Introduction events

You’ll soon be joining a community of pioneering scholars and world-class researchers here in Groningen. We look forward to supporting you on your path to completing your degree. That’s why the university organises a range of introduction events to make you and our other international students feel right at home in Groningen.

Welcoming Ceremony

We would love to welcome you to Groningen on February 1st at 10:30 at MartiniPlaza. Within the 1.5 months leading up to the event, you will be sent an invitation containing information about the venue, schedule, and a registration link. We will communicate all updates through this webpage and through email.

For the time being you will be able to find a lot of useful information already in our pre-departure guide.

Introduction Week ESN

The ESN Introduction Week is the largest introduction event for new international students in Groningen. It happens twice a year – once in September and once in February, and is organised by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Groningen. During the ESN Introduction Week, you can take part in numerous culture- and sports-oriented events, large parties and a pub crawl, in addition to fun integration events like the Dutch Language Lessons. With over 2000 students attending, you’ll be divided into a group of around 16 new students, which is a great way to make new friends during your stay in Groningen. Your group will be led by two local students who will show you the city and all events of the Introduction Week.

Your group will be led by two Introduction Guides, who are either Dutch and/or international students who have lived in Groningen for a long time, will give you the inside scoop on the university, Groningen, and the unique student culture of the city! Visit the ESN Groningen website to register for the next Introduction Week, which will take place from August 30th to September 4th 2024 (the first week of the semester). In the first days of your studies, all events are planned in the late afternoon and evening, so you won’t have to miss any important lectures and classes! 

The ticket price includes three parties, a band night with live music, a sports and culture day, a movie night, a goodie bag full of discounts & goodies, and an ESN card worth 9,50€ with which you can attend all ESN events throughout the year.

KEI-week

The university’s general introduction programme, called the KEI-week, is the largest in Europe, and has around 5,000 participants each year. While it’s aimed at all the university’s new students, all our students get involved in making the new arrivals feel welcome. During the week, you can explore Groningen as part of a KEI-group of 12 to 15 first-year students and two to three senior students. You’ll also attend various events with the group, including a Grand Opening Party on the Vismarkt with famous Dutch artists, a cinema night and an extravagant Closing Party, but there are also various pub crawls and visits to various associations on the agenda. This is another opportunity to visit information markets and get into contact with all the fraternities and student societies. Moreover, on events like Time to talk and Love, lust and lounge various speakers will tell you all useful tips regarding relevant topics for new students. Attending this week will allow you to get to know new people and give you a taste of everything Groningen has to offer. The next KEI-week will take place from 12-16 August. You can buy your ticket via the website.

Meet the Faculty & Your Fellow Students

Many faculties and degree programmes organise their own introductory programmes for new international students and -guests. During these activities, you will meet the faculty or department and its staff, as well as the students you’ll be studying alongside for the next three years, and you’ll receive further information about modules, procedures, schedules, facilities, and more. Please check with your faculty coordinator or programme coordinator for further details.