Making friends as an international student in Groningen: ‘You’re not alone’

Worried about making friends as an international student? Savannah shares her journey of finding community in Groningen, from shared flats to student events and everything in between.

Moving abroad is more than just choosing a study programme. For many international students, one of the biggest questions is: Will I be able to make friends and find a sense of belonging?

In this episode of International in Groningen, host Sara talks to Savannah, a Zimbabwean master’s student in Literary Studies, who has spent the past four years building her life in the city. From arriving with a close-knit group of high school friends to navigating student housing, introduction weeks and awkward classroom breaks, Savannah reflects on what helped and what didn’t when it came to making friends as an international student.

She shares how finding community in Groningen can happen in unexpected ways, through mentor groups, student associations, and even by walking into a room full of strangers at an event. But she is also honest about the loneliness, shifting friendships and what it means when people move on.

‘You’re not alone. And you don’t have to find your best friend in week one.’

What’s life like as an international student in Groningen? Whether you’re already a student here or are thinking about making Groningen your home, this podcast is for you! Sara dives into the Groningen student experience and invites you to join her…