Student activities

No two students at UG are alike, but it’s easy to find people who share similar interests. From sports to culture and politics, there are sure to be fellow students who enjoy the same things you do.

Keep Fit

Whether you see exercise as a way to blow off some steam or you’re serious about keeping physically fit, UG offers plenty of ways to bring out your best. As a UG student, you can join ACLO, the largest student sports association in The Netherlands, for only €5 a month and get unlimited access to all facilities in the city, including gyms, sports courts/halls, and pools. Membership allows you to participate in various group lessons and over 85 sports, and you can rent a court to practice with your friends. More into team sports? Join one of the 49 student sports clubs in Groningen – it’s a great way to make new friends. From American football to water polo, there’s sure to be a sports association to suit your needs.

Put on a Show

Develop your artistic side at the student cultural centre Usva, which has been associated with UG since 1985. Organised by students for students, the Usva offers custom workshops (like team-building events) and up to 150 courses a year, including dance, music, visual arts, fashion, drama, film, photography & design, and writing & public speaking. You can also use the Usva facilities to practice your instrument, rent a room for a private event, or simply enjoy a drink at the Usva café.

Talk the Talk

There’s so much more to university life than lectures and studying. So why not broaden your horizons by joining one of the many public lectures organised by Studium Generale? Most lectures are free for students, and you can find previous lectures online. Do also keep an eye out for talks organised by student and study associations. If debating about issues floats your boat, be sure to check out a student debating society. Kaliope, for instance, offers workshops and debates throughout the academic year and is open to all students.

Get Political

Perhaps you’d like to play an active role in shaping the university community? A good place to start is by joining the University or Faculty council parties, which represent students in the highest decision-making bodies of the university. In addition to bringing in your own ideas to help shape the university, you’ll get a first-hand look at how policy-making works, and make valuable connections for the future. Or, get involved in one of the many political youth organisations on campus. There’s Student & Stad, which represents the interests of students in the Municipal Council. But if you’d like to practice your political skills in a simulated environment, check out TEIMUN, which organises Model United Nations exercises.

Get Social

Groningen is known for its thriving student culture and its many student and study associations. These student-run associations offer a wide range of activities and events, such as the KEI-Week or ESN introduction week, where you can relax and meet new people. With the sheer variety of associations on offer, you should have no problem finding the right fit for you. Some even focus on international students and -matters, such as the African Student Community or the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).

Learn a Language

Got a hankering to learn Dutch or brush up on your French? You’re free to attend one of the many language courses offered at the University Language Centre. But if the idea of taking extra classes on top of your lecture load seems like too much of a commitment, you can also study at your own pace by signing up for one of the UG’s Massive Open Online Courses.

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