KEI-week 2024: Your Ultimate Introduction to Student Life in Groningen

Next week will be an important and festive week for any upcoming student (MBO/ HBO or University) to start for the adventure of a lifetime? They will join thousands of fellow students at KEI-week 2024, the ultimate introduction to student life in Groningen! It seems that the applications of MBO students is a bit behind, according to the latest news.

However, from August 12-16, 2024, aspirant students will experience an unforgettable KEI-week filled with exciting events, new friendships, and endless possibilities.

What is KEI-week?

KEI-week is the annual introduction week for all new students in Groningen. It's their chance to explore the city, meet fellow students, and dive headfirst into the vibrant student culture. With a packed schedule of activities, any student quickly feels at home in Groningen!

Why would the new students Attend KEI-week 2024?

1. Make friends before classes start
2. Explore Groningen with experienced student guides
3. Learn about student organizations and activities
4. Get practical information about studying and living in Groningen
5. Experience the best parties and events of the year

Highlights of KEI-week 2024

• The Grand Opening: Kick off the week with a spectacular party on the Grote Markt
• Informatiemarkt: Discover student organizations, sports clubs, and more
• KEI-Parade: Watch the city come alive with a lively student parade
• Night of the Songs: Join Europe's largest karaoke event
• Open Air Festival: Enjoy live music and sustainable activities at the Suikerterrein
• Eindfeest: Wrap up the week with an epic closing party

The full program of KEI-week 2024

Every year, thousands of students are eager to start their student life. To make a flying start and to get to know and explore the student city of Groningen, there is the KEI-week. In 2024, this fantastic week starts on Monday, August 12th and runs until August 16th. With about 12 to 15 other first-year students, who will explore Groningen under the guidance of a few experienced senior students.

Monday, August 12

Day Registration

10:00 - 17:00 Broerplein

On Monday, August 12th, KEI-week kicks off with Day Registration. At the Academiegebouw, the students can finalize their registration for KEI-week and receive the first important items you'll use throughout the week, such as the KEI bag and wristband.

Information Market

10:00 - 17:00 Vismarkt

At the Information Market, the students can get to know almost all the (student) organizations that the city of Groningen has to offer. Sports, cultural, and student associations, as well as political organizations and companies. There's something for everyone!

International Welcome

12:00 - 16:00 Academiegebouw

The International Welcome is the welcome moment for all international KEI participants. Here, they receive an introduction to the Netherlands, Groningen, and of course, KEI-week.

Sit & See

11:00 - 16:00 Vismarkt

Three beautiful convertible buses will drive through the city to show the most beautiful spots in Groningen. On these sightseeing tours, a few enthusiastic senior students will be on the buses to tell about all the fun ins and outs of the city.

City Walk

13:00 - 17:00 Broerstraat 5

Discover lively Groningen with the GroningenLife city walk! Walk past the impressive Martinitoren and through the cozy city center. This walk showcases the highlights of Groningen, including historic buildings, fun bars, and trendy spots. Forget boring history lessons; here it's all about the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Meet The KEI Leaders

17:00 - 20:00

This is the first moment the new student will meet the KEI group and KEI leaders. Together, they will first have a bite to eat, and then you can head to The Grand Opening to kick off the week in style!

The Grand Opening

20:00 - 01:00 Grote Markt

During The Grand Opening, KEI-week is spectacularly kicked off with a big party! On the big stage, performances will take place and the students will be welcomed by famous Groningers and the Daily Board of Stichting KEI that organized this week. From this moment on, KEI-week is officially on!

Tuesday, August 13

Eat & Greet

12:00 - 14:00 Throughout the city

The Eat & Greet is the moment to visit one of the many associations that make up Groningen's student life and grab a bite to eat. Everyone is opening their doors; from student associations to cultural organizations and from politics to sports. After lunch, stick around for a tour!

Time to Talk: Better Together

14:00 - 17:00 Forum Groningen

This event focuses on 'togetherness' and gives  tips for a great start the studies. Through various talk shows and speakers on different aspects of student life, any student will be as well-prepared as possible for the upcoming student years.

KEI Parade

20:00 - 21:30 Route through the city center

During the KEI Parade, the city center will be turned upside down! During this parade, student associations and organizations will march noisily and joyfully through the streets. 

Night of the Songs

21:00 - 01:00 Grote Markt

The Night of the Songs is Europe's biggest karaoke event! Along with about eight thousand other students and locals, it will be a sing along to all the famous hits.

Wednesday, August 14

Sports Plaza

13:00 - 18:00 ACLO Sports Center

During this event, get to know all student sports associations. Additionally, try out many different sports!

More to Explore

16:00 - 19:00 Forum Groningen

More to Explore is the cultural event of KEI-week! Many different cultural student associations from Groningen will introduce themselves through interesting workshops. Various activities will take place, from music bingo to salsa dancing; you can think of anything!

Pub Walk

22:00 - 04:00 City Center

Groningen isn’t Groningen without its bars, including those on Poele- and Peperstraat. Here you can dance until the early hours, as Groningen's nightlife never ends. During the Pub Walk, you’ll receive a route with your KEI group to collect stamps. When a students reaches the end of the route and have collected all the stamps, they will get a fun gadget! Pick up the route at the Grote Markt before 01:00!

Want to join the Pub Walk as a senior student? It’s possible! A limited number of external tickets are available. Click here to buy an external ticket for the Pub Walk! Note: KEI participants, KEI leaders, and crew do not need to purchase external tickets!

Thursday, August 15

Open Air Festival

14:00 - 20:00 Suikerterrein

Come to ultimate relaxation on the fourth day of KEI-week! This festival features a range of artists and acts and highlights the sustainable character of the 56th KEI-week. Enjoy the weather, join one of the many activities organized by student groups and dance.

Want to attend the Open Air Festival as a senior student? It’s possible! A limited number of external tickets are available, so act quickly. Click here to buy an external ticket for the Open Air Festival! Note: KEI participants, KEI leaders, and crew do not need to purchase external tickets!

Film at Vismarkt

22:00 - 01:00 Vismarkt

Relax at the open-air cinema, Film at Vismarkt! A large movie screen will be set up at Vismarkt, showing a fun film. The film is a surprise! This way, the students can unwind with their KEI group. Pizza and drinks will be available here!

Let’s KEI Together

22:00 - 04:00 Throughout the city

During Let’s KEI Together, various associations will open their doors so you can get a taste of the atmosphere. This is a chance for students to check out one of the large associations or experience the vibe of a small association. Visit one (or more) of the many associations in Groningen on Thursday night!

Friday, August 16

Love, Lust & Lounge

14:00 - 17:00 Pathé Groningen

The last daytime event focuses on sex, alcohol, and drugs. Through interactive lectures and activities, students become aware of the new temptations they can encounter during their student years. All from a comfy cinema seat!

Final Party

21:00 - 04:00 Suikerterrein

This is the grand finale of KEI-week. With four areas, there's something for everyone. All KEI-Week students can toast once more with their KEI group and all the new people they have met during this week.

Want to attend the Final Party as a senior student? Click here to buy an external ticket for the Final Party! Note: KEI participants, KEI leaders, and crew do not need to purchase external tickets!

Afterparty

03:00 - 06:00 PALACE

For the true die-hards, it’s possible to keep partying after the Final Party at the Afterparty in nightclub PALACE! Will we see you there?

Friday, November 22

KEI Reunion

22:00 Palace Groningen

Relive the KEI-week at the KEI Reunion in Palace!

How to Join KEI - week as a new student!

Mark your calendar for August 12-16, 2024! Keep an eye on the official KEI-week website for registration details and updates.

Don't miss out on this incredible start to your student life in Groningen. KEI-week 2024 is your gateway to new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the beginning of your amazing journey as a student in one of the Netherlands' most vibrant university cities!