Student Life in Zwolle
Welcome to Zwolle!
A great food scene, a thriving nightlife, many quiet parks, streets full of independent shops and a city centre steeped in history. It is no wonder Zwolle is such a popular place to visit and to call home.
The time you spend with us will not feel like long enough to take in all Zwolle has to offer. Explore Zwolle's merchant past, find your new local in one of its many cafés, climb the tower of the Peperbus and dance the night away.
Zwolle is very centrally located, making it easy to explore everything the Netherlands has to offer. With easy access to the water and countryside, and cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht or Groningen only an hour away, we are well-connected for weekend adventures.
Discover the city
We're proud of the feeling our students get on campus and the feeling they have when they settle into our safe and beautiful city(opens in new tab). It's a social place to be - with something to cater for everyone.
Going out
Zwolle is a student city, so you will find the variety needed to keep a huge student population satisfied. If you love a night out, you can pick from clubs where beers are served by the meter, gig venues where you can listen to live music, all the way to candlelit restaurants that turn into a dance floor late at night.
Eating out
Whether you love haute cuisine or are more of an urban foodie, Zwolle satisfies every culinary taste. There are countless restaurants and cafés. And in summer you can picknick in the park or enjoy a drink with cake or a deep-fried snack on one of the many terraces.
Our students have created their own guide to Zwolle.
Student societies
Student societies are the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in student life. Zwolle has a wide range of associations: there are general associations, study associations and faith-based associations. Most of them only have Dutch-speaking members, but there are a couple of societies you can join without speaking the language.
ESN Zwolle
ESN Zwolle, part of Europe's largest student organization, hosts inclusive events for international students in Zwolle. Through diverse activities like dinners, karaoke, and parties, we promote cultural exchange and provide a glimpse into Dutch traditions. Join us, whether you're a local or international student, and immerse yourself in the vibrant ESN Zwolle community.
Oikos Nomos
S.V. Oikos Nomos is a friendly student society that stands for fun, diversity and solidarity. Your time with Oikos starts in September with the introduction week (Vliegweek). Every Tuesday there is a social evening in the basement of Het Vliegende Paard. Here we often have a beer together and organize themed parties. S.V. Oikos Nomos ensures you have a great student time!
ZSR Boreas
Boreas is the student rowing club. Here you can start your student time, while still reaching the (international) top. Is top-level rowing not your thing? Then party along with us at our club on Katerdijk. It doesn't matter how keen you are, even in your first year you can start competing all over the Netherlands. Curious? Then sign up for our introduction period!
Go to zsrboreas.nl(opens in new tab) or Instagram(opens in new tab)
Other things to do
As a student of Windesheim, you can make use of our extensive on-site facilities. We have a lot of space for private study and group work, an audiovisual centre, several canteens, bars and coffee corners, a copy shop, a supermarket, a sports complex with 3 swimming pools, a fitness room, climbing wall, judo room and 11 sports halls, and a multimedia library. Besides physical amenities, we also offer academic, psychological and faith-based support and guidance.
Read more about facilities and special needs
You can exercise cheaply at our own On Campus sports complex. In addition to a fitness centre, the sports complex houses three swimming pools, including a hot water pool and a therapy pool, a climbing wall, a judo room and a physiotherapy practice. Purchasing a season ticket, pool pass or single ticket can be done at the On Campus reception desk. Students can do fitness, swimming and climbing at concessionary rates: € 115 per year or € 14.50 per month, per activity. All-in subscription: € 172.50 per year.
From cinema tickets to clothes and holidays, studying for a degree can get you money off almost anything. We suggest taking full advantage of this! Most places will ask for your student card, but we also recommend getting an ISIC card.
The bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. There are special cycling lanes on almost every road and other road users are used to cyclists. It is best not to spend too much on a bicycle because it may get stolen. Invest in a heavy steel chain and good lock to keep your bike safe. Our bike repair shop on campus can help you!
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