Experience in Groningen, Netherlands by Nadine

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

I would definitely recommend it. It's not a big city, not as big as Amsterdam, but still big enough to have every facility that a student needs. The city lives, not only during the day, but also during the night, especially on Thursday. You can get everywhere easily by bike or else by taking the citybus. The best thing about Groningen is that there are more students than not-students, and that there are lots of international students.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Groningen?

The student lifestyle differs from person to person. People who like to party tend to go to a student association, where there are almost every night parties. But you can also just go to cafes and having dinner at cosy restaurants, or even just hang out with friends at home. Not every student lives in Groningen itself; people who don't, are sometimes dependent on buses and trains, which don't drive all night through, and are more likely to not attend all those parties or stay over at a friend when they do.

How much does it cost to live in Groningen?

Student dorms are available from about €230, but when you get to live well in the centre, €300 per month is also a very good price. Food isn't expensive at all, as well as clothes and other stuff - in comparison with other countries. I think you can have food and drinks for a full month for about €100 - €150. I don't go out very often, so I'm not that familiar with those prices. At the cinema you have to show your studentcard so you have some reduction and only have to pay €8, 50 (normal movies, not 3D or extra long). Restaurants and cafes offer drinks like orange juice for €2, 30 - €3 and plates like pizza for €8 - €13.

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

It's not very difficult, even for an international student who comes to live there for a shorter period. Lots of Dutch student are going to study in a foreign country for 1 semester or a full year. That means that their dorm room will be available during that period. Furnished, because they - of course - want to keep their bed/sofa/table/chairs/etc. for when they come back from their exchange. You can find rooms on Facebook or on kamernet.nl (you have to register for that, is not very difficult). PS: furnished is in Dutch: gemeubileerd (lots of websites are in Dutch! )

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

There's every kind of food. Greek restaurants, lots of Italian restaurants, Mexican (tapas, all you can eat! And sometimes they even sell cocktails, yumm! ), Indian, steak houses, Dutch, lunchrooms, high teas - have I already forgotten something?

Source

What places would you recommend visiting in Groningen?

For shopping: Folkingestraat. This is a street between the train station and the centre/university. It's very cosy with small unique boutiques where they sell stuff like funny cards.

Also: Søstrene Grene and The Flying Tiger. These two shops sell cute little things you think you will probably never use but you HAVE to buy. They are on the Grote Markt and the Vismarkt, the two big squares in the city.

There's also a Primark (in the centre) and an Ikea (a little bit outside the centre, you can get there easily by citybus or bike, or maybe walking but I wouldn't recommend that). And where you can find an Ikea, there's food.

For parks: Noorderplantsoen. This is definitely the best place for a pick-nick in the summer with your friends! Unfortunately every student thinks the same about that. It's also a great place to go running in the morning, as lots of students do.

For watersports and beaches: Hoornseplassen/Hoornsemeer. A little bit outside the centre, you have to take a bus to get there. There's a beach and I believe you can also go supping or canoeing.

For museums: In front of the train station you'll see a bridge, and in the middle of the bridge a museum. That's the Groninger museum. I've never been there, but in November an exhibition about Rhodin will start, until March/April 2017.

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

Yes, definitely! I would recommend De Pastafabriek. It's a place where you can buy pasta or pizza. A lot of students come here, because it's in the middle of the centre, near the university, and very cheap. I'd also recommend the Ugly Duck. Since I am a celiac, I can't go to a lot of restaurants, except for the ugly duck. They have a special menu without gluten, like a whole lunch card with special bread and special pasta. It's also not expensive: gluten free lunches from €3, 70.

And, ofcourse, the Hema. You can go there for a warm meal or for lunch. Warm meals are €2, 50 (pasta bolognese, the very Dutch meal 'stamppot' etc. ) or €5 (steak with chips, hamburger etc. ).

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

I'm not very familiar with the nightlife in Groningen. I sometimes go to a cafe for a drink, I would then recommend De Groote Griet, it's in the middle of a square with lots of other cafes and shops and it's very cosy. Thereby I would also recommend the Irish Pub, O'Malleys. The bar people speak English, also to Dutch people, which even gives us a feel of being in a foreign country, surrounded by international people.

What advice would you give future students heading to Groningen?

Try to take the bike as much as possible! The Netherlands is very much of a cycling-country and you can get to lots of places only by bike. And most important: have fun! Do things, see things, meet other people. Taste other cultures. Enjoy your stay as long as it lasts!

Source