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

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When choosing between the University of Groningen and Utrecht for studying theoretical physics, both institutions are highly regarded with strong faculty. Utrecht boasts Nobel laureate Gerard 't Hooft, while Groningen features Ben Feringa, which may influence specific research interests. The importance of personal comfort and fit at the university is emphasized, suggesting that the decision should also consider where the student feels more at home. Ultimately, both universities offer excellent programs, and the choice may come down to personal preferences and specific academic interests. Engaging with current students and faculty can provide further insights into each university's environment and opportunities.
Lisastronomy
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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.
 
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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:
Lisastronomy 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?
 
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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!
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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