What is living in Groningen like?
Moving to a new environment is exciting, but it can be overwhelming – especially if you’re not yet familiar with the area. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you explore the space, peace and quiet, and opportunities that Groningen offers. In this guide, we help you get started with your move to Groningen.
If you are considering a move to Groningen, you’re probably not thinking only about your workplace, but also about what daily life will be like for you or your family. Groningen offers space, peace and quiet, and a strong sense of community. The economy is growing in many sectors, and essential services (such as schools, sports clubs, and healthcare) are well organized.
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In Groningen, peace and development go hand in hand. Children have plenty of space to play outside, and most amenities are nearby and well organized. Businesses and knowledge institutions collaborate on innovation in many areas, including digitization, energy, health, food, and manufacturing. This creates career opportunities for graduates and professionals. If you’re looking for great things to do, VisitGroningen.nl provides an overview of many upcoming activities in the area.
Groningen offers a green environment, a vibrant cultural scene, the unique Wierden landscape (mound villages), and a rich history. You can easily travel to the Wadden Islands of Schiermonnikoog or Borkum. Cycling to school, work, or sports activities is a natural part of daily life. Traffic is manageable, amenities are relatively close together, and the public transport network is excellent. VisitGroningen.nl can also tell you more about public transport options. For more practical information, visit the website of the International Welcome Center North.
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The Dutch school system is highly regarded. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 attend primary school. At 11 or 12 years of age, they go to secondary school. The Dutch government provides more information about the educational system. Parents can choose from a variety of educational approaches, and schools are often easily accessible by bike. Additional information about schools and enrolment is available on various municipal websites and platforms. One good example is Scholen op de Kaart, which provides an overview of primary and secondary schools (in Dutch).
International residents in Groningen can choose from a range of international schools and childcare options. Please contact the childcare location to schedule a tour or intake interview. It is also useful to check the availability of special programmes for children who speak English as their native or second language.
There is one official international secondary school in Groningen: International School Groningen (ISG). Located in Haren (near the city of Groningen), the ISG provides English-language education for children aged 11–18. In addition, there are regular primary schools with English-language programmes or bilingual education. One example is GSV International Department, a bilingual primary school (Dutch-English) in Groningen.
There are several childcare locations in and around Groningen that have experience with international families and offer communication in English. Large childcare organizations (such as SKSG and the Kids First COP group) have multiple locations in the city and surrounding areas. Some locations offer additional support or activities for international children. When considering a childcare organization, ask whether they are used to working with English-speaking parents. The International Welcome Centre North (IWCN) provides information and advice about schools and childcare for internationals.
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Groningen has an excellent network of general practitioners, hospitals, and youth healthcare services. New residents can register with a GP and arrange care through national systems. More detailed information on healthcare, emergencies, and finding a GP is available on our website (Groningen.nl).
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Moving to a new region requires preparation. You will need to register with the local municipality, arrange schools and childcare in advance, and actively build a new social network. There are many practical matters to arrange. The Dutch government provides a helpful online checklist to make your move to Groningen as smooth as possible.
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Groningen offers many opportunities to participate in sports: individually or in teams; indoors or outdoors. From accessible activities to unique and more extreme sports: a wide range of options is available throughout the region.
Test your skills on Europe’s highest free-standing climbing tower, visit one of Groningen’s ice rinks, or discover all the supervised swimming sites in the province. There are also many lovely cycling routes in Groningen. Cycle past picturesque villages, mound settlements (wierden), churches, gardens, and meadows. A selection of routes is available at VisitGroningen.nl.
The range of sports activities in Groningen is made possible by a network of clubs, providers, and venues. The Sport050 website has a current overview of sports venues, activities, and events in and around the city. There are options for all ages and levels – and even for people with disabilities. In addition to regular sports clubs, there is a variety of unusual sports to try. Examples include aquadrums and monkey bars, as well as extreme sports like bouldering and skydiving.
The Sports and Culture Youth Fund and Adult Fund provide support to several municipalities for those who cannot easily afford to participate in sports.
As a student, you can join the ACLO. All student sports clubs are affiliated with it. Together, they offer more than 100 sports, including unusual ones, like beach tennis, pole dancing, and water hockey. You can take lessons, use the gyms and sports fields, and join the clubs.