our pre-departure guide.

Introduction Week ESN

The ESN Introduction Week is the largest introduction event for new international and internationally-oriented Dutch students in Groningen. It happens twice a year – once in September and once in February, and is organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Groningen. During the ESN Introduction Week, you can take part in numerous culture- and sports-oriented events, large parties and a pub crawl, in addition to fun integration events like the Dutch Language Lessons. With over 1,850 students attending, you’ll be divided into a group of around 12 new students, which will be led by two older students – your ESN Introduction Guides.

Your guides, who are either Dutch and/or international students who have lived in Groningen for a long time, will give you the inside scoop on the university, Groningen, and the unique student culture of the city! Visit the ESN Groningen website to register for the next Introduction Week, which will take place from September 1 till 6 (the first week of the semester). In the first days of your studies, all events are planned in the late afternoon and evening so you won’t have to miss any important lectures and classes!

KEI-week

The university’s general introduction programme, called the KEI-week, is the largest in Europe, with over 5,000 participants last year. While it’s aimed at all the university’s new students, all our students get involved in making the new arrivals feel welcome. During the week, you can explore Groningen as part of a KEI-group of 12 to 15 first-year students and two to three senior students. You’ll also attend various events with the group, including a Grand Opening Party on the Vismarkt with famous Dutch artists, a cinema night and an extravagant Closing Party, but there are also various pub crawls and visits to various associations on the agenda. This is another opportunity to visit information markets and get into contact with all the fraternities and student societies. Attending this week will allow you to get to know new people and give you a taste of everything Groningen has to offer. The next Kei-week will take place from 14-18 August.

Meet the Faculty & Your Fellow Students

Many faculties and degree programmes organise their own introductory programmes for new international students and -guests. During these activities, you will meet the faculty or department and its staff, as well as the students you’ll be studying alongside for the next three years, and you’ll receive further information about modules, procedures, schedules, facilities, and more. Please check with your faculty coordinator or programme coordinator for further details.

Ben je een Nederlandse studiekiezer? Ga dan naar onze pagina's voor Nederlandse studenten.