Erasmus Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Mercedes

Why did you choose to go to Groningen, Netherlands?

I wanted to study English and that was the best option in my faculty.

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

I was there for one year. I received around 500 euros/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

It depends on the university because there are two. I went to University of Groningen and I have like four subjects per semester. Depending on the subjects, I had like three hours lecture or a lecture of two hours and a seminar of another one, so you don't have to go to the university more than three days and no so many hours. The thing is that students have to read a lot by their own. Regarding the party, the city is full of students and they go out almost all days in the week.

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

Yes. I would hardly recommend it.

What is the food like?

I don't know so much about it because I cooked for myself in my way.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Groningen?

It was easy because I lived in a student house that Housing Office found for me.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

Around 800 euros/month. It depends on the lifestyle.

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

Their English is perfect because it is their lingua franca. They have no accent so it is so easy to understand them. There is a cicle of subjects for international students in all faculties that is teaching in English. They facilitate you to study in that language, so you don't have to know Dutch.

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

By plane.

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

Three sisters and other places around.