Student life in Zwolle

Zwolle feels like a city on a human scale. Large enough for new encounters, small enough to feel at home. You quickly get to know people here. At the academy, at a performance or in a café with live music. The city has a lively creative community. Students, artists, designers and writers meet at festivals, art projects and spontaneous jam sessions. You'll soon be part of a network that encourages collaboration and initiative.

Accommodation in Zwolle

Finding a room can take a while, but it's more affordable here than in the big cities. You often hear about available places through word of mouth. For example, via an app group, a classmate or the notice board at the academy. That's how you'll eventually find your place. You can live in the centre, with a view of the city canal, or a little further away in pleasant neighbourhoods such as Assendorp or Diezerpoort. Everything is close by. You can be at school, at the market or on the IJssel river in no time.

Art and culture in the city

Zwolle has a vibrant cultural scene. You can visit the Museum de Fundatie, attend an evening programme at the Stadkamer or find inspiration at places like MetroPolis and De Fakkelteit, where new creators are given space. The city is a breeding ground where ideas can grow. There is still room and support, unlike in the Randstad, where it often feels overcrowded.

Zwolle has a strong hip-hop history, with artists such as Rico & Sticks and Typhoon still active in the city. Zwolle is also growing in the field of comics. With its unique Comic Design course and the Nieuwe Garde festival, the city is increasingly making a name for itself as a comic city.

Nature around the corner

Zwolle is green, even in the middle of the city. The city canal surrounds the centre and you will find water everywhere. In the summer, you can rent a boat and discover the city from the water. Or meet up with friends in Wezenlanden Park, where the famous Liberation Festival takes place on 5 May. Want to get out of the city for a while? Take a walk along the IJssel in Het Engelse Werk, or cycle towards the Zwolse Bos. 

Discover Zwolle for yourself

Students say that Zwolle feels cosy, like a village, but with all the opportunities of a city. Curious to find out if Zwolle is right for you? Visit our open day or chat with our students via chat.