10 things you'll need to know when you start studying in Enschede

Fun facts

During your first weeks as a student in Enschede, you will probably have all kinds of questions about studying in Enschede and the city itself. Questions about what Enschede defines, where to live, where to go out and where you can find cheap dinners. Answers to all those questions will come soon! But if you can't wait to start your student time here, read this blog! Enschede is a welcoming, active student city and I'm sure you will have an amazing time!

A real student city

A lot of people don’t know that Enschede is quite a big student city. Enschede is the largest city in Overijssel and the 14th largest city in the Netherlands. The city of Enschede is part of the municipality of Enschede, together with the villages of Lonneker, Boekelo, Usselo, Glanerbrug and Twekkelo. Enschede has about 162,000 inhabitants from over 160 nationalities. There are approximately 30,000 students, of whom 10,000 live in Enschede. A real student city!

Best living city

Did you know that Enschede was chosen as the best city for students to live in within the Netherlands by the National Student Committee (LSVb)? Enschede has been known for its affordable rooms for years. There are rooms available on the University of Twente campus and in the city centre. Read more on our housing page to discover your options for living in Enschede.

Become part of an association

Besides studying, you’ll need some time to relax. Enschede has a vibrant association scene. There are four large student associations, as well as study, sports, world, and cultural associations. Find out more about joining an association on our website page.

During your university’s introduction week, you’ll discover which association suits you best. Attend open classes and meet fellow students who share your interests.

In addition to becoming a member, you can get involved by helping to organise activities. Almost all associations have committees responsible for organising specific activities or events. Once you’ve settled in Enschede, you might even consider joining a board. By becoming an active member, you’ll gain skills in communication, finance, or other fields valuable experience for your CV. And of course, it’s also a lot of fun!

Going out in Enschede 

Whether you just want to relax or dance the night away, Enschede has it all! Going out here is fun and varied. There are plenty of bars and several clubs where you can have a great time until the early hours. During the introduction period, you’ll probably already get to know many nightlife spots, but here are some tips anyway!

Looking for a nice bar with student prices? Check out San Remo, Friends or ’t Gat in de Markt. Prefer good beers? Try the brews at Proeflokaal Enschede, De Beiaard, and the city brewery Stanislaus Brewskovitch.

Love to dance? Then Aspen Valley is the place for you! Aspen Valley (18+) is Enschede’s party café and is open from Wednesday to Saturday night. Prefer going out on the weekend? On Friday and Saturday nights, Paddy’s (21+) turns into a club where you can enjoy yourself until the late (or early) hours! Or give RGB Silent Disco a try and show off your best dance moves. Or head to The Old Irish Pub, with live performances, pool tables and a packed dance floor.

Check out all nightlife options here.

What to do?

Besides studying and going out, there’s of course plenty more to do in the city. You’ll find three cinemas: Kinepolis near the Grolsch Veste stadium, the new large city cinema Vue Cinema near the H.J. van Heekplein, and the Concordia arthouse. Looking for a fun activity with friends? Go for a game of pool, join a pub quiz, or visit the arcade on Marktstraat! Enschede is also packed with escape rooms and other active outings.

Are you a fan of art and culture? Then Enschede is the place to be! The city boasts a wide range of cultural institutions. Admire the rich art collection at  Rijksmuseum Twenthe, explore the interactive Museumfabriek, or get carried away by music and theatre.

If you really want to escape the hustle and bustle, hop on your bike and discover the surroundings of Enschede. Leave the city behind, follow the various walking and cycling routes, and find the most beautiful spots in the lush Twente countryside. And don’t forget Roombeek Cultuurpark. This district was destroyed by a major fireworks disaster in 2000 but has since been rebuilt into a contemporary, dynamic, and inspiring neighbourhood, renowned for its high-quality architecture and cultural highlights.

Read more about activities in Enschede at our see & do page.

Events

There’s always something to do in Enschede. Whether you’re looking for culture, music, theatre, active events or a festival, you’ll find it here. Check out our agenda with all activities in the municipality of Enschede. Interested in events especially for students? Simply turn on the student filter.

Getting around by bike

Just like in other cities in the Netherlands. Travelling by bicycle is the easiest way to get around the city. Everything in Enschede is within biking distance, such as the University of Twente campus (15 minutes).

Most students own a bicycle or rent one through Swapfiets. If you are looking to buy a bike, the easieast way is to use Marktplaats or to visit one of the local bike shops. Marktplaats is a website open for everyone to sell goods; this can be anything. Marktplaats might become your best friend when you have to buy new furniture for your room or apartment.

If you want to store your bike safely, use one of the guarded storages in the city centre.

Read more about transportation and cycling at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Student discounts

We all know that being a student isn't always cheap. Luckily, there are many places where you will receive a discount with your student card! Did you know we have a Study in Enschede discount card? It is completely free for all students in Enschede studying at ROC, Saxion, ArtEZ or the University of Twente. You can use it for art & culture, beauty & care, food & drinks and many more catagories! Make sure to check it out.

University of Twente or ArtEZ University of the Arts also offer the Student Union card. With this card you will receive all kinds of discounts on activities, sports, food, drinks, services and more.

And of course, you can just take a look around or ask whether stores, museums or cultural institutions offer discount, because they often do!

Discover Enschede as a local

We have created a special Student Bucketlist for you! Once you have ticked all the boxes, you will definitely know Enschede as a local.

Until then: have fun exploring!