Moving to Groningen? Here are 5 most important things you need to know

Welcome to the beautiful city of Groningen!  

Many of you might be coming from diverse countries across the globe, so don't be shocked by the size of our small town! I was in your place just last year, curious to discover the city yet completely terrified of what might happen since you're on your own now. Trust me, I know. My mom came to drop me off and help me settle down but every registration office declined her help by saying "You're daughter is 18, we will talk to her about her registration. Please sit in the waiting area." You could imagine my fright and that's when I realized Oh, this is real! When I first moved I learnt alot through my mistakes over the years. I thought that if I read blogposts like these I would be better prepared. But trust me, Groningen will take you by surprise 😉

#1 Register Yourself!!!

Once you reach Groningen, head to the Gemeente office in the Grote Markt. Register yourself with your housing contract, passport (residence-permit) and the University's Decree of Admission. Apply for your BSN number as early as you can since it takes a long time to process. Once you get your BSN number you can also apply for a Dutch ID card if you're scared to carry your passport or residence permit with you everywhere. With your BSN number you can then apply to DUO, the bank and get yourself a Dutch telephone number. This is a very crucial step to be followed within the first 6 months of living in Groningen.

#2 Apply for health insurance!!!

Medical expenses in the Netherlands are very high, and with being a beginner to biking around the city you'll have at least a few accidents in the first couple of weeks. But don't be scared, it happens to everyone. Your best bet is to sign up with a health insurance company. International students seem to prefer AON as their insurance company. Once you have your health insurance, make a visit to the General Practioner at the UMCG of the Zernike Campus and register yourself with them. 

#3 Buy a bike ASAP!!!

I cannot emphasize this enough, but please please please buy a bike as soon as you can when you come to Groningen. This town, albeit tiny is not car-friendly. We're pretty much a student city and some people even have upto 3 bikes. Your bike is your best friend to help you navigate through the city. You can buy a bike from Facebook groups, or you could rent one on a contract-basis from companies like Fietsverda Fietsen. A good second-hand bike can cost you around €70 to €80, new bikes are ten times expensive. You can also buy a pump, but there are free pumping stations around the city as well.

#4 Find your closest bus stop / Register for an OV Chipkaart!!!

The first few weeks might be daunting, so if you feel you're not yet ready to bike to campus, use the bus. If you live in South of Groningen, you could take a bus to the main station (Hoofdstation) and then change buses to get to Zernike Campus. If you live in the City Center, you can easily spot the bus stop in Grote Markt. If you live in the North you could take the bus from the Nooderplantsoen or from the North Station (Station Noord), or you could just walk and get some morning exercise! If you're still confused, downlad the 9292 app on your phone and it'll help you find your route. The buses that go to Zernike Campus are numbers 1, 9, 15 and 171.

The bus ticket is €2, however if you sign up for an OV Chipkaart you can get your ticket for discounted rates. You can choose between an Anonymous or a Personal OV Chipkaart. The application process is easy and you'll get your card in the post in 10 working days. 

#5 Go for the introductory weeks and lectures!!! 

Since you're new in the city just like the other 20,000+ students, this is your chance to meet new people and make friends. Join the KEI week or ESN week programmes and enjoy the nightlife and culture of Groningen! Attend a few lectures to get familiar with the city and join a city tour and marvel in the fusion of old and modern architecture around the city.

I hope this was helpful! Until next time,

Samudraki.

For more information check out these websites: 

https://gemeente.groningen.nl/

https://www.duo.nl/particulier/

https://www.aonstudentinsurance.com/students/en/

http://www.fietsverda.nl/

https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/home-1.htm#/

https://9292.nl/en