Students´Life
Netherlands
Student life
Student life is about so much more than just preparing you for a lifetime of achievement. During your time in Groningen, you’ll get to experience everything the city has to offer, from a vibrant art and music scene to a unique, student-inspired nightlife.
Join the Club
Follow your passions, build on your interests and make new friends by joining one (or more) of our many student-run sports-, study- and student associations. Develop your artistic side or cater to your cultural interests by becoming a member of the USVA, which hosts student film festivals and other cultural events and offers courses in performing arts and musical performances. If staying fit and active is a priority for you, joining ACLO is a must – it’s only Euro 60 a year. With access to 49 sports clubs, offering up to 100 disciplines, ACLO is the biggest student sports association in the Netherlands. As a new student coming to Groningen you should also take part in the KEI– or ESN-weeks. At these student-run introduction weeks, you will get the chance to meet new people and see everything the city has to offer, including the best places to hang out.
Party Town
Did you know that Groningen is home to a number of world-class festivals? Artists from all over the world regularly visit the city to play at events such as Eurosonic, Noorderzon, Kingsland and Kadepop, amongst others. With over 400 street art installations and a number of internationally renowned museums, Groningen is an artsy city. But as the quintessential Dutch student town, Groningen also offers an unparalleled nightlife, with over 150 bars and entertainment venues attracting people from far and wide. One of the things that make the nightlife so unique is that unlike other Dutch cities, Groningen does not have regulated closing times, which means you can party all night long. Free entrance is standard and student discounts common, making the city the perfect place for those on a student budget.
Young City
While Groningen is an old city with roots that can be traced back to the Iron Age, population-wise it’s one of the youngest in Europe. With an average age of 34 years, the city has a unique vibe that you won’t find elsewhere. Our university buildings are spread throughout the historic centre, with students living throughout town. This is why students here call the city their campus. Recently named the “biking capital of the world” it’s no surprise that Groningen has a fantastic biking infrastructure – everything is just a short bike ride away. The city itself has everything you need, from open-air street markets to popular fashion chains. There’s also a lot to explore outside the centre: stroll along the canals, visit the iconic coloured houses at Reitdiephaven or challenge yourself by climbing Europe’s tallest freestanding climbing wall.
Great Base
Groningen makes an ideal base from which to launch your travel adventures. For open space and fresh air, you can go and explore the seaside or one of the Dutch islands – located just 40 km from the city centre. Most of the Netherlands and several large German cities such as Hamburg, Bremen and Dortmund are reachable by train, car or bus in just a few hours. With Amsterdam just a 2-hour train ride away, there’s no excuse to miss out on happenings such as Amsterdam Dance Event, Gay Pride or King’s Day. Plan your weekend getaways to Belgium, France or Denmark – all of which are mere hours away by train, car, ferry or bus. Moreover, Groningen-Eelde airport serves as a regional hub for international flights, which means that you can fly all over Europe from Groningen.
Student Life in Perugia
At first, Perugia resembles many of the medieval hilltop towns in central Italy. Its landscape is flecked with charming pink and yellow roofs and encircled by ancient and medieval walls. This is a place, however, where magic meets modernity. Though the city has preserved its Etruscan roots, centuries-old churches, winding cobblestone streets, and an impressive smattering of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, it is also a vibrant contemporary city. Corso Vannucci, the main thoroughfare, hums with energy from restaurants, cafes, piano bars, theaters, pubs, museums, and art exhibits. Today’s Perugia offers an enchanting blend of ancient allure and modern vigor, breathtaking vistas alive with the pleasant bustle of la dolce vita.
Nicknamed the “University City,” Perugia boasts a thriving international student scene. Each year, thousands of Italian and international students flock to the city to attend the Università degli Studi di Perugia, the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, and its many studio and performing arts schools. Unlike the more popular tourist destinations, Italian is heard on every street corner and in every shop, making the city a gem for language students seeking a truly immersive experience. Every night, students gather on the steps of the duomo to eat, drink, and make merry. Part of living in Perugia is about being swept up in the city’s boisterous energy every time you step outside.
In other Italian cities, you are a tourist. A visitor. An outsider. In Perugia, you become one of the locals. You speak the language and eat the food. The city is both your classroom and your playground, offering a one-of-a-kind study abroad experience.
This is not just a “study” abroad experience. It is a “life” abroad experience.
To help facilitate a smooth transition into life in Perugia, the Umbra Institute provides housing in apartments situated throughout the city center. Apartments are shared, and most house between two and six Umbra students. Students may also request to be housed with either Italian students, international students, or—for the truly ambitious—a host family. All student housing is within walking distance of the historic center and the Umbra Institute. Within a few weeks, you will get to know your neighbors; the city is small enough you are sure to bump into friends while out and about.
As there is no meal plan for the Umbra Institute program, you are encouraged to cook for yourself. All apartments are stocked with basic kitchen utensils, and many students delight in using them—they host dinners for one another, theme nights, wine-and-cheese tastings, etc. If cooking is not your forte, the Università per Stranieri offers low-price cafeteria meals, and the Umbra student ID card is valid for discounts at many trattorias, pizzerias, and pubs around the city. After all, it is Italy: delicious food is never far away.
Beyond the Classroom.
The Umbra Institute hosts many events, giving students the chance to participate in wine tastings, weekend trips, walking tours, tandem language exchange with Italians, pizza nights, art shows, sporting events, and so much more.
In addition to Umbra-sponsored activities, students can take advantage of the many shows, exhibitions, and events sponsored by the city of Perugia, most of which offer student discounts. The Fondazione Perugia Musica Classica puts on concerts almost every week for those interested in classical music, and students can choose from a wide selection of productions at Teatro Morlacchi (and also from the decadent hot chocolate selection in the adjacent cafe).
Perugia hosts two annual festivals that attract worldwide attention. Eurochocolate, a celebration held each October, is an eight-day paradise for any chocolate lover, a time when the streets of Perugia overflow with scrumptious treats. The city is also the hub of Umbria Jazz, the renowned summer jazz festival that has flourished since 1973. Other events include Arte in Piazza, Perugia International Film Festival, Renaissance Festival, International Journalism Festival, and more. The Comune di Perugia website highlights weekly activities and events.
For students who are seeking even more adventure, the Social Center at the Università per Stranieri organizes a number of sporting events, concerts, and films in Italian, all of which are free to students. Umbra students can take part in the Università’s “Coro da Camera,” a student choir performing regularly at both the university and outside venues. Perugia also has a number of sports facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, tracks, and tennis courts that are available to students at reduced prices.
Trieste is a city of arts, culture, sports and nature
Simply walking along the waterfront or on trails above the city you can take in the varied panoramas and understand the city not just from a scenic point of view but from a cultural one as well.
The presence of monuments and landmarks belonging to diverse ethnic groups that have lived and mingled here since the 17th century explains why, even today, Trieste is a city culturally ready to lead the charge towards a new Humanistic era. With performing arts theatres, an opera house, museums, literary cafés, film and science festivals the city offers daily activities.
Studying in Trieste means also to take advantage of the many organizations and facilities geared towards lovers of the outdoors, such as: swimming, rowing, snorkeling and scuba diving, horseback riding, spelunking, rock climbing, hiking, tennis and golf, not to mention sailing – the annual Barcolana regatta attracts thousands of racers from around the world. Moreover, if you love mountain biking you can follow a number of cycling trails from the Karst down to the coasts of Slovenia and Croatia and enjoy other surroundings that are also rich in history.
Housing
UAM does not provide accommodation for our incoming students. However, we could help you with some information about lodging in Madrid:
In the Campus of Cantoblanco you have the option of staying at Residencia Universitaria Erasmo (managed privately)
The UAM also offers housing with the Colegio Mayor Juan Luis Vives, which is located in Plaza de Castilla, which allows an easy commute to the campus.
Other private residences ascribed to the UAM are:
- Colegio Mayor Universitario Castilla (Only male)
- Colegio Mayor Universitario Santillana (Only male)
- Colegio Mayor Universitario Somosierra (Only female)
“Convive” Program
CONVIVE is a program in which senior citizens live with students from universities in Madrid, generating a space of encounter and enriching exchange for both parties.
It is necessary to have a good level of Spanish as a foreign language to participate in this program.
The UAM has collaboration agreement with some housing companies:
ALUNI
For those students who wish to live in the center of Madrid, in shared flats with students of all nationalities or with a Spanish family. It also has weekly schedules of cultural activities for all students.
All arrangements are done through ALUNI. Administration fees are 125 euros, but because you’re a student at the UAM you enjoy a 20 % discount. To get the discount you should write an e-mail to info@aluni.net, attaching your UAM registration/”matricula”, your data and the place you would like to book.
UNIPLACES
Is the largest student accommodation platform in Europe operating in more than 40 cities. It is fast, simple and safe. Furthermore, we have a 25% discount off our service fee for being a student in the UAM. If you have any doubt send us an email bookings.partners@uniplaces.com or visit www.uniplaces.com
Promotional code: UP25UAM20
Off campus, there are other non-university residences such as:
- Residencia de estudiantes Ciudad Escolar (mixed)
- Masterhome residencia
- http://residenciaregina.tripod.com/
- www.nexoresidencias.com
Finally, you always have the option to rent an accommodation by visiting the sites that manage the housing market in Madrid:
Transport
To facilitate your stay in Madrid, we add information about the application of the public transportation card of the Transport Consortium of Madrid. The type of card you your need will depend on your age and place of residence, but remember that the Cantoblanco campus of the UAM is in the B1 area. In the following link you will find all relevant information: https://www.tarjetatransportepublico.es/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada.aspx
* Remember that you can apply for the card online or you can get an appointment at any of the offices of the CTR (Nuevos Ministerios, Sol and Principe Pio)
What is life like at the UB?
Accommodation
Types of accommodation that UB students can access. More about Accommodation.
Sports
Practice sports in a pleasant environment. More about Sports.
Culture
Music, theatre, cinema and exhibitions that bring the UB closer to society. More about culture.
Advocacy initiatives
Strengthen solidarity from the University. More about Advocacy initiatives.
Student associations
Contribute to university life.More about Student associations.
Mon UB
The students’ portal, to keep you up-to-date.More about Mon UB.
Alumni
Keep in touch with the UB’s activities.More about Alumni.
The UB, a world of services
Services for students, for companies and for entrepreneurs.More about The UB, a world of services.
The University of Valencia is open to a society with ever more complex cultural and educational demands.
Alumni UV welcomes all citizens without distinction of academic background. Projects implemented by Alumni UV have been designed to boost the presence of the University in the city, outside the classroom and laboratories. It makes easier the access to information and to UV resources.
Download printable PDF file.
IMMIGRATION & RESIDENCE
To enter and to stay in Belgium, you might need a visa, work permit and/or residence permit. Your accompanying family members may need some of these documents as well.
More about immigration & residence
HOUSING
A first step when coming to Belgium is searching for a suitable accommodation. We advise you to already make arrangements before your arrival.
HEALTH CARE, WELL-BEING & SAFETY
KU Leuven provides services to guarantee the well-being and safety of its students and staff.
More about health care, well-being and safety
(HEALTH) INSURANCE & SOCIAL SECURITY
Belgium has an extensive social security system. There are also private insurance policies you have to think about.
More about (health) insurance & social security
WELCOME ACTIVITIES
When you first arrive in Belgium, you can enjoy some welcome activities to get to know KU Leuven, Belgium and other people.
MEETING PEOPLE AND LEISURE
Take advantage of a wide range of opportunities to get to know other people in Belgium.
More about meeting people and leisure
PARTNER & FAMILY
KU Leuven wants to help your partner and children with settling in in Belgium.
More about support for partner & family
MONEY MATTERS
Do you want to know more about the financial aspects of living, working or studying in Belgium?
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
- Upon arrival
- For Senior Academic Staff
- For students with a disability
- For students with a refugee status
- For student athletes
- For student artists
- Upon leaving KU Leuven
DAILY LIFE
Find out more about daily life in Belgium, like how to sort your waste and where to shop for groceries.
TRANSPORTATION
Learn more about the practicalities of different ways of transportation in Belgium, and about commute and work related travel.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
KU Leuven aims at helping staff and students with diverse backgrounds achieve their full potential.
- Religion & lifestance
- Studying or working with a disability
- Refugees at KU Leuven
- LGBTQI
- Diversity policy
WORKING, VOLUNTEERING & CAREER
As a student, you might want to work during your study. As a staff member, you might wonder about your career prospects. Or you are interested in opportunities for volunteering.
More about working, volunteering & career
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM & LANGUAGE LEARNING
Learn about the school systems in Belgium, studying at KU Leuven or learning a new language.
Download printable PDF file.
The Accueil – Welcome Desk
The Accueil – Welcome Desk is there to make things easier for you, bringing together in one place all of the key partners involved in arriving and getting settled in at the university site of the Academy of Toulouse. A multilingual team will welcome you and answer your questions, year-round….
The services at the Accueil – Welcome Desk
The prefecture of Haute-Garonne, the Board of Education of the Academy of Toulouse, the CAF of Haute-Garonne and the CROUS of Toulouse Midi-Pyrenees provide services at the Accueil – Welcome Desk to answer all your questions and make your administrative procedures easier.
The Accueil – Welcome Desk partners
The Accueil – Welcome Desk works with a network of partners to help you carry out your formalities and settle into academic life within the Toulouse education authority.
Download printable PDF file.
France
Learning, teaching, searching… but also living! Sorbonne University campuses promote the development of the members of its community.
On Sorbonne University campuses, students can participate in many student associations to the rhythm of events organised by and for them: concerts, art festivals, exhibitions, creative contests, and more. They study in the heart of Paris and have access to cutting-edge scientific equipment, dozens of specialised libraries and places conducive to exchange, work, relaxation or creation.
Download printable PDF file.
