Start Your Groningen Adventure at the ESN Introduction Week
Moving to Groningen for your studies is a big step. You may be arriving in a new country, figuring out your route to campus, searching for a bike and wondering how you will meet people outside your course. The ESN Introduction Week is designed to make those first days feel a lot less unfamiliar.
ESN Groningen’s Introduction Week takes place from Friday 28 August until Wednesday 2 September 2026. It brings together new students from across the world for six days of activities, local discoveries and social events. Whether you are starting a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, joining an exchange programme or already studying at one of Groningen’s universities, it is a great chance to get to know the city alongside people in exactly the same situation.
More Than a Welcome Week
During the Introduction Week, you will be placed in a group of around 20 students from different countries. Two experienced Intro Guides will accompany your group throughout the programme. They are students who already know Groningen and can help you discover the city, student life and the everyday essentials that are useful when you have just arrived.
The week is about much more than parties. It gives you an early introduction to the places, people and student community that can make Groningen feel like home. You might meet future classmates, neighbours, travel buddies or simply people to grab a coffee with after your first lecture.
What Can You Expect?
The programme starts with a Kick-Off and Opening Party on Friday 28 August. Over the following days, ESN Groningen has planned a Culture Festival, Pub Crawl, Sports Day, Band Night and Movie Night, before the closing celebrations at the end of the week.
The activities on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are scheduled for the evening. This means you can take part while still attending any first-week university activities or classes during the day.
Some of the evening events take place in venues with an 18+ policy, so make sure to bring a valid ID. ESN also advises participants not to bring large bags to parties, as bags need to be placed in the mandatory wardrobe. Arriving on time matters too, as venue doors close at midnight.
What Is Included With Your Ticket?
An Intro Week ticket gives you access to the full programme and includes an ESNcard. The ESNcard gives you access to ESN Groningen events throughout the year and provides local and international discounts. You will also receive a goodie bag with useful information, discount vouchers and a few welcoming extras for your first days in the city.
At the time of writing, an Intro Week ticket costs €43. You do not need to buy an ESNcard separately, as it is already included with your ticket.
Who Can Join?
The ESN Introduction Week is open to students who live or study in Groningen. This includes Bachelor’s, Master’s and exchange students from the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, University College Groningen, NHL Stenden and other educational institutions in the city and region.
Once you have bought your ticket, you will need to collect your wristband, goodie bag and ESNcard at one of the official Sign-Up Days. If you cannot make it to a Sign-Up Day, ESN will also have Information Points available during the week where you can collect the items you need. You can also choose to collect a Student Mobility Card for public transport.
A Great Way to Begin Your Time in Groningen
The first few days in a new city can be exciting, busy and sometimes a little overwhelming. Joining the ESN Introduction Week gives you a ready-made starting point: people to meet, activities to join and local students to ask for advice.
You do not need to know anyone before you arrive. Just bring your curiosity, your student ID and a willingness to try something new. Groningen is a lively student city, and the Introduction Week is a memorable way to take your first step into it.
For practical questions about the programme, tickets or participation, you can contact ESN Groningen at introductionweek@esn-groningen.nl.