Start Your Hanze Journey at Welcome Day 2026
Starting your studies in a new city is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. Where do you go for practical support? How do you meet people outside your course? And how do you start feeling at home in Groningen?
Hanze University of Applied Sciences’ Welcome Day is designed to give new international students a confident start. Taking place on Friday 28 August 2026, it is an opportunity to get to know your university, discover more about student life in Groningen and meet fellow students who are beginning the same adventure.
More Than a Formal Welcome
Welcome Day marks the official start of the academic year for new international students at Hanze. It is the moment when Groningen starts to feel a little more real: you are surrounded by other students who may also be new to the Netherlands, new to Hanze or simply new to the city.
The day begins with a welcome ceremony, where students come together to celebrate the start of their studies. It is a warm introduction to Hanze and Dutch student life, with plenty of energy and a chance to see just how international your new community is.
For many students, this first shared moment is reassuring. You might arrive alone, but you quickly realise that many people around you are in exactly the same position: ready to explore, make friends and find their feet in a new place.
Get Practical Help From the Start
Moving to the Netherlands involves more than unpacking your suitcase. You may need to arrange a BSN, open a bank account, understand your insurance options or find out how public transport works.
During Welcome Day, you can visit an information market with organisations and services that can help you get started. It is a useful moment to ask questions, pick up practical information and learn where to go when you need support later in the year.
You can also discover more about the student organisations that shape life in Groningen. From sports and culture to international communities and social activities, there are plenty of ways to find a group that suits you.
Meet the People Who Know Groningen Best
One of the best parts of Welcome Day is the chance to speak with Hanze student ambassadors. They know what it is like to arrive in Groningen for the first time, find your way around campus and settle into a new routine.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. They can often share the kind of advice you will not find in a formal guide, such as where to get a good coffee, how to find an affordable bike or which Groningen traditions are worth trying at least once.
These conversations can be especially valuable during your first days in the city. A quick chat may lead to helpful tips, new contacts or simply the reassurance that you are not expected to have everything figured out immediately.
Make the Most of Your First Day
Welcome Day is not only about collecting information. It is also an opportunity to start building your student life in Groningen. Take time to explore the different stands, talk to other students and see what interests you.
You do not have to join every organisation or make your entire friend group in one day. But showing up, being curious and starting a few conversations can make the transition feel much easier.
If you have received your invitation, make sure to register through Hanze’s official Welcome Day form. Keep an eye on your email for your personal programme, arrival details and any information you need to bring with you.
A Warm Start in Groningen
Your first days in Groningen may be busy, but they are also full of possibility. Welcome Day offers a practical and social starting point, helping you understand the essentials while giving you space to meet the people who may become part of your new everyday life.
Whether you are arriving from nearby or moving to the Netherlands for the first time, Friday 28 August 2026 is a date to put in your calendar. It is your chance to begin your Hanze experience feeling informed, connected and ready for what comes next.