Erasmus Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Adeline

Why did you choose to go to Groningen, Netherlands?

I chose Groningen because I found my internship near this city. I could live in an other city but I knew people who were living in Groningen and they told me that it is a nice city to live in where you can meet a lot of people. Groningen is definitively a student city.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am going to stay in Groningen for one year. As I am doing an internship I do not have money help from the government.

What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

Groningen is a student city so everything is there. The city center gathers two big places where cars are not allowed to drive, which is really nice. If you have a bike, you can go everywhere because there are a lot of cycle tracks.

During winter there is an ice skating in the city center so you can enjoy it with your friends and during summer there are a lot of events, like beach volley matches. So you will never find the life boring in Groningen because there is always something to see or to do.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Groningen to other students?

I would definitively recommend Groningen. But I cannot say it due to the University because I have never been there.

What is the food like?

The food is good. I mean, you can find what you want and it is not so that expensive. As always, it depends where you are doing your groceries shopping.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Groningen?

It is quite complicated to find a room in Groningen as there are a lot of students. I think the best way to find one is with the Facebook groups but you have to be fast to answer and decide.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

Well, it depends of your rent. But let's say living costs may be around 500 or 600 euros per month.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Dutch is really complicated. But for German people it is easier because both languages are quite similar.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Groningen from your city?

There are a lot of means of transport in Groningen and all of them moves on time. However, it is really expensive.

In my case, doing carpooling is much more economic and easier.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Groningen?

There are a lot of bars and nightclubs in Groningen, so just go where you want. It depends of the places people like to go when they are going out.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Groningen?

I have already tried a few restaurants in Groningen and I would definitively recommend you to go on the "Pancake boat". This is a restaurant boat on one of the canals of Groningen. You can eat the "Dutch pancake" there, which is something between the American and the French pancakes. It is extremely good and pretty cheap. I could not even finish my plate!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are not a lot of cultural sites to visit in Groningen. I know there is a museum but I have never been there. But if you like cultural things I am sure you can find something to do.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Groningen in the future?

Groningen is a really nice city to live in, even if the weather will not be the best one you have ever experienced.

And, buy a bike! This is the best dutch way to move in the city.