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student Student life5 delicious summer drinks to make at homeThe sun is shining, you’re relaxing outside and there isn’t a single deadline in sight. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for a fresh summer drink! Whether you fancy a sweet cocktail, a fruity mocktail or a refreshing iced tea, these drinks are quick to make and absolutely delicious. Here are my favourites!
student Student lifeThe universal experience of going back to your parents for the holidaysIt’s the holidays. The rain is pouring across the country and you’re snuggled in bed, wrapped in the blankets that adorned your childhood and provided relief through countless nights. But something isn’t right – the blanket’s too small, the bed too soft. You see your old posters and realise you’ve kind of outgrown them. You gaze at your old toys and wonder if they’ll ever be played with again. You see your desk – neat, organised by your mum, probably – and realise it had never looked that way while you lived there. And all the while, the rain taps still on your windows, like multiple ticking clocks on their own agendas, steady in the onslaught of time.
science Behaviour & SocietyWhy PISA is not a rankingEvery few years, PISA turns up in the news. It is an international study that measures how well 15-year-olds can read, and how good they are at maths and science. The conversation then usually turns to whether the Netherlands is rising or falling in the ranking. That is a shame, because it is not really a ranking at all. So what is it?
student Enschede
Restaurants in Enschede: student favourites
Enschede may not be the first Dutch city people mention when talking about food, if ever, but anyone who has lived here for a while knows that the city has quietly built up a surprisingly good restaurant scene. Enschede has something for nearly everyone: date nights, student dinners, family visits, celebrations, or the occasional ‘I deserve something better than my cooking tonight’ evening.
Science Stories
science Behaviour & SocietyWhat ethical AI in research really meansAs AI tools become inseparable from student essays, scientific writing, and data analysis, universities across the globe are scrambling to decide what counts as “ethical use.” Some draw the line at letting tools such as ChatGPT write for you; others simply ask that you be transparent and honest.
science Behaviour & SocietyIntimacy and AI: what can sex robots teach us about human relationships?A partner who always listens, never gets angry and does exactly what you want. What does that mean for how we think about intimacy? PhD researcher Maaike van der Horst investigates at the University of Twente how sex robots and digital AI partners are changing our ideas about relationships, desire and vulnerability.
science HealthCould one device replace two failing organs?Life-support machines can save your life. But sometimes they can make patients sicker. When doctors use an artificial lung to keep someone alive, the kidneys often also fail. Up to 70% of patients on this treatment develop kidney problems. Could both be solved with the same device?
science HealthHow stressed are you, according to your watch?Your smartwatch knows how you sleep, how much you move – and even how stressed you are. But how accurate is that, really? Around 40% of people in the Netherlands use wearables to track their health. In this podcast by Universiteit van Nederland, we dive into the world of stress wearables with University of Twente professor Matthijs Noordzij. How do these devices measure stress? What do those scores do to your mind? And can they actually help us live healthier lives?
science Behaviour & SocietyIs it wise to invest in green steel in the Netherlands?The debate on green steel has become strikingly sharp in recent months. Not only in politics, but particularly among economists and other scholars. In a blog on ESB, 117 economists argued against government support for more sustainable steel production in the Netherlands. According to them, public funds could be spent more effectively elsewhere. A group of scientists responded with a counterargument, advocating investment instead. This sense of nuance is also shared at the University of Twente, says Professor of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics Ton van den Boogaard.
Student Stories
student Student tipsMoney hacks for students: how to save money while enjoying student lifeDrinks, parties, sports, eating out with friends or housemates... As students, we’re busy enough besides studying. Unfortunately, all those activities, memberships and groceries can add up to quite a lot of money. Don't worry, with a few smart choices you can save plenty. Here are my tips!
student Study choiceIt takes two to tango: why combining engineering & social sciences is a great ideaThe University of Twente (UT) is a technical university. That doesn’t mean you can only find engineers walking around campus, though. With a broad selection of bachelor’s and master’s programmes in social sciences as well, studying at UT gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a place where you can build bridges between technology and society – whether you want to dive deep into the world of tech or prefer to explore the human side of it all. Here are three reasons why collaboration between these (what seem to be) polar opposites is actually a great idea!
student Personal developmentStudent and Internal Manager at Biosensing Team Twente: Fernando on joining a student teamBiosensing Team Twente may be the newest student team at the University of Twente, but its ambitions are already firmly rooted in healthcare innovation. In simple terms, the team works on developing biosensors for medical applications: small, functionalised chips that can detect specific molecules in the body and translate that into a measurable signal. Fernando, student and internal manager at Biosensing Team Twente, tells us what it’s like to be part of this new student team.
student InternationalsPreparing for university: what can I expect?Preparing for university is… an experience. It’s stressful enough back home – going overseas is an entirely different beast. Getting the confirmation letter was one thing, but actually preparing for life in the Netherlands? I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, looking back, it wasn’t that bad of an ordeal, considering the huge step you’re taking in your life. There are mountains of resources you can use to help you navigate this new chapter in your journey, and now you’ll be able to add this guide to the top – I’ve been there, I’ve done that.
student ExperiencesChakshu studies the Master's in Chemical Science & Engineering: “A sustainable future starts with sustainable processes and materials.”What’s the impact of optimising chemical processes and researching new materials? “It’s huge. Chemical Science and Engineering can solve some of the most pressing global challenges,” student Chakshu from India says. “For example, you can develop technologies to reduce CO2 emissions or create biofuels from renewable resources to provide cleaner energy solutions.” In this story, he shares what it’s like to study the Master's in Chemical Science & Engineering at the University of Twente.