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Meet the students

MEET THE STUDENTS

TURN GRONINGEN INTO YOUR HOME

In the Student Guesthouse friendships begin, daily routines take shape, and the city slowly starts to feel like home. On this page, former residents share their personal stories, how they experienced life in Groningen, and the one place in the city that made their stay truly unforgettable.

ZOE

From: South Africa
Stayed in: Room C

I am a student from South Africa studying a BSc in Biomedical Engineering. I was relieved to secure accommodation in the Netherlands, although I initially felt nervous, having having only seen online photos and not knowing anyone who had stayed
at SGH before.

the beginning, the community at SGH made my transition much easier. I
formed meaningful friendships in a short period of time, and the shared kitchen made it easy to connect with others, while still offering the privacy of having my own room.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

One of the best perks for me is the location: the fresh market is only a short walk away, and the grocery shops even shorter. It is also  quitesomething to see the city lit up during the wintertime right from your window.

FILIP

From: Poland
Stayed in: Room A

I stayed at SGHG from August 2025 until January 2026, and it turned out to be a great choice for my time in Groningen. I had heard many positive things about SGHG beforehand, especially about the location, which is what convinced me to apply in the first place.

From the beginning, I felt very welcome. The management was always kind and helpful, making sure everything ran smoothly and that all needs were taken care of. Living at SGHG was also a great way to meet new people from different countries, studies, and backgrounds, and it was easy to form connections and friendships.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

What I loved most was the location since being so close to the city center made daily life incredibly convenient. I even convinced a friend to apply to SGHG, and she loved it just as much.
Tip for Groningen:  if you’re into LEGO, check Kruidvat for regular 50% discounts, because I couldn’t resist myself!

Flynne

From: Cayman islands
Stayed in: Room C

Living at the Student Guesthouse was one of the highlights of my semester. I really enjoyed my experience and was very satisfied with the facilities and amenities. The main office is just across the water, and the staff is super welcoming and always available to help. The housekeeping staff kept the floors and bathrooms clean and well maintained. My room was very spacious and had all the basics. I added some great decorations, which made it feel like home.

However, the best thing about the Student Guesthouse was the people living there. Even though we lived with around 30 people, everyone still had plenty of space. It was wonderful meeting people from all over the world with different cultures. Because we are all so different, we would have never crossed paths otherwise. I made friends for life, all because of the Student Guesthouse.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

My pro tip in Groningen is to walk around the canals with a cup of coffee. I lived on one of the most beautiful canals, and I will cherish that memory forever.

ZOE

From: South Africa
Stayed in: Room C

I am a student from South Africa studying a BSc in Biomedical Engineering. I was relieved to secure accommodation in the Netherlands, although I initially felt nervous, having having only seen online photos and not knowing anyone who had stayed
at SGH before.

the beginning, the community at SGH made my transition much easier. I
formed meaningful friendships in a short period of time, and the shared kitchen made it easy to connect with others, while still offering the privacy of having my own room.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

One of the best perks for me is the location: the fresh market is only a short walk away, and the grocery shops even shorter. It is also  quitesomething to see the city lit up during the wintertime right from your window.

FILIP

From: Poland
Stayed in: Room A

I stayed at SGHG from August 2025 until January 2026, and it turned out to be a great choice for my time in Groningen. I had heard many positive things about SGHG beforehand, especially about the location, which is what convinced me to apply in the first place.

From the beginning, I felt very welcome. The management was always kind and helpful, making sure everything ran smoothly and that all needs were taken care of. Living at SGHG was also a great way to meet new people from different countries, studies, and backgrounds, and it was easy to form connections and friendships.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

What I loved most was the location since being so close to the city center made daily life incredibly convenient. I even convinced a friend to apply to SGHG, and she loved it just as much.
Tip for Groningen: if you’re into LEGO, check Kruidvat for regular 50% discounts, because I couldn’t resist myself!

Flyne

From: Cayman islands
Stayed in: Room C

Living at the Student Guesthouse was one of the highlights of my semester. I really enjoyed my experience and was very satisfied with the facilities and amenities. The main office is just across the water, and the staff is super welcoming and always available to help. The housekeeping staff kept the floors and bathrooms clean and well maintained. My room was very spacious and had all the basics. I added some great decorations, which made it feel like home.

However, the best thing about the Student Guesthouse was the people living there. Even though we lived with around 30 people, everyone still had plenty of space. It was wonderful meeting people from all over the world with different cultures. Because we are all so different, we would have never crossed paths otherwise. I made friends for life, all because of the Student Guesthouse.

WHAT MADE MY STAY SPECIAL

My pro tip in Groningen is to walk around the canals with a cup of coffee. I lived on one of the most beautiful canals, and I will cherish that memory forever.

WHATSAPP TO CONNECT

Looking to meet new people and discover the city?

Our student WhatsApp group makes it easy to connect, share tips, and stay in the loop when you’re new in Groningen. About a week before your stay starts, you’ll receive an email with a link to a WhatsApp group with other students who will be staying at Student Guesthouse at the same time and are open to connecting. Joining the group is completely optional, so it’s up to you how you use it.

In addition, we’ve put together a wide range of to do’s in Groningen, selected by students who already know the city inside out. From hidden spots to local favorites, these tips help you make the most of your time here. 

To DO's
1How far is it to walk to the centre from the student guesthouse?
It is a 6-minute walk to the Vismarkt, which is considered the city center. The Grote Markt is a 10-minute walk away. Of course, you can get there even faster by bike!
2What is the best way to get around in Groningen?
The best way to get around Groningen is by bicycle. Almost all places can be reached within 5 to 15 minutes. Many students choose to use Swapfiets, a bicycle rental service that lets you lease a bike for a reasonable monthly fee. It’s a convenient option, especially if you don’t want to buy your own bike. For more information, you can check the Swapfiets website.
3How many people do I live with on one floor and share the facilities with?
When all 10 rooms on your floor are occupied, you’ll be sharing the facilities with up to 10 people in total.
4Can I get in touch with other students staying at Student Guesthouse before I arrive?
About a week before your stay at Student Guesthouse begins, you’ll receive an email with a link to a WhatsApp group. This group includes other students who will be staying at the same time and are open to connecting. Joining is completely optional, so it’s up to you whether you want to take part.