The first student housing complex on the Zernike Campus, named Proxima, was officially opened today in a festive ceremony. Project developer Jebber symbolically handed over the key to the new complex to SSH, the student housing organization.
Proxima can accommodate 401 students, with the capacity to expand to 802 during the peak period at the beginning of the academic year. This expansion addresses the annual housing shortage faced by international students in Groningen.
Attendees of the opening event toured the 18m² rooms, each equipped with two beds, one of which is a fold-out. “The fold-out bed addresses the annual room shortage for international students in Groningen,” said Monique Louwes, SSH’s North team manager. “Students can book this bed if they haven’t found a room, sharing temporarily while they continue their search.”
Students booking peak period beds are matched with roommates based on gender, sharing rental costs. Both standard and peak accommodation beds can be booked via SSH’s website.
The construction of Proxima addresses the urgent need for extra housing for international students in Groningen. Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis praised the opening, calling it “a significant step towards Zernike’s vision as a vibrant district encompassing living, working, business, facilities, and studying.”
Proxima was rapidly built thanks to cooperation between the Municipality of Groningen and SSH. It serves international students at the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The complex features communal kitchens, a shared laundry room, and green spaces for summer activities.
Ken Hesselink, chairman of the Groninger Studentenbond, expressed optimism for the first students moving in this August. “This will greatly help students. We appreciate the efforts of all involved organizations,” Hesselink said.
Hans Biemans, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board at the University of Groningen, highlighted the addition of 401 rooms, scalable during peak periods, aligning with the university and city’s vision of hospitality.
Proxima was built by Plegt-Vos Noord for SSH, using biobased wooden living modules designed and assembled at Plegt-Vos’s factory, minimizing construction time and local disruption. The modular method allows future disassembly and relocation.
The Municipality of Groningen has a 10-year agreement with SSH for temporary housing on Zernike Campus, located near Zernike Park and Koegangen.
Image: Gemeente.groningen.nl
