Nightlife and other recommendations from second-year students to first-year students about to start their second placement.
By: Karen Natalia Yepes
February has started, and that means one thing: first-year students are about to start their second placement in Euroculture. At this point, you might feel exhausted. The goodbyes, the moving, a new city just when you got familiar with the previous one. It is a challenge indeed. Therefore, the sooner you engage in your new placement, the better. For that reason, we have gathered a few recommendations of lesser-known plans and events that you can try right away to get to know your new city, its nightlife, and its charms. Below is a brief, curated recap of personal notes from some second-year students (cohort 2024-2026).
Göttingen BG74 Live Basketball
by Karen Natalia Yepes
Göttingen has a great advantage: the Kulturticket. Within your student ID, a culture card is included, which will grant you free or discounted access to many events across the city and the country. Theatre plays, opera nights, music festivals, and so much more! Here you can see the list of events that apply. My own personal favourite is live basketball. Instead of football, men’s basketball is the most promoted sport in Göttingen, and the tickets for each game are only 1€. You have to buy them in person either days in advance, or at the kasse about an hour before the game starts (but they can run out fast in this case). The tickets are for standing spots around the stadium, but you are free to choose which section you would like to stand in. Apart from the game, during the breaks, you can enjoy some very entertaining performances of jump rope, acrobatics, and more on the court. If you would like to have a drink or some snacks, there are stands inside. You can find more information on the schedule here.
Groningen pubquizzes
by Karen Natalia Yepes
Do you like to test your knowledge with some trivia? Then you will love the pub quiz culture in Groningen. There are plenty of options to choose from every day, but my personal favourites are the pub quizzes at De Toeter. Every Wednesday at 20.00 and Sunday at 19.00, they organise an eight-round event that goes from an image ice-breaker round to a challenging music round. The event is prepared for internationals, so you will be able to listen to the questions in both English and Dutch. However, pay close attention to the questions as they are usually just stated once. For participating, you have to book in advance by registering your team on the website. Participation costs 3.50€ per person, and it will be charged at the end. If you book for more people, but some teammates end up cancelling at the last minute, let the staff know at the beginning of the quiz, just in case. Besides, once you are there, I highly recommend that you try the fries. In my opinion, they are the best in the city. Have fun!
Forró dancing lessons in Krákow
by Fernanda Moura Balzacchi
Have you ever wanted to learn a partnered dance? This might be your opportunity. At the Centrum Wielokulturowe w Krakowie (Multicultural Centre in Krakow), you can learn how to dance Forró, a northeastern Brazilian music and dance style. The lessons led by Fernanda through her cultural initiative called Forró do bão usually take place every Wednesday from 18.00 to 19.30 and are open for free for people of all ages. Heads up: Forró is danced in pairs, so you will have to dance with someone else every time, but do not worry, you do not require a partner to join, as they rotate partners and everyone gets to dance with each other. Plus, you can get to know lots of people outside of the university from different walks of life, and it’s a great opportunity to get to know Krakowians and make new friends. Just bring your best energy, openness, and willingness to meet other people and to explore Brazilian culture. Make sure to check out other events held at the Multicultural Centre here.
Country presentations at Olomouc
by Felice Valeria Thessalonica
Taste the world! Every month, ESN Olomouc organises country presentations where international students talk about their countries of origin and also cook traditional dishes. Both local and international students from the Palacky University are welcome to join. These events give you the chance to meet other students, learn about different cultures, traditions, and cuisines. Besides, sessions usually host more than one country, so you can treat yourself to multiple flavours in one go. Check their website for the agenda and explore other activities available. Maybe you could present your country too!
Free sports in Strasbourg
by Mathis Spranzel
Practice sports for free at SUAPS! During the first four weeks of the semester, you can try all the available activities. Take advantage of the renovated sports facilities and explore the racket sports, team sports, combat sports, aquatic sports, outdoor sports, and more. Sports, sports, sports! That also includes dancing courses, theatre improvisation, and even circus juggling. Join some lessons, have fun, and get to know other people. Check the website for more information about the registration and the current agenda.
Lamb Chops in Udine
by Ibibia Frederick Joseph-George
If you asked me if I’m a foodie, I’d probably say no. I rarely visit restaurants or fast-food places unless it’s a social occasion. Why? because I put my Nigerian cooking skills to work, and honestly, nothing tastes better than skill, grit, and your ancestors whispering long-held culinary traditions while you assemble a masterpiece in your own kitchen. That said, this place got me. I was charmed by Mille Una Notte, and I even brought friends there during the IP. I tried a few things, but the lamb chops are pure delight. Full stop. The tamarind juice is excellent, and the pomegranate prosecco is dangerously good. Everything feels deliberate, balanced, and properly done. The ambience matters too. For people who like food and a memorable experience, the aesthetics land perfectly. This might read like an advert, but it’s not; the customer service is top-notch. You can book or just walk in. There’s always a mix of people inside, and if you go early enough, it’s quiet and gives you some privacy. There’s also outdoor seating, which offers a really nice view of the city’s pulse and rhythm as people waltz by.
Yes, it’s a bit pricey (spoiler alert), around €18 for the lamb chops, but that’s exactly why it’s not an everyday thing. You go just enough to enjoy it, then step back before it turns into an addiction. So, if you’re lucky to be in Udine and want to try something different, hang out with friends, or explore something unfamiliar but genuinely mind-blowing, give it a try. They have vegan options, meat dishes, Middle Eastern drinks, and many more. You can have a look at their huge menu. Enjoy!
Uppsala Gems
by Beatriz Rocha
Do you fancy a study break with a lakeside breeze? Then you should head to Lake Ekoln, the closest lake to Uppsala – I assure you it’s a perfect escape from the library! Getting there is easy: you can hop on a public bus towards Skarholmen or Hammarskog for around 40 minutes (check routes and timetables on the UL app or website before you go, as schedules vary). If you are feeling energetic, cycling takes around 25-35 minutes from the city centre, and the route is flat and scenic, especially on a sunny day.
There you can swim from the sandy beach, sunbathe on the grass, play beach volleyball, or fire up a barbecue at the public grilling spots. There are walking trails through the nearby nature reserve if you prefer a peaceful stroll, and in late summer, the sunsets over the water are absolutely worth staying for. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, canteens, and open green spaces for games, so bring a blanket and make an afternoon of it.
Whether you go for a refreshing dip or just to chat by the water, Ekoln is totally worth it. See you by the lake!
Header image source: Freepik https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/kids-learning-playing-illustration_3198240.htm#fromView=keyword&page=1&position=1&uuid=9433ddf6-29cd-4636-953a-f5790f5a7cce&query=Student+activities
The Euroculturer 