My Exchange at The University of Groningen
I think what prospective exchange students should know is to go into exchange with an open-mindedness in terms of flexibility for travel/plans – you always meet new people, and things get planned on the fly. I think the best experiences come from a lack of a super strict plan on exchange, and it leaves you open to last minute local and international plans that will be the best time!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Some highlights of my academic experience include: a super interactive academic learning environment where many students are very passionate about the curriculum. One thing in particular from my host university was the international community (making up the majority of the student population), and the openness of the students when it came to making friends – particularly amongst exchange students
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
In Groningen (& amongst Europe widely) was ESN events who are a student committee who run events for international students. I think all of these students were unique because they catered local cultural/sports events etc to new students which created a great supportive environment for making friends
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1- Housing: STAY IN A STUDENT HOUSE – SSH is the most common one you will see. I recommend staying at Blekerslaan (a student house with 50 students). This was the best decision of my exchange. The community, vibe of the house created for the best experience of my life, coming on exchange
2- Budget well – because the Netherlands is really expensive in both your daily groceries and in the activities that you do
3- Get a bike! The only way to get around. Public transport is not efficient. Everyone goes by bike – and it’s a great way to travel with all of your friends. You also see the city a lot better
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted around $25,000 NZ – This made for comfortable spending in both my groceries and travel! This is more than enough. There were no lessons in particular that I would give 🙂 Just, understand what you priortise spending your money on, and give leeway to that – I’d say give a lot of leeway for categories of ‘fun/going out’ because exchange is a once in a lifetime experience, and you can’t put a price on them (within reason)
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
That you can find likeminded people from every single part of the world – no matter how big or small the city is, or wherever you are going in the world.
That you can completely change your entire lifestyle when you change your environment; your ability to adapt should not be underestimated.