Neighbourhoods

The city centre of Groningen includes the whole area inside and surrounding the canals. As you might already guess, the city centre is the most vibrant and lively area of the city. Accommodations located in the middle of the city centre are normally a bit more expensive in comparison with other neighbourhoods. Despite the price, you are within walking distance from all the bars, shops, and of course the grand Academy Building of the University of Groningen, including the University Library. You should take into account that if you cannot sleep well when hearing a lot of noise, it might not be the best place for you.

Probably the most important neighbourhoods for students are the Schilderswijk and the Zeeheldenbuurt. The area is an old nineteenth century neighbourhood, which shows by all the historic streets and buildings. If you choose to live here, you will experience living in a typical Dutch nineteenth century neighbourhood! Many of the student accommodations are even in the possession of their own garden! The most popular park is also located in this area; the Noorderplantsoen. Every citizen, student, families or elderly people, will go to the Noorderplantsoen when the spring starts to come around. It is a lovely place to have a picnic together with your fellow students, or to take your study books and combine studying with sunbathing.

The Oosterpoort is a diverse neighbourhood, where mostly students and young couples live. There are many old historical buildings located in this area, but you also spot the typical Dutch fisherman’s houses (‘schipperswoning’ in Dutch) and many cozy bars and cafes. If you’re into music, concerts and theatre you’re also at the right spot when living in this neighbourhood; you can visit the popular theatre De Oosterpoort, which is located in this area.

The two neighbourhoods Korrewegwijk and Indische buurt are so emerged with each other that most people refer to ‘Korrewegwijk’. Many students choose to live here because of the good location; the city centre is only five to ten minutes biking distance. Another positive aspect is the relatively low accommodation prices. Then there is also a large shopping area housing a discount supermarket, ideal for students on a budget! Next to that, there are many Asian influences in the neighbourhood, as the largest Asian supermarket of Groningen is located in the Korrewegwijk.

The area Rivierenbuurt is located south of the city centre, just behind the Central Station. The area surrounding the ‘Parkweg’ is especially popular among students. A positive aspect is the close distance to the Central Station, and, next to that, you also live close to the Stadspark, which is the largest park of Groningen. Many events are organised at the Stadspark as well, such as the yearly Dutch Liberation festival.

The neighbourhood Oosterpark is located near a large park. The neighbourhood used to be an area specifically for the working class. Nowadays all sorts of classes live together here. Many students choose to live here because of the relatively low prices for accommodation. Typical for the neighbourhood are the many old buildings; the district is extremely rich in monuments. An example is the Amsterdam School architecture.

Helpman used to be a little village in between Groningen and Haren but is nowadays part of the city Groningen. The neighbourhood is a little further outside of the city centre, but you will find good and reasonably priced accommodation in this area. There is also a large International Student House located here, which houses around 200 international students from all over the world! If you’re up for swimming, you can swim a few laps at the open-air swimming pool de Papiermolen.

Vinkhuizen is a more quiet neighbourhood located a bit further from the city centre, in which mostly young couples and families live. On the other hand, students can find cheap rooms here in considerably large accommodations. Although it is a bit further away from the city centre, it is on the other hand closely located by the Zernikecomplex, which houses the Hanze University of Applied Sciences and some faculties of the University of Groningen.

The neighbourhoods Selwerd and Paddepoel is the area closest to the Zernikecomplex. If you have a bike you will be at your university in no time! An ideal location for the student that doesn’t like to travel too long. Passionate athletes will find this neighbourhood also interesting, as the sport complex ACLO is situated near the Zernikecomplex. Paddepoel houses two large International student flats, at the Kornoeljestraat and Bisschop Nierman Centrum (exclusively for PhD/Master students). If you do not wish to be surrounded by international students all of the time, the organisation Lefier also offers rooms for both national and international students.

With a twenty minutes biking distance, the neighbourhoods Wijert, Beijum and Lewenborg are the least popular to live in among students. However, if you find accommodation in one of these neighbourhoods, you are close to a large recreation area named Kardinge. All kinds of sport courses are offered at Kardinge, from swimming and ice-skating to tennis and wall climbing. Other facilities at the complex include a swimming pool, a karting track and a golf course. If you’re into sports, you will most likely love this area!