Erasmus in Groningen
The official links people use most when they arrive in Groningen. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- University of Groningen: exchangeRijksuniversiteit Groningen (RUG)
The university's exchange portal, with courses for students from partner universities and practical information for your stay.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Hanze: exchange programmesHanze University of Applied Sciences
Exchange programmes, mostly at bachelor's level, for students nominated by partner institutions; some have specific requirements.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- ESN GroningenESN Groningen
ESN section for RUG and Hanze students: activities, practical guides (banking, health, housing, transport) and an ESNcard with local discounts.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- International Welcome Center North (IWCN)International Welcome Center North (IWCN)
Helps with arrival formalities (residence permit, municipal registration and BSN) and gives information on living, working or studying in the north.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- ESN Groningen: apply for a buddyESN Groningen
To know someone before you arrive and have someone to ask during your first days in Groningen.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AEGEE-Groningen: European student associationAEGEE-Groningen
English-speaking travel association with a weekly drink on Wednesdays and a 50 euro yearly membership. You can join at any time of the year.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Parties and events
Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.
- ESN Groningen: upcoming eventsESN Groningen
The largest international student organisation in the city. It currently lists the Halloween party on 29 October 2026 and international dinners.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Trips and excursions
Trips and excursions for Erasmus students. Before paying, check who organises the trip and pay only on their official website.
- ESN Groningen: Excursion CommitteeESN Groningen
Runs day and weekend excursions in and outside the country (Ameland, Copenhagen, Giethoorn, Lille). The calendar shows a Paris weekend on 20 to 22 November 2026.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- AEGEE-Groningen: trips and hitchhiking competitionsAEGEE-Groningen
Six trips a year: three excursions to European cities and three hitchhiking competitions. They include accommodation, two meals a day and activities; the association says a short trip fee is not much more than 60 euros.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- Student registration with the municipality and BSNGemeente Groningen
If you study in Groningen for more than 4 months, book an appointment and bring your passport or ID card and rental contract. You get your BSN at the appointment.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- When to register in the Personal Records Database (BRP)Government.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)
If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, register with your municipality within 5 days of arrival and you will get a BSN. For shorter stays you can register as a non-resident (RNI).
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Dutch health insurance: when it is compulsoryGovernment.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)
If you only study, your home insurance usually covers you; if you also work, you may have to take out Dutch basic health insurance. The page refers to Study in NL to check your case.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Transport
Public transport, passes and bikes.
- Groningen and Drenthe buses: tickets and passesQbuzz (BUS Groningen Drenthe)
Bus operator for the city and region. For occasional trips pay with OVpay or the OV-pas; for a busy day there are day tickets. Website in Dutch.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
- NS trains: travel with your bank card or phoneNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
You can check in and out on the train with a contactless debit or credit card or your phone, with no prior registration. Handy if you take the train now and then.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- OV-fiets: rental bikes at stationsNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
Rented per 24 hours at almost 300 locations and returned to the same place. You need a personal OV-chipkaart with the free NS Flex Basis subscription.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Health and emergencies
European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.
- Healthcare and insurance for international studentsNuffic (Study in NL)
Explains when the European Health Insurance Card is enough, when you need Dutch insurance (for example, if you work) and that your first stop is the GP (huisarts). In an emergency, call 112.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Comisión Europea
It is free and gives you access to necessary state healthcare on the same terms as people insured in the country. Apply for it in your home country before you travel.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Student discounts
Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.
- Groninger Museum: student priceGroninger Museum
Students and CJP holders pay €10 instead of €19.50; entry is free with the Museumkaart.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
- CJP: culture card for under-30sCJP
Discounts on cinema, museums, theatre and festivals for people aged 12 to 30; the first year costs €10. Website in Dutch.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch
Culture and city life
Official tourism, events and libraries.
- Visit Groningen: what to do in the cityVisit Groningen
Events, culture and things to do in the city and province.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Forum Groningen: library, cinema and cultureForum Groningen
City-centre building with a public library, a cinema with International Movie Night and activities such as the taalcafé to practise Dutch.
Checked on 24 October 2026
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Groningen: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
Almost done: we have sent you an email. Open the link and press "Confirm" to start receiving it. If you can't see it, check your spam folder.
Other cities in Netherlands
These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.