What to do for fun as an international student in the city?

Sometimes going out to de-stress can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak Dutch. Here are some international-friendly places to be throughout the week.

In Groningen it can be quite a struggle to find activities where you can interact in English or your native language. It’s not a secret that Dutch students can sometimes be stand-offish towards internationals. Most of them have families nearby and an established group of friends. For internationals that’s not easy to deal with. They already have faced the challenges of moving away from home and starting over in a completely different country. Making friends is an extra challenge.
Where to go and what to do might not be simple questions. Sometimes students just need a break and that doesn’t always have to be during weekends. What better way to start the week with some – free – activities that keep you motivated and excited to get out of the house throughout the week?

Stranger Things Have Happened

Every Monday, at 9 pm, students and young people gather in the Brouwerij Martinus for a session of improv comedy Stranger Things Have Happened which is run by a professional group of four. These actors improvise scenes on different games, often with theme suggestions from the crowd. The ambiance is very cozy and light. If you are feeling particularly brave and inspired to test your acting skills, you are welcome to join the people on stage and participate in one of the games.
Marnix Meijer, a frequent visitor at the shows, recently participated in a scene for the first time. ‘I was nervous, but it was quite funny and exciting.’ However, if you just want to enjoy the show, that’s okay. The entry is free, but you are encouraged to get a beverage during the show. To get a good spot, it’s recommended to get there about fifteen minutes before the start.

Location:  Kostersgang 32-34

USVA Jam Session

Although not weekly, the USVA Jam night can be a nice alternative for staying at home. Every first Monday of every month, students from all over the city gather at the USVA theatre to make and enjoy music. For almost two hours, anyone who wants to sing or play an instrument can join and wait their turn to go on stage. It is recommended to bring your own instrument. If you don’t want to participate you can join the crowd, watch and enjoy the sound. The result is always a night of fun, drinks and great music.

Location: Munnekeholm 10

Time: 8 pm

Café de las Lenguas

Every Thursday, from 7 to 9 pm, people from all ages and backgrounds gather at the Harmonie Building in the city centre to practice languages. On the second floor of the cafeteria, many tables are decorated with flags from more than ten different countries. Anyone who wants to practice or speak a new language is welcome to join a table of their choice.
‘I started coming here just because I was new to the city and wanted to make friends. I was trying out some things and I really liked Las Lenguas. At a certain point I was coming every week’, says Kim Carbone, a volunteer who joined the language cafe five years ago. ‘I found what turned out to become very close friends here. To be honest I don’t come here to practice any language anymore’, she laughs. Pedro Chaves, another volunteer at the language cafe, says the event is not just about learning new languages. ‘Socialisation is very important for a lot of people, because you also make good friends.’

Teemu Aaltonen has recently arrived at Hanze. The other day he joined the cafe for the first time (with his roommate). On that evening, the volunteers organised a Halloween murder mystery that could be solved in different languages. ‘It was really amazing, actually’, he says.  ‘I’d like to learn Dutch, and this a way of practising. I must have been a bit lazy learning it, I guess.’

Location: Harmonie Building, Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat 26

Pub quiz at café De Toeter

Every Wednesday and Sunday, Café De Toeter organises a bilingual pub quiz game for groups. Although not free, the quiz can be quite the bonding activity, bringing Dutchies and internationals together. For the price of € 3,50 per person you can join the game with your friends, and have a drink (not included in the initial price to join the game). To participate you need to sign up on their website and come up with an original name for your team. There is a limit of five people per group if you wish to compete and win the prize. If you are joining just for fun, you may bring a larger group.

Location: Turfsingel 6

Times: Wednesdays at 8 pm; Saturdays at 7 pm