Areas
What areas do you have to know in Utrecht and how long does it take by bike or public transport. The university buildings are located in the city centre, the international campus and Science Park.
Our campuses
Travel time
- Bike
- Tram
- University Quarter
In the city center of Utrecht there is a campus area with many university buildings; the university quarter. VIEW ALL University Library City Centre
The white furnishings and natural light make this a perfect place to concentrate.- By Smaranda + 7
- Benjamin: “The city centre library is a striking blend of old and new, where modern and classical architecture come together seamlessly. Its halls and rooms hold stories of the past, as we learned in one of our first lectures: the building once served as a residence for one of Napoleon's puppet kings during the French rule in the Netherlands. This history makes the library particularly special, especially for students of the humanities.”
- Manu : “Though it’s always busy, the study spots are great. The café downstairs is nice, and I like to take study breaks in the courtyard when the sun is out.”
- Smaranda : “Despite always being full of students, this library is the only place I can be productive in peace and quiet. Book a seat in advance!”
- Science Park
Our students will tell you what to do at the Science Park; the centre of the university. VIEW ALL - Date idea
Botanical Gardens
Great for a visit in between classes, as all UU students have free access to the gardens- By Isa + 3
- Hau : “This is a wonderful place to take a walk or have lunch with your friends. Access is free for UU students.”
- Smaranda : “The botanic gardens are great for unwinding with nature walks, but also for studying outdoors in one of their comfy bean bags”
- Isa: “This place gives you the feeling of not being on campus for a moment, perfect for a break between studying”
- Geosciences & Science
Koningsberger building
A wonderful place to study - alone or together.- By Hau + 4
- Miguel : “It's a diverse university building with various study spaces. Perfect for group study – not as quiet as a library but still calm and enjoyable.”
- Studentlife Team: “Being home to three faculties, Koningsbergergebouw offers a lot of study spaces, including rooms for group work.”
- Hau : “A beautiful modern building where you can find study booths which are perfect for group work.”
Sports centre Olympos
Whatever sport you do, you can do it at Olympos!- By Laura + 4
- Luiza: “Throughout September you can purchase an amazing student deal which is way cheaper than the standard fee. ”
- Nicole : “One spot I can highly recommend to all students is the university gym – it has a variety of classes to choose from, is fully equipped with machines and has plenty of open space for stretching or individual workouts. I think it has been really helpful to have a space to release stress in between the high-pressure environment of my Masters course. ”
- Laura : “I don't personally engage in sports, but I do visit Olympos for the sports bar to enjoy affordable beer with friends.”
University Library Science Park
The University Library is no longer only a building full of books, but also a centre where people meet and exchange knowledge.- By Hau + 5
- Thomas : “I like the space and quietness of the library. I also enjoy walking up and down the shelves. There are always hidden gems to read.”
- Luiza: “I will forever remember all the “all-nighters” that I’ve pulled in the Science Park Library. It’s my go-to during all the exam weeks.”
- Hau : “This library is my favorite place to study. It's wonderfully quiet here, and I always enjoy my study session in an individual booth.”
- Oudegracht
Best suggestions from our students on perhaps the most beautiful canal in the Netherlands. VIEW ALL Cinema Pathé Rembrandt
Cinema on the Oudegracht in the centre of Utrecht.- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Vito : “I enjoy going to this bios. Here, the well-known films are screened in a cozy cinema, right in the center.”
- Studentlife Team: “Pathe Rembrandt attracts a lot of movie lovers with its wide choice of movies as well as its brilliant location in the heart of Utrecht, along the canal.”
Dille & Kamille
Nice store with sustainable products, perfect for gifts!- By Camila + 1
- Studentlife Team: “Ranging from plants to kitchen gift and kids’t toys, at Dille and Kamille everyone will find something for themselves. Additionally, all their items are natural and plastic-free!”
- Camila : “This is my favorite store to buy all those things you don’t know where to buy: tiny kitchen jars, shampoo bars and pretty Tupperware. ”
Book shop Broese
One of the biggest bookstores in Utrecht- By Luiza + 2
- Nicole : “This book shop has an impressive selection of books and stationery to choose from with both English and Dutch options.”
- Studentlife Team: “International students love visiting Broese due to its large collection of English books. It’s the biggest bookstore in Utrecht which also contains a coffee shop where you can enjoy your reading with a cup of coffee. ”
- Luiza: “I always spend hours in Broese, just wandering around and browsing through the books. As an international student, I really appreciate the wide selection of English books. ”
Canoe rental Utrecht
Reserve a canoe in the center of Utrecht. Discover Utrecht from the canals, the ideal day out for everyone.- By Smaranda + 3
- Camila : “This is the prettiest way of seeing Utrecht! Whether you’re new to town or a local, this activity doesn’t get old. ”
- Studentlife Team: “There is no better way to discover Utrecht than through canoeing!”
- Smaranda : “Canoeing is a more exciting way to get to know the city while also creating fun memories with your friends and family. ”
Board games shop Subcultures
One of the board game shops of Utrecht- By Hau + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Are you in need of a new board game? Subcultures has something for you!”
- Laura : “In addition to the extensive range of games and the expertise of the staff, they also have a fun escape room.”
- Hau : “At Subcultures, you can find fun games to play with your friends. They have a wide selection, so there's something for everyone!”
- City Centre
The old town is the place to go out and do some shopping. You'll find there also two faculties. VIEW ALL Bookstore Bijleveld
This monumental book store in the heart of the city provides beautiful books not only for Dutch but also international students.- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Benjamin: “This bookstore feels personal and welcoming, with great staff who are eager to help you find a book and are even willing to order one on demand. Even if you’re not looking for something specific, this bookstore invites you to browse and explore for a while.”
- Studentlife Team: “You can’t miss this charming bookstore at Janskerkhof! International students will also love their rich collection of books in English.”
Wilhelminapark
This 122-year-old park is Utrecht's most favourite spot for a summer BBQ.- By Luiza + 1
- Studentlife Team: “It is a perfect spot for a date or quality time with friends. Located between the International Campus and the city centre, Wilhelminapark is always full of students having picnics or going for walks. In the summer you should definitely try ice cream from Vorst, which is just around the corner.”
- Luiza: “I have a soft spot for this place as many social events during my first year in Utrecht took place there.”
Griftpark
This park is a few minutes away from the the City Center University library and is a popular meeting spots for students.- By Studentlife Team + 4
- Daphne : “Together with my group of friends, I have the tradition of having a barbecue every spring/summer in Griftpark, where we can sit by the water and enjoy ourselves.”
- Miguel : “Best park in the city. Beautiful lake and animal farm inside where you can pet the animals.”
- Studentlife Team: “Griftpark has so much to offer, from a basketball court to skate park and a “city petting zoo”!”
Plantjesmarkt
The place for plants!- By Thomas + 1
- Nicole : “On every Sunday the Janskerhof square is filled with plants and flowers. I enjoy strolling around and admiring all the different flower arrangements, it is a great study break from the Drift library! ”
- Thomas : “Every Saturday you will find Jonathan and his coffee bike at the flower market at Janskerkhof. His “slow coffee” is the perfect way to decelerat and start your weekend. ”
University Library City Centre
The white furnishings and natural light make this a perfect place to concentrate.- By Benjamin + 7
- Smaranda : “Despite always being full of students, this library is the only place I can be productive in peace and quiet. Book a seat in advance!”
- Thomas : “Even though I am not part of the humanities, I like to study in in the city center. It is specially beautiful and also located just in the heart of the city, so in between studying one can easily go to cafés or just walk around the city.”
- Benjamin: “The city centre library is a striking blend of old and new, where modern and classical architecture come together seamlessly. Its halls and rooms hold stories of the past, as we learned in one of our first lectures: the building once served as a residence for one of Napoleon's puppet kings during the French rule in the Netherlands. This history makes the library particularly special, especially for students of the humanities.”
- Art house
Louis Hartlooper Complex
Former police station, now one of the coolest movie theatres in the city!- By Studentlife Team
- Studentlife Team: “Louis Hartlooper is a must-see for art cinema lovers!”
Board games shop Subcultures
One of the board game shops of Utrecht- By Laura + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Are you in need of a new board game? Subcultures has something for you!”
- Hau : “At Subcultures, you can find fun games to play with your friends. They have a wide selection, so there's something for everyone!”
- Laura : “In addition to the extensive range of games and the expertise of the staff, they also have a fun escape room.”
Pool cafe Hart van Utrecht
A cozy cafe where you can play pool with your friends, in the middle of the city centre.- By Studentlife Team
- Studentlife Team: “Grab your friends and enjoy your evening playing pool!”
Ananda
Embrace your spiritual journey at this very unique store in the city centre of Utrecht.- By Lobke + 1
- Thomas : “Personally, I don't care for the spiritual items in the store, but I visit Ananda regularly to buy beautiful stones. As gifts for friends and, of course, to expand my own collection of minerals and fossils.”
- Lobke: “This is the ultimate store for everyone who loves spiritual matters, but actually also for everyone who doesn't. There is always so much to see, hear, and smell (lots of different types of incense). I always find great gifts here; lucky charms are my favorite.”
Shopping centre Hoog Catharijne
The one-stop shop for everything you need in life.- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Daphne : “ Whenever I need something, I visit Hoog Catharijne because with the wide selection of shops there, I always find what I'm looking for.”
- Studentlife Team: “Apart from a myriad of stores, Hong Catharijne offers a lot of food options together with its convenient location just few minutes’ walk from Utrecht Centraal.”
Canoe rental Utrecht
Reserve a canoe in the center of Utrecht. Discover Utrecht from the canals, the ideal day out for everyone.- By Camila + 3
- Vito : “With the canoes you can see a large part of the city center of Utrecht from a beautiful and different perspective. Canoeing under Hoog Catharijne is a fun experience. ”
- Studentlife Team: “There is no better way to discover Utrecht than through canoeing!”
- Camila : “This is the prettiest way of seeing Utrecht! Whether you’re new to town or a local, this activity doesn’t get old. ”
- Live music
Music complex Tivoli Vredenburg
Tivoli is a hotspot for students and music lovers who meet there for concerts and events of any kind.- By Isa + 2
- Studentlife Team: “Tivoli not only hosts amazing concerts. It’s also a great place to go out dancing with your friends.”
- Smaranda : “By far, my favorite place to enjoy music in a concert hall or a restaurant during the day and their many club-events during the night. ”
- Isa: “Apart from parties, events such as the International Comedy Festival Utrecht are also organized in Tivoli.”
- City of Utrecht
The city of Utrecht has a lot to offer; bars, restaurants, many shopping options and 3 campuses. VIEW ALL Parnassos Cultural Center
Cultural heart of the UU community.- By Lobke + 1
- Luiza: “I highly recommend that every UU student look into Parnassos and its diverse range of courses. Whether you’re interested in burlesque, photography, or guitar lessons, Parnassos has something for everyone!”
- Lobke: “This is where I always rehearse for theater. After these rehearsals, we often end up at the Parnassos Bar, a cozy café with a piano. Before joining Stuk, I frequently took courses or workshops at Parnassos. There's a wide variety available. Check it out 😊.”
Teds Utrecht Oudegracht
Utrecht's ultimate brunch spot, where every day feels like a weekend getaway.- By Daphne + 2
- Laura : “A delightful place for lunch or to enjoy a cozy high tea with friends. Make a reservation by the canal in advance!”
- Hau : “A perfect spot along the canal to have brunch with your friends. They offer delicious hot and cold dishes. (The breakfast burrito comes highly recommended!)”
- Daphne : “Teds is a cozy restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch, and enjoy a high tea. When the weather is nice, you can sit here by the Oudegracht.”
NODA Eetbar & Deli
Discover hidden bliss at NODA café, nestled within the Neude library. Relax, catch up, and indulge in delightful beverages and treats, all served with a warm atmosphere and friendly smiles.- By Luiza + 1
- Lobke: “This is one of my favorite spots. It is the coffee shop of the city library and is a bit of a hidden gem, as you can enter it taking the elevator located at Oude Gracht, next to Broese. Inside, it is always bright due to the large windows. With its cozy and relaxing atmosphere, it is a great place for working and studying.”
- Luiza: “This is one of my favorite spots in the city center for working or studying. It’s the coffee shop inside the city library, and it’s somewhat of a hidden gem. You can access it by taking the elevator located at Oude Gracht, next to Broese.”
Park Oog in Al
Experience the enchanting allure of Park Oog in Al: a captivating city park with wildlife, historical traces, and a culinary oasis at Landhuis in de Stad.- By Lobke + 1
- Luiza: “It's a paradise for animal lovers, featuring a deer enclosure in the heart of the park. Additionally, the park is home to Landhuis in de Stad, a charming spot where you can enjoy excellent coffee and pastries.”
- Lobke: “This is a beautiful park in Lombok. I lived nearby and took many walks here during the pandemic. It is a place for all animal lovers, as there is a deer enclosure in the middle of the park with various animals. Additionally, the park is also home to Landhuis in de Stad, a place for great coffee and pastries.”
Griftpark
This park is a few minutes away from the the City Center University library and is a popular meeting spots for students.- By Thomas + 4
- Laura : “The ideal place to have a BBQ with your friends in Utrecht, and you certainly won't be the only one!”
- Daphne : “Together with my group of friends, I have the tradition of having a barbecue every spring/summer in Griftpark, where we can sit by the water and enjoy ourselves.”
- Thomas : “A beautiful park, perfect for a picnic with friends. It also has an interesting history. Until 1960, it was the most polluted place in Utrecht due to the gas factory that was built there.”
Wilhelminapark
This 122-year-old park is Utrecht's most favourite spot for a summer BBQ.- By Luiza + 1
- Studentlife Team: “It is a perfect spot for a date or quality time with friends. Located between the International Campus and the city centre, Wilhelminapark is always full of students having picnics or going for walks. In the summer you should definitely try ice cream from Vorst, which is just around the corner.”
- Luiza: “I have a soft spot for this place as many social events during my first year in Utrecht took place there.”
- Around Utrecht
Our students will give you the best recommendations for the surrounding suburbs. VIEW ALL Castle De Haar
Although the castle is the largest one in the Netherlands, there are not a lot of tourists/visitors around. If you have a museum card, you don't need to pay for entrance fee- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Camila : “It has beautiful gardens, especially during spring. And it’s a very different view of Utrecht. ”
- Studentlife Team: “For cycling fans - there is a biking path leading to the castle, which is surrounded by beautiful farmhouses and fruit gardens. In the summer you can buy there fresh fruits.”
Nature Reserve Amelisweerd
Tip! Explore Amelisweerd with a canoe!- By Thomas + 1
- Vito : “In the summer it is really great to picnic here and swim in the Kromme Rijn. Bring a swimming ring and go with the flow!”
- Thomas : “Living in the science park means living a bit far from the city but quite close to nature. Taking walks around the science park it is a good way to reconnect after a long week.”
Fortress bij Rijnauwen
Together with Amelisweerd, this is Utrecht's most popular outdoor area.- By Manu + 1
- Nicole : “This is a favorite spot of mine because of the beautiful area with cozy cafes in the middle of nature. I enjoy going for a walk or a bike ride with friends here because of the peaceful surroundings.”
- Manu : “The fort itself is really nice, and I also like the woods around it. There are often playful sheep around the fort!”
Tea room Rhijnauwen
Theehuis Rhijnauwen is a household name in Utrecht and undoubtedly the best place to eat pancakes.- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Luiza: “The place is known for its amazing pancakes. You can also get organic milk from one of the nearby farms.”
- Studentlife Team: “Theehuis Rhijnauwen is a charming restaurant in Bunnik and ideal spot for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Surrounded by nature, it stands out for its unique atmosphere.”
Juliana Park
Park, playground and zoo all in one!- By Studentlife Team + 1
- Benjamin: “Juliana Park is one of Utrecht's many parks, yet it stands out by offering a retreat from the noise of traffic and the city, all within a short distance from the city center. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it perfect for reading and escaping the stress of university life. In Juliana Park, you can feel at one with nature while still being in the heart of Utrecht.”
- Studentlife Team: “Visiting this park is the best way to reconnect with nature and boost your well-being by surrounding yourself with animals like chickens, sheep, and ducks.”