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student Student lifeIcebreakers you should (not) use in universityI think it’s universal among all university students that the phrase, “Hey, let’s do an icebreaker!” induces fear and terror into the hearts of mortals. Unfortunately, icebreakers are the reality of meeting new people, be it during Kick-In, class, or throughout the year. Who wants to spend ten minutes listening to coffee versus tea preferences? It’s incredibly cheesy. Still, some icebreakers have their charm, and even the eye-rollers are bound to make someone smile. So, in no particular order except for the order of least to most likely you’ll get ostracised, here are the icebreakers guaranteed to make you the most memorable person in the room.
student ExperiencesPepijn studies the Bachelor’s in Applied Physics: “Physics is everywhere, so there are countless applications.”What is studying Applied Physics at the University of Twente like? Student Pepijn moved from Amsterdam to Enschede and can tell you all about it. In this article, he shares his experience: “I’m still really happy with the choice I made.”
science Data & AICan AI take over football commentary?A ball flies over the goal line: "What a goal!" But this goal isn't scored in an professional football stadium in the Premier League. It comes on a table-football table in a lab at the University of Twente. A webcam hangs above the table, and red and blue LED strips flash along with the play. The voice cheering it on belongs to an AI. So can a computer handle the commentary on the real thing too?
science Behaviour & Society
Do you really choose what you eat?
You spread a slice of bread and almost automatically sprinkle chocolate sprinkles - hagelslag - on top. Not because you've thought about it for a long time, but simply because you feel like it. It feels like your choice. But how free is that choice, really?
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 tipsFiction book recommendations by and for studentsWhile non-fiction very obviously has its place in my library, it has always been fiction that overflows my shelves with hardcopy after hardcopy. Fiction, to me, is like a love letter to my childhood self: someone so fascinated with worlds outside of his own that he couldn’t help but keep reading.
student MasterClean cooking in Madagascar: Mechanical Engineering student Gabe-Jan developed a solutionSustainable and safe cooking is far from a given everywhere in the world. In Madagascar, for example, the vast majority of the population cooks using wood or charcoal, which can cause lung problems, among other health issues. During his graduation project, Gabe-Jan, now an alumnus of the Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, helped develop an alternative. He designed a sustainable and safe solution based on solar energy and thermal storage.
student Student life10 fun solo activities you should try this summerAhhh, the summer holidays… No deadlines, group projects, exams or stress! Time to enjoy the sunny weather, relax and get out and about. But when everyone around you is off on holiday and you’re stuck on your own in your student room or at your parents’ house, boredom can start to creep in after a few weeks. Don’t worry, though! With these 10 fun solo activities, you won’t be bored this summer.
student GraduatesFrom student to consultant: “I help public organisations understand their finances.”Maarten is a consultant at EY, a multinational accounting and advisory company. He completed the Master’s in Business Administration with a specialisation in International Management & Consultancy at the University of Twente.
student Study choice7 common mistakes when choosing a study (and how to avoid them)Choosing a study programme can be challenging. There are so many questions, possibilities, and options coming your way; after all, it’s an important step for your future. Many young people make the same mistakes when choosing a study programme. In this article, we’ll give you tips to avoid the most common pitfalls so you can choose a study programme that truly suits you!