Groningen is a vibrant, multifaceted university city with a lot to offer.
Book your student accommodation with Student.com and enjoy a comfortable home in the youngest and one of the best student cities in the Netherlands. Our Groningen student housing provides three different types of student rooms that come equipped with modern amenities.
If you are in search of an affordable rental apartment in Groningen and need more information on the student housing we offer, simply give us a call, or send us an inquiry through the live chat on this page. Our booking consultants are always happy to answer your questions and help you find the ideal student home for you!
Groningen at a glance
Groningen is the capital of the eponymous province in the northern part of the Netherlands. Home to about 230,000 residents, Groningen is the largest city in the region. It is a lively university town with a 50,000-strong student population.
Students make up a quarter of Groningen’s population, which is primarily responsible for the lively, youthful vibe the city is famous for. Surrounded by country estates, Groningen pairs that youthful energy with the old-world spirit of north Holland.
Compared to other more renowned student cities, Groningen might be a little smaller and can seem a bit away from being in the “thick of things.” But this vibrant, youthful university town is among the country’s most progressive areas, where almost everyone speaks English, and you will have everything you need.
While it isn’t the biggest or most famous city in the Netherlands, Groningen is definitely one of the best for students. There are many events to attend, fun activities to do, and things to see.
It’s a city with many faces, offering much in the areas of culture, events, history, and a broad range of pleasant cafes and pubs, terraces, and wonderful restaurants.
Groningen is a cultural city
From the abstract architecture of Groninger Museum to the cafes of Grote Markt, the city is a hip mashup of contemporary Dutch culture.
Occupying three islands in the ring canal in front of the station, the Groninger Museum is a striking structure that you can’t help but notice. With a fantastic mix of international artworks throughout the ages, the modern and contemporary art museum is just as fascinating on the inside as it is on the outside.
Lots of history
An independent city-state and key trading centre in the late Middle Ages, Groningen also has a historic heritage.
The iconic Martinitoren, the tallest church steeple in the city which miraculously survived fierce fighting during the Second World War, stands as a reminder of this Golden Age. This beautiful historic monument on the corner of Grote Markt also offers an amazing view of the city when you climb to the top.
Nature
Amidst all of Groningen’s lively, youthful atmosphere, culture, exciting events, buzzing nightlife and history, you can also find nature and serenity.
If you’re a nature lover or prefer to be in peace and quiet, you can explore the province’s beautiful coastline, enjoy the varied flora and fauna in Middag-Humsterland National Landscape, and see a huge variety of birds at Lauwersmeer National Park.
Student life in Groningen
Home to two universities, Groningen is a true university town with students everywhere. It has the highest student population density of any city in the Netherlands. It’s also the youngest city in the country, and one of the youngest in all of Europe.
With so many students living in Groningen, the city is always lively with a range of events like Noorderzon and Eurosonic Noorderslag, a buzzing bar and cafe culture, nightlife, a diverse cultural scene, countless great shops, and excellent restaurants.
Nightlife
Groningen is famous for its hedonistic nightlife with bars and clubs open 24 hours a day. Take your pick from a large number of clubs, entertainment venues, cafes, and pubs and party until 8am in the morning if you feel like it.
There are several hip cafes in the area of the Poeleplein (Poele square). The Grote Markt also holds some gems, while the string of cafes on the main square is perpetually buzzing.
Music
Whether you’re into live bands or sing-along classics from techno or pop, if you’re a music lover, you’ll like the city’s entertainment options.
Head to &ZO or Donovan’s if you’re into hip-hop, R&B, and urban music. Sing along with pop and rock songs at Ocean 41, Het Feest, or Shooters.
To see the next big rock act, head to Vera, where four concerts and a movie night are held every week.
If Jazz and classical music is more your style, De Oosterpoort is the place to catch big-name musical acts, and jazz and classical concerts. The 1929 art deco–style Grand Theatre stages a varied program of classical music, dance, and theatre.
The Eurosonic/Noorderslag (ESNS) music festival, held every January, is a massive event. You can attend performances in over 40 venues around the city, from concert halls to pubs.
Where to study in Groningen?
University of Groningen
With a rich academic tradition dating back to 1614, the University of Groningen provides one of the highest-quality education in the Netherlands.
A top 10 university in the country, the University of Groningen has a strong international reputation and maintains a firm position in the international rankings. It placed 75th in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE), and 145th in the QS World University Rankings, respectively.
The university offers a broad range of disciplines with a primary focus on energy, healthy ageing, and sustainable society.
Groningen University has the distinction of producing the first female student and the first female lecturer in the Netherlands. The university also produced the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Central Bank.
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen
With over 25,000 students, Hanze University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in the northern part of the Netherlands.
The university offers a wide range of bachelor programmes, including fully English-taught courses in the fields of business and management, communication, physiotherapy, fine arts and design, music, facility management, and sensor technology.
These courses are taught in an education culture that’s intimate, practice-oriented, and competence-based. Classes are small, many of the courses are project-based, and are taught by lecturers who are rooted in the field.
Hanze UAS students learn on a wonderful green campus in an environment that’s fully equipped with modern facilities and amenities.
Home to more than 80 different nationalities, the university has an international feel and focus. It works closely together with partner institutes from all over the world and has a strong link with industry and entrepreneurship.
Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Groningen
How do I rent an apartment in Groningen on Student.com?
Booking your accommodation in Student.com is quick and easy. You can use the filters and the map on this page to compare different apartments and find the ideal home for you. When you find a property you want to book, go to the property page by clicking ‘View rooms’.
On the property page you’ll need to choose the room you’d like to live in. After choosing the right room for you, click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’ and leave your contact details. One of our booking consultants will be in touch with you to answer any questions you may have and complete the booking process once you’re ready to book.
What are the different types of student rooms you offer?
We offer three different types of student rooms:
In our Shared Rooms you share a bedroom with a roommate. Other living facilities are also shared.
Our Private Rooms accommodate only one individual, meaning you’ll get a private bedroom just for you. Depending on the property, your bathroom may be either shared or private. Other living facilities are shared with tenants from other rooms.
The Entire Place is a fully self-contained studio apartment with fully private living facilities. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette and won’t have to share anything with anyone. This is the perfect choice if you love your privacy!
Do you offer accommodation for international students as well?
Yes, absolutely! You can book any accommodation on Student.com as long as you are a full-time student.
Are bills included in the rent?
This depends on the property you choose. You can see what bills, if any, are included in the rent on the property page of each property.
Are the apartments fully furnished?
This also depends on the property and you can check this information on the property page. If you’d prefer to book a fully furnished apartment, you can also use the filter on this page to only see properties that are rented furnished.