My Semester Abroad in Groningen, The Netherlands

Hello! My name is Heath, and I’m a second-year student studying English and Philosophy. I spent a semester abroad at the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, or RUG) in the Netherlands, and I want to share some of my experiences, insights, and advice for anyone considering studying there. 

Travelling:

Instead of flying, I actually drove from Southampton to Groningen using the Eurotunnel. It was relatively painless, and I managed to bring a lot more stuff than I would have if I had flown. This turned out to be a great decision, as I had the essentials with me from the start so didn’t have to shop too much. I would recommend checking if it would be more economical to travel by car rather than plane if you’re going to carry lots of baggage.

Getting Around:

When I arrived, I quickly noticed that almost everyone gets around by bike. I had signed up for a Swapfiets subscription for six months and collected my bike, thinking it would be the perfect way to get around. However, I soon realized I wasn’t a confident cyclist, so I ended up relying on buses and catching lifts from friends instead—which, surprisingly, worked out very well! If you do not plan to get around on a bike, I recommend getting the Student Mobility card ASAP as it will make public transport much cheaper. This also applies to intercity transport like trains so if you plan to explore the Netherlands (which I recommend, but more on that later.)

Finding Accommodation:

Finding accommodation in Groningen can be really challenging, so I had to prepare far in advance. I checked SSH every day for open spots and managed to book a room in Cornus (Kornoeljestraat), where most students were also staying for six months. Living there was a great way to meet other international students, and I highly recommend getting involved with your flatmates (the Dutch have a saying, “A good neighbour is better than a far away friend”.)

Academics at RUG:

Academically, the grading system is similar to the UK, with a 7 being considered a very good grade. The semester is split into A and B blocks, and my courses in English and Philosophy were engaging. The teaching style felt familiar, but most assessments were exams, which is different to the UK’s more essay driven style. So if you’re like me and are out of practice on your exam taking skills, be prepared to get back into revision! Lastly, resits are offered for every subject. Consult with your professor on the nature of these resits if you do fail one of the exams.

Social Life & Student Culture:

Nearly a quarter of the residents of Groningen’s residents are international students so expect a very vast and diverse social life, filled with all kinds of people. I joined ESN (Erasmus Student Network), which organises events for international students. Your experience with ESN depends a lot on the group you’re placed in—it wasn’t a huge part of my experience, but others really enjoyed it. An alternative to ESN is the KEI Week, an introduction week with an option for international students. I’ve heard great things about it, so be on the lookout for these programs if you want to make friends in your first few weeks! Other than that, a lot of RUG programs offer so called ‘study associations’ which are akin to student societies in the UK, although specific to a particular study degree. They organise events often both related and not related to their program and are a great way to socialise with people within your field.

Exploring the Netherlands:

I experienced most of Groningen at night, and there are plenty of great bars and clubs to check out. Some of my favorites were Zolders, Warhol, Oost, and Groote Griet, each offering something a little different. Beyond nightlife, I’d also recommend visiting the Groninger Museum and the University Museum to get a deeper sense of the city’s history and culture. The Forum building is another must-see; it’s a modern cultural hub with an amazing rooftop view of the city.

If you get the chance, travel as much as possible. Cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Zwolle are just a train ride away and definitely worth a visit. The Student Mobility Card is really useful here, as train prices can get expensive without it. Both the cities and the countryside of the Netherlands are stunning, and the train system makes it easy to get around.

Final Tips:

• Sort out housing early because SSH fills up quickly.
• Get a bike if you can as it’s the easiest way to get around (if you can, of course). 
• Budget wisely as groceries (especially at Albert Heijn) can be pricey, try PLUS or Lidl.
• Don’t stress too much about grades  
• Explore and have fun!!!!