Groningen for Students: Explore the City and Find Your Dentist
Welcome to Groningen! Known as the « Metropolis of the North, » this city is one of the most vibrant student hubs in the Netherlands. With roughly one in every four residents being a student, the energy here is unmatched. From the historic Grote Markt to the scenic canals, there is always something to discover. However, moving to a new city means more than just finding the best craft beer at the Poeleplein; it also means setting up your essential healthcare, and that includes finding a reliable dentist.
Life in the Cycling City
Groningen is a city built for bikes. As a student, your first mission will likely be securing a second-hand « omafiets » to navigate the robertdanielsdmd.com cobblestone streets. You’ll spend your days studying at the University of Groningen’s iconic Academy Building or the ultra-modern Forum, and your nights enjoying the city’s legendary nightlife (which famously has no fixed closing times).
But amidst the excitement of Student Welcome Week and house-warming parties, many students overlook their health administration. In the Netherlands, dental care is not covered by basic adult insurance, and you are expected to register with a local practice rather than waiting for an emergency.
Why You Need a Local Dentist
You might think you can just wait until you go home for the holidays to see your family doctor, but dental issues rarely follow a convenient schedule. Whether it’s a sudden wisdom tooth ache or a chipped tooth after a clumsy bike fall, having a dentist in Groningen who already has your records is a lifesaver.
Most dental practices in the city are very student-friendly, with many staff members speaking perfect English. When looking for a provider, check if they offer:
- Student discounts or specialized affordable check-up packages.
- Online registration, which saves you a trip to the clinic.
- Evening hours, so you don’t have to skip a lecture for a cleaning.
How to Register
Finding a dentist in Groningen is straightforward. You can use platforms like Independer or Zorgkaart Nederland to compare clinics near your student housing, whether you live in Korrewegwijk or Schilderswijk. Once you find a practice that is accepting new patients, you simply fill out a form with your BSN (citizen service number) and insurance details.
Final Thoughts
Groningen offers an incredible chapter of your life. To make sure that chapter isn’t interrupted by a toothache, take thirty minutes this week to register with a local clinic. It’s the « adulting » task that your future self will thank you for.
Would you like me to help you draft an email to a local clinic to ask if they are currently accepting new student patients?