The student housing complex Proxima on the Zernike Campus once again provided a successful solution for the temporary shortage of rooms for international students in the 2025/2026 academic year. In September, 43 students made use of the peak housing option by sharing a room, and for the first time, 100 exchange students were able to stay at Proxima for their entire exchange period.
Proxima was built two years ago by the Student Housing Foundation (SSH) in collaboration with the Municipality of Groningen. The complex is specifically designed to respond flexibly to the high demand for student housing at the start of the academic year. Each room features a regular bed and an additional fold-out bed for a student who has not yet found accommodation (the peak housing).
SSH distinguishes between bachelor’s and master’s students and international students who come only for a six-month exchange period. Monique Louwes, manager of the SSH North team, explains: “Exchange students often stay for six months, whereas the peak housing previously ended after four months. This caused some uncertainty. By extending the period this year, they can stay at Proxima for their entire exchange, which better suits their situation.”
All buildings are equipped with spacious communal kitchens where students can cook, study, and socialize. Research shows that the latter happens frequently: 70% of students report interacting with a fellow resident more than twice a week. The design and layout of the building contribute most to this. The research also indicates that students highly value living on campus.
Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis: “It’s great that this student complex, with its many shared facilities, encourages interaction and contact. This contributes to student well-being.”
The construction of the complex addresses the urgent need for additional housing for international students in Groningen. During the summer, international students arrive in the Netherlands, but graduates have not yet vacated their rooms, creating a temporary housing shortage. Proxima provides a solution with 401 rooms that can be temporarily double-occupied at the start of the academic year (up to 802 rooms).
Text and picture: SSH
Who is developing the most impactful innovation in Life Sciences & Health in the Northern Netherlands? Five companies are in the running for the LIFE Science Innovation Award 2026: Flux Robotics, Limosa Immunodiagnostics, SPCTR, MimeCure and GlycanScan International. The nominees will present their innovations on Tuesday 22 September during the fifth edition of the LIFE Science Conference in Groningen. An independent jury will select the winner, who will receive a €10,000 cash prize.
A much-loved tradition The Campus Trail has become a much-loved tradition on campus. Students, employees and professionals from companies and organisations across the campus ecosystem lace up their running shoes for a sporty 6.4-kilometre route through buildings and past some of the campus’s unique labs. The rapid growth in registrations shows just how much the Campus Trail has become part of the campus community. The combination of sport, meeting others and the unique campus setting makes the run a great opportunity to connect with people outside the usual work and study environment. And there’s no need to head home as soon as you cross the finish line. During the after-party, hosted by Contini Catering, participants can relax together, enjoy a drink and celebrate the afternoon. There’s still time to join: those who want to take part can register online until 3 September, or sign up on the day itself using the PIN Campus Trail 2026 | Campus Groningen.
ZonMw is expected to open the final call for proposals within the PharmaNL Shared Development Infrastructure (SDI) program line. This program line focuses on strengthening the infrastructure for the development, upscaling, and production of innovative medicines in the Netherlands.
