For better start of the semester

• Try to get in touch through WhatsApp with other students. It can be very helpful in making friends and knowing there are people you can count on and share information with.
• You should expect to receive a lot of readings in advance as some kind of small preparation. It’s always useful to browse at your own pace through all of them and get a general idea of the courses that will be offered to you in the upcoming semester.
• Upon your arrival, you could visit the Academy building, next to the library, and have an appointment (using this form) with the Student Information and Administration office, to check on your application status. It depends on your application if you have to bring documents to the appointment too, but even if you don’t have to at this stage, it’s always nice to check in with them and be sure you’re good to go for the semester.
• Don’t forget to get your student card. The collection point is usually in the Academy Building. You need an appointment, but you could also queue for it spontaneously.

For during the semester

• It is a lot of work with weekly readings for every subject. Keeping a good overview of what needs to be prepared every week can be useful. Check in with the rest of your classmates also, it always helps getting a second opinion! For most classes, be prepared that there is going to be a good amount of group work, it’s part of the Euroculture semester experience in Groningen. Group work in its nature can really be either pleasant, and sometimes challenging, but remember always how getting involved into group work can help you strengthen your skillset immensely.
• About the style of classes: In class, everyone is encouraged to participate but if you prefer not to, you will most likely not be called to speak. Some classes tend to be held in a more lecture style, while others more in the form of an interactive seminar. But there is always freedom to express opinions and ask questions.
• In general, the busy periods in the semester in the average fall semester in Groningen are:
  • October: The whole month is usually quite intense compared to September or November. On top of the weekly workload, which sometimes might seem pretty endless, you’ll be getting your first big-big assignments and exams, while at the same time you’ll also have to research, choose and defend your second university options. The busiest period comes usually before the semester trip to Brussels.
  • January: Well, semester final exam season in Groningen, perhaps the most intense class program in the Consortium, do we need to say more? However, your deadlines don’t come usually before the beginning days of January, so you do have quite some time. And you should be done usually a few days before the end of the month. For some courses, you have to take an exam in the exam hall in Zernike, but some courses require papers instead.