Erasmus Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Adrian

Why did you choose to go to Groningen, Netherlands?

It looked like the best option. Most of the people there speak English, there is a lot of parties, flexibility with some drugs...

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

I received 300 euros two years ago but that changed I think. It was 150 from the EU and 150 from Madrid, it wasn't even enough to cover for the room.

What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

You work hard, every day. But there is a lot of parties, and a big facility to do sports for students for very little money.

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

Totally.

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What is the food like?

Not very good. The good one is expensive.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Groningen?

A little bit. You got to talk to the company which rules all the student's houses there, which is Housing Office, then some person from the University of Groningen has to validate you, telling them that you actually are enrolled there for the next year, and then they give you a room. But my contact didn't do anything till the last moment so I got one of the worse room possible.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

600 per month.

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

Most of the people can communicate in English. Dutch is really difficult to learn.

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

Plane to Schiphol, then train to Groningen.

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

SnowVally, Spiegel, etc.

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

Not really.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Keukenhoff, it's like the Disneyland of the flowers. Also Utrecht and Amsterdam.

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

Get a bike, but most important, get a fucking big badass lock to keep it from the hands of the thieves. My bike wasn't stolen, I got a lock worth 20€. Thick chain.

And the best advice ever: Join the ESN introduction week!