Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Marielle

What is it like to live in Groningen? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's much fun! There are also a lot of exchange students, so you can hang out with them or with the local students, they are very nice and welcoming too.

Dutch people (if I may speak for all of them) are very nice and welcoming people. They are interested in who you are and where you are from. They like to know what you do in life and what your hobbies are. If a Dutchie asks how you're doing, he means it.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

Groningen is the student capital of The Netherlands. It is a city with a lot of students and so there is a lot to do for students.

Most people go to University by bike, but the public transport system is also very good and cheap if you are a student.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

It's not that expensive. Rooms are between 200 - and 500 euros. If you want city centre, you can pay up to for 500 euros for a spacious roo, but if you are okay with 5 minutes outside the city centre, the rooms are much cheaper.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Groningen? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it is not. On Facebook you can find rooms and maybe kamernet, also is the University willing to help you with finding a room. There are some international houses you can live in and you can also choose to live in a regular student house somewhere in the city.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You can get all sorts of food. The supermarkets are very good and not too expensive.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays there is a market on the Vismarkt. Here they have fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, meat, and Dutch sweets of all sorts. In the supermarket you can also find lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

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My favorite Dutch dish is hutspot or stamppot. This is potatoes with some kind of vegetable like carrot and onion and all mashed together, finished with a meatball. It may sound weird, but it is yummy.

Is it good to eat out in Groningen? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, there are many small and cute restaurants, but also lots of McDonald's like restaurants. Het Tapasstraatje is fun for Tapas and Napoli is a good and cheap Italian Restaurant.

Is the nightlife good in Groningen? Where is good to go?

Yes, nightlife is very nice in Groningen. You can go partying every night.

And the fun part is: Groningen is the only city without closing hours. So you can go on as long as you like.

The Poelestraat and Peperstraat are the 2 importants streets with the best clubs and cafes to dance and drink.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Groningen?

Try talking to the local students. They are nice and very interested in your background and where you come from. They are also always willing to help you with everything.