Discover Groningen

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

Imagine cycling to your morning lecture, stopping for a coffee with friends afterwards and spending the afternoon exploring a part of the city you have not seen before. In Groningen, student life extends far beyond the university buildings. The city becomes part of your everyday experience, from the places where you study and meet people to the spots where you go to relax.

With around 60,000 students, Groningen has a youthful, international atmosphere. It is a city where you can find your own routine, discover new interests, and make the most of everything student life has to offer.

A city that feels like yours

One of the first things you notice about Groningen is how easy it is to get around. The city centre, university buildings, cafés, shops, and parks are all within cycling distance. You can get from a lecture to lunch with friends, or from your student accommodation to a night out, without spending hours travelling across the city.

That compact size makes it easier to find your favourite places and establish your own routine. Perhaps you will start your day at a café, spend the afternoon studying in the library and finish with a walk through the Noorderplantsoen. Over time, these familiar places become part of what makes Groningen feel like home.

More than lectures and deadlines

Student life in Groningen is about finding the right balance between your studies and everything else you want to experience. There are cafés to meet friends, green spaces to take a break and cultural events to discover throughout the year.

Fancy an afternoon at a museum, an evening at a concert or a festival with friends? The Groninger Museum, Noorderzon and Eurosonic Noorderslag are just some of the cultural highlights the city has to offer. And with student associations covering everything from sport and music to politics and academic interests, there are plenty of opportunities to explore something new.

You do not have to arrive knowing exactly where you fit in. Joining an association, trying a new activity or simply getting to know the people around you can all be part of finding your place in the city.

Find your people

Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also take time to feel at home. Groningen's large student population means you will meet people with different backgrounds, interests and experiences. With students from across the Netherlands and around the world, there are plenty of opportunities to broaden your perspective and build friendships.

Student and study associations offer ways to connect with people who share your interests, while international student communities organise activities and opportunities to meet others. Whether you prefer a busy social calendar or a few close friends to explore the city with, you can take your time finding what works for you.

Room to recharge

Student life can be busy. Between lectures, assignments and social plans, having somewhere to slow down matters too. Groningen has plenty of green spaces where you can take a break, meet a friend or spend some time outdoors.

The Noorderplantsoen and Stadspark are popular places to escape the bustle of the city. When the weather is good, you can head to the Hoornseplas or Paterswoldsemeer for a walk, a picnic or a swim. These quieter moments are part of student life as well, giving you room to recharge before the next day begins.

Making Groningen your home

Before you arrive, there are a few practical things to think about. Finding accommodation should be high on your list, particularly if you are moving to Groningen from abroad. Start looking as early as possible, use reliable housing platforms and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

Your monthly budget will depend on your accommodation, lifestyle and personal spending habits. As an initial guide, you may want to account for the following expenses:

• Accommodation: approximately €350 to €500 per month, depending on the type of room and its location.

• Food and drinks: approximately €250 to €400 per month.

• Other expenses: allow at least €150 per month for activities, personal expenses and transport where needed.

These figures are indicative rather than guaranteed costs, so check current prices and plan your budget around your own circumstances.

Once you arrive, a bicycle will quickly become one of your most useful possessions. Cycling is a common way to get around Groningen, and many everyday destinations are easy to reach on two wheels.

For more information about finding accommodation and preparing for your move, explore the practical resources available to international students before you travel.

Make the most of your student experience

There is no single way to experience Groningen. You might spend your evenings at concerts, join a sports club, discover independent cafés or make weekend trips to places you have never visited before. You could get involved during KEI-week, explore the city's festivals or find out what is happening through GroningenLife, a student-run platform sharing stories, videos and practical tips about life in Groningen.

The best part is that you do not need to figure everything out straight away. Your student experience will take shape as you discover the city, meet people and find the activities and places that matter to you.

Ready to discover Groningen for yourself? Explore student life in the city and start imagining what your time here could look like.

Are you an international student? Please visit our pages for internationals.