Thinking about studying in the Netherlands but unsure what life in a smaller student city looks like? Leeuwarden might surprise you. Home to Campus Fryslân of the University of Groningen, this historic city combines an international student community with a relaxed atmosphere, affordable living, and plenty of places to explore. Sophie, a student in the Global Responsibility and Leadership programme, shares what it’s really like to study and live in Leeuwarden from cycling everywhere to discovering her favourite spots in the city.

Discovering Leeuwarden as an International Student

Hi! I’m Sophie, an international student from Georgia, Russia, and Germany, studying Global Responsibility and Leadership at Campus Fryslân. Campus Fryslan is a part of the University of Groningen and located in Leeuwarden! It’s a smaller city in the Netherlands and located roughly 35 minutes by train from Groningen. When I was applying for my studies I had no idea what to expect from the city. I had no real sense of what it was like, especially as an international student. Nevertheless, everything about the city surprised me in such a positive way. Leeuwarden is definitely a student city, with so many internationals, not just from Campus Fryslan, but also from the other universities located here. The atmosphere is of course more calm than any of the other big cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam, but it still has a certain charm that differentiates it from others too!

A City That Feels Lively Without Being Overwhelming 

When I first arrived, what first stood out to me was definitely the pace of the city. Leeuwarden feels lively without ever feeling overwhelming. The streets are lined with historic buildings, peaceful canals, and cozy cafés, but without the constant rush you often find in larger cities. It’s the kind of place where you can focus on your studies while still enjoying everything student life has to offer.

A More Affordable Student City

One of the main reasons I also chose to move to Leeuwarden was practical: it’s noticeably more affordable than other big Dutch student cities. Rent prices are much more manageable, which makes a massive difference when you’re a student on a budget. Instead of spending nearly everything on your rent you can also indulge in pleasures such as going out for coffee with your friends at the local coffee shop Fer!

Everything Is Just a Bike Ride Away

Daily life here is also super convenient. In Leeuwarden, you’re able to do almost anything with your bike. Within 10 minutes you can reach anything: campus, the supermarket, the gym, the park, etc. The city is compact enough that everything feels close, but also large enough to feel like you’re constantly discovering new places (which I still am after one and a half years). One of my favorite spots is definitely the Prisentuin, it’s a beautiful park right by the canals where you can indulge in simple people watching, taking a nap on the grass, or joining in on the many events that happen there! On sunny days it’s especially lovely, you’re bound to spot someone you know!

Spring in Leeuwarden

Springtime in Leeuwarden is also a whole other experience. Everyone seems to wake up from the winter gloom, the flowers bloom, people sit outside by the canals, and the energy is just so lovely! I think one of my favourite memories is definitely playing basketball while literal goats roamed around, right next to the court. I think that was one of the best moments that could’ve captured exactly how Leeuwarden feels. It’s lively, social, and also deeply connected to nature in unexpected ways.

Nightlife and Social Life

Despite its “calmer” atmosphere, Leeuwarden definitely isn’t boring when it comes to night and social life. There are so many ways you can spend an evening out with your friends.You might find yourself singing karaoke at Scooters one night, dancing at Club Bascule another, or simply having a drink at Paddy O’Ryan’s. What makes the nightlife here enjoyable is that it feels social and approachable rather than overwhelming. It’s easy to run into people you know, and nights out often turn into spontaneous gatherings with friends or classmates.

My Favourite Places in Leeuwarden

I’ve grown to be very fond of Leeuwarden and I don’t regret moving here. I’ve developed quite the artillery of my favorite places. If I had to name my top five it would be: De Plek (second hand store), Prisentuin, Fer (amazing cafe), The park right next to Campus Fryslan, and De Groene Ster (a park with lakes you can swim in)

Overall, if I had to describe Leeuwarden in one sentence it would be that it’s a lively student city with the perfect amount of balance. It’s big enough to feel social, and small enough to feel personal!