As the economic and cultural capital of the region, the city of Groningen (home to the University of Groningen) enjoys the reputation of being a ’true’ student city, half the population is under 35, while retaining a safe community character.

The Groningen canals, ports, and warehouses take you back to 14th century Hanseatic times, when Groningen was a member of this allieance of trading guilds.

- 180,000 inhabitants
- Best innercity of the Netherlands 2005
- Best studentcity of the Netherlands 2006
- Ranked as European city with the highest quality of life by its inhabitants 2006
- Lively with a safe community character
- City of Talent (www.cityoftalent.nl)

Bursting with restaurants, pubs, art galleries, theatres, museums, and bookshops, Groningen is suited to its youthful population. Cinemas and theatres cater for all cultural tastes. Matching the Groningen way of life these venues, large and small, can be found scattered throughout the city.

- Art house films in cinema ‘Images’
- Concerts in the ‘Oosterpoort’
- Theatre at the historic ‘Schouwburg’
- Live music, late-night jazz, funk and blues-rock cafés
- Music festivals like Noorderzon, Eurosonic, Noorderslag and Swinging Groningen

Due to the large student population in Groningen, it is not always easy to find housing, especially for international students. Therefore, the first year you study in Groningen, the Housing Office will help you to find suitable housing.

In most cases you will be housed in one of the International Student Houses that are spread throughout the city of Groningen. You will live with other international students and you’ll quickly feel at home in the relaxed atmosphere of these houses.

All International Student Houses employ (Dutch) student managers to welcome new students and act as caretakers.

For more information, contact the Housing office of the University of Groningen www.housingoffice.nl.