Erasmus Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Noelia

Why did you choose to go to Groningen, Netherlands?

I chose the Netherlands because I already visited the country and I loved it. And then my university only offered me Utrecht and Groningen, and I knew that Groningen was an incredible university city, so this is what made me decide for Groningen.

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

My scholarship is 6 months, starting in February and my university gives me 300 euros each month. (Most of the student houses cost around 400 euros)

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What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

The student life in Groningen is absolutely incredible, there are thousands and thousands of students from all over the world. You can find every kind of activity everyday like sports, comedy shows, dinners, parties, excursions, trips.. For this the best is to be a member of the ESN.

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

Of course, I recommend other students to come to Groningen. It is the best place to spend your Erasmus. The university has all kind of facilities you would need and more and the city is perfect, not too big so you can go everywhere by bike. And you can find a lot of shops, cinemas, bars, libraries, parks...

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What is the food like?

In my opinion the food is not the best thing of the Netherlands, but you can find a lot of good cafeterias, and good restaurants in where you can have good meals, for lunch or dinner not especially expensive.

They put also 3 or 4 days a week a market in the city center in where you can find so many places to eat some food in the street and they are very cheap too.

Also in some canteens of the university you can find typical food for 3 euros approx.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Groningen?

For me it was really easy to find an accommodation, the university offered me a list of the student houses. I'm living in the student house Winschoterdiep, and I really recommend it also. Is really big, you can meet so many people, if you want party, you always have something, but also you can rest without any problem of noise.

The rooms are really big, and comparing with others rooms that I saw in others student houses, here there are the best rooms.

It is really close to the city center, a bit far to Zernike, it takes you 20 minutes (I do it everyday and is not so much), also near the train station.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

In general is Groningen not an expensive city, the supermarket is normal price, then if you want to take public transport is expensive, but here everybody used bikes, for partying everything is so cheap.

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

Here absolutely everybody speaks perfect English, so if you know English is impossible to have some problem with the language.

Also you can find different Dutch courses in the university if you want to learn Dutch.

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

From Madrid the easiest way is to take a plane to Amsterdam and then train to Groningen.

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

You can find thousand bars in the city center, there are some streets only with pubs, everyone free entrance and you can go out from Monday to Sunday until 6 am or more.

For example: Enzo, Kokomo, Coyotes, Twister, Chupitos, Shots, Ocean41...

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

One of the best restaurants in my opinion is Mr Mofongos, it is next to the Academy Building of the university, but in the city center next to Grote Markt you can find more good restaurants.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

They have some museums, and also some expositions, but in general the tourism here is not so cultural.

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

Enjoy every moment because it comes only once in the life.