Welcome to Nijmegen
The oldest city in the Netherlands!
Known for its historic charm, green spaces, riverside views, and relaxed atmosphere, Nijmegen is a fantastic place to start your university journey.
Whether you’re coming for a full degree or an exchange semester, this guide will help you get settled and make the most of student life here.
Neighborhoods
Nijmegen has a mix of cozy, safe, and student-friendly neighborhoods. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Binnenstad (City Center) – Lively, historic, full of shops and cafés. Very convenient and safe, but more expensive.
Nijmegen-Oost (East) – A favorite among students. Safe, full of bars and restaurants, close to campus, and mid-priced.
Bottendaal – Trendy and youthful, with lots of cafés, music venues, and affordable rooms. Great vibe for students.
Nijmegen-West – More residential and budget-friendly. Safe and well connected to the university.
Hunerberg / Berg en Dal – Quiet, green, and a bit more upscale. Close to beautiful nature areas. Perfect for students who like peace and outdoor spaces.
University
Nijmegen is home to Radboud University, one of the top institutions in the Netherlands, known for strong research, international programs, and a friendly campus.
Beautiful green campus located south of the city center.
Popular programs include psychology, medicine/health sciences, law, linguistics, and social sciences.
Very international, with lots of student associations, clubs, and events.
Great facilities: modern libraries, study spaces, sports center, cafés, and more.
Shopping
Nijmegen is ideal for students who want to live comfortably on a budget. Here’s where to go:
- Groceries: Lidl, Jumbo, Albert Heijn — all easy to find and student-friendly.
- Cheap essentials: Action, Hema — perfect for home supplies, school materials, decorations, and everything else.
- Clothes and basics: Zeeman, C&A, H&M — low cost and convenient.
- Markets: The weekly Lindenholt Market and Monday Market offer fresh produce and affordable food.
- Second-hand shops: Nijmegen is full of vintage and thrift stores — great for cheap furniture, clothes, and bikes.
Transport
Getting around Nijmegen is simple and eco-friendly:
- Bike: Like most Dutch cities, cycling is the easiest way to get everywhere. The city is compact and bike-friendly.
- Public transport: Buses cover the whole city, and an OV-chipkaart makes traveling easy.
- Train: Nijmegen has direct connections to Arnhem, Utrecht, and even Germany — perfect for weekend trips.
- Walking: Most areas, especially around the center and Oost, are very walkable.
Extra tips
- Outdoor-friendly city: Nijmegen is famous for its green parks, river beaches along the Waal, and hiking trails. Perfect if you like nature.
- Student life: Plenty of bars, music venues, cultural events, sports clubs, and international groups.
- Safety: Nijmegen is considered very safe, especially around student neighborhoods. Still, always double lock your bike!
- Vierdaagse Festival: The biggest event of the year — a massive celebration with music, food, and thousands of people. A must-experience for any student!
- Relaxed vibe: Nijmegen has a chilled, friendly atmosphere — ideal if you prefer a cozy city over a hectic one.