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
