Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a large, comprehensive university of applied sciences that has been educating skilled and committed professionals for over two centuries. Hanze graduates enrich those they come into contact with, both individuals and society at large. They share their talents and move the world. This world has changed over the past two hundred years and the university of applied sciences has changed along with it.
Despite all the changes, one thing has been constant from the very beginning: our desire to make a contribution to society. In 1798 six leading citizens of Groningen founded the Academy for Draughtsmanship, Architecture and Seamanship, which became known as Academy Minerva thirty years later. In the end, this became Hanze UAS Groningen. The aim of its founders was to ‘give those of both limited and more substantial means an opportunity to receive easily available and more regular Education’. Even then the Academy’s social and emancipatory role was already a central feature of the founding charter. But so too were entrepreneurship, self-fulfilment, application, usefulness, competence and expertise – all values that continue to be relevant to Hanze UAS today. They underpin University’s mission and are reflected in their motto – Share your talent. Move the world. Backed by this tradition, they train professionals in more than 70 degree programmes, from associate degrees to Master’s programmes, both full-time and part-time. In recent years Hanze UAS teaching has become even more tightly integrated with applied research and professional practice. Within four research centres and two centres of expertise, we work on applied research that will benefit society.
The name Hanze UAS relates to a once driving force in terms of business and trade. Many years ago, the Hanseatic League was essential for international trade, cooperation and contacts. This was the case in the Netherlands and many other countries, such as Germany and Scandinavia. The Netherlands had many Hanseatic cities, including Groningen.
Therefore, the term ‘Hanze’ can be firmly related to the past as well as to the city of Groningen. The logo also has historical aspects to it. The slanted gothic letter H in Orange can be found everywhere Hanze UAS related.
ACCOMMODATION
Situated in the north of the Netherlands, Groningen is a young and vibrant student city, with half of its citizens under the age of 35. Groningen has a population of 197.823 (in 2014). Groningen boasts a picturesque and safe city centre, surrounded by relaxing countryside. The first major settlement in Groningen has been traced back to the third century AD. During medieval times, the city steadily became an important trade centre in Northern Europe. The map of the inner city of Groningen dates from the early Middle Ages and many old buildings in the centre still show Groningen’s great history. The city is not only historically interesting, it also has impressive modern architecture.
Within easy reach of Groningen there are the wide open spaces and striking cloud formations for which the Netherland are so famous. And a bit to the east you have the woods of Drenthe, with roe deer, foxes and sleepy villages. Yet most remarkable of all is the Wadden Sea, with its wildlife of seals and birds. At low tide, parts of these shallow wetlands fall dry. Then one can even reach a few islands on foot. However, this is a tricky business, so don’t do it without a guide.
Groningen located 2 hours away from Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, and 3 hours from The Hague and Rotterdam. Groningen is also located very close to the German border, only 50 km. Its 2 hours away from Bremen, and 3 hours from Hamburg. There are direct buses between Groningen and Bremen airport.
Finding a room in Groningen may prove hard if you start too late. So if you want to be sure you get a room that suits your wishes, we advise you to start as soon as possible. Our advice is to start at least 3 months before you come to Groningen.
Most international students that come to Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen want to find accommodation in the city of Groningen. In the Netherlands, the organisation of student accommodation differs from that in many other countries. Most universities do not own residence halls or other types of student accommodation. Instead, Dutch students find their own accommodation on the private market.