Checklist for international students in Groningen
We've created a checklist for international students moving to Groningen. It covers everything you need to arrange before your move, upon arrival, and once you've settled in Groningen.
Before you move
- Watch or listen to our podcast episode: Starting Your Life in Groningen
- Attend (online) open days
- Apply to a Dutch educational institution
- Receive confirmation of your enrolment
- Carefully read your educational institution's requirements regarding application deadlines and tuition fee payments: University of Groningen, Hanze, NHL Stenden, Van Hall Larenstein, Tio
- Arrange your visa (if you're coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange your residence permit (if you're coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Arrange travel insurance
- Arrange international health insurance
- Arrange (short-term) accommodation for your arrival
- Prepare the necessary documents and have them translated and legalised (if applicable)
- Pack rainproof clothes and start practising your cycling skills. 😉
When you arrive
- Arrange transport to Groningen
- Download the NS app or the 9292 app to plan your journey
- Buy a train ticket at the train station or check in and out with your debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Google Pay or Apple Pay)
- Register with your municipality within five days of arrival to receive your BSN
- Collect your residence document (if you're coming from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland)
- Take a TB test if required. Find out which nationalities are required to do so.
- Get a Dutch phone number
- Open a bank account
- Arrange your utilities
- Register with a general practitioner (GP), pharmacy and dentist for your healthcare needs
Once you've settled in
- Arrange long-term accommodation
- Apply for Dutch basic health insurance (if applicable)
- Get an OVpas if you want to travel with discount products, or simply use your debit or credit card for regular travel
- Get a bike (and learn how to cycle!)
- Read our article 'Everything you need to know about biking'
- Listen to our podcast episode about cycling in Groningen.
- Find an internship or a part-time/full-time job through Make it in the North
- Start learning Dutch
- Exchange your driving licence
- Consider joining an association, such as a study, student, sports or cultural association
- Join welcome events in Groningen, such as the KEI Week or the ESN Introduction Week
- Check out international-friendly events and activities at Here & Now Groningen
- Follow IWCN and International Groningen on Instagram for local updates and tips
- Discover Groningen!
The original checklist from International Welcome Center North was used to create this checklist. On their website you can find a lot more information on living, working and settling in Groningen.