Student Life Guide

Student Associations: Your Complete Guide

Joining Dutch student associations and societies — how to get involved in student life. One of the fastest ways to feel at home in the Netherlands.

Why Join a Student Association

Joining an association can transform your student experience in the Netherlands

Make friends quickly

Especially in your first months — associations are the fastest way to build a social circle.

Build a local network

Useful for internships, part-time jobs, and career opportunities in the Netherlands.

Practice Dutch

A low-pressure setting to improve your Dutch with native speakers.

Develop leadership skills

Through committees and board roles that look great on your CV.

Discover events & traditions

Trips, sports, parties, and student traditions you won't find anywhere else.

Types of Student Organisations

Dutch student life offers many types of associations — here are the main six

Study Associations

studieverenigingen

Exam prep sessions, lectures, company visits
Career events, internship nights, mentoring
Social activities for students in your field

Best for: Networking and academic/career support with people who study your programme.

Social Associations

gezelligheidsverenigingen

Weekly social nights, parties, themed events
Sub-groups/"houses" inside the association
Strong internal culture and traditions

Best for: Students who want a big social network and don't mind a busy calendar.

Reality check: Some have an introduction period (intro / ontgroening) and a stronger Dutch-language culture. Participation level varies — ask upfront what's expected.

Sportclubs

sportverenigingen

Football, rowing, tennis, swimming, martial arts, climbing, dance, etc.

Best for: Meeting people regularly without the "party culture" focus.

Cultural & Hobby Societies

Music, theatre, debate, photography
Gaming, entrepreneurship, volunteering

Best for: Finding "your people" based on interests, even if you're shy or new.

International Organisations

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) chapters — buddy programmes, trips, weekly meet-ups
City-based expat and student groups
Nationality or language communities

Best for: English-friendly events and meeting other internationals while you settle in.

ESN Rotterdam →

Student Unions & Representation

University student councils
Faculty councils
National student organisations

Best for: Students who want to influence policy, improve education, or build serious CV experience.

How to Get Involved

Four practical ways to find and join the right association for you

Step 1

Use your introduction week

Most universities have an introduction week (late August/early September) where associations run open events, try-out sessions, and sign-up booths. If you're unsure, intro week is the easiest time to explore multiple groups quickly.

Step 2

Follow social channels

Many student groups communicate mainly via Instagram, WhatsApp groups, and Discord/Facebook.

Step 3

Attend 2–3 events before committing

Go once with a friend or classmate. Try one academic/study event and one social event. Check whether the vibe matches your personality before signing up.

Step 4

Start small: join a committee

You don't need to become "super active" immediately. Joining a committee (events, career, PR, intro) gives you structured responsibility, a smaller social circle, and easier friendships than big events.

What to Expect as an International Student

Honest advice about navigating Dutch student associations as an international

Language

Many study associations and international groups operate partly in English. Traditional social associations can be Dutch-first. If you're learning Dutch, associations can help a lot — but don't pressure yourself to be fluent before joining.

Time commitment

Some associations are "come when you want." Others have a culture of frequent attendance. Ask: "How many activities per week is typical?" and "Is it okay if I'm busy during exam periods?"

Costs

Membership fees vary by association. Some activities also cost extra (trips, dinners, sports kits). Ask for a transparent cost overview before you commit.

Culture & boundaries

Dutch student culture can be direct and tradition-driven. If an intro period is involved, ask what's mandatory vs optional, whether there is a code of conduct, and whether alcohol is central to events (and if non-drinkers are comfortable).

How to Choose the Right Association

Pick based on your goals — here's a quick guide

Friends & fun: Social association + hobby groups
Career & internships: Study association + faculty events
Healthy routine: Sports club
Easy landing in English: International associations (e.g. ESN-style groups)
Leadership & CV: Committees + councils/boards

A good association should feel welcoming, be clear about expectations, and be respectful of your schedule and boundaries.

Need Help Getting Started in the Netherlands?

Student associations are just one part of settling in. StudyPath helps you navigate everything — from admission and visa to housing and student life.

  • Pre-arrival guidance — know what to expect before you land
  • University orientation support — make the most of intro week
  • Student life advice — associations, housing, budgeting
  • Ongoing support — we're here throughout your first year

Frequently Asked Questions

A Dutch student association (studentenvereniging) is a student-run organisation connected to a university or city. They range from study-focused groups tied to your degree programme, to large social associations with weekly events, to sports clubs, cultural societies, and international communities. They're a central part of Dutch student life and one of the best ways to build a social network.
Yes! Most associations welcome international students. Study associations and international organisations (like ESN) are especially accessible. Some traditional social associations (gezelligheidsverenigingen) may have a stronger Dutch-language culture, but many are actively becoming more international. Always check with the association directly.
Not necessarily. Many study associations, international groups, sports clubs, and cultural societies operate partly or fully in English. Traditional social associations tend to be more Dutch-first, but this varies. If you're learning Dutch, joining an association is actually one of the best ways to practise — just pick one where you won't feel excluded while you're still learning.
Membership fees vary by association. Some activities also cost extra (trips, dinners, sports kits). Ask for a transparent cost overview before you commit.
Hospiteren is the Dutch process of "trying out" for a shared student house (studentenhuis). It's like a group interview where current housemates meet potential new members. While not directly related to associations, many association members find housing through their network this way. You visit the house, have drinks or dinner with the residents, and they decide if you're a good fit.
An introduction period (introductietijd or ontgroening) is a multi-day or multi-week programme that new members go through when joining certain associations — especially larger social ones. Activities range from fun team-building events to more intense traditions. Dutch law and university policies regulate these periods. You can always ask beforehand what's involved, what's mandatory vs optional, and whether there's a code of conduct.