Erasmus Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Darya

Why did you choose to go to Groningen, Netherlands?

Groningen is the best place I've ever seen, for sure! It's like a fairy tale.

I went there by exchange programme, I was studying Linguistics, and in Groningen there was just the university that I needed.

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

The scholarship is 1000 € per month, which you receive as soon as you come to Groningen. But make sure you take some extra money, everything can happen. This will allow you to live in a dorm (300€) or in your own flat (300-500€). Though my advice is to live with locals or other internationals, it a great opportunity for you to experience a new culture and, of course, practice English!

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200-300 € for food per month (it's more than enough, believe me) and here you go! - everything that is left from those expenses are for you to spend anyhow and anywhere!

What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

Students and people in Groningen are very kind ans friendly! They love to party=) There are several students organisations like ESN or AIESEC. I strongly advise you to sigh up for them. They suggest a lot of activities (parties, journeys, tours etc. ) and have discounts for those who joined their organization.

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

Of course! You won't regret it!

What is the food like?

Pretty good, I'd say=) Though I'm from Ukraine and I prefer to cook by myself, there is really delicious cheese, a great variety of cheese and fish. You must try it!

The only food I didn't like was their traditional sweets (but it's me and as we know no one argues about tastes) so go ahead and try everything! =)

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Groningen?

I found a dorm through this site (www.housingoffice.nl). There you can find any info you need.

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

Everyone, I'm not kidding. Everyone speaks perfect English! It's extremely helpful! I was staying there for 6 months and I never spoke a word in Dutch (but now I realise it was a mistake). Dutch is very similar to German, almost the same words. There are also Dutch courses, but make sure you register for them asap, because the students interested in learning Dutch can be A LOT.

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

Go to the city center! Everything that you need - you'll find there! Lots of, lots of pubs, clubs, restaurants, coffee shops and international students are there in the evening. Seems like this city never sleeps. And you'll find out, why=) Our priority was the "Drie Gezusters" (3 sisters), so go there and tell me, how was it.

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

As I've said before, I cooked food, because I didn't want to spend much money... but you always can go to McDonald's, why not.

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

Try to make a lot of new friends. You never know where you an go next time, but it’s soo cool to have friends wherever you may travel.

Source

Everyone has a bike, and I'm sure you'll have it too, but first ask locals for the cheapest place to buy it, because you may encounter some troubles with it in future (repairing, stealing... ) So why to pay more?

Good luck to you! It's going to be the BEST experience EVER!.