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Hotspots in Enschede that every student should know

As a student in Enschede, there are a couple of places you are guaranteed to visit often. But while it makes sense to older students to meet up at Teletubbieland or go partying at 't Gat, as a new student, you probably have no idea what this is all about. No worries, though – here are the most important hotspots of Enschede you need to know as a (new) student!

Photo of Marit
Marit
Students biking past the 'University of Twente' letters at the entrance of the campus.
The letters at the entrance of the campus

Campus bars

The campus is every student's home base. Fortunately, there is much more to do besides studying. To kick off the weekend or celebrate passing your exam, head to one of the six bars run by the study associations: Abscint, MBasement, Beneden Peil, Diepzat, TAP, or the Technobar. You will encounter them all during the Elfbierentocht (Eleven Beers Tour), where you visit them and five other bars, down a beer, and collect a stamp at each one.

Broodbode

Whether you want a good breakfast after a night out or a nice lunch with friends, Broodbode has you covered! This is the place to be for the best sandwiches, salads, and fresh juices. With no fewer than four locations in Enschede (and 10 more in the rest of Twente), you never have to look far.

't Gat in de Markt

What was once a public underground toilet has been transformed into a student pub 30 years ago: 't Gat in de Markt, the ultimate spot to end your night out. You might still catch a faint whiff of its past, but hey, after a few drinks, you won’t notice anymore ;).

Grolsch Veste

If you see people walking around in red on the weekends, they are guaranteed to be on their way to FC Twente's stadium: the Grolsch Veste. Whether you are a soccer fan or not, this is a place you must visit at least once.

Grolsch Factory

On campus, in the pub, or at a festival: Grolsch beer is everywhere. The Grolsch Factory, not to be confused with the Grolsch Veste, is where your beer is brewed. The Grolsch Brewery Tour is a lot of fun. During this tour, you are guided through the brewery, and you will also get to taste the beer, of course.

H.J. van Heekplein

If you need new clothes or enjoy shopping, H.J. van Heekplein is the place to be. All the major fashion chains are located on this square, so you're sure to find what you're looking for! Besides, on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and most Sundays, there is also a market where you can get cheap fruit and vegetables.

Hengelosestraat

Every student knows the Hengelosestraat. To cycle from the city to the campus (or vice versa), you have to bike this street, which sometimes feels endless. And if you’ve ever wondered why the ride into the city always feels so tough, it's not your lack of stamina; it’s the 13-meter altitude difference between Enschede and Hengelo!

The letters

Are you meeting up with friends on campus? Then the letters at the campus entrance that spell ‘University of Twente’ are a great recognisable spot. And when you graduate, you can't leave the university without snapping a photo with your diploma and this iconic background.

Moeke

Whether you want to have a coffee with visiting parents, get a drink on the terrace with your date, or just enjoy a nice meal, Moeke is always a good choice. Besides, Moeke is not only a great place to have some nachos or a burger, but also for fun pub quizzes and music bingos with fellow students.

De Muur

After a night out, grab some fried snacks at De Muur: Enschede’s legendary vending wall. At 4 am, nothing hits like a kroket (croquette) or kaassouflé (cheese soufflé) from this place.

Oude Markt

The Oude Markt is the heart of Enschede, the place where everything happens. During the day, you can enjoy good food and good company on the terrace, and at night, this is the place to be for a night out, ending at 't Gat in de Markt and De Muur.

De Pakkerij

In De Pakkerij on the Oude Markt, you will find the home bases of Enschede’s four biggest student associations: AEGEE, Alpha, Audentis, and Taste. On pub nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this is the place to be for drinks and a party!

Van der Poel

Whether the sun is shining or it's raining, Van der Poel is always packed! No wonder, because here you'll find the most delicious ice cream in Enschede and far beyond. Going out for ice cream with friends, roommates, or your date? Then don't even think about where to go!

Rutbeek

At the Rutbeek, a recreation park near Enschede, you can cool off in the water or sunbathe on the beach. Besides relaxing, you can also go climbing, water skiing, paddleboarding, paintballing, mountain biking, and even skiing (yes, seriously)!

Teletubbieland

The park near the Horst building: although officially called Pinetum De Horstlanden, among students, it is better known as Teletubbieland or the break-up park. Either way, this is the place to be for a relaxing walk or lunch between lectures, or a difficult conversation with your situationship ;).

Volkspark

For a relaxing walk, a game of flunkyball, or a picnic with friends, head to the Volkspark, just outside the city centre. However, it isn’t always just peace and quiet here, because the park is regularly transformed into a fairground and festival site.

Vrijhof

Of course, you also have to study at university. Chances are you'll visit the Vrijhof at some point, where the University Library is located. With five different theatre halls, dance and music studios, and exhibitions, you can relax here after all your hard work as well.

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