Details

• Netherlands
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I traveled to Groningen by train (Nightjet), which I can highly recommend, as there is no wage limit and you can receive more funding from the Erasmus programme. The Welcome Days started a few days before we were able to move into our student accommodation, so a friend from WU and I shared a hotel room for the first two nights. Therefore, I would recommend checking all the relevant dates in advance and, if necessary, arranging accommodation for the period before you can move into your student housing.

2. Accommodation

I lived in SSH student housing on Kornoeljestraat, which I would highly recommend. It was one of the few SSH accommodations where you have your own bathroom, and it is conveniently located close to both the university and the city centre. It takes approximately seven minutes to cycle to the university and around 10 to 15 minutes to reach the city centre by bike. SSH was recommended by the university for exchange students. However, getting a room was quite stressful, as there is a significant housing shortage in Groningen, making it difficult to find private accommodation. Therefore, I would recommend applying for SSH accommodation as early as possible. On the other hand, the accommodation was quite expensive, as we had to pay for six months even though most of us only stayed for five months. There was also an additional fee of around €900–1,000, which was not clearly explained and felt like an unnecessary extra cost.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is quite large, and there is a sports centre located directly next to it, which is great if you are into sports. There is also a Mensa on campus, with prices comparable to those at the WU Mensa. The teaching style depends on the course. Some courses are assessed mainly through one big exam during the exam period, while others include group projects, which can account for up to 70% of the final grade. You can find all the relevant information about the course structure and assessment methods in the course manual.

5. Every day life in the host country

We cycled everywhere, as Groningen has excellent cycling infrastructure, with bike lanes throughout the city and relatively few cars. Groningen is also considered one of the safest cities in the Netherlands, and I felt safe at any time of day, even when cycling home alone after going out at night. There is also a sports programme called ACLO, where you pay a fee once per semester and can participate in a wide variety of sports activities or rent courts to play with friends. During my stay, I played padel and volleyball and attended Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing classes. The social life in Groningen was also very active. There were several larger events throughout the semester, and the city always felt lively and full of students. Even in the evenings, the city was rarely empty, which made it a great place to enjoy student life and meet new people.

6. Testimonial

Personally, this was one of the best experiences of my life, and I made friends who I hope will stay in my life forever. My friend group formed during the very first week, and we quickly became really close. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to experience such a special time. Groningen was honestly not my first choice, as I had not heard much about the city before going there. However, it really surprised me in the best possible way, and I would absolutely recommend choosing Groningen for your exchange semester – as long as you don't mind the weather!