Introduction new students September 2025-2026

Dear students,

Welcome to the Faculty of Philosophy! We are delighted that you have chosen to join us and embark on this intellectual journey. Soon, you will dive into the fascinating world of philosophy. We hope that you will encounter ideas that are enlightening and that captivate you in ways you never imagined. Keep an open mind and let the arguments lead you to new horizons.

Our faculty is deeply committed to high-quality research, with collaborations spanning the globe and projects that transcend traditional academic boundaries. We are equally dedicated to teaching, striving not only to provide top-notch lectures but also to create an environment where everyone can engage with new arguments and develop philosophical skills. In a world where many prefer to remain in their own „bubble", we value the exploration of diverse perspectives and remain open to evolving our views as we encounter new ideas.

Faculty life and the activities of our student association STUFF are about more than just academic achievements. They are about fostering a sense of community where social interactions and intellectual encounters flourish. Our shared canteen is a hub for students, academic staff, and administrative personnel. STUFF hosts a variety of social events that you are cordially invited to attend, and it publishes its own philosophy magazine, Qualia. We hope you will soon feel a sense of belonging in this community and, if you choose, take an active role in it.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your student mentor, the STUFF board (stuffvoorzitter gmail.com), study advisors (fil-study-advisor rug.nl), or any faculty member, including myself.

On behalf of all faculty members and the board, I wish you an excellent start and a wonderful time studying philosophy in Groningen.

Prof. Dr. Lisa Herzog

Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy

The introductory session for first-year bachelor students will take place on Monday, September 1st, in room Omega, Faculty of Philosophy, from 9:00 to 10:00.

Attendance is mandatory! More information to follow. Should you have any questions then please contact the study advisor: fil-study-advisor rug.nl

The introduction for new Dutch and international master’s and exchange students will take place on Friday, 29 August, from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Faculty of Philosophy in room Beta.

All students will receive an invitation by email. If you have any questions, please contact the study advisor: fil-study-advisor rug.nl

On Thursday, August 28, the University of Groningen will host the Welcoming Ceremony focused mainly on international students.

More information will follow about the introduction meeting for new BoSD students starting in September 2025. If you have any questions, please contact the student advisor at: fil-study-advisor@rug.nl

The introduction event for (international) master and incoming exchange students will take place on Friday 29 August from 10:00-11:00 in the lecture room Beta. Please mark this date in your calendar!

You can select your upcoming (master) course or programme and view the corresponding schedule on the university's schedule generator.

If your course or study programme is not yet available then please email the master study advisor Janine Weeting fil-study-advisor rug.nl who can advise you further. The administrative team housed in the secretariat (ground floor) can also provide help with your schedule and enrolling for courses: fil-admin rug.nl.

Incoming exchange students can contact the international officer Susan Garthaus phil.international rug.nl for information about about their courses.

On Wednesday, September 3, the faculty will celebrate its 60th anniversary! You are warmly invited to join the celebration with a free BBQ in the garden of the Academy Building from 17:00 to 19:00. Afterwards, there will be a festive afterparty at Stadscafé Pronk on the Vismarkt starting at 19:30, including one free drink. No registration is required.

All master students will receive an email before 1 August concerning their programme and the (master) courses they need to enrol for.

If for some reason you cannot enrol for your courses in Progress then this is no problem. You can still arrange for course enrolment during the master- and exchange faculty introduction on Friday 29 August.

Contact the education office if you have questions: fil-admin rug.nl.

Welcome meeting & lunch: Philosophy Research Master (ReMa)

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 10 September van 12:00-14:00. Location tba.

Welcome meeting: Master Philosophy (1-year)

The meeting will take place on Thursday 4 September at 15:00 in Alfa (following the first lecture of Philosophy Beyond Academia).

Welcome meeting & lunch: Master Philosophy, Politics and Economics

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 3 September at 12:30 in Gamma.

Welcome meeting & lunch: Master Philosophy and Science

More information to follow.

Student Portal

De Student Portal (Brightspace) is your central information hub. It serves as a communication portal for students and teachers and provides personalized access to all important study information such as assignments, schedules and very important, faculty and university announcements seen as Need to know and Nice to know (My News) messages on the blue Today tab.

The Student Portal consists of different tabs Today, Study Info, Career and Tools. We advise you to check the Student Portal on a daily basis! If you have questions about logging into your account then please contact EDU support.

Progress

You will find the results of your exams and study progress in Progress.

Not yet registered for the (master) courses of semester 1? No need to worry! You can arrange this during the master- and exchange faculty introduction on Friday 29 August or you can contact the educational office to help you enrol for your courses: fil-admin rug.nl.

Once you have enrolled in Progress, courses will be automatically added to the Student Portal (Brightspace).

Ocasys

In Ocasys you can find information about all the courses offered by the university and the faculties. You will usually find a short course description, requirements needed to participate in a course and the literature that will be studied.

Studenten Service Centre

The Student Service Center (SSC) offers all kinds of useful courses to help you study more efficiently. Think of courses in learning how to deal with procrastination, planning and managing your studies. There are also study psychologists available on appointment.

Instagram

• Faculty of Philosophy: @facultyofphilophygroningen

• STUFF: @stuffgroningen

Each year, the faculty publishes a Study Guide Philosophy for staff and students. Please find the latest edition for 2025–2026.

Below you will find additional guidelines for prospectives students:

Handbook for international philosophy students 2025-2026

Road to the UG 2025 pre-departure guide for new (international) students