Details

• Netherlands
• MAMark-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Try to search for an accomodation through Whatsapp or Facebook Groups if you want a room in a shared appartment. Housing market is tight! There are also RUG Groups for German Students, Ticket sharing (from the airport to Groningen), etc.

2. Accommodation

I began searching right after I got my confirmation and I had much luck with my room, which I found via a Whatsapp Group. I lived near Noorderstation, which was a perfect location. It took me 9 minutes per bike to Uni, and 5 minutes into the city center. But I also heard lots of good things from the ssh student homes, especially Cornus. I would say, Groningen is a really safe city overall. Its nice to live near the city center, Zernike Campus is a bit outside and if possible, I wouldn't live near there.

3. Academic life at host university

Compared to my master courses in Vienna, it was completely different. There are lectures and tutorials, lectures are big groups (e.g. 70-90 People), where attendance is voluntarily and tutorials are mandatory (30 People). There are presentations, group work (which are mostly very time intensive but don't count too much to the grade) and exams (mostly 75-80% of the grade). Grading is much, much stricter than at WU. Its almost impossible to get a "Sehr Gut" and more common to get a "Gut" - "Befriedigend". Zernike Campus is nice, as there is also the ACLO Sportscenter, but they don't really offer nice food options as at WU.

5. Every day life in the host country

I loved that everything is done by bike and everyone always bikes everywhere, no matter the weather. Bus is very expensive and takes much longer. They also have biking garages in the city center (because you're not allowed to park there) and you see bikes everywhere. I always felt super safe, even at night or in the park. Its a really student friendly and safe city. There is always something going on in Groningen, people go out everyday. ESN week is super important, as you'll meet a lot of people there and get to know the night life as well everyday activities. ACLO sportcenter is very recommended, as you can try out different classes the whole semester and only pay 60€. I also went to the Gym TrainMore, which I really liked and was very cheap compared to Vienna Gyms. Groningen really is a great city to study!

6. Testimonial

It was a great experience and even though I was sceptical about my choice at first, when I arrived there I instantly felt at home. Because it is such a small city, you easily feel at home and know your way round quite fast. It helped get out of my comfort zone but I really had a great time and learned a lot about myself, and the fact that I can build a life in a different country, without knowing a single person. Enjoy the city, bike as much as you can and eat lots of Eierbal!