Welcome to the

University of Groningen
A guide for
International
Students
20162017

founded in 1614

Welcome 3
Profile 4

INDEX

3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8

1
The City and the Country 5
1.1 The City of Groningen 6
1.2 The Netherlands or Holland? 7
1.3 Further reading 9

3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15

2
Arranging your stay in the Netherlands 10
2.1 Dealing with the authorities 11
2.1.1 Country groups 11
2.1.2 What you may need to obtain or do 12
2.2 Short stay 13
2.2.1 Short-stay visa (type C) 13
2.3 Long stay 14
2.3.1 Entry visa (MVV) 14
2.3.2 Residence permit 14
2.3.3 IND the Immigration and Naturalisation
Service of the Dutch Government 16
2.3.4 Registration with City Hall 16
GroningenLife! 17
2.4 Short stay and Long stay 18
2.4.1 Accommodation 18
2.4.2 Registering with the University 19
2.4.3 Health insurance 19
2.4.4 Opening a bank account 21
2.4.5 Banking 21

4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

International Student Organizations 39

ESN Groningen 40
AIESEC 42
AEGEE 43
SIB-Groningen 44
Faculty-related and other student organizations 45

5
Useful information 46
5.1 Travelling from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
to Groningen 47
5.2 OV-chipkaart public transport pass 48
5.3 Importing medication 48
5.4 General practitioners 48
5.5 Dentists 48
5.6 Emergency hospital care 49
5.7 General Emergency Number 112 (Police, Fire,
Ambulance) 49
5.8 Pharmacies and drugstores 49
5.9 Jobs and work permits 50
5.10 Citizen Service Number 51
5.11 Living expenses 51

3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4

Food & Drinks 28

Computer facilities 29
The University Library 30
Career Services advice before, during & after
your degree 31
ACLO Sports Centre 32
University of Groningen Language Centre 33
Cultural Student Centre Usva 34
GSp ecumenical students fellowship 35
Other religions 36
University Museum Groningen 37
Studium Generale 38

Student Services 23
University Student Desk 24
Student Service Centre 25
International Service Desk 26
Introductory programmes 27

To skip directly to the page youre interested in,

simply click on the blue pagenumbers above.

Welcome
Dear students and guests,
Thank you for choosing the University of Groningen, one of the
oldest universities in Europe. During the 400 years of our long
tradition of academic excellence we have created a climate for
innovative teaching and research in an international atmosphere,
with room for personal development. The university has extensive
facilities and offers a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and social
activities and programmes, for both Dutch and international
students.
We hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities available
to you as a student of the university of Groningen. This will not only
help you with your own self-development but also build bridges to
international understanding. Dont hesitate to become involved!

The staff of the International Service Desk is always there to help

and the university will do its best to make things run smoothly.
Unfortunately regulations constantly change, so please check the
various websites mentioned for the most up-to-date information.

This handbook has been designed to help new international

students (exchange, visiting, undergraduate and postgraduate)
settle in Groningen and enjoy studying at the university. I hope that
you will read this handbook very carefully before your arrival in
Groningen and consult it when you are here and settled in as well.
It contains important information about arranging your stay and
useful information about a range of services and opportunities
that await you at the university.

The following sections provide information that will make your stay
more productive and enjoyable as well as information about the
student services and facilities available at the University.
I sincerely hope that from the start you will feel at home at our
university, and in the historic, lively city of Groningen. I wish you
all a prosperous and academically successful time here.

After an introduction to the University of Groningen and the

Netherlands, this handbook will explain exactly how to arrange
your stay in Groningen, which sort of visas you need to apply for,
how to handle the various local regulations and how to organize
your accommodation.

Yours sincerely,

This section is an important aid in helping you complete all the

necessary arrangements before and immediately after your arrival.
This can be time-consuming and difficult, but the handbook will
help you to accomplish everything with as few hitches as possible.

INDEX

Prof. Elmer Sterken

Rector Magnificus

Profile
Since its inception in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international
reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education. The university
today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to high-quality
teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement.

The University of Groningen recognizes that students have

diverse ambitions and talents. In addition to our regular degree
programmes, the university Honours College offers talented
and motivated students the chance to be challenged even more.
The universitys various Masters programmes with a strong
emphasis on research are regularly associated with Graduate
Schools and are the perfect introduction to related four-year
PhD programmes. By offering so many different specific courses,
outstanding students are given the opportunity to intensify
their knowledge and broaden their scope.

Some 30,000 students are currently enrolled in a full range

of degree programmes at Bachelors, Masters and PhD levels.
The Universitys breadth of expertise in research and researchled teaching encompasses the humanities and the natural,
behavioural, physical, health, life, social and technological
sciences.
The student population and staff are drawn from around the
world and have a variety of backgrounds. They are attracted by
the international reputation of the University and by its commitment to innovation and excellence in all areas. Every year around
4,000 students from at least 115 countries find their way to
the university of Groningen, where English is the language of
instruction in more than 100 different programmes.
In addition to welcoming a large international student population,
we maintain long-term partnerships with foreign universities
around the world with similar high standards, participating in
international networks and incorporating international themes
in our programmes. The university is cooperating with universities
in several developing countries, thereby contributing to the further
development of academic teaching and research worldwide.

INDEX

The City and the Country

What can you expect

when you are living
in Groningen?
This chapter will give
you more information
about your new home!

INDEX

1.1

The City of Groningen

The first document mentioning the city of Groningen dates from
1040. The city therefore has an official history of almost 1,000 years.
Until the late nineteenth century, the city had an open connection to
the sea, as the quay to the north of the city centre still shows.

History

everywhere, and it is a priority of the city councils environmental

policy to free up the city centre for pedestrians, cyclists and
public transport. Another remarkable characteristic of the City of
Groningen is its relatively young population. Every fourth person in
the city is a student, and over half the population is younger than
35! This has led to a wide range of facilities catering for just about
every taste in sport, culture and recreation at reasonable prices.
For further information about the City of Groningen, visit:
toerisme.groningen.nl/english or visit the Tourist Information
Shop (VVV) in the city centre.

The City of Groningen was an important commercial centre during

During the Middle Ages (5th to 15th Centuries) and the warehouses
along the river A are evidence of this. The University of Groningen
was founded in 1614 as as a place of education for civil and church
administrator; philologists, as well as lawyers and doctors.
A former monastery at the heart of the city was donated as the
universitys main building, the present-day Academiegebouw or
Academy Building.

Present
Today Groningen, with just over 200,000 inhabitants, is the
economic and cultural capital of the northern Netherlands. The
city boasts several theatres and museums, many art galleries
and bookshops and an excellent range of markets, shops and
restaurants with food from all over the world, whilst retaining a
safe community character. Groningen is a culturally diverse city
that has hosted many musical and theatrical events, including
independent productions, alternative music and theatre festivals
as well as stadium performances by Tina Turner and the Rolling
Stones. Groningen is renowned for being the most bicycle-friendly
city in the Netherlands with the suburbs connected to the city by
special bicycle routes. Secure bicycle parking facilities are available

Tourist
Information Office
Grote Markt 29
9712 HS Groningen
info@vvvgroningen.nl
T +31 (0) 50 313 9741
F +31 (0) 50 311 38 55
http://toerisme.groningen.nl/
en

INDEX

1.2

Netherlands or Holland?
The official name of the country is the Netherlands which means the low countries
because most of the land is at or below sea level. The Dutch themselves call their
country Holland only at of sports events and other informal situations.
Sixty percent of the population lives in the west of the country, in
the Randstad conurbation, which has a population density of more
than 1,000 people per square kilometre. The countrys formal name
is the Netherlands, meaning the low countries. Low because
much of the land is at or below sea level, and would indeed be under
water was it not for the unique system of dikes and dams that
prevent the land from flooding. The name Holland refers in fact
to the two western provinces of the country - at present the most
heavily populated area. The Dutch themselves call their country
Holland only in the context of sport and other informal situations,
or when they are selling something on the international market,
since this name is more easily adapted into other languages. For
further explanation about the difference between The Netherlands
and Holland check out this video

What to wear

Landscape

Housing

Several features of the Dutch landscape are noticeable immediately.

To begin with, it is extremely flat and there is water everywhere:
lakes, rivers and canals of many types. We also have several sandy
beaches and islands to the north of Groningen which make for a
perfect day trip.

The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe and

with a quarter of the Groningen population being students,
finding accommodation can sometimes take time. The University
of Groningen is based in the city and does not have a campus
therefore accommodation is found throughout the city. SSH
is an organisation that has accommodation available for out
international students and guests (see 2.4.1) and we work closely
with them to improve the service they provide.In general,
international student residences comprise a private study/bedroom,
with free access to wireless internet and e-mail. You will be sharing
a living room, kitchen and bathroom with other international
students giving you the chance to be part of a multicultural
environment. with its own dynamics.

In the summer months, June to August, there will be some fairly

hot days in Groningen and this will be the chance for you to wear
summer clothes. Evenings can be a great deal cooler so it is a good
idea to have a lightweight, waterproof jacket handy. Autumn and
Spring have temperatures about 5C and 20C during the day so
having a cardigan with you is recommended. In winter, although it
rarely gets below freezing and might snow for only a day a warm
winter coat and woollen sweater are essential as it can get cold
and windy.
Groningen city centre has several large chain stores selling
affordable clothes so you will be able to pick things up after you
arrive.

Climate
Northern Europe has a reputation for having cold, wet, changeable
weather and although this is the case for some times of the year
the Netherlands has mild winters and cool summers. Dutch
summer days are long (the sun generally rises at 4am and will set
at 10pm) with the odd very hot days where the temperature is over
30 degrees.

INDEX

Dutch cuisine: broodje kaas

Although the Dutch are well known worldwide for their famous
Gouda cheese, nobody actually knows what Dutch cuisine exactly is.
We do not have a tradition of fine cooking which may be because
we never had an elaborate royal court like those of France or China.
In fact, although the traditional Dutch diet is healthy, it is simple
rather than spectacular: a typical Dutch evening meal consists
of large quantities of potatoes and vegetables accompanied by a
relatively small serving of meat or fish. However, as any modern
nation, Dutch cuisine nowadays has evolved and is influenced by
ingredients from all over the world - particularly Indonesia as the
two countries have a strong historical connection. Groningen also
offers an abundance of specialty shops, including Chinese grocers,
Indonesian tokos, Islamic butchers, and shops selling products
from Turkey and northern Africa. Compared to other European
countries, a hot meal in the Netherlands is usually eaten in the
evening, between 6 and 7 p.m. Since the Dutch are always busy,
breakfast and lunch are usually quick and efficient. In general
you can expect sliced bread with butter or margarine, eaten with
cheese, thinly sliced cold meats, chocolate or jam, a cup of coffee
or tea, a glass of milk, buttermilk or orange juice. The standard
lunch breaklasts 30 minute and is taken some time between 12pm
1.30pm. many people bring a packed lunch with them from home
consisting of sliced bread (usually a simple cheese sandwich, a
broodje kaas), with the addition of perhaps cafeteria soup, a salad
or fruit.

INDEX

1.3

Further reading
The following books also contain a great deal of information about
the Dutch, their customs and what they have made of their country:

Here are a few suggestions for those of you who are interested
in reading more about the Netherlands and the Dutch. Nuffic,
the Dutch organization for international cooperation in higher
education, has published and contributed to several interesting
books and factsheets, including:

How to Survive Holland

By Maartijn de Rooi, Dutch Publishers, 2007
ISBN: 9789076214115

Living in Holland
This guide published by Nuffic is for international students and
researchers who are preparing to come to the Netherlands for a
period of study or work. It includes practical tips for adjusting to
life among the Dutch.

The unDutchables, an Observation of the Netherlands:

its Culture and its Inhabitants
By Colin White and Laurie Boucke, Lafayette White Boucke, 2006
ISBN: 9781888580327

The Holland Handbook

This book published by XPat Media provides detailed answers to
the many practical questions that arise when people come to live
in the Netherlands. Nuffic contributed to this publication.

The Netherlands in Perspective: the Dutch Way of

Organizing a Society and its Setting
By William Z. Shetter, Utrecht, 2002
ISBN: 9055172030

The Low Sky Understanding the Dutch

This book published by Scriptum Publishers deals with the daily
questions foreigners have about the Dutch. It is written by Han
van der Horst, a historian who works at Nuffics Communication
Directorate.

Dealing with the Dutch

By Jacob Vossestein, Amsterdam, 1997
ISBN: 9068325574
The Embarrassment of Riches: an Interpretation of
Dutch Culture in the Golden Age
By Simon Schama, New York: Knopf, 1987
ISBN: 0394510755

The Dutch Education System

Diagram of the Dutch education system published by Nuffic.

Nuffic
P.O. Box 29777

Higher Education in the Netherlands

Factsheet on higher education in the Netherlands published by
Nuffic.

The above titles can be found in most bookshops in Groningen or at

the University Central Library (CB), www.rug.nl/library (see 3.6).

2502 LT The Hague

T +31 (0)70 426 02 60
www.nuffic.nl

For information on how to purchase the above titles, please contact

Nuffic or visit www.nuffic.nl/publication. You can download the
factsheets from www.nuffic.nl/educationsystem

INDEX

Arranging your stay

in the Netherlands

Dont panic!
This chapter will
help you with
all the required
arrangements!

INDEX

10

2.1

Dealing with the authorities

This section includes all the important information you need in order to arrange your
stay in Groningen, and it should answer most of your questions. It covers what Dutch
authorities will request from you before and after you arrive in the Netherlands, such
as visa requirements, residence permits and registration at City Hall. It also includes
information on arranging housing and health insurance, registering at the university,
and opening a bank account.
2.1.1
Country groups

With the help of the two tables on the next page you should be
able to determine the appropriate action for your situation. This is
followed by a description of the procedure. Once you have determined at step 1 to which country group you belong, you only need to
read the relevant sections of step 2. Please check carefully what you
may need to arrange before and after your arrival. Also, make sure
you are reachable by making sure your email inbox is not full and
checking your spam regularly. Sometimes important emails end up
in the spambox of your email.

Step 1: Determine which country group you come from.

Countries of group I: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Countries of group IA: Croatia (with work permit)
ountries of group II: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New
C
Zealand, South Korea, United States, Vatican City
ountries of group III: Albania, Andorra, Antigua, Argentina,
C
Barbuda, Bosnia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius,
Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay,
San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Uruguay, Venezuela
Countries of group IV: All other countries

INDEX

11

2.1.2
What you may need to obtain or do

Bank account

see 2.4.3

Health insurance

The university
see 2.4.2

see 2.4.1

Accommodation

see 2.3.4

City Hall*

see 2.3.2

Residence permit

see 2.3.1

No

Entry visa (MVV)

see 2.2.1

Only for
Only for Long stay
For Short stay and Long stay
Short stay
(> 3 months)
(< 3 months)
Short-stay visa

Group

No No Yes

IA

No

No Optional
Yes

II

No

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

III

No

Yes Yes Yes

IV

Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Please note: this, as well as all information about regulations, is

subject to change; it is therefore advisable to check the website of
the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) (see 2.3.3).
* if you have a rental housing contract and stay longer than
4 months)

INDEX

12

see 2.4.4

Step 2: Determine what you may need to obtain or do.

2.2

Short stay
2.2.1
Short-stay visa (type C)
A short-stay visa (type C) is a travel visa which is valid for a
maximum of 90 days from the moment you pick it up from the
Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence. With
this visa (sticker in your passport) you can travel freely within
the entire Schengen area (see page 25). If you already have a
residence permit, an entry visa, or a return visa from another
Schengen country, a Dutch short-stay visa is not necessary in
order to visit the Netherlands.

Conditions and procedures for requesting

a short-stay visa

Aliens Police

The Schengen countries are

A short-stay visa is requested for a specific purpose. If you are

coming to the Netherlands for a study period that is shorter
than 3 months you will need to request a short-stay visa with
the purpose of studying. A short-stay visa can be requested
from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country or
country of residence. Please note that you must apply in person.
It is not possible to have your application submitted by a travel
agency or educational organization.

9711 CV Groningen

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia

It can take up to three months for a decision to be reached about

your request. It is not possible to speed up this procedure. Please
contact the Dutch embassy and/or consulate in your home country
to confirm which documents will be requested. See also the
websites: www.minbuza.nl (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and
www.ind.nl (Immigration and Naturalisation Service, see 2.3.3).
Please note that once you have entered the Netherlands on
a short-stayvisa, it will not be possible to change your status
or to request a residence permit.

INDEX

Rademarkt 12

13

Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxemburg
Malta
The Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland

T +31 (0)50 587 55 55

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2.3

Long stay
2.3.1
Entry visa (MVV)

not travel within six months your MVV visa will expire. It is not
possible to extend the validity of your MVV.

An MVV (type D) is an entry visa which allows you to enter the

Netherlands and stay for more than three months. An MVV is
requested for a specific purpose; in your case this would be study.
After your arrival the MVV will be replaced by a residence permit
card.

Travelling with an MVV

With an MVV visa you can enter the Netherlands directly or
transfer through other Schengen countries (see page 25) on your
way to the Netherlands. it is still possible to travel within the
Schengen countries during the validity period of your visa. Once
you have received your residence permit card you are allowed to
travel a certain amount of days within the Schengen countries
again (see 2.3.2).

Conditions and procedures for requesting an

MVV (type D)
The International Service Desk (ISD, see 3.3) of the University of
Groningen will request both the MVV visa and residence permit
on your behalf. The ISD is responsible for the MVV for these
applications. It is not possible to apply for an MVV and residence
permit yourself. Depending on your programme, either the ISD or
your faculty will contact you through email about a number of
documents that are needed for your MVV and residence permit
application.

2.3.2
Residence permit
A residence permit is a document that states your identity, your
nationality and your right to reside in the Netherlands (see 2.1.1).
A residence permit is issued with a specific purpose in mind; in your
case this would be studying. If you are from country group II, III, or
IV and you will be staying in the Netherlands for longer than three
months you must apply for a residence permit.

After the ISD has checked whether the application is complete

and all relevant documents are included, they send the application
to the Immigration and Naturalisation Services (IND) (see 2.3.3).

If you belong to group IA and you are staying longer than three
months in the Netherlands you can apply for a proof of lawful
residence. For group IA this is not required but may be advisable:
in some cases you may be asked to present proof of your right to
reside in the Netherlands.

Duration
It can take up to 6 weeks for the IND to decide to issue a visa
for a (PhD) student. Once the ISD receives notification from the
IND, they will send you (and your faculty) written confirmation.
The IND will inform the Dutch embassy or consulate in your
country of residence about the decision. You will need to contact
the embassy or consulate yourself to ask if they have received
the approval from the IND and when your visa will be ready.
An MVV must be picked up from the Dutch embassy or
consulate within 3 months of a positive decision. After receiving
the MVV it is a sticker in your passport you have
3 months in which you can travel to the Netherlands. If you do

INDEX

How to apply for a residence permit

If you are from country group II, III or IV, the ISD will apply for a
residence permit on your behalf. For students from groups III
and IV, the ISD will apply for the MVV visa and the residence
permit simultaneously. For students from country group II, the
ISD will apply for a residence permit before they arrive. Students
from group II will receive an e-mail from the ISD about the
documents required for the residence permit application.

14

Travelling while waiting for your residence permit

N.B. Students will have to pay the fees for the MVV
(if applicable) and residence permit application themselves.
The ISD or your faculty will inform you how much this fee is.

If you are from country group III or IV you are allowed to travel
within the Schengen area with a valid MVV. If you are from
group IA or II, you may leave the Netherlands and then return
even if you have not yet received your residence permit.

The ISD will arrange for representatives of the Immigration and

Naturalisation Service (IND, see 2.3.3) to hand out all available
residence permit cards to students from country groups II, III,
and IV during the Welcoming Ceremony (see 3.4).
NB. It depends on the status of your application whether you will
be able to collect your residence permit card during the Welcoming
Ceremony.

Make sure you pass enough classes to keep your

residence permit

Once you have collected your residence permit card, you must
register with the personal records Database (BRP) at City Hall (see
2.3.4). During the Welcoming Ceremony, representatives from City
Hall will be present to register students from country groups II, III
and IV. Students from EU/EEA countries (group I) will be able to
register at City Hall. You will receive information about this
process from the UG via email. These students will receive
information about these days from the University Student Desk.

What does this mean?

If you start studying from 1 September onwards, by the end of
the Academic year in August you will need to have gained at least
30 ECTS to keep your residence permit card. If you start studying
in February, you will need to have at least 15 ECTS by August.
For more information and FAQs about Modern Migration Policy
law, please check our website: www.rug.nl/momi

INDEX

According to the Modern Migration Policy, students with a

residence permit for study will need to obtain at least 50%
of their yearly ECTS in order to keep their residence permit
for the next study year.

15

IND Information Line

T 088 043 04 30
( 0.10 p/m)
Monday to Friday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From outside the
Netherlands

2.3.3
IND the Immigration and Naturalisation Service
of the Dutch Government
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is responsible
for the implementation of the immigration policy in the
Netherlands. It is a department of the Ministry of Security and
Justice. The IND assesses all applications submitted on behalf of
foreign nationals who wish to stay in the Netherlands or who
wish to become Dutch nationals.

T +31 88 043 04 30
www.ind.nl
IND Front Office Zwolle
Zuiderzeelaan 4351
8017 JV Zwolle

2.3.4
Registration with City Hall
Anyone staying in the Netherlands for 4 months or longer must
register with the personal records Database (BRP) at City Hall.
It is advisable that you register as soon as possible and do not
wait until the four months have passed. Some time after you
registered you will get a Dutch Citizen Service Number (Dutch:
burgerservicenummer, BSN), which you may need for other
purposes as well. Non EU/EEA students can register during the
Welcoming Ceremony.

City Hall
Kreupelstraat 1
9717 HW Groningen
T +31 (0)50 367 70 00
info@groningen.nl

INDEX

16

GroningenLife!

Who are the best at telling you what student life in Groningen is like? Exactly, students
themselves! Whether its about finding a room, going out, the most exciting sports, becoming
a member of one of the many student associations, what you should put in your agenda, or
where to explore your talent: well explain why Groningen is the place to be.
Visit our online magazine www.groningenlife.com for the latest news, inside stories from
our witty bloggers, our agenda full of awesome upcoming events, and for all the practical
information you need! For many beautiful pictures of the city quickly go to our Instagram
account. Do you sometimes have a hard time capturing your impression of Groningen in
words? What are you waiting for after all, a single picture is worth at least a thousand
words. If youre a Twitter fanatic, follow us and be the first to know whats up in Groningen!
And if you cant wait for every news article we publish, to find out what the Tips of the Month
are and to be one of the many insiders of GroningenLife!, follow us on Facebook. You of course
dont want to miss a thing
We know how to deal with student life. Because... We

INDEX

17

GroningenLife!

2.4

Short stay and Long stay

If you want to arrange your

own housing (which is not
easy!), take a look at these

2.4.1
Accommodation

You will have to take the subsequent steps.

1. You register for accommodation at the SSH. You will receive
information from the university on the right way to register.
It is not possible to apply for a room before you are accepted
at the University.
2. After acceptance of your registration you can look for a room
and decide which room you would like to book. Booking is a fully
automated process through the website. During this process you
will automatically sign the contract of rent.
3. After booking, you will have to pay the reservation fee and the
first and last month of rent within 24 hours. Payment is by means
of Master Card or Visa.

In Groningen students live throughout the city and among the

locals or Stadjers as they call themselves. As such there is no
campus or campus accommodation. To help international students
to find proper housing, the University of Groningen has reserved
accommodation with the SSH.
In the Netherlands the universities have no formal responsibility for
student housing. Corporate and private parties provide rooms for
students. Looking for a room can be a challenging experience. The
Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the
world. This means that housing is scarce, rooms are small, and they
can be more expensive than what you are used to at home.

Please note that the period of rent equals the period of your
education in the first year. If you want to arrive a few days earlier,
please ask the local SSH office by mail whether it is possible to rent
your room a few days earlier.

SSH is an independent non-profit organization providing student

housing in several Dutch cities. The University has reserved more
than 1000 rooms for new international students with the SSH in
order to offer each new international student a furnished room to
rent for the maximum of one year.

T +31 88 730 42 00

> SSH website, click on Groningen and then on Reserved

Accommodations.
SSH exploits various International Student Houses. All
International Student Houses employ student managers to
welcome new students and act as care-takers.
> read interviews with student managers

Accommodation varies from single rooms to double rooms and

studios. Prices for accommodation in the year 1516 are between
268 and 467 per month, but most rooms will be around
360. These rents are all inclusive (room, heating, electricity,
furniture, internet, et cetera). Please note that you will have to pay
a reservation fee ( 275) and the first and last month of rent at the
time of your reservation.

Alternatives for SSH

Rents and agency costs of both commercial agencies and private
landlords can be high. Remain critical, visit the room beforehand
and always read your contract carefully! There are numerous
websites which offer private rooms. Best known in the Netherlands
is kamernet.nl. Also, use social media like Facebook, there are many
groups for people who are searching for a room in Groningen. Start
early with your search and let people know that youre looking
for a room! If you want to know more about what its like to live in
Groningen you can visit the student-to-student platform Housing
anywhere , where you can immediately see what current students
have to offer you.

Monday to Thursday
8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When and how to Apply

Friday 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

You can visit the SSH website to take a look at How it works
and Available housing. It is very important that you apply for
accommodation with SSH as soon as you are accepted at the
University. This will increase the possibility of finding a room that
suits your preferences.

groningen@sshxl.nl
www.sshxl.nl

INDEX

Kamernet
Opkamers
CityApartments.nl
Facebook groups:
Free Housing
Announcements
WSG Student Rooms
Groningen

Warning

SSH

SSH

sites:

18

SSH guarantees reliable service.

Should you prefer to search for
housing on your own, we urge
you to be aware that there may
be untrustworthy landlords and
unreliable room agencies.
We therefore ask you to take note
of the following tips:
In the summer months and at the
beginning of the Academic year
there are a lot of students trying
to find accommodation, it is wise
to start looking for a room early
If you try to find housing on your
own, please make sure to do this
through official websites or
companies that you can trace
Do not go to a viewing alone
(preferably bring a local)
Do not pay anything before you
have made clear agreements in
writing
Always ask for a payment receipt
A rent that is too low for the l
ocation or type of housing as well
as unrecognizable pictures of the
location may indicate fraudulent
practices
Avoid identity theft: never send a
copy of your passport to strangers
If you wish to rent a room outside the city center in a building
that has 3 or more residents, you
should check if the proprietor has
the correct permit.

2.4.2
Registering with the University

2.4.3
Health insurance

After you have been admitted to the university you will still have
to complete your registration through Studielink. You can find
more information about the Application procedure with nonDutch qualifications on our website: www.rug.nl/inschrijving.

The Netherlands has a high standard of medical care. It is very

important to be properly insured. Medical costs can be very
high, especially if they include a stay in a hospital. Students at
institutes of higher education are not automatically insured for
medical expenses abroad.

After your registration has been completed your student card will
be sent to you by the University Student Desk (see 3.1). This card
will grant you access to university facilities such as the library and
the sports facilities. Registration will also allow the ICT department
of your faculty to allocate you a computer account with internet
access and a university email account.

All international students in the Netherlands must have health

insurance. What kind of health insurance applies to you depends
on your country of origin, age, duration of stay and whether you
have a job in the Netherlands next to your study.
The insurance system in the Netherlands underwent a major
change on 1 January 2006. The new statutory healthcare insurance
in the Netherlands is called the basic or public healthcare insurance
policy (basiszorgverzekering). Most people in the Netherlands
are required to take out the basiszorgverzekering. However, international students who do not have a paid job here are exempted
from this requirement and can apply for an EHIC or an international
student insurance at Aon.

The university Student Desk will send your student card to your
address in Groningen or to your faculty coordinator. If you have
any problems registering, please contact your faculty coordinator
or the university Student Desk (see 3.1), or check out the FAQ part
of their website on: www.rug.nl/insandouts

EHIC (EU Health Card)

Aon

Please note that this registration procedure does not apply

to exchange students. For more information, please contact
your faculty coordinator.

INDEX

19

send your invoices to Zilveren

Kruis, with a copy of your EHIC
card

GP office will send bill

directly to Aon

A foreign health insurance

you pay in cash. Keep the

receipts for possible
reimbursement from your
insurance company

Dutch insurance

present insurance card;

payments will be made by
the insurance company

What type of healthcare insurance do I need?

Please note that the University of Groningen is not liable

for any costs (medical or otherwise) or damage incurred
by students or international guests.

At the Study in Holland website you can find information about

which type of healthcare insurance you need to take out.
You can find the information here: www.studyinholland.nl/
practical-matters/insurance/healthcare-insurance

Statutory basic healthcare insurance

Please note that if you take up a part-time job while studying, or
you are a trainee with salary, your stay in the Netherlands will no
longer be regarded as being for study purposes only. If you are in
employment, you must always have statutory basic healthcare
insurance. Whether or not you pay tax is irrelevant.

All health insurance companies in the Netherlands offer the Dutch

basic or public healthcare insurance policy (basiszorgverzekering),
and you are free to choose whichever insurance company you
prefer.
The basic healthcare insurance policy does not include liability
insurance, household contents insurance or luggage insurance.
It is possible to apply for additional insurance at Aon:
www.students-insurance.eu We strongly recommend
that you do so.

Private healthcare insurance

We recommend the private healthcare insurance from Aon,
as they offer the most extensive coverage and you can pay in
monthly installments (approx. 40 per month).
The insurance policy of Aon also includes liability insurance,
household contents insurance and luggage insurance.
You can apply for this insurance through the Aon website:
www.students-insurance.eu

EU Health Insurance Card

You can get an EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your
insurance company in your own country if you are insured
under a national health service and are going to be staying
abroad. N.B. in this case, the health insurance institution in
your home country decides what constitutes as temporary
stay, and they may handle different criteria than those in the
Netherlands. With the EHIC you will continue to be covered
by the insurance in your home country.

INDEX

20

Zilveren Kruis
Groep Buitenlands Recht
Postbus 650
7300 AR Apeldoorn

2.4.5
Banking

You do not have to send the invoices to your own insurance

company in your home country. Send the invoices for medical
treatment in the Netherlands to Zilveren Kruis (a Dutch health
insurance company) with a copy of your EHIC, as well as your
address and bank account number, in order to receive a refund
of the costs.

Currency
The currency of the Netherlands is the euro, written as . A euro is
divided into one hundred cents. There are coins and banknotes;
each denomination has a different size and colour.

Additional insurance package

Foreign exchange
The exchange rate is fixed every day and will be displayed at
every foreign exchange office. All banks offer the same rates, but
their charges for foreign exchange may vary. The largest foreign
exchange specialist in the Netherlands is GWK www.gwk.nl with
offices located at railway stations, airports, and popular tourist
locations.

The EHIC insurance does not include liability insurance,

household contents insurance or luggage insurance. At Aon
www.students-insurance.eu you will be able to take out this
additional insurance package. We strongly recommend that you
do so.

2.4.4
Liability Insurance

How to pay
Four basic payment methods are recognized in the Netherlands:
cash, PIN, credit card, or bank transfer. Cash payment is the most
common method, although more and more people use PIN. A PIN
card or debit card (pinpas) is connected to your bank account. This
means that you no longer have to sign a paper receipt, but simply
enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), just as you
would at an ATM machine. Payment by credit card is less common
in smaller shops and supermarkets. However, restaurants, hotels
and department stores generally accept all major credit cards.

Apart from a health insurance students also need liability insurance.

This type of insurance will cover you if you have accidentally caused
damage to other peoples property, for instance.
N.B. This kind of insurance is also covered by the Aon private
healthcare insurance. Students who take out the Aon private
healthcare insurance do not need to take out separate liability
insurance.
Most banks offer liability insurances for students who will stay in
the Netherlands for at least one year. Should you stay for a shorter
period, the bank will determine whether you are eligible for their
liability insurance together with you.

INDEX

Banking hours
Most major banks are open on Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m. and
Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, this may vary, so
make sure you check your banks opening hours.

21

ABN AMRO
Grote Markt 22
9712 HV Groningen

Important: students who bring more than (the equivalent of)

10,000 in cash need to declare this at customs. When opening
a bank account, the bank will ask for a copy of your declaration
form. If you do not make a declaration, you run the risk of
receiving a fine.

Bank account
When you live in the Netherlands for a period over 6 months, you
will need a current Dutch bank account to manage your day-to-day
finances.

T 0900-00 24
Opening times
Monday 13.0017.00 h
Tuesday 09.0017.00 h
Wednesday 09.0017.00 h
Thursday 09.0017.00 h
Friday 09.0017.00 h
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Non-EU/EER guests of the university will be informed by the ISD

about opening a Dutch bank account.
more information on the site of the Dutch Customs
Administration

EU/EER
When you have a EU/EER nationality, you probably already have a
bank account with an International Bank Account Number (IBAN).
The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) system enables you to make
international financial transfers within the EU/EER countries. If you
do not have an IBAN, you can open a bank account at one of the
banks in the blue boxes on this page.

T 0900-09 33

T 0900-18 50

Monday 13.00 18.00 h

Tuesday 09.00 18.00 h
Wednesday 09.00 18.00 h
Friday 09.00 18.00 h
Saturday 10.00 17.00 h
Sunday Closed

Please note that it is very important to close your Dutch bank

account when you have finished your studies and/or will leave
the Netherlands.

Opening times
Monday 09.0019.00 h
Tuesday 09.0019.00 h
Wednesday 09.0019.00 h
Thursday 09.0020.00 h
Friday 09.00 9.00 h
Saturday 09.3016.00 h
Sunday Closed

INDEX

9712 HM Groningen

Thursday 09.00 21.00 h

ING
9711 GDGroningen

Oude Ebbingestraat 66

Opening times

Opening a bank account

Required documents for opening a bank account are a valid
passport and an address in the Netherlands (i.e. a rental agreement).
Hereplein 51

SNS Bank

22

Student Services

This chapter will

help you find your
way through our
University!

INDEX

23

3.1

University Student Desk

University Student Desk
Visiting address:
Broerstraat 5
Academy Building, 1st Floor
www.rug.nl/usd
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday,

The staff of the University Student Desk (USD), which is located in

the Academy Building, can provide you with information and advice
about issues related to studying and other general matters, such
as application www.rug.studielink.nl, registration, student grants,
study delay and the Graduation Fund. You can also get help and
information regarding your registration matters at the USD.
This includes the annual registration, tuition fees, or requesting a
new student card. For more information and FAQs, please visit:
www.rug.nl/insandouts

1 to 4 p.m.
Telephone: +31 (0)50 363
8004, reachable Monday
to Friday from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m.

INDEX

24

3.2

Student Service Centre

Student Service Centre
Visiting address:
Uurwerkersgang 10
9712 EJ Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 80 66
www.rug.nl/ssc

The Student Service Centre of the University of Groningen (SSC)

provides an integrated package of study support with the aim of
helping students with their studies. We can prevent or remove
possible obstacles to your study progress so that you can develop
fully during your time at university. Our student counselors,
psychologists and trainers offer a wide range of support facilities:
information and advice, individual meetings, short-term therapy
and a wide variety of workshops and training courses.

and groups. For information about the dates, times and content
of the courses and workshops, please visit the SSC-website:
www.rug.nl/ssc.
You can register for a workshop or course online at www.rug.nl/ssc.
Your participation is definitive when you have paid the participation
fee of 10 (for workshops) or 40 (for courses).

3.2.3
Psychological counseling at the Student Service Centre

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday,

3.2.1

8:45 to 4:30 p.m.

The student counselors at the SSC

Friday 8:45 to 1 p.m.

Student counselors deal with matters that you may wish to

address or that must be arranged outside your degree program.
These matters may include questions concerning study choice
or personal and confidential matters, study delay due to illness
or other circumstances outside your control or questions about
legal or financial matters such as admission, student grants,
registration, etc. Student counselors can fulfill a mediating and
advisory role for students; you might consult a student counselor
if you consider to file a complaint.

Studying abroad is generally a joyful experience. However, sometimes it can be stressful too! Ranging from finding a nice room, living
on your own in a foreign country, to figuring out the Dutch study
system. Meanwhile you still have to try to have some fun as well.
You might be able to deal with these kind of issues on your own.
But when difficulties begin to affect your studies or personal life to a
greater extent you might want to talk to someone. And that is what
the psychological counselors of the Student Service Center are there
for. You can talk to them about anything, from feeling down, anxious
of stressed to having social problems or organizing your life. An
appointment can be made at the SSC desk, (050) 363 80 66 or you
can visit the SSC at Uurwerkersgang 10 (center of Groningen).
The counseling sessions are always confidential. This first
appointment is called an initial assessment. In the assessment you
will explore the problems you are dealing with. Usually you will be
offered some follow-up counseling sessions at the SSC. Sometimes,
if problems are more severe, you are referred to a specialist working
outside the University of Groningen. The initial assessment session
is free of charge. If you choose to have follow-up counseling sessions
we ask you to pay a one time contribution of 40.

Appointments with the student counselors can be made through

the University Student Desk (see 3.1) in the Academy Building.
3.2.2

The trainers at the SSC

For international students, studying in Groningen can sometimes
be a hassle. Teaching methods are different, examination modes
are different, your friends and family are far away. To overcome
possible problems and make life a little easier, the trainers at the
Student Service Centre organize workshops and courses. They offer
both a course and a workshop on Academic Writing Skills and
workshops on Effective Studying, Multiple-Choice Questions and
Study Planning & Time Management. International students from
all faculties of the University can attend these workshops, courses

INDEX

25

3.3

International Service Desk

International Service Desk
Postal address:
University of Groningen
P.O. Box 72
9700 AB Groningen
The Netherlands
T +31 (0)50 363 81 81
Available by telephone
Monday to Friday,
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
isd@rug.nl

The staff of the International Service Desk

(ISD) is specialized in Dutch immigration
law and is responsible for the visa and
residence permit applications of all
prospective and current international
students, PhD students, guest researchers
and staff
of the University of Groningen.

Academy Building, 1st Floor

Moreover, the ISD provides practical information about insurance,

medical care, housing, university facilities and matters concerning
everyday life. The ISD is located inside the universitys main
building, the Academy Building. Please feel free to contact or visit
the ISD with any questions regarding the above-mentioned topics.

Opening hours:

Follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter!

Visiting address:
International Service Desk
Broerstraat 5

Monday to Friday,
2 to 4 p.m.

www.facebook.com/InternationalServiceDesk
www.twitter.com/ISD_UnivGron

INDEX

26

3.4

Introductory programmes
Welcoming Ceremony

Faculty programmes

Welcoming Ceremony and Central Introduction Week

Thursday

Many faculties and degree programmes organize their own

introductory programme for new international students and
guests. During these activities, you will get to know your fellow
students, the faculty or department and its staff, and you will
receive further information about modules, procedures, schedules,
facilities, et cetera. Please check with your faculty coordinator
or programme coordinator for further details. In addition to the
faculty programmes, the faculties advise international students
to take part in the official Welcoming Ceremony and the Central
Introduction Week organized by the International Service Desk and
ESN Groningen, respectively.

The University organizes an official Welcoming Ceremony for all

new international guests at the beginning of the first and second
semester. The Welcoming Ceremony for the first semester
of 2015-2016 will be on Wednesday 26 August 2015 and 27 August
2015. For the second semester the ceremony will take place on
Thursday 28 January 2016. The programme includes short speeches
by the Mayor, the Rector Magnificus and other representatives of the
university, as well as an information market, lunch and workshops
about Dutch culture and education.

27 August 2015
Thursday
28 January 2016
N.B. All abovementioned dates are
subject to change.

INDEX

After the Official Welcoming Ceremony, there will be an additional

Central Introduction Week, organized by ESN Groningen. This
introduction week includes cultural events and tours of the city,
sports, parties and dinners. For further information and registration,
please check the ESN Groningen website www.esn-groningen.nl
or contact the International Service Desk (see 3.3).

27

3.5

Food & Drinks

Are you in desperate need of a coffee or looking for a place to spend your lunch break?
Visit the Food & Drinks restaurants, take aways and coffee bars in the university
buildings! We take care of the Universitys catering and are always there to boost your
talent. We serve hot and cold meals and sell all types of coffee possible. Please check
www.rug.nl/foodanddrinks for up to date opening times and more information.
What to expect as an international student?

menu and you can even ask our cooks to prepare you a vegan dish!
Do you have specific dietary requirements due to your beliefs, your
religion or an allergy? Do not hesitate to ask our employees and
they will help you find something that meets your wishes!

As a foreign student, the Dutch cuisine might not completely be

in line with your food culture. Therefore, we are trying to adapt to
international students as much as possible. For instance, we are
serving more and more hot meals at lunch time and you can always
order a vegetarian dish. Theres a great range of lunch options in
most restaurants, where you can choose from hot and cold dishes
like salads, curry or pasta. If you feel like eating vegan or if you are
allergic to certain products, please dont hesitate to ask one of our
employees and theyll make sure to find you a suitable solution.

Vending machines
There are food and drink vending machines and coffee machines
in every Univesrity building, including those that do not have a
restaurant. Products on sale include packaged biscuits and cakes,
confectionary and bottled soft drinks, water and juices.

Contact
Do you have a request or a
complaint? Please send an

What do we offer?

Where can you find us?

In restaurants you will find a fresh salad bar, a wide variety of bread
rolls, hot lunch dishes, homemade soups, hot and cold snacks,
smoothies and juices, coffee and tea products, soft drinks, dairy
products and confectionary. Hot meals are served dinnertime at the
Academia (city centre) and Kapteynborg (Zernike Campus) restaurants. At our take aways youll mainly find quick snacks, bread rolls
and drinks ranging from coffee and tea to dairy products and soft
drinks. Our coffee bars focus on excellent tea and coffee products.
Youll also find muffins, cakes and cookies as well as other drinks
and snacks.

City center: Academy Building (main building), Harmonie Building

(Faculties of Humanities and Law), University Library and the
Heymans Building (Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences).
Zernike: ACLO (Sports Bar), Kapteynborg, Bernoulliborg, Smitsborg,
Zernikeborg, Duisenberg (Micaff), Centre for Information
Technology (Linnaeusborg), Centre for Advanced Radiation
Technology.

e-mail to fb@rug.nl
Connect with us on Facebook
(/RUGFoodDrinks), where we
share discounts and special
menus daily.
We are also on Twitter:
@RUGFoodDrinks.
Looking for up to date

For more information on all the locations, go to

www.rug.nl/science-and-society/facility-services/catering/
food-and-drinks/locaties/

opening times or further

information on the Food &
Drinks department?

Dietary information
You will find vegetarian products in all our restaurants, take aways
and coffee bars. There is always a vegetarian option on the dinner

INDEX

Check
www.rug.nl/foodanddrinks

28

3.6

Computer facilities
The Donald Smits Center for Information Technology (CIT) provides many computer
facilities for the university community. For example, the CIT manages the universitys
computer network, RUGnet, and provides computer courses. Most courses are taught
in Dutch, but some courses are also taught in English. For more information, please
contact your faculty contact person.

Desks on location
Zernike
Mercator 5415.0052
City centre
Harmonie building
1312.101
You can also contact the

Internet access

CIT Service Desk

central Service Desk by

While studying at the University of Groningen you will have a

university computer account and an e-mail address. This will
be provided to you by your faculty at registration and it gives
you access to the internet and other educational services of the
university. You can use the computer rooms in your faculty building
and the main University Library in the city centre without making
reservations.

If you have questions about computer facilities please check out

the website: www.rug.nl/servicedesk

phone.

The CIT Service Desks are located throughout the city and the
Zernike Science park:

CIT Service Desk

T +31 (0)50 363 32 32
The CIT service Desk is

If you have not received information about your computer account

and e-mail address, please contact your faculty or programme
coordinator. The University of Groningen also offers its students
the possibility of wireless access to the internet inside the buildings
of the university.

reachable from Monday to

Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow the CIT servicedesk
on twitter for important
updates about
developments and
maintenance:
@CITservicedesk

INDEX

29

3.7

The University Library

University Library
(Universiteitsbibliotheek, UB)
Broerstraat 4
9712 CP Groningen
Service Desk:
T +31 (0)50 363 50 20
Library Portal:
www.rug.nl/library

The University of Groningen Library consists of the University Library

(Universiteitsbibliotheek, UB) and 3 faculty libraries. The combined libraries
contain a total of three million books and periodicals, of which more than
two million are located in the central UB. Documents can be easily located
using the online Catalogue which can be consulted via the Library Portal:
www.rug.nl/library

Questions:
www.rug.nl/science-andsociety/library/support/
vragen/
The University Library
on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
universityofgroningenlibrary
and on
Twitter: @Bibliothecaris
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday:

The UB has a number of reading rooms with open access to the

core collections for each discipline. These rooms are an excellent
place to study, with 1,800 study places in total. For those who
prefer more privacy, there are a number of closed carrels and
smaller rooms. Another important facility is the Digital
Workstations. Spread over two floors, visitors will find more than
two hundred workstations for consulting catalogues, online
databases and journals. Students have access to all the online
library facilities. For instance, the full-text content of more than
30,000 electronic journals and 500,000 ebooks is available, not
only from within the library, but also from your own workstation
and even from home.

8.30 a.m. till midnight;

Saturdays and Sundays:
10 a.m. 10 p.m.
N.B. Opening hours may
vary during exam and

You can borrow books with the student card that you will
receive from your faculty after registration. To log in to the library
network, a user name and password are needed. This information
will be provided by your faculty or can be obtained from the faculty
IT Helpdesk.

vacation periods.
Download our library app
for the latest information!

INDEX

30

3.8

Career Services before,

during & after your degree
The University of Groningen wants to offer its prospective students,
students and alumni the best possible facilities to prepare and
develop their careers. Within the framework of Career Services,
various activities are organized to help you make choices and
study choices in particular and prepare you for the job market.
In order to achieve this, Career Services is working actively with
faculties, study associations, alumni organizations and other
providers in the field of Career Services.

Study and careers advice in the University Library

Career Services is located in the University Library, on the 1st floor.
This is where various activities for students are organized. You
can visit us during open office hours between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Monday to Friday. We check your CV for free. Seminars about Social
Media or Looking for Work around the Globe are provided and
workshops about the perfect CV and cover letter can be attended.

More information
Visit our website www.rug.nl/careerservices for more information or if you have any questions about the services, please contact
Career Services via next@rug.nl.

INDEX

31

3.9

ACLO Sports Centre

ACLO Groningen, the place where 19.000 students from the University of Groningen and
the Hanze University of Applied sciences Groningen enjoy sports 15 hours a day, almost every
day of the year. The ACLO Sports Centre at Zernike and the new location in the City Centre are
the places where you can join a wide variety of sports in a fun setting.

ACLO Sport Centre

If you study at the University of Groningen, you can buy an ACLO

Card for only 59,95 which will be valid one academic year. This is
only 4,99 a month! An additional fee of only 65,- a year grants
access to over 600 m2 of fitness space. If you stay less than six
months, you can get a special International Student Card for only
44,95, this card will be valid from the 1st of September till the
1st of February. Please ask your faculty or institution for a proof of
enrollment and bring it to the ACLO Sports Centre at Zernike to
become an ACLO member.

Internal competitions when you dont want to join a sports

club you can play several sports in a competition at the ACLO.
The ACLO organizes for example a futsal, soccer and beach
volleyball competition.

Sports clubs there are 49 clubs associated with the ACLO.
They offer a variety of different sports, all with student-priced
membership fees.

Fitness An additional fee of only 65,- a year grants unlimited
access to over 600 m2 of fitness space.


Open hours these hours are accessible to everyone with an
ACLO Card. During open hours you are coached by instructors
and you get the opportunity to exercise at your own level.
Examples of open hours are swimming, body fit, spinning,
basketball, aerobics, climbing, indoor soccer, and many more! A
schedule of the open hours is available on our website.
Courses Explore new sports during one of the many courses.
These courses run for a five or ten week period. The courses are
offered at beginners level, unless stated otherwise. Courses the
ACLO offers are for example: bootcamp outdoor, golf, kickboxing,
skiing and pole dance!
Free reservations if you want to play tennis, squash, football,
beach volleyball or something else with your friends, make a
reservation on the website or at your phone.

Registration

Blauwborgje 16
9747 AC Groningen
(Zernike complex)
Extra location ACLO from
September 2015
Stationsplein 7
9726 AE Groningen
Reservations and
information:
T +31 (0)50 363 80 63
info@aclosport.nl
www.aclosport.nl

To get an ACLO Sports Card you can go to the information desk

of the ACLO Sports Centre. Do not forget to bring your student card
(see 2.4.2) and proof of enrollment of your faculty or institution.
As soon as you have paid for the ACLO Card you can participate in
all the sports the ACLO offers. Dont forget always to bring your
student card when you go play sports at the ACLO facilities, because
your student card is also used to get access to the ACLO facilities!
For more information, visit the website of the ACLO:
www.aclosport.nl/en

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
ACLOsport

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32

3.10

University of Groningen Language Centre

The University of Groningen Language Centre provides language courses, language
tests and intercultural training for students and staff (and others).
General Language Courses

are reported in terms of the internationally recognized Common

European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The LCET
is recognized by the University of Groningen and by its partner universities. Before applying for the Language Centre English Test, you
should always check with the university or organization concerned
whether they will accept our test as proof of your level of English.
Dutch: C-test This test is geared towards Dutch native-speaker
students with a foreign secondary school diploma, who did not take
Dutch as an exam subject in secondary school, and who want to
follow a Dutch-taught degree programme in the Netherlands.
When passed, a certificate will be issued stating that your Dutch
is sufficient to successfully follow a degree programme at a
Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
Other language tests The Language Centre also offers tests
for students who need a proof of their French, German, Italian,
Portuguese, Russian and Spanish language levels.

The Language Centre offers language courses at various levels in

a variety of languages, including Dutch for non-native speakers,
English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Portuguese and Russian.
Free Dutch courses It can be very useful for international
University of Groningen students and staff to have a basic
knowledge of Dutch. Therefore, international students (excluding
exchange students) and staff of the University of Groningen are
being offered free beginners Dutch courses ( up to CEFR-level B1 )
by the Board of the University of Groningen. You can take the free
course at the Language Centre during (or prior to) your studies.
Dutch language courses at different levels are offered almost every
month.
English courses The Language Centre offers various courses for
students to improve their English language skills. You can have your
level tested during our open office hours. Based on a short conversation, you will receive advice about the starting level and the
intensity of your course.
Academic skills For students wishing to excel in their studies
and enhance their academic skills in English and/or Dutch, the
Language Centre offers a variety of academic writing and presentation courses. For initial self-study, please visit our academic
skills portal: www.rug.nl/science-and-society/language-centre/
academic-communication-skills/

Language Centre
Oude Kijk in t Jatstraat 26
9712 EK Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 58 02
languagecentre@rug.nl
www.rug.nl/languagecentre

Intercultural Effectiveness
The Language Centre of the University of Groningen offers several
courses to help you develop your intercultural competence
whether you want help adapting specifically to the Dutch culture,
(or another culture you need to be work with) or you want to learn
how to manage the diversity in your project groups better, you are
welcome at the Language Centre to develop the various aspects of
intercultural competence necessary for intercultural effectiveness.

More information and Registration

Language Tests

Please visit the Language Centre website for more information

about the range of courses. You can register online for a course
using the link in the relevant course schedule on the website, or at
the Secretarys Office at the Language Centre, open on weekdays
from 12 noon to 4 p.m.; 12 noon to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.

English: LCET Students and staff who need proof of their English
language level can be tested at the Language Centre. The Language
Centre English Test (LCET) is an academic test, covering all four
language skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading. Results

INDEX

University of Groningen

33

3.11

Cultural Student Centre Usva

Usva is the cultural centre of the University of Groningen. Usva houses in the city center
at Munnekeholm 10. There they organize courses in eight disciplines: visual arts, body &
mind, dance, film and photography, graphic design & fashion, music, theatre and word.
It is also the place where students come together to stage their own plays in the theatre,
where they can display their own art in the gallery, where they can have a drink in the
Usva caf and where they can visit or organize different events like a Film Festival (Flicks)
or a singer-songwriter contest (Nootuitgang).
Most courses are 10 weeks long and take place in the Usva building.
www.usva.nl youll find more information about all the courses
Usva offers, prices, dates and more in depth information per course.
Here youll also find links to the websites of the other cultural
organizations and an agenda with all the Usva events in it.

We hope to welcome you soon at Usva!

A lot of students volunteer at Usva to help realize these events.

Usva also functions as the umbrella organization for all the other
cultural student organizations in Groningen. These organisations
come to Usva for rehearsal space, to make use of the theatre or
for advice or financial support. Usva thinks its important to
collaborate and they gladly support cultural initiatives from
students in Groningen.

Usva courses are open to everyone, but students get a discount.

Most courses are offered in English. You can enroll for courses
online via the Usva website. You need a student number to enroll.
If you cant pay online with your bank account, it is possible to pay
with cash or via PIN at the Usva desk on workdays between
09:00 and 17:00. There are three course trimesters per academic
year:

Cultural Student
Centre Usva
Munnekeholm 10
9711 JA Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 46 70

1sttrimester: startSeptember 21 2015

2ndtrimester: startDecember 7 2015
3dtrimester: startMarch 7 2016

INDEX

F +31 (0)50 363 22 09

usva@rug.nl
www.usva.nl

34

3.12

GSp ecumenical students fellowship

The Groningen Students Platform is a place where the religious interests of students are
meaningfully related to contemporary developments in society and the world of science and
scholarship as well as to their personal life and history. You can meet other students and
talk about what interests you, your view of the world or have a drink and talk about sense
and nonsense, spirituality, life and much more.
Every third Sunday: Evensong in the Nieuwe Kerk, Nieuwe
Kerkhof 1, Groningen at 5 pm.

The GSp programme of activities runs twice a year, at the end of

September and the end of January. Activities range from discussion
groups to one-day excursions, Open House evenings (with guest
speakers), creative workshops and Bible study groups. To see our
program, check www.gspweb.nl. We have a special page with
activities in English, but you are always welcome to join our
evenings.

Kraneweg 33

Every fourth Sunday: Prayer inspired by the Taiz community

(France) and the Iona Community (Scotland), in the Martinikerk,
Martinikerkhof 3, Groningen at 5 pm.

GSp Movie theatre at 8 p.m. on Thursday, twice a month.

Free admission, most films are in English.
GSp Open bar: every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening.
Students who wish to have a private, confidential talk with one
of the chaplains can arrange this through the GSp secretaries
or call the numbers of the chaplains which you can find on the
GSp website.

Church services (in English): Every second and fourth Sunday

of the month an Anglican church service is held at Witte de
Withstraat, 2, Groningen, at 10:30 am.

INDEX

9718 JE Groningen
T +31 (0)50 312 99 26
info@gspweb.nl
www.gspweb.nl

Activities of HOST-IFES take place in the SKLO/GSp building

almost every Friday evening www.hostgroningen.nl

Dinner every Tuesday and Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. costing only

3,00. Please let us know before noon on the day in question if
you would like to join us.

GSp

35

3.13

Other Religions
Islamic Centre Groningen
(Islamitisch Centrum Groningen)
Park Selwerd 1
9741 PJ Groningen
www.moskeegroningen.com

Roman Catholic St. Augustine Student Parish

Pastor drs. R.R.B.M Wagenaar
Radesingel 4
9711 EJ Groningen
T +31 (0)50 312 42 15
Holy Mass (in english) every saturday at 5 pm
For Bible study and other activities:
www.rkstudentengroningen.nl

Vineyard International Church

Locatie: Gomarus
Vondelpad 2
9721 LX Groningen,
T +31 (0)592 54 34 50
groningen.vineyard@gmail.com
www.vineyardgroningen.com

International Christian Church Groningen

(Christelijk Centrum Groningen)
Johan de Wittstraat 2
9716 CG Groningen
T +31 (0)50 577 77 57
www.ccg.nu
Roman Catholic St. Martinus Parish
Pastor drs. R.R.B.M Wagenaar
Radesingel 4
9711 EJ Groningen
T +31 (0)50 312 42 15
secretariaat@stmartinusparochie.nl
www.stmartinusparochie.nl
Jewish Community Groningen
(Nederlands-Isralitische Gemeente Groningen)
P.O. Box 4187
9701 ED Groningen
www.nig-groningen.nl

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36

3.14

University Museum Groningen

University Museum
Oude Kijk in t Jatstraat 7a
T +31 (0)50 363 55 62/50 83
universiteitsmuseum@rug.nl
www.rug.nl/museum
Opening hours:

Housed in the former university Library in the city centre, the

University Museum is the perfect place to discover the rich and
varied past of the university and its students. The museum has an
extensive collection of objects such as old models, scientific
instruments and much more, ranging from anatomy to geology,
ethnology and zoology. Besides the permanent displays, visitors to
the museum can also enjoy special exhibitions highlighting specific
topics.

Tuesday to Sunday,
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Open on
public holidays)

Are you curious to know more about your Universitys history?

Visit the University Museum and check out the current
exhibitions via their website. Entrance is free.
Follow the University on facebook and twitter:
www.facebook.com/universiteitsmuseumgroningen
@univmuseum

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37

3.15

Studium Generale

Studium Generale
Groningen
Oude Boteringestraat 13
Postbus 1260
9701 BG Groningen
(050) 363 54 63
www.sggroningen.nl

Studium Generale Groningen (SGG) is a collaboration between

the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied
Sciences Groningen. We organize lectures, debates and an
ocassional film night in the domains of science, culture and society.
The varied programme is intended for a wide audience of students,
lecturers and other interested parties from within the city and
province of Groningen. For more information on all our activities
go to our website: www.sggroningen.nl

/studiumgeneralegroningen

/SGGroningen

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38

International Student
Organizations

Student life is
much more than just
studying, this chapter
will help you set up
your social life!

INDEX

39

4.1

ESN Groningen
ESN Groningen, Erasmus Student Network Groningen, is the student organization for
all international students in the city of Groningen, as well as for Dutch students interested
in studying abroad. It is part of a broader network of almost 500 European ESN sections
which take care of international students in their respective cities. In addition, ESN
Groningen works closely together with the University of Groningen

ESN Groningen
Pelsterstraat 23
9711 KH Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 71 76
info@esn-groningen.nl
www.esn-groningen.nl
Office hours:

Information about all the activities will be published on Facebook

www.facebook.com/groningen.esn and more information about
ESN Groningen can be found on www.esn-groningen.nl.

The main objective of ESN Groningen is to support international

students during their stay in Groningen. This includes finding them
a Dutch mentor student who can assist with practical matters and
will help foreign students in getting to know the city of Groningen,
student facilities and student life. ESN Groningen also organizes an
introduction week at the beginning of each semester, in which the
newly arrived students are introduced to all aspects of student life
in Groningen. The introduction week is the perfect opportunity to
meet other international students.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at

info@esn-groningen.nl, call us, or come by at our office. Our
office is also the place where you can sign up for our activities.
It is located at Pelsterstraat 23.

Monday to Friday, 1 p.m.

to 4 p.m.
Thursday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

During your stay in Groningen, ESN Groningen will organize various

activities to make you feel at home, to enjoy your time to the fullest
and to show you more of the Netherlands. These activities include
a weekly social drink at the hang-out of ESN, theme parties, pub
quizzes, integration activities like ice-skating, sports activities,
international dinners, hitch hike weekends, and much more.
In addition, ESN organizes every month a different excursion to
interesting places in the Netherlands such as a trip to Amsterdam
and a sailing weekend.

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40

Marlieke de Vries

ESN Groningen

Marlieke de Vries Since I was a child I am interested in countries and cultures from all over
the world. Made enthusiastic by the stories and pictures of my mom about her travels and the
years she lived in Niger, I could not wait to go abroad myself. I have always wanted to go to
Latin America and in 2013 my dream came true. I went on exchange to Bogot, Colombia to
study at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. I had an amazing time and since I know what
it is like to be in a new country on your own, I decided that I wanted to give other students
the opportunity to also experience a great time abroad. That is why I applied to become the
President of ESN Groningen. Being the President gives me a lot of responsibilities but it is
also very rewarding to see the happy faces of international students when they talk about ESN
Groningen and how the organization helped them to have the time of their lives in Groningen.
Hearing all the good stories from internationals about ESN, I am convinced that ESN really
adds something to your stay in Groningen. We will keep you busy with a whole range of
different cultural, social, and professional activities from the moment you arrive until the
moment you leave. We start the semester with the great ESN Introduction Week, which is the
perfect opportunity to get to know the city and to meet new friends from all over the world.
ESN Groningen is an organization that is open to all international students. So join us and
we will make sure that you wont be bored during your time in Groningen!

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41

4.2

AIESEC
AIESEC is an international student organization active in over 124 countries and
it has over 100.000 members. It was founded in 1948 and has grown into the largest
student organization in the world.

AIESEC Groningen
Pelsterstraat 23, first floor
9711 KH Groningen
T +31(0) 50 3637927
groningen@aiesec.nl
www.aiesec.nl/

The goal of AIESEC is to challenge students to develop themselves

on professional and cultural levels. To realize this, AIESEC
focuses on personal development and increasing intercultural
understanding amongst students. We do this with our internship
programmes, parttime and fulltime board functions and by offering
a link between students and the job market with our Make a Move
events.

groningenOffice
Office hours:
In the University Library (UB),
first floor room 123 (NEXT
office)
Tuesday, 3 to 5 p.m..
Thursday, 3 to 5 p.m.

For international students studying at the University of Groningen,

AIESEC offers two types of internships. Through the Global Citizen
programme, you get the chance to work in a project abroad for
6-8 weeks, to challenge and develop yourself, expand your
intercultural skills and experience a new culture. The programme
has three main themes, Go teach, Be an entrepreneur and Make
aware. Our Global internship programmes give you the opportunity
to go on a professional internship overseas where you can work at
a company or NGO for 6 months or longer.
International students can also apply for a parttime (1520 hours
per week) or fulltime board year at AIESEC Groningen.
Would you like to receive more information about AIESEC and our
activities? Please send us an e-mail, visit our website or facebook
page or come by during our open office hours.

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42

4.3

AEGEE
AEGEE-Groningen is a student association that combines fun with content on a
European level and achieves this by being part of the largest student organization in
Europe, AEGEE. Our student organization is active in more than 40 countries
and over 200 student cities and has more than 13,000 members. This enables
AEGEE-Groningen to organize various intercultural activities during the whole year.

AEGEE-Groningen
pinnetje) Pelsterstraat 23
(second floor)
9711 KH Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 56 34
board@aegee-groningen.nl
www.aegee-groningen.nl
www.summeruniversity.nl
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday,
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Apart from the Summer Universities, AEGEE-Groningen also

organizes symposia, debating sessions, hitchhiking competitions,
congresses and exchanges, which give the opportunity to discuss
specific issues with students from across Europe. Social meetings
are free for everyone and take place every Wednesday from 10 p.m.
onwards in Caf Ome Ko, Poelestraat 27, Groningen.

AEGEE offers a great way to travel and meet other internationally

oriented students. Every summer AEGEE-members go abroad for
a Summer University programme. Approximately 2000 students
from all over Europe participate in the programme, coming
together in groups of 30, to learn more about the organizing city/
country while having a good time and getting to know each other.
The local organizers give you inside information of their city and its
surroundings, because they know their local hotspots the best.
The Summer Universities mix serious activities with fun elements
at a local level, such as salsa dancing, boxing, ice-skating and
European nights at which you can try drinks and snacks from all
over Europe. As all participating students are accommodated on
campus or with AEGEE members, the Summer University fee is only
about 70 a week, including lodgings, meals, excursions and the
social programme. It is a fantastic way to discover Europe in an
affordable way and gives you the opportunity to encounter a real
cultural exchange while building up a network of European friends.

INDEX

For more information please contact the AEGEE office or visit our
website.

43

4.4

SIB-Groningen: the Dutch United Nations

Students Association (DUNSA)
SIB-Groningen, also known as DUNSA (Dutch United Nations Students Association) is
a student association that focuses on international relations. This results in weekly
activities with a wide range of topics. SIB gives its members the chance to meet politicians
and other important actors in the international arena on a regular basis. Besides all
these activities, SIB also organizes parties, excursions, holiday trips, hitchhiking
contests and more!

SIB-Groningen
St. Walburgstraat 22A
9712 HX Groningen
T (050) 363 46 74
F (050) 363 46 77
info@sib-groningen.nl
www.sib-groningen.nl

Activities usually take place on Monday, 8 p.m. at Hereweg 1 in

Groningen. Recent speakers have included a former Prime Minister
Jan Peter Balkenende, the Commander of the Royal Netherlands
Navy Mr. Borsboom, Paul Rusesabagina, a hero during the Rwandan
Genocide, and several members of the European Parliament.
After the weekly activity, our members always have drinks together.
Furthermore, there are many ways to become active within the
student association.
Students who are interested can become members and perhaps
help plan future activities. For more information, please do not
hesitate to contact SIB.

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44

4.5

Faculty-related and other student organizations

Groningen Indian Students Association

At the University of Groningen, almost every major department

has its own student organization, designed not only for socializing
but also for providing information and broadening students
horizons in their field of study. Some student organizations
are more oriented to foreign students than others, but most
organizations offer a number of activities (in English) which
are open to foreign students. Please check with your faculty
or programme coordinator for information about the student
organization(s) in your Major.

Association for Indian students of the University of Groningen

and Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen.
www.gisa-rug.nl

GUTSA (Groningen University Turkish Student

Organization)
http://gutsagroningen.blogspot.nl/

HOST-Groningen
There are also many non-faculty or subject-related associations
for international students at the University of Groningen. Their
activities range from providing useful information and fun activities
to organizing international congresses and conferences. For more
information please visit their websites below:

Hospitality for Overseas Students, Groningen. An organization that

provides useful information and fun activities for foreign students
and other international newcomers.
www.hostgroningen.nl

PPI Indonesian Students Association

Organization for Indonesian students at the University of
Groningen.
ppigroningen.nl

African Student Community (ASC)

www.rug.nl/research/globalisation-studies-groningen/asc/

ALAS: Association for Latin American Students

Groningen

Vietnamese Students Association in Groningen

http://sinhviengroningen.wordpress.com/

www.alas-groningen.org/

Chinese Students Association Groningen

More student organizations:

www.rug.nl/education/find-out-more/
extracurricular-activities-associations/
international-student-associations

Association of Chinese Students and Scholars at the University

of Groningen.
www.acssg.nl

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45

Useful information

Want to get a
part time job?
Need medicine?
This chapter
covers additional
important info!

INDEX

46

5.1 Travelling from Amsterdam Airport

Schiphol to Groningen
The underground train station is located near Schiphol Plaza at
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is within several minutes walking
distance of the luggage claim. The Dutch railway system is run by
Nederlandse Spoorwegen and abbreviated to NS. You will recognize
it by its yellow and blue colours. Look out for the yellow illuminated
signs that direct you To the trains (Dutch: Naar de treinen).
It is important that you purchase a (single) train ticket to Groningen
before you board the train. Passengers travelling without a valid
ticket will be fined. There are two ways of purchasing a ticket: at the
ticket office where you can purchase a ticket from a railway officer
in person, and at the yellow and blue ticket-vending machines that
you will find in the luggage claim hall and by every entrance to the
train terminal. You can purchase tickets from the machines only by
using a debit or credit card with the Maestro logo. Some machines
also accept creditcards, look for the logo of your credit card on the
ticketmachine display to see if it is accepted. You can buy either
a first-class ticket (approximately 41) or a second-class ticket
(approximately 25).

There is a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Groningen Central

Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Information about train departures and arrivals in English can be
found on the following website: www.ns.nl/en (Click on English).
Here you can also find a demonstration of the touchscreen ticketvending machine and practice buying a ticket.
After your arrival in Groningen, it is advisable to take a taxi to
your accommodation. You can find taxis at the front of Groningen
Central Station.

Pay close attention to your belongings during your trip to

Groningen. Laptops, mobile phones and small bags are
often stolen. Transportation facilities, such as bus terminals
and railroad stations, trains and the metro are popular
hunting grounds for pickpockets.

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47

5.2 OV-chipkaart public transport pass

You can sign up with HZ Zernike which is a general practitioners.

The OV-chipkaart is the new means of payment for the public

transport system in the Netherlands. This smart card is the same
size as a bank card and contains an invisible chip. The OV-chipkaart
can be loaded with credit in euros at train and bus stations, post
offices and supermarkets. The OV-chipkaart can then be used to
travel anywhere within the Netherlands; it can also be loaded with
a travel product such as a single or season ticket. You can choose
between a personal, anonymous and disposable card. For more
information on the OV-chipkaart, see www.ov-chipkaart.nl (in
Dutch and English).

Should you suddenly need to consult a GP at night or at the

weekend, you should call the Central GP office. In most cases,
they will ask you to come to the central After hours GP Service
(Doktersdienst Groningen). In some cases, GPs will make house
calls, but these consultations are more expensive.

After-hours GP service
(Centrale Doktersdienst)
Damsterdiep 191c
9713 EC Groningen
T 0900 92 29 ( 0.10 p/m)

More detailed information on health matters is provided

in the Health Guide, which you will receive upon your
arrival at your International student house. You can also
ask the International Service Desk (see 3.3) or your faculty
for a copy.

5.5 Dentists
Center for Dentistry

5.3 Importing medication

HZ Zernike (located at
the Zernike Campus)
Blauwborgje 5
9747 AC Groningen
T 050 363 3111

Non-EU/EEA citizens
If you belong to country group II, III or IV (see 2.1) you will have to
pay your dentist bills yourself (often in cash) unless your insurance
policy has a special clause relating to dental care. AON insurance
(see 2.4.3) does not cover dental costs unless there is an emergency.
In order to be eligible for a refund you must be able to prove an
emergency situation existed by supplying proof in the form
of a declaration from your dentist or GP.

Visitors should be aware that not all medication may be brought

into the Netherlands. Some medication may not be recognized as
such and may even be classified as drugs. Most common medication can be bought in the Netherlands. For other medication, your
doctor will issue a prescription to take to a pharmacy.

You can sign up online for

HZ Zernike: www.hzzernike.nl

5.4 General practitioners

(Centrum voor
Tandheelkunde en
Mondverzorging, abbr. CTM)
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
9713 AV Groningen
T +31 (0)50 363 75 05 (hours
listed below)
F +31 (0)50 363 26 96

EU/EEA citizens
If you belong to country group I or IA and are insured in your own
country under a national health service that also covers dental
costs your treatment will be refunded according to the terms and
conditions of your own insurance (see 2.4.3).

If you have a medical problem, you can consult a general practitioner (GP): a family doctor (Dutch: huisarts). GPs can be visited
during consulting hours, after making an appointment online or
by telephone. If treatment by a specialist is needed the GP will
give you a referral letter. Please note that it is not customary for a
patient to make an appointment with a specialist immediately. The
specialist will send a report to the GP, who keeps complete medical
records for each individual in his or her practice. The same is true
for test results. Remember to make a photocopy of the referral
letter for your medical insurance company.

INDEX

and Oral Care

CTM@umcg.nl
Available by phone on
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m.
to 12 p.m. and 1 to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

48

Emergency services are either free or covered by your insurance,

unless you have called them unnecessarily. In the event of a genuine
emergency, call 112 and help will arrive within minutes.

University Medical Center

Groningen (UMCG)
(Universitair Medisch

For police assistance in non-emergency situations you can call

0800-8844. There is also an e-mail address specifically for the
police assigned to student matters: studentencontactfunctionaris@
groningen.politie.nl

Centrum Groningen)
Hanzeplein 1
9713 GZ Groningen
T +31 (0)50 361 61 61
www.umcg.nl

5.8 Pharmacies and drugstores

If the GP or a specialist gives you a prescription for medicine, you
must take it to a pharmacy (apotheek). A drugstore (drogist) only
sells basic patent remedies and toiletries. Each area of the city has
at least one pharmacy. Pharmacies observe regular office hours, but
the central pharmacy opposite the main entrance of the University
Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is open 24 hours a day.

5.6 Emergency hospital care

Martini Hospital
(Martini Ziekenhuis)
Van Swietenplein 1
9728 NX Groningen
T+31 (0)50 525 52 45
www.martiniziekenhuis.nl

Every hospital provides first-line care in the event of an accident

or emergency. At the hospital, look for the entrance marked EHBO
or Eerste Hulp (First Aid). The first time you go to a hospital to see
a specialist or to have tests or emergency treatment, remember to
take your insurance papers with you. Tell the staff at the reception
desk that you are a new patient. The hospital will then register
your details and give you a plastic card (ponsplaatje), which you
must show each time you attend the hospital. Groningen has two
hospitals:

(Apotheek Hanzeplein)
Hanzeplein 122
9713 GW Groningen
T +31 (0)50 311 50 20
(during office hours)
F +31 (0)50 311 50 21
From 8 p.m. and at weekend,

Remember to take your insurance papers with you

whenever you visit a GP, dentist, hospital or pharmacy.

please call:
T 0900 111 50 20
( 0.20 p/m)
info@hanzeplein.nl
www.hanzeplein.nl

5.7 General emergency number: 112 (Police,

Fire, Ambulance)
The national emergency telephone number is 112. You should
only call this number if you require urgent assistance. Explain the
problem briefly to the operator, who will put you through to the
police, fire brigade or ambulance service. Tip: write the number on
a sticker and put it on your telephone.

The emergency number should be used only if the situation

is so urgent that you require an immediate response.

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Pharmacy Hanzeplein

49

5.9 Jobs and work permits

Most jobs are advertised through employment agencies
(uitzendbureaus), of which there are many in and around the city
center. However bear in mind that job openings are extremely
limited and a reasonable knowledge of Dutch is required for
most jobs.
If you are a student from country group I you are allowed to work
unlimited hours during your stay in the Netherlands and you do not
need a work permit.
Students from country groups IA, II, III and IV cannot work without a
work permit. With a work permit they are allowed to work up to ten
hours a week throughout the year, OR up to 40 hours per week for
seasonal work in June, July and August.
If you need a work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, abbr. TWV)
you should ask your (future) employer to apply for one. Please keep
in mind that it can be very difficult for an employer to obtain a work
permit for you.
If you have a job, an international student insurance or EHIC will
not suffice anymore. You will need to take out a Basic Healthcare
Insurance.

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50

What do things cost in Groningen?

5.10 Citizen Service Number

Tax Office
(Belastingdienst)
Kempkensberg 12
9722 TB Groningen
T 0800 05 43
www.belastingdienst.nl
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday,
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer, abbr. BSN) is

a personal identification number which is recorded for every
taxpayer in a database of the Tax and Customs Administration.
The Citizen Service Number is an entirely arbitrary number that
does not contain any information on the person to whom
it has been assigned.

Basic products (on average)

Budget supermarket (Lidl, Aldi)
milk (1l) 0.49
coffee (250 gr.) 1.39
bread 1.20
rice (400 gr) 0.69
fresh vegetables (mix, 400 gr.) 1.69
Chicken (1 kg) 5.00

In order to apply for a Dutch Citizen Service Number you need to

have a valid residence permit (see 2.3.2) and a work permit (see
5.10). Please make sure to bring your valid passport, work permit
and residence permit to the Tax and Customs Administration when
you apply.

High-quality supermarket (Albert Heijn)

milk (1L) 0.90
coffee (250 gr) 1.50
bread 2.09
rice (400 gr) 0.86
fresh vegetables (mix. 400 gr) 2.00
chicken (1kg) 7.00

5.11 Living expenses

Cost of living
Here is a small indication of the cost of some basic items on a
student budget.

Euros

Housing

300500 per month

Food

200 per month

Spending money

75 per month

Insurance

3555 per month

Language courses

100450 per course

Security deposit

Approximately 1 month rent

Bicycle

45110 (good quality

second-hand)

INDEX

Cost of food in restaurants

Glass of coca cola, other soft drinks 2.00
Juice 2.50
Pizza 715 (varies, many pizzerias have student discounts)
Main course 1015; starter: 68; dessert 57 (however,
many restaurants have student discounts)
Beer 2.50; wine 3.50

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Disclaimer All information published in this guide

is subject to change. No legal rights may be
derived from this brochure. While the University
of Groningen makes every endeavor to ensure
the accuracy of the information presented in
this guide, it cannot be held liable for any errors
or inaccuracies you may find.

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