A random Tuesday in Groningen looks a lot different than one back home, and I must say, I think I prefer it this way.

I usually wake up around 9 a.m. and head to the shared kitchen in my SSH student housing. The housing holds over 300 other international students and our kitchen is shared with 21 others (so it can get a bit dirty). The kitchen is usually buzzing with people, except in the mornings, when most of them are recovering from late-night outings. I make a coffee, grab some yogurt and apples, and enjoy the silence.

SSH housing is where many exchange students live, some for a semester, others for a full year. It’s been an amazing way to meet people from all over the world and build a little community within this big adventure.

At 10 a.m. I bike into town for an ACLO class. ACLO is a student fitness program that offers dozens of workout classes every day for just 40 euros per semester, from HIIT to Pilates to Rock Climbing to Zumba. It’s a great way to stay active, try new things, and start the day with a burst of energy.

After the class, I’ll head straight to the market and stay until around 11:30. I’ll grab some groceries, maybe chat with a vendor or two, and just soak in the energy. Then I head home, make some lunch, and eat outside in the garden area behind my apartment if the weather’s nice.

Around 1 p.m. I bike back into town and study until 4. Some days I go to the Forum, a huge community building with quiet corners, great views, a cinema, and exhibits. Other times I head to the university library, which has five silent floors. If I want something cozier, I go to Koffie Station. They roast their own beans and have three locations in town. I even bought an espresso machine just so I could keep using their beans at home. I take my studying seriously, but I also need good vibe while doing it.

After studying, I bike over to a nearby monastery that opens its doors for quiet hours. From around 4 to 6 I’ll play piano, sing, and worship. It’s become a peaceful little part of my week that I really look forward to.

In the evening, I go to a small group with my church at 7, and then I head home for a late dinner around 9:45. Everything here is super close, usually just a 10-minute bike ride. I only have classes on Thursdays and Fridays, so the rest of my week is up to me. It’s hard sometimes to stay on top of things, since each course is only seven weeks long, and its entirely up to me to build my study habits and prep for exams. But it’s also refreshing to create my own rhythm in a city this cute and full of life.