Emmen. A lively city known for its modern facilities, technological innovations, green spaces and friendly atmosphere, Emmen is snuggled between forests, ancient dolmens and peat flat lands and lies close to the German border. It’s great for combining an energetic lifestyle with peace and quiet. The student community is close-knit and benefits not only from the affordability of the area but also the local industry’s strong emphasis on tech and sustainability.
The facts about Emmen
Emmen is the main city in the local region
There are almost 110,000 inhabitants – and over 1,400 of them are NHL Stenden students
It’s just a 10-minute cycle from the NHL Stenden campus to the city centre and the train station – which will take you to Zwolle... and wherever you want from there
Emmen’s history stretches back to the 12th century
Emmen might be a small city, but it’s got big city innovations, including bluetooth, the first biodegradable artificial grass field, sustainable monofilaments for 3D printing, and incredible plastic recycling technology
It’s culturally rich with its museums, theatres and Wildlands Adventure Zoo slap bang in the city centre
Emmen is located in the UNESCO-Geopark the Hondsrug and boasts the highest natural hill in the province (it’s 26.5 meters above sea level!)
The social scene
Emmen is a lively city with some 300 events each year, especially in the spring and summer months, and the largest market in Northern Netherlands . The city centre’s squares are packed with cafes and terraces and there are festivals and events organised year-round in the city’s parks and surrounding villages.
The student community is close-knit and you get to know each other quickly in the local bars and cafes, and at local events. And of course there are plenty of theatre shows, concerts, dances, exhibitions, and workshops you can join. Pubs, bars and clubs such as Cafe de Swetser, Tranquilo and De Fuif are a great backdrop for a night out, with Club Limbo offering a dance floor that will take you into the early hours.
The sports scene
Balance your mind and body and check out the sports clubs, teams and facilities you can join. From skating, rowing and go-karting to tennis, squash and volleyball, paddleboards and kayaks to ballroom and urban Latin dancing, from climbing park and yoga to bowling and swimming.
Your student card will often mean you get a discount for sports. Check out what you can do with the student sports pass.
Get a basic sports pass and join a few sports classes and get discounts at local clubs for €10 a month
Go for maximum fitness and work out in the gym, play different sports and maybe even join a local team for between €25 and €30 a month
Run or walk the parks and paths in Emmen and get your exercise for free
Rent a mountain bike and go exploring in the Baltherbos
Shopping & doing groceries
Emmen has a wide range of high street stores and cute boutiques and a Friday market, the largest in Northern Netherlands, that’s perfect for grocery shopping and trying out various traditional Dutch snacks. In the summer, you’ll find regular flea markets in the city centre and surrounding towns. Of course, there’s also a good choice of shops to help you in your daily life, from DIY stores to bike shops, opticians to pharmacies.
When it comes to grocery shopping, let’s be honest, a student budget doesn’t often stretch to a take-away every evening. And standing on your own two feet means being able to sort your own breakfasts, lunches and dinners – and maybe for your friends too. So think up those menus, make your shopping list and get yourself off to the supermarket, specialist store or the weekly market on Fridays. And have fun!
And there's more...
Housing
Once you’ve sent in your application, you can start looking for accommodation. In the Netherlands, you need to arrange student housing yourself. Our housing partner in Emmen can actually guarantee accommodation for our first-year international students under certain conditions. That said, there really is enough choice for everyone.
In the north of the Netherlands, accommodation is easier to find and far more affordable than in other parts of the country. In fact, studies show you get more space for your money in the north.