Hobbies for Students in Groningen

How to Keep Life Fun While Studying

Moving to Groningen as a student is exciting. Suddenly you’re in this Northern city full of bikes, canals, and cafés surrounded, mostly by other students. Between lectures, trying to survive on a student budget and maintain a social life, it’s easy to feel like your whole week is just school, study, repeat. That’s why hobbies are actually essential: they keep you sane, give you something to look forward to, and make you feel more alive, especially during exam phases. 

Go Outside (Even When It’s Freezing)

Groningen has got canals, parks, and more bike paths than you’ll ever need. Biking everywhere is pretty much a sport on its own, especially sometimes, when it’s pouring rain and you’re trying not to crash your bike on the way to a lecture. If you want something more active, there are rowing clubs, running groups, and all the ACLO courses you can do. And if high- intensity sports sound terrifying, just explore the city by walking or on your bike, while trying to find some new favorite cafés and stores. Trust me, your legs and your brain will thank you.  

I personally love booking the most exhausting ACLO class there is (which is HYROX most of the time) and spend an evening with my friends in a cafe playing card games. 

Indoor Hobbies Are Valid Too 

Not every hobby needs to involve leaving your cozy apartment. Baking, gaming, knitting, reading, or watching your favorite shows counts as long as it’s something you enjoy and helps you unwind. Even 30 minutes a day of this kind of hobby is better than nothing, and it gives your brain a proper break from the stress of deadlines and lectures. 

How to Fit Hobbies into Your Study Life 

Unfortunately uni can be relentless, and hobbies can feel like a rare luxury. But they’re actually like a secret weapon if you use them right. 

• Small breaks: 20 minutes of hobby time between study sessions works better than doom-scrolling. Draw, play your instrument (if you do), or do a quick workout, your brain recovers faster than you think. 

• Reward system: Did you finally finish an assignment or a chapter? Do something you love, it makes studying go by way faster. 

• Combine social activities with hobbies: Study with a friend, then do a shared hobby like board games, go to a workout class, or bake something new. 

Final Thoughts

Groningen might not be the biggest city in the world, but it’s huge when it comes to student hobbies and there really is something for everyone. Hobbies make your life feel more exciting and like it is not just the same day on repeat. So pick something that makes you happy, and don’t feel guilty for taking time off from studying. Your brain, your mood will drastically improve, and you feel much more energized throughout your week, if you take the time for your hobbies and don't feel bad for taking this time off but cherish it!