Which University is Better for Studying Theoretical Physics in the Netherlands?

[Lisastronomy]

Hello,

I am a high-school student, living in The Netherlands. Next year it is my time to study on an university. I was convinced to go to the University of Groningen to do the double bachelor in physics and math, however.. I am not so sure anymore after seeing the university of Utrecht. I was wondering if anyone could advice me about the quality of both the universities and whether someone has any clue which university is a better university if one aspires to be a theoretical physicist.

Thank you in advance.

 

[bigfooted]

They are both good universities with good professors. Most universities in NL are close together regarding quality. Of course, Utrecht has the advantage of having Nobel prize winner Gerard 't Hooft, while Groningen has Ben Feringa, so if you already have very specific interests (more quantum mechanics or more nanotechnology related) there might be some slight advantage of one over the other.
Next to finding good tutors, it is also important to consider where you would feel more at home. If you feel more comfortable in Utrecht, go there. You also said:

I was convinced to go to the University of Groningen

This does not sound like it was entirely your choice. Listen to somebody's arguments instead of somebody's advice. What are their arguments for Groningen, and what are yours for Utrecht?

 

[haushofer]

I did both my Masters and PhD in Groningen (Van Swinderen Institute, Quantum Gravity). What I really liked about Groningen is the research group and approachability of people there. I think that in the end, the most important thing is how you feel at place, not particularly which courses are taught by whom; they're in both cases excellent.

And as a future Dutch physicist you surely must have read the book "Ruimte, tijd, materie" from Epsilon :P feel free to ask any questions!