Wojtek from Poland

3rd year ES

Gert from the Netherlands

1st year ES

Elisabeth from Germany

2nd year ES

Why did you choose ES?

I was attracted by the openness of this programme – that is, it does not offer a very narrow scope of teaching but it consists of elements coming from different disciplines (namely economics, law, politics and sociology). This was handy since I was not sure what exactly I would like to do in future, but at the same time I knew I want to study and broaden my horizons in the international arena

I liked the idea of studying in an international environment and have always been interested in politics. This study provides both.

The European Union is more present than ever in our live and therefore it is really interesting to understand the process and events we are going to expect. European Studies gives good basic knowledge about the EU and international relations through the lenses of the 4 different disciplines.

What is your favourite course and why?

Definitely one course I liked most was “Project 3: Policy Design in the EU Context” where together with my team-members I had to deal with the topic of renewable energies in the European Union. I found it very interesting - especially because we had to work in a team: distribute the workload and solve our ‘internal’ problems by ourselves. Personally I enjoy writing scientific papers and apparently there were a lot of occasions to do that during my studies.

I am now halfway the second quartile so I only have had 6 courses yet, but I liked introduction to economics best. This course is quite straight forward. Although I like to think in a social way (which is done pretty much in the study) the economic theories are easier to understand. This quartile I find the course 'Political science' the most interesting, because it focuses on the other (less known) countries in the EU.

The courses I like most were ‘Sociology’, ‘European Political Integration’ and ‘the Institutional development of the European Union’ since they present the European Union visible and enables us to see the process which is going on.

Where and how do you live in Enschede?

I live on university campus in a solitary accommodation. The fact that it is solitary does not mean I feel lonely here! In fact, I am surrounded by fantastic people with whom I spend a lot of my free-time – campus life is awesome!

I live in the East of Enschede together with 2 girls and one guy. Our house got a name, just as many other Dutch houses and is called Huize Fratsen.

I live in a student-house, very close to the center. It is really ‘gezellig’.

What do you like to do besides your study?

I take care of my musical needs – namely electronic music production, sound design and DJ-ing on the local international parties.

I like to play the drums, do some football and chill or go out with friends.

There are many things like to do: sport, meeting friends, reading, listening to music, relaxing, doing nothing. But in principle I would say I am very active haha….

What was your first impression of Enschede?

When I first came to Enschede I became very positively surprised by the fact that I can talk English to almost everybody. Naturally, I do enjoy the “beauty of Dutch architecture” or the extraordinary Dutch “sculptures” however there is one drawback – if you do not have a bike (or a car) the distances will kill you – for, not everywhere you can get by bus, even though the bus lines are very well developed.

Smaller then I expected and more guys than I expected. That was not really positive but I do like going out on Thursdays and there definitely are a lot of parties.

Well, I knew Enschede before due to the fact that I came here a few times for shopping and was in the cafés at the Oude Markt and therefore I thought it was really nice.…

…and the first time on campus?

The University campus provides a lot of possibilities to train various sports. The green sceneries with all the trees and lakes fit perfect as a background to all your activities. Obviously, it is needless to say how great all the campus parties are.

I very much liked the campus from the beginning as it is quite impressive with all the buildings. However, I prefer to live and spend time in the city.

My first time on Campus really impressed me due to the many possibilities that are offered here (like sport, culture etc.). My impression was and is still totally positive!

What do you think of Enschede as a student city?

It’s great, not only because of the concentration of different schools for higher education but also thanks to all the entertainment possibilities. As for a city this small there is a fine number of pubs and clubs where you can go with your friends in the evenings.

It is, compared to Groningen where I have lived before a rather small city. Here the students are more hidden from everyday life, maybe due to the fact that they all hang around on campus, the city then is like a 15 minute drive away. My advise: Go, live in the city and go out!

Something is always going on in Enschede! Especially on Thursday evening when there is student-evening in the city. However, the city is always nice, especially in the summer-sitting in one of the cafés at the Oude Markt. Additionally you can reach everything with your bicycle and do a lot of other activities beside studying. That’s why I like studying here!