Welcoming Ceremony
At the beginning of each semester the university welcomes both new international Bachelor and Master students to Groningen and Leeuwarden. Distinguished speakers from the university, the city of Groningen and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) open the official Welcoming Ceremony in a short plenary session, after which students can gather lots of useful information for a great start of their time with us.
Next ceremony
The next Welcoming Ceremony takes place on Thursday, August 27th 2026 at Martiniplaza starting at 14:00. Students will receive an invitation via email to attend this event in the 1.5 months running up to the event with details on the location and programme, as well as a link to register for attendance.
Movin' to the University of Groningen
If you arrive at Schiphol airport on Tuesday August 25th or Wednesday August 26th between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. come and say hello to our Movin' to the University of Groningen team who will welcome you and help you on your way to Groningen (or Leeuwarden, if you are a CF student)! Give us some details about your arrival so we can meet you at the right arrivals hall.
Note: if you arrive outside the alotted times, or if you arrive on a different date then please contact prospectives@rug.nl and we will send you some useful travel information on how to get to Groningen or Leeuwarden.
ESN Introduction week
The ESN introduction week is another great way to start off your time in Groningen. Get to know your way around the city, find out where the best bars and clubs are, learn about Dutch history, watch a comedy act and learn everything about the transport (even how to ride a bike!).
Public transport card with discounts for international students
The RUG and ESN Groningen collaborate with Student Mobility to provide international students easy access to all forms of transport in the Netherlands.
With a Student Mobility Card you are able to receive a customized public transport card with special discounts for international students! You can use this card for train, tram, metro and bus. You can order a Student Mobility Card for academic year 2026-2027 via the button below. You will be able to collect your card during the Welcoming Ceremony.
Ben je een Nederlandse studiekiezer? Ga dan naar onze pagina's voor Nederlandse studenten.