Where to Shop for Furniture as a Student in Groningen: A Comprehensive Guide
Where to Shop for Furniture as a Student in Groningen: A Comprehensive Guide
A guide to affordable furniture shopping in Groningen for students, featuring stores and budgeting tips
Moving to Groningen as a student is an exciting yet challenging experience, especially given the current housing crisis. However, renting an unfurnished room/apartment can be a life-saving option even if you are on a tight budget! Finding the perfect furniture as a student can seem daunting, but Groningen offers plenty of affordable and stylish options. Here is a comprehensive guide on where to shop for furniture in Groningen.
Ikea Groningen
Location: Sontweg 9, 9723 BZ
IKEA is the go-to place for plenty of newcomers in Groningen. With a wide range of affordable, modern furniture, IKEA offers everything from beds to desks and storage solutions. Their ‘Studentenservice’ (Student Service) often has deals tailored for students, including packages that bundle essential furniture items at discounted rates.
Bonus Tip: You can download the IKEA app before moving to Groningen and make a wishlist with discounted items you plan to buy.
Marktplaats.nl
Location: Online
Marktplaats is the Dutch equivalent of Craigslist and is an excellent platform for finding second-hand furniture in Groningen. Many students and locals sell their furniture at very reasonable prices. You can find everything from antiques to almost-new furniture. The platform allows you to negotiate prices, making it ideal for students looking to furnish their place without breaking the bank.
Praxis
Location: Peizerweg 86, 9727 AK
Praxis is a large DIY and furniture store that sells various home essentials like lighting, tools, and decor. More commonly known for DIY supplies, Praxis also offers affordable furniture options, especially during sales periods. This can be a good spot if you are looking for basic yet functional items or need to fix something around your house.
Kringloopwinkel (Thrift Stores)
Location:
Mamamini:
Noorderbinnensingel 100
Helper Oostsingel 29
Damsterdiep 307
GoudGoed:
Damsterdiep 269
Protonstraat 6
Thrift stores, known in Dutch as ‘Kringloopwinkels,’ are a great place to find unique, budget-friendly furniture. Mamamini and GoudGoed are two popular thrift store chains in Groningen where you can score great deals on everything from chairs and sofas to home decorations. Shopping at thrift stores is also great if sustainability concerns you!
Hema
Location: Grote Markt 21, 9712 HR
Hema is a popular Dutch retail chain store which has a great selection of household goods, including small furniture items, kitchen essentials, and decor. While Hema may not have large furniture pieces like beds or sofas, it is perfect for buying smaller items like shelves and home accessories.
Bonus Tip: If you own a Hema card, you can accumulate points with each purchase and exchange them for discounts.
Leen Bakker
Location: Laan Corpus den Hoorn 120, 9728 JT
Leen Bakker is a well-known Dutch furniture retailer that offers furniture and home accessories. They have a good selection of beds, sofas and dining sets. Leen Bakker frequently offers discounts and promotions, making it a great option for students furnishing a new place.
Karwei
Location: Peizerweg 98, 9727 AK
Karwei is another home improvement store that doubles as a great spot for buying furniture and home decor. It is a bit more upscale compared to Praxis, but they offer a student discount and often have sales. Karwei is particularly good for finding trendy, contemporary furniture that fits a modern aesthetic.
Action
Location:
Westerhaven 50
Dierenriemstraat 136-140
Kajuit 324
Shopping at Action is a lifesaver for broke students in Groningen looking to furnish their new home on a tight budget. While traditionally known for its affordable household items, Action also offers a selection of small furniture pieces, home decor and essential accessories at unbeatable prices. From budget-friendly storage solutions to stylish stools, Action provides everything you need to make your new home more cozy.
Free Your Stuff Groningen
Location: Facebook
Shopping through the Facebook group ‘Free Your Stuff Groningen’ is a fantastic option for students in the city who are looking to furnish their homes for free or at minimal cost. This community-driven group allows members to give away items they no longer need. As a student, you can find everything from couches and desks to smaller items like lamps and shelves, often in good condition. Joining this group not only helps you save money but also promotes sustainability by reusing items within the local community. Plus, it is a great way to connect with other students and locals in Groningen.
Tips for Furnishing Your Student Apartment in Groningen
Start with the Essentials: Prioritise essentials like a bed, desk and chairs. You will use these items daily, so it is worth investing in high-quality pieces.
Second-Hand First: Before buying new items, check out Marktplaats, Facebook groups or local thrift stores.
Plan Your Budget: If you have never shopped for furniture, it is easy to go overboard. You might feel excited to decorate your first room as a young adult, but reckless spending can cause a dent in your bankroll. To prevent that, make a strict budget before you start shopping.
Check for Student Discounts: Many stores in Groningen offer student discounts, especially at the beginning of the academic year. Do not hesitate to ask!
Check Unconventional Stores: Sometimes you can find small pieces of furniture in unusual shops such as the drugstore chain Kruidvat or the appliance store Blokker. You can also check online retailers such as Bol.com or Amazon.nl.
Consider Delivery Options: Delivery services can be a lifesaver if you do not have a car. However, if you plan to buy only a few pieces of furniture, you might be overcharged for at-home delivery. To save money, consider renting a cargo bike (bakfiets) from places like Stadswerkplaats (Akerkhof 30, 9711 JC).
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