Surviving the intro weeks: best spots & essential tips

Just last year, in August 2024, many new students, including myself, arrived in Utrecht ready for an eventful year. This year, I’ve had the wonderful experience of meeting quite a few new students preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. 

While there's plenty of excitement, I did notice that there was a bit of intimidation and hesitation due to the novelty of it all. For students who haven't had much experience branching out, feeling this way is completely normal. You don't have to push yourself to attend every activity if you're tired or not up for it. That said, it's still worth putting a little effort into reaching out and meeting new people. You don't have to go to all the events offered. Even participating in a couple can make a big difference. 

Some of these people might not become lifelong friends, and that’s okay; new acquaintances can still help make settling into Utrecht easier and more enjoyable. Sometimes, planning an activity together can make socialising feel more natural. This could be anything from kayaking, swimming, or simply going out somewhere to eat.

To make settling in even easier and help you discover the city, I’ve put together a short list of unique spots and experiences in Utrecht. Welcome Week and the committee markets are a great introduction, but these extra tips and recommendations will give you even more to explore:

• T’oude pothuys: Located along the Oudegracht, this lively bar hosts bands from around the world throughout the week. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy jazz, while on the other weekdays feature up-and-coming bands. On Sundays, you can even take the stage yourself during open mic nights. 
   
• Kromme Rijn: A perfect picnic spot can be found along the green stretch of the Kromme Rijn in Bunnik. This river, which winds its way through Utrecht, is also a favorite place to swim, you can jump off the bridges, hang out with friends, and meet new people in the water. To top it off, it’s right next to Theehuis Rhijnauwen, a cosy pancake house that serves some of the tastiest pancakes around, everything from savoury delectable crepes to sweet cakes.
   
• Swimming pool De Krommerijn: If swimming in a river isn't your thing, you should check out De Krommerijn, located near Science Park. You can either get a yearly membership or a day pass. They have both indoor and outdoor pools, perfect for relaxing and getting some exercise. 
  
  
• Wilhelmina Park: A staple of Utrecht, Wilhelmina Park is great for football games, quiet picnics, and a lively round of flunkyball. It serves as a regular meeting point for social events and a beautiful spot to spend time outdoors. 
   
• O'Panuozzo Neapolitan Pizzeria: One of Utrecht’s best pizza places, this quaint restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious options and has friendly staff. While there may be a bit of a wait, it will be worth it! Trust me!

I hope this short list will come in handy as you explore the city and get to some of Utrecht’s best spots. Utrecht has something for every mood and interest, so take your time, try new things, and don't be too afraid of these intro weeks. You never know what memorable experiences or new friends might be waiting just around the corner.

Former bloggers Hana Noshie and Molly Field have also shared their favourite hotspots in Utrecht.