Social Life & Nightlife
Groningen is the youngest city in the Netherlands. From the massive KEI-week to 5 AM closings at the Grote Markt, here is how to find your people.
Social Scene 101
KEI-Week. The general intro week in August. It is massive (5000+ students). Do it, even if you hate organized fun.
No Closing Times. Bars in Groningen do not have a mandatory closing time. Nights end when the sun comes up.
Associations. Dutch student life revolves around them. It is the easiest way to make instant friends.
Finding Your Crowd
KEI-Week
The biggest introduction week in the Netherlands. You are placed in a “EI-group“ of 12-15 mixed students. Many people meet their best friends here.
Visit KEI WebsiteESN Groningen
Erasmus Student Network. Focused purely on internationals. They organize separate intro weeks (Sept & Feb), weekly parties, and trips.
Check ESN EventsTypes of Associations
Linked to your faculty (e.g., Law, Psychology). Great for book discounts and career networking.
“Vindicat“, “Albertus“, etc. Traditional, social focus. Often have hazing/intro periods. Very Dutch.
Located at ACLO. From Rowing (Gyas) to Soccer (Knickerbockers). Very social, lots of parties.
Nightlife Guide
Groningen is famous for having “no closing times“. The bars stay open as long as it's fun.
💡 Safety Tip
Don't drink and bike if you are unstable. The police enforce this.
Grote Markt
The main square. Large terraces like Drie Gezusters (Europe's biggest pub). Good for sitting and talking.
Poelestraat
The party street. Crowded, loud, lots of dancing. Places like Öet and Negende Cirkel.
Peperstraat
Late-night clubs and shooter bars (Chupitos). Where you go at 3 AM.
Underground
Vera and Simplon for concerts. OOST for techno/electronic.
Beating Loneliness
Moving to a new country can be lonely. If you missed the KEI-week or arrived mid-year, don't panic. Here are low-pressure ways to meet people.
Culture
Forum: Cinema and study spots.
USVA: Cultural center offering theater, dance, and art courses for students.
Low Threshold
Language Cafés: Free events to practice Dutch/English.
Bouldering: Gropo or Apex. Very social crowd, easy to talk to strangers.
For Introverts
Join a specific club (Board games, E-sports, Book clubs). It's easier to talk when you have a shared activity than at a loud party.
Explore More
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