Program
Every year, thousands of students are eager to start their student days and this year, you will be one of them! To start your student life well and to get to know and discover your new student city, the KEI week comes to the rescue. In 2025, this fantastic week begins on Monday, August 11, and lasts until August 15. Together with 12 to 15 other first-year students, you will explore Groningen in a group led by a number of experienced older students (KEI-leaders).
Monday 11 Aug
Information Market 10:00-17:00 Vismarkt
At the Information Market, you get the chance to meet almost all (student) organizations that the student city of Groningen has to offer. There are sports, cultural and student associations, but also political organizations and companies. There’s something for everyone!
City walk 13:00-17:00 Broerplein
Discover vibrant Groningen with the GroningenLife city walk! Walk past the impressive Martini Tower and through the coziness of the city center. Our walk shows the highlights of Groningen, with historic buildings, fun bars and trendy spots. Forget boring history lessons; here it’s all about the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Registration 10:00 - 17:00 Broerplein
After having registered for the KEI-week of 2025 online, you have to confirm your participation during the Registration on Monday the 11th of August. Even if you haven’t registered online yet, you can still get a wristband for the KEI-week here! You will also receive the KEI-bag full of useful information and fun goodies: now the KEI-week can really start!
International Welcome 12:00-16:00 Academy Building
The International Welcome is the welcome moment for all international KEI-participants. Here you will receive an introduction to the Netherlands, Groningen and of course the KEI-week.
MBO Welcome 12:00-16:00 Vismarkt
The MBO Welcome is the welcome moment for all MBO students who participate in the KEI week. They will receive an introduction about their participation in student life in Groningen and the KEI week.
Meet your KEI-leaders 17:00-20:00
This is the first time you get to meet your KEI-group and your KEI-leaders. Join them for a memorable dinner, after which you all go to The Grand Opening, to start the week off right!
The Grand Opening 20:00-01:00 Grote Markt
During The Grand Opening, the KEI-week will be kicked off in a spectacular way with a big party! Performances will take place on a big stage and you will be welcomed by well-known Groningen residents and the Executive Board of Stichting KEI that organizes this week. From this moment on, the KEI-week is on!
Tuesday 12 Aug
Eat & Greet 12:00-14:00 Throughout the whole city
The Eat & Greet is the time to visit one of the many associations in Groningen’s student life and grab a bite to eat. All associations open their doors; from student associations to cultural organizations and from politics to sports.
Openair Pubquiz: Think & Drink 14:00-17:00 Grote Markt
The Pub Quiz is the time to test the cooperation and knowledge of your KEI group.
KEI-Parade 20:00-21:30 Route through the city centre
At the KEI-parade, the city streets are turned upside down! During this parade, the student associations and organizations march through the city center and you can join their festivities. Come and have a look, because you don’t want to miss this!
Night of the Songs 21:30-01:00 Grote Markt
The Night of the Songs is the biggest karaoke event in Europe! Together with about eight thousand other students and citizens of Groningen, you can sing along with all well-known hits.
Wednesday 13 Aug
Sportplaza 13:00-18:00 ACLO sportcentrum
During this event you can get acquainted with all student sports associations Groningen has to offer. Moreover, you get to try out many different sports! You can also take a look at House of Sport Groningen, who provide information about sporting with a disability and have an exercise coach for inclusive exercise. You can also join a game of wheelchair tennis! Get ready to show your sporty side and visit the ACLO sports center.
More to Explore 16:00-19:00 Forum Groningen
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural life of Groningen? More to Explore is the cultural event during the KEI week where you can meet the most diverse cultural student associations in an interactive way. From a swinging salsa workshop to music bingo – and everything in between! Be surprised by inspiring activities, discover hidden talents and meet fellow students who share your passion for culture.
Pub Crawl 22:00 - 04:00 City centre
Groningen wouldn’t be Groningen without all the pubs in the Poelestraat and the Peperstraat, among others. You can dance the night away here, since the Groningen nightlife has no closing time. During the Pub Crawl you and your KEI-group will be given a route which you have to follow to collect stamps. When you finish the Pub Crawl and have collected all the stamps, you will receive a fun gift! Get your route at the Grote Markt before 01:00 am!
Do you want to experience the Pubcrawl as a senior student? There is a limited amount of external tickets available! Note: KEI-lopers, KEI-leaders and crew do not need to buy external tickets!
Thursday 14 Aug
Love, Lust & Lounge 14:00-17:00 Pathé Groningen
This event that takes place during the day is all about sex, alcohol and drugs. By means of interactive lectures and activities, you’ll become aware of the new temptations that will come your way during your student days. You can relax and enjoy all of this from the comfort of your cinema seat!
Film at the Vismarkt 22:00 - 01:00 Vismarkt
Need to recover from the KEI-week so far? You can relax and enjoy an amazing movie at the open-air cinema on the Vismarkt! A huge cinema screen will be situated on the Vismarkt, for a great movie to be played on! This way you can relax with your KEI-group while enjoying pizza and drinks.
Movie: Coming soon
Start time: 22:15 (There is a break in the middle of the movie)
Let’s KEI-Together 22:00 - 04:00 Throughout the city
Do you want to join a student/social association, but you are not sure which one? Then “Let’s KEI-Together is the event for you! Always wanted to take a look at a big association, or do you want to see what it’s like at a smaller association? Visit one (or more) of the associations that the student city of Groningen has to offer!
Friday 21 Nov
The Final Party 15:00-00:00 Suikerlaan 2
Buckle up for an epic finale to the KEI-week at the Final Party! With different areas, there is something for everyone!
See all sorts of artists and dance your heart! We will enjoy music of: coming soon!
Do you want to experience the Final Party as a senior student? Click here to buy an external ticket for the Final Party! Note: KEI-lopers, KEI-leaders and crew do not need to buy external tickets!
Afterparty 00:00-06:00 PALACE
For the real die-hards, it is possible to continue partying after the Final Party during the Afterparty in nightclub PALACE! Will we see you there?
KEI-reunion 22:00
Relive your KEI-week and join the KEI-reunion at Palace togegether with your KEI-group!
