Which places in Enschede are perfect for students?

In 2026, Enschede will be the student city of the east more than ever. With the unique combination of the University of Twente (UT), Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the ArtEZ Conservatory, the city is home to a diverse population of nearly 30,000 students. What distinguishes Enschede from cities in the Randstad is the space, relative affordability and the unique “campus culture”. But where do you really need to be as a student in 2026?

Whether you're looking for the best place to live, the most productive place to study, or the bar where the beer is cheapest, we've mapped out Enschede's most important student hotspots for you.

The University of Twente campus: A city in its own right

In 2026, the UT campus will still be the only truly “American style” campus in the Netherlands. Located on the west side of the city, this site offers everything a student needs without having to cycle to the center.

• Living on campus: The iconic residential towers and low-rise buildings around the sports fields remain extremely popular. In 2026, additional investments were made in sustainable student housing that is completely gas-free. The social control and the proximity to the faculties make this the ideal place for first-year students.
• The bastille: This is the heart of student life on campus. Here you will find the offices of the major student associations, the university shop and the “Global lounge”.
• Sports and culture: With the Vrijhof cultural center and the huge sports fields (from quidditch to football), there is always movement on campus. In 2026, the new “Tech sports park” opened, where students can exercise using the latest data analysis technologies.

The old market: Enschede's living room

When the lectures are over, life moves en masse to the city center, with the Old Market as the focal point. This square, surrounded by the Grote Kerk, is known as one of the nicest terrace areas in the Netherlands.

• The societies: On and around the old market, you will find the associations of the major student associations such as A.S.V. Taste and C.S.V. Alpha. These buildings are the cradle of Enschede traditions and are still hosting the infamous “open parties” in 2026.
• Aspen valley and the hole: For those who are not part of an association, the aspen valley (with the revolving bar) and the nightclub't gat at the nearby market are the places where people dance late into the night. In 2026, the hole was completely renovated with an ultra-modern sound system.
• Affordable food: Students in 2026 swear by the snacks at eateries around the square. For a student price, you get a nutritious meal here, which is essential for a tight budget.

Roombeek: The creative hotspot

The Roombeek district, which was completely rebuilt after the fireworks disaster, became the favorite place for students of the conservatory and art school in 2026.

• The milk hall: In 2026, this transformed industrial complex will be the place where students come together for concept stores, craft coffee and shared workplaces. It exudes a Berlin atmosphere that is not found anywhere else in Enschede.
• Living in Roombeek: The student houses here are often more spacious and lighter than the old buildings in the center. It's a neighborhood where you see a lot of design students exhibiting their own projects in public spaces.

The performance factory: Study and action

The performance factory is within walking distance of saxion college. In 2026, this is an indispensable location for the modern student who wants to combine work and relaxation.

• Productive study spaces: In the “Food Court” of the performance factory, you can sit with your laptop among the local entrepreneurs. The WiFi is very fast and the atmosphere is energetic. In 2026, this is the place for students who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the university library.
• Paddle and climbing: For the necessary relaxation after an exam, you will find indoor padel courts and the climbing gym here. It's where most student sports teams will hold their weekly tournaments in 2026.

Twekkelerveld: The bridge between city and campus

Twekkelerveld lies between the center and the university. In 2026, this district will be the “student district” par excellence for those who want to live just outside the campus, but close to the colleges.

• Twekkelerveld shopping center: This is where most students do their weekly shopping. With several budget supermarkets and a good Turkish bakery, it is an affordable base.
• Housing initiatives: In 2026, you will see more and more “collective living” projects here, where students live with older people to combat loneliness, in exchange for a lower rent.

Why enschede continues to surprise students

In 2026, studying in Enschede is more than just studying. It's the freedom of the campus, the fun of the old market and innovation in Roombeek. What makes Enschede so attractive is that everything is within cycling distance. You can stand in a high-tech lab at UT in the morning, have lunch in the city in the afternoon and have a beer at your association in the evening.

Moreover, in 2026, Enschede will be one of the few cities where you can still find an affordable room as a student without years of waiting lists, provided you are willing to look beyond the city center. The city offers a balance between Twente's sobriety and an international dynamic that is unique in the Netherlands.