It’s been established that 2020 is a very different year, one unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Everything has moved online, and it seems like it’ll stay like that for a while. While this is of course  a shame, we still need to make the most of it - for example participating in the online introduction weeks! In Groningen, there are two introduction weeks, the KEI-week and ESN week with the former being the general introduction week for all incoming UG and Hanze students, and the latter being specifically for international students and exchange students. This blog will focus on events in Groningen but if you are planning on living and studying in Leeuwarden, keep an eye on the LEIP week’s website, the introduction period for new students in Leeuwarden. They will be updating their website soon with more information about the 2020 introduction week.

During introduction weeks, you discover more about the city you are going to be spending your student life in and get to know new people from all over the world with different backgrounds. You receive information about what kind of possibilities there are in the city regarding sports, associations, cultural activities as well as  many other things; and in this online environment, most of this is all still possible! The Groningen introduction weeks have moved online, providing a platform where you can still get all the information you need. This blog will walk you through what the online introduction weeks entail, what you can expect and why you should participate. 

KEI-week 

What is it?

The KEI-week is a 5-day introduction week, held from 10th to the 14th of August. At the beginning of the week, you are put in a group with about 15 other first year students and have a few older students as leaders. These leaders guide you through the student life in Groningen and are there to answer any questions you may have about living in Groningen. Usually, you attend events together and do all sorts of fun things like a pub crawl or attend an information fair. In this virtual KEI-week, you’ll still have your group and your leaders, so you’ll definitely be able to meet new people! The digital platform will host Q&A sessions with all of the student associations in Groningen, stream interesting live talk shows about student life and provide workshops. 

What can I expect? 

What you can expect from the KEI-week 2020 is a very informative week where you can still learn all you need to know about student life from the comfort of your own home. If all goes well regarding the national coronavirus measures, you’ll be able to take a city tour with (a part of) your group and attend in-house tours of associations. There will also hopefully be an information fair where you can physically speak to the members of various associations to get a better idea of what to expect if you were to join. 

Why should I participate? 

Admission to the whole week of online and offline events only costs 8 euro and you’ll get meet new people who live in your new city, which will make  living by yourself  a lot less lonely. Lastly, once we move past the corona era, you’ll know exactly where all the best places in the city are and what you can do once all restrictions are lifted. In the informative online sessions you not only learn about what the city has to offer but also how to stay safe as a student and how to handle money. In my own opinion, everyone should participate as the threshold to joining is so low compared to the benefits offered. 

Already a student and still want to help new students get situated in the city and teach them all the best things about student life? Become a KEI-leader. 

ESN introduction week

What is ESN?

ESN Groningen is part of Erasmus Student Network, an organisation with sections in 42 different countries. ESN Groningen focuses on ‘students helping students’ and is made up of 10 committees of students, and one full-time student board who arrange over 150 activities for international students throughout the year. These events include activities such as parties, pub quizzes, and excursions! The biggest events of the year are the introduction weeks at the beginning of each semester (September and February) to introduce international students to Groningen. 

What can I expect?

At the beginning of the week, you will be placed into a small group of people, who you will do activities with and get to know throughout the week. Each group is made up of one or two leaders who have lived in Groningen for a longer period of time, and around 7 new students from all over the world, studying different types of programmes. ESN Introduction Week 2020 starts on the 28th of August and finishes on the 2nd of September and usually involves attending fun events together with your group. This year will be slightly different as most of the week will be online, but there will be opportunities to participate in events in person as well. During the introduction week, you will discover all Groningen has to offer such as student associations, sports, and social activities while getting to know many other international students. 

Why should I participate?
Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, and joining an introduction week is the best way to make this transition easier. ESN introduction week will only cost €12.50 for the whole week and includes an ESNcard which gives you access to more events throughout the year as well as discounts and deals to many companies. You will also receive a magazine about the events and excursions taking place during the year, as well as more information about student life in Groningen. Having a group of friends to start your semester with is a great way to help you feel settled in and the introduction week is a great head start. Whether you are in the city, or in your home country, it will be an amazing beginning to your stay in Groningen.

If you are a current student and would like to help out and guide a group of new students, you can sign up to be an ESN introduction guide.