How and where do I find friends in Groningen?

Friends can be found anywhere, at any stage of life. If you don’t find them in your classroom, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But where exactly do you find friends in Groningen?

What if you don’t manage to connect with your fellow students, for whatever reason? It’s completely normal, and there’s nothing wrong with you if your classmates aren’t the right fit. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you might meet people you truly click with.

Sports at the ACLO

Sports bring people together. The ACLO offers a wide range of sports—over one hundred, in fact! You can join a sports club, where you’ll play in teams or take group classes. Alternatively, you can sign up for short courses, which typically last five weeks. The first session might feel a bit awkward, but you’ll quickly realise that your fellow athletes aren’t intimidating at all. It’s an ideal way to explore new sports and meet people along the way.

Culture at the USVA

Cultural and creative activities are a great source of fun. At the USVA, you can enjoy music, drama, and visual arts. The USVA hosts open mic nights, performances, gigs, and much more. It’s the perfect place to meet a diverse group of people in a creative and engaging setting.

Language Cafés

Connect with others through language. Groningen offers several cafés where you can put your language skills to good use. They’re fantastic for those with a knack for languages, but even without that advantage, learning to speak someone else’s language is an excellent way to meet new people.

The Book Club

If you love burying your nose in a book and discussing it afterwards, why not join a book club? Groningen is home to no fewer than 22 reading groups, including those run by the public library. If you prefer a student-focused experience, check out Flanor, Groningen’s literary student association.

An App for Friends

A Tinder for making friends in Groningen? Yes, there’s even an app for that. These apps look suspiciously like dating apps, but the purpose is slightly different. They allow you to filter through potential connections and find people who suit you. This is ideal if you prefer one-on-one meetups rather than group activities. (Apps: Hoop, Meet5, Boo, YuBo, and Purp.)

A Part-Time Job

Work can be a great way to make friends, provided you have a job where teamwork is key or where you interact with multiple colleagues. Consider hospitality roles or supermarket jobs, where collaboration is the standard. You could also work at companies that primarily hire students, ensuring you’ll meet peers from other courses.

The Lecture Circuit

Listening to an engaging lecture can foster a sense of togetherness. Hanze University and the University of Groningen offer various events featuring talks on fascinating topics, often followed by drinks. These events are frequently free to attend, something we Dutch people certainly appreciate! It’s understandable if you feel uneasy about going alone, but you never know who you might meet. Even if you don’t, at least you’ll learn something new.

Hanze Student Support

If you’re feeling lonely or think your social skills could use a boost, you can arrange a meeting with a student psychologist. Together, you can work out a plan to improve your situation.

Feel free to also check out the JOIN US platform, which is dedicated to connecting young people and helping them develop stronger social skills.

Keep Your Ears and Eyes Open

Don’t forget to pay attention to your surroundings—and put your phone away! Expect the unexpected. Great conversations can happen anywhere: on the train, the bus, or in the supermarket. Take off your headphones, remove your earbuds, and listen to what’s happening around you. Be present in the moment.

Photo: Tabata Vilches Maldonado (c)