Grey Skies, Warm Vibes

Ideas from two Hanze students on how to spend the cold days

The weather at this time of year can be cold, rainy and foggy - the kind that makes you question every life choice that involves cycling. But the truth is, cold days affect everyone differently. Some people (yes, the introverts) find comfort in staying at home, wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink. Others (hello, extroverts) crave energy, people, and a reason to step outside.

And nobody expects you to be only one or the other. Moods change, just like the weather, but as the famous saying goes, “The show must go on.” So, find what fits you best, because we, Hristina and Valeriya, have teamed up to create a list of things that you can do in Groningen when the weather gets, well, typically Dutch.

Discover some cosy indoor escapes or exciting outdoor adventures that will keep your soul warm during the cold months.

Valeriya’s Bold, Fun, and Outdoors tips

Even though the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, that doesn’t need to stop you from experiencing Groningen in the most adventurous and exciting way! Here are some of my personal favourite activities that I do to brighten up my mood. They don't require much budget or planning, just an adventurous spirit and maybe a friend to share the excitement with.

Groninger Museum and more

There are always some cool exhibitions. Currently, some of the exhibitions they have are “Dragons & Demons” and “New Light - De Ploeg.” I feel that whenever you decide to go, you can’t go wrong. Since you’re already close by, you can also visit the Minerva Academy building as well. Most of the time, there are exhibitions by Hanze students that are definitely worth seeing.

DIY nights

Artsy Avenue is such a great spot to spend some quality time with someone special. The place offers a wide variety of pottery pieces you can paint, and you can also grab a snack or a coffee while you’re there. On some days, you can even bring your own snack. They have different price ranges too, so you can keep it simple and paint a small cup, or go all out and decorate a giant fruit bowl!

VERA

A friend recently told me about this underground pop culture venue called VERA. Apparently, it’s an underground pop culture venue that hosts many guest artists. VERA has even given a stage to bands like U2 and Nirvana back when they weren’t that famous. It’s also super affordable because they try to keep the prices low. I definitely have my eyes on this place now, maybe you should check it out too ;)

Kardinge Karting & Bowling

Whether you live far from Kardinge or not, it’s completely worth taking bus number 3 or 4 to visit. Food, drinks, laughter, and a bit of competition - you can go with a group of friends and get a discounted price for either bowling, karting, or even both! I highly recommend it!

Winter walks

A thermos with your favourite tea and a good book. The essentials you need if you decide to get some extra steps in or reconnect with nature during the wintertime. Ah, two pairs of socks and a warm jacket too, but that’s all, I promise. My favourite spots to go to are Kardinge Park, Noorderplantsoen, or simply exploring the city. You’ll be surprised by how many beautiful places there are that you haven’t seen before.

Day trips

Having an “escape plan” helps a lot during these darker periods. Plan a trip to Amsterdam, Utrecht, or maybe even Germany! Whenever I feel lost and demotivated, I go on a solo trip to Amsterdam. There is something about the energy and vibe of this city. Everyone is positive; the canals are stunning, and there’s always a new “must-visit” spot recommended on TikTok. Shopping therapy always helps too 😉. Sometimes I just sit by the canal and observe people. It feels good, even for a minute, to slow down your mind and relax.

Hristina’s Warm, Cozy, and Indoor tips

Sometimes you just need something cosy - a date night for “me, myself and I”, or some chill time with a dear friend. And if that sounds familiar to you, and you would like to spend some time far away from the crowd, Hristina has listed some of her go-to easy things that help her recharge her batteries after a long week.

Cozy atmosphere

The store Action is my best friend when it comes to decorations. I always find cute and affordable things I didn’t even know I needed. Yes, I sometimes spend more than I should, but it brings me happiness. I’ve just bought Christmas lights, an Advent calendar (they have so many), a cute tea mug, and a cinnamon apple candle. Decorating my place really lifts my spirits; even the simplest decoration brings me joy. I know it’s early to start decorating for Christmas, but I’m starting slowly.

Mindful cooking

I won’t lie, sometimes I get really inspired by TikTok recipes like the viral lasagne soup, while other times I stick to simpler things, like the cinnamon rolls kit from Lidl. But there are also days when I just don’t feel like cooking at all, and that’s perfectly fine. Ordering my favourite takeout counts as “mindful cooking” too. No matter how high or low my cooking spirit is, each of these moments warmed my soul, because good food is comforting.

Go-To Relaxation Ritual

Super easy and impossible to get wrong! All you need is a face mask (or not), your favourite film or TV show, some nice music, a snack, and a glass of your favourite drink and ta-da, you’ve got yourself a home spa.
Treating yourself to something small, like adding a straw and a slice of lemon to your Coke Zero, grabbing one of those amazing sweet treats from Albert Heijn, or simply enjoying your favourite snack while watching something you truly love, honestly helps me relax and take some time for myself between uni and my part-time job.

Something I also find really important is the film or TV show choice. If you feel like watching something new, go for it. I’m currently watching The Sopranos, and it’s sooo good! But sometimes you just need something comfy that you already know and love. I’ve put together some of my go-to films and TV shows in case you need a bit of inspiration (and don’t call me out if I’ve forgotten something really good!).

Learn something new

When the weather’s not so great, I like to keep my mind busy. I recently rediscovered Duolingo and started doing streaks with a friend, it keeps me so much more motivated to continue! I know this tip might sound a bit basic, but I feel like more people are open to trying it when they’re spending more time at home, right? And because Duolingo doesn’t take more than a few minutes a day, why not check out some language tutorials on YouTube? You’ll be surprised by how many lessons there are for Dutch! I really like one specific content creator, Learn Dutch with Kim, but there are plenty of others out there. Even if you’re not the most consistent on a daily basis, learning a few Dutch phrases here and there will always be beneficial.

Board night

Board game nights are always fun! I don’t own many games myself, but the last one I played with friends was Hitster, and we had such a great time. It’s the perfect bonding activity, how can you not love it?
Another one of my favourites is Black Stories. You can play it with two people or as many as you like. It really pushes you to think outside the box, and it’s sooo much fun! They even have an online version if you don’t have the physical game.

And if you’re in the mood to get out for a bit, why not take yourself to a board game café in Groningen? I know it’s not exactly a “stay-at-home” activity, but hey, it’s still indoors, ahah. There are plenty of places where you can play board games. One of my favourites is Het Concerthuis - great atmosphere, nice drinks, and plenty of games to choose from.

Whether you’re an introvert who loves cozy nights in or an extrovert that thrives in winter adventures, Groningen has something for you. From movie marathons to Christmas markets, the cold months are what you make of them- so find your version of cozy and make it unforgettable.

Sla de carousel over

These were our tips, and we hope they help you find a sense of peace - whether you’re seeking adventure with friends or some cosy time alone. We hope this article has given you a bit of inspiration. And remember, in Groningen, the student city of the Netherlands, most of us arrive on our own. We all find friends here, explore new places, discover new hobbies, you are not alone. So, if you’re looking for something exciting, don’t be afraid to go for it. And if you need some time to recharge your batteries, that’s perfectly fine too. Spend some quality time with yourself.

Whatever you choose to do, we hope you enjoy it.

Hristina Petrova

Hey! I’m Hristina Petrova, an International Communication student from Bulgaria. You’ll find me at my happiest when I’m singing along loudly to just about any song, trying out a new TikTok recipe, or glued to a TV series I simply can’t quit, no matter how questionable it gets. Add coffee to the mix, and you’ve basically got my personality summed up!
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Valeriya Petrova

Hey, I’m Valeriya, 4th-year Creative Media and Game Technologies student. If I’m not juggling 10 tasks at a time, I would most likely travel, read, draw, or watch a series. My mood swings drive me every day; you never know if I will be doing the most or isolating myself in my room (which is my sacred space). I tend to be quite impulsive. I am very passionate and driven, sarcastic as well, and I love (or at least I’m trying to convince myself) getting out of my comfort zone and constantly challenging myself in any way possible.
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