University of Groningen

Groningen

Home page

Bachelor

University of Groningen - 400+ years of academic excellence in the best student city

The University of Groningen (RUG) is one of the oldest and most prestigious research universities in the Netherlands, founded in 1614. It consistently ranks in the top 100 worldwide and offers an impressive range of English-taught bachelor and master programs across all disciplines - from science and engineering to economics, law, and humanities. Four Nobel Prize laureates are connected to this university.

Groningen is regularly voted the best student city in the Netherlands. With one in four residents being a student, the city has an unmatched student atmosphere - vibrant nightlife, hundreds of student associations, festivals, and a compact, bike-friendly layout. The university has a dedicated housing service through SSHXL that offers furnished rooms for international students, making the transition smooth and easy.

Welcome to Groningen

Discover the University of Groningen and the city - everything you need to know as an international student.

Campus tour - Faculty of Economics and Business

A student shows you around the campus and the city of Groningen.

Why students choose the University of Groningen

Top 100 worldwide, 400+ years of excellence. Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is among the world's top research universities. Four Nobel Prize laureates are connected to RUG. You study at an institution with centuries of academic tradition and cutting-edge research.
Best student city in the Netherlands. Groningen is regularly voted #1 student city in NL. One in four residents is a student, creating an incredible atmosphere with hundreds of student associations, vibrant nightlife, festivals, and a tight-knit community.
Wide range of English programs. RUG offers numerous English-taught bachelor programs across all faculties - from International Business to Artificial Intelligence, from Psychology to Astronomy. Plus 100+ master programs in English.
Financial support for working students. The Netherlands offers a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.
Affordable northern Netherlands. Groningen is more affordable than Amsterdam or Utrecht. Housing, food, and entertainment cost less, and the student-friendly economy means many discounts and deals.
Furnished housing for international students. Through SSHXL, the university offers furnished Short Stay rooms for new international students. Register early for the best options.

Study programs at the University of Groningen

RUG offers English-taught bachelor programs including:

International Business
Economics and Business Economics
Artificial Intelligence
Computing Science
Psychology
International and European Law
Astronomy
Chemical Engineering
Liberal Arts and Sciences (University College Groningen)

Plus over 100 master programs in English. The exact list of study programs available through the Kastu platform can be found at the top of this university description, next to the logo.

Introducing Groningen - your new home

Learn about the city, student life, and what makes Groningen the best student city in the Netherlands.

Groningen - the best student city

Groningen is a compact, vibrant city in the north of the Netherlands where one in four residents is a student. This creates an unmatched student atmosphere - the city literally revolves around students. The historic city centre is car-free and full of cafés, restaurants, vintage shops, and live music venues. Groningen has hundreds of student associations (sports, culture, international), legendary nightlife, and major festivals.

Despite being in the north, Groningen has excellent connections - Amsterdam is 2 hours by train, and the city has its own airport. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, with lakes, islands (Schiermonnikoog), and cycling routes. Groningen was named European City of the Year and is known for its progressive, sustainable approach to urban life.

Quick facts

Type	Research University (WO)
Founded	1614
World ranking	Top 100
English bachelor programs	15+
English master programs	100+
Location	Groningen (voted best student city in NL)
Nobel Prize laureates	4
Housing	Furnished rooms via SSHXL for international students

FAQ

Why is Groningen called the best student city?

Groningen is regularly voted the best student city in the Netherlands because of its unique combination: one in four residents is a student, the city centre is compact and car-free, there are hundreds of student associations, legendary nightlife, and a welcoming international community. The city literally revolves around students - from discounts and events to the vibrant café culture. It is big enough to have everything you need, but small enough to feel like home.

What is the difference between University of Groningen and Hanze?

Both are in Groningen, but they are different types. The University of Groningen (RUG) is a research university (WO) - more theoretical, research-oriented, and ranked in the top 100 worldwide. Hanze is a university of applied sciences (HBO) - more practical and career-oriented. RUG is ideal if you want deep academic knowledge and possibly a PhD, while Hanze is great if you prefer hands-on learning and direct career preparation. Both offer excellent education.

Can I work while studying at the University of Groningen?

Yes! As an EU student, you can work alongside your studies without restrictions. Groningen has many job opportunities in hospitality, retail, and through the university's network. The city's student-friendly economy means many employers are used to working with student schedules. The Netherlands has a financial support system for working students. Learn more about financial support here.

Furnished rooms for international students

The University of Groningen works with SSHXL to provide furnished Short Stay rooms for new international students. These rooms are ready to move into - fully furnished with bed, desk, and basic amenities. SSH also offers rooms through their regular housing, where international students can register.

Groningen has a better housing market than the overcrowded Randstad cities. The city is compact, bike-friendly, and most student housing is within cycling distance of the university. With one in four residents being a student, the city has a well-developed student housing infrastructure.

Student life in Groningen

Discover what daily life looks like in the best student city of the Netherlands.

Your housing options

SSHXL Short Stay (recommended) - furnished rooms for international students, available for up to one year. Apply through the university after acceptance. Rooms are in student buildings with shared or private facilities.

SSH regular housing - register at SSH for longer-term unfurnished rooms. International students can register and build waiting time.

Private housing - websites like Kamernet and HousingAnywhere list rooms in Groningen.

Facebook groups - search for "Student Housing Groningen" or "Kamers Groningen" for additional options.

Practical details

SSHXL Short Stay: furnished rooms for international students (max 1 year)
Typical rent: 400-650 EUR per month
Groningen is more affordable than Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam
Compact city - everything within cycling distance
Register for housing as soon as you receive your admission
Many student housing options in the city centre and near campuses

Remember: the Netherlands has a financial support system for EU students who work alongside their studies. Learn more about financial support here.

FAQ

How do I find housing in Groningen?

Start by applying for SSHXL Short Stay housing through the university after receiving your admission. These are furnished rooms specifically for international students. Additionally, register at SSH for regular housing. Groningen has a better housing market than Amsterdam or Utrecht, so finding a room is more manageable. Use platforms like Kamernet, HousingAnywhere, and local Facebook groups for additional options.

Is Groningen affordable for students?

Yes! Groningen is one of the more affordable student cities in the Netherlands. Housing costs are lower than in Amsterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague. The city's student-friendly economy means many discounts, affordable restaurants, and budget-friendly entertainment. Combined with the Dutch financial support system for working students, studying in Groningen is very manageable financially. Learn more about financial support here.

What are the popular student areas in Groningen?

Popular student areas include the city centre (vibrant, close to nightlife and cafés), Paddepoel (near the Zernike campus, affordable), Helpman (quiet, residential), and Oosterpoort (trendy, close to the main station). Groningen is so compact that you can cycle anywhere in 15 minutes, so location is less critical than in bigger cities. Most students choose based on atmosphere and budget.

For complete information about housing at the University of Groningen, visit the official page.

University of Groningen - Accommodation

Need more help?

Skambink!

Ask our counsellors

Send e-request

Chat with KastuGPT

Ask KastuGPT

Kastu.eu helps students apply to EU universities with confidence. One application form gives you access to universities in five countries. We review your documents, send your application to your chosen universities and help you manage the entire admission process.

- 20 years of experience
- 8 000+ students enrolled
- 100% admission guarantee
- 98% recommend Kastu to friends