Maria is a 22 year old exchange student from Spain that arrived in Zwolle a few months ago. When she arrived, she was excited but also overwhelmed. She didn’t know anyone, wasn’t used to managing a strict budget, and quickly realized that going out for dinner or traveling every weekend would drain her savings faster than expected. But within a few weeks, she found herself at a student party, dancing with people from all over the world, and later, spending sunny afternoons cycling along Zwolle’s canals.
Maria is not a single person but a reflection of many exchange student’s experiences in Zwolle. Created as an AI-generated profile based on the most common responses from a student survey, she represents the typical journey of adaptation. A considerable number of international students choose Zwolle as an educational destination, what can they teach us about building a new life in a new city?
This survey explores the experiences of 26 international students in Zwolle, covering social life, activities, transportation, and event participation. Most students rely on bicycles and walking, enjoy cafés, outdoor activities and cultural events. Students learn about events through social media and student groups, but some feel they miss out due to cost, time constraints, or lack of social circles. The survey highlights how students adapt to life in Zwolle, balance studies with leisure, and engage with the city.
Breaking the Ice: Find your community
One of the biggest challenges exchange students faces is the lack of an immediate social circle. Many arrive in the Netherlands knowing no one, and while university classes provide opportunities to meet people, friendships take time to form. Nightlife, however, speeds up that process.
Bars, student parties, and small gatherings serve as the perfect settings for breaking the ice. Unlike in a classroom or a library, social interactions in these settings feel more natural and spontaneous. The relaxed atmosphere, music, and shared experience of exploring Zwolle’s nightlife make it easier for students to bond.
“I went to my first student party not knowing anyone,” Maria recalls. “By the end of the night, I had met people from five different countries, and we planned to go out again the next weekend. It was the fastest way to feel at home.”
On the other hand, outdoor activities offer an entirely different but equally popular way for students to spend their time. Unlike nightlife, these activities require little to no money. Cycling, walking, or simply sitting in a park with friends costs nothing but provides a rich social experience.
For students adjusting to Dutch life, cycling quickly becomes more than just a mode of transport. It turns into a way to explore the city, clear their minds, and even socialize. Many exchange students mention that their best memories come from spontaneous bike rides to nearby towns, picnics by the canal, or walks through Zwolle’s historic streets.
“I never used to walk anywhere back home, but here, walking is a part of everyday life. I walk to class, I walk to the market, and I walk with friends just to talk. It’s something I never thought I’d enjoy, but now it’s one of my favorite things.”
Outdoor activities also help students balance their time. With university work requiring long hours indoors, getting fresh air and exercising naturally becomes a priority. Plus, with Zwolle’s relatively calm environment, students find peace in simply biking through nature or enjoying a quiet moment at a café terrace.
Balancing the Budget: How Students Adapt
With high living costs, exchange students quickly learn how to balance their spending. While going out in the Netherlands isn’t cheap, students find ways to make it affordable. Many pre drink at home before heading to bars, attend student organized events with free or low cost entry, or limit their nights out to once a week.
Similarly, outdoor activities help compensate for expenses. Instead of spending money on constant entertainment, students opt for free alternatives, like exploring the city on foot or gathering for picnics. Many also turn to cooking at home rather than eating out, using shared meals as another way to socialize while saving money.
What Future Students Can Expect
For incoming exchange students, the message is clear: even with financial constraints and initial loneliness, it’s possible to build a fulfilling social life in Zwolle. The combination of nightlife and outdoor activities creates a balance one provides excitement and connection, while the other offers relaxation and a sense of discovery.
Maria, now months into her exchange, reflects on how much she’s changed since arriving.
“At first, I thought I’d be stuck at home, too worried about spending money or making friends. But once I started going out, whether to a bar, a party, or just for a walk, I realized that there are so many ways to enjoy life here.”
