There’s so much to do in Groningen that you really need a guide to help you uncover the city’s hidden gems. UKrant’s student editors share their cultural agenda with you. What’s their favourite venue and which events are absolutely not to be missed?
Hangout: Bij Roel
Don’t have time to go home between classes, but still want to relax in a homely atmosphere? Then you should definitely drop by Bij Roel.
This spot, located just across from the Harmonie building, is the perfect place to swap out the faculty’s 60-cent coffee for a proper cup. Given the location, it attracts plenty of students, but you’ll also spot families with young children, elderly people, and even professors.
Bij Roel feels like a living room where all of Groningen comes together. It’s small and cosy, thanks to its warm décor, the relaxed vibe, and the familiar face of the owner – you guessed it – Roel.
‘Where coffee and art come together’ is how Roel describes his place. He’s not just a barista artist, but a real artist too. Everything hanging on the walls is painted by him, giving the interior a unique touch.
Whether you want to catch up with a friend, play a game, read a book, or make your rough morning a bit easier, it’s all possible here. I’ve been here for all these reasons, and I’ll keep coming back. Definitely recommended!
Bij Roel
Oude Kijk in ’t Jatstraat 27
Open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where you’ll find me the coming weeks
Martiniplaza | Donar tegen CSO Voluntari
When: October 23, 7.30 p.m.
Price: €1.50 for students
As a huge basketball fan, I love living in a city where one of the best basketball teams in the country plays. Donar competes in the Dutch and Belgian first division, but they also take part in the Europe Cup, where they face off against other European countries. Next Wednesday, they’re playing against a team from Romania, and I can’t wait to watch it!
Borrelcafé Oblomov | Tap round
When: Daily
Price: €37.50
I’m definitely not one to shy away from a beer, especially when it’s a craft beer. I always find it hard to choose because everything on the menu looks good. But Borrelcafé Oblomov has a solution for that: a tap round! All the beers on tap (and there are quite a few) in smaller sizes. Naturally, I have to test this solution.
EM2 | Suikermarkt
When: October 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: €3.50
This is a must for all vintage lovers. Need new old clothes? A lamp for your bedroom? Fun jewellery? Or are you just looking for a great afternoon with tasty food and music? Then you should definitely check out the Suikermarkt – I know I will.
ACLO | Climbing
When: Daily
Price: free for ACLO members
Sometimes, as a student, you have one of those weeks where you’re glued to your laptop and just need to do something different. Climbing seems like a lot of fun to me, especially because it’s something completely different. And how cool is it that you can do this right at the ACLO? I, for one, can’t wait to give it a try!
BOEL | Jeu de boules
When: Daily
Price: €16 for a lane
The combination of an age-old game like pétanque and the modern, trendy vibe of bar BOEL really amuses me. Pétanque is one of those games where you can have a nice chat and occasionally toss a ball. Super relaxed. Forty-five minutes on a lane costs 16 euros, but since you play this game with a group, the price per person always ends up being quite reasonable.