Latest student stories
To all stories- student InternationalsFinding a room: a guide to hospiterenAre you looking for a student room in the Netherlands? Then you will undoubtedly get acquainted with the somewhat peculiar phenomenon hospiteren – the process of applying for a room in a Dutch student house. If you’re new to this concept, it may be frustrating to go to several house viewings and interviews only to get the message afterwards that you didn’t make it. However, it’s possible to get that coveted room, also as an international student – and with these nine tips, you just might increase your chances!
- student Student lifeStudy associations: what are they?During your time as a student at the University of Twente, you may come across some funny-looking photos of very serious people posing in suits. That, dear reader, is probably a picture of the board of a study association – pretty much the faces of that study programme.
- student Student lifeThinking of studying abroad? These students went before you!Are you a student at the University of Twente and considering going abroad for your minor? Wondering what to do during your third year and seeking inspiration from fellow students who've already taken the plunge? Look no further! In this article, two students share their experiences studying one semester abroad: Paula, a bachelor’s student in Industrial Design Engineering (IDE), who did a minor in Adelaide, Australia, and Darren who ventured to Sendai, Japan during his Master’s in Computer Science. (And maybe by reading their stories, you’ll want to do a semester abroad as well 😉).
- student Student tipsBored during the holidays? Not with these 14 tips!After months of deadlines, exams, all-nighters and projects, it's finally time to enjoy your well-deserved summer vacation. Sleeping late, scrolling on your phone and doing absolutely nothing... Until after a week or two, even that starts to get a bit boring. Don't worry, with these 14 tips, you won't be bored this summer!
- student Student tipsMaking friends at uni: my experience and tipsGoing to university can be a scary thing. You’re thrown into a new environment, with new people to meet and places to explore. Making friends and forging new connections is part of the university experience, but it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if it’s your first time away from home. However, there’s good news: you’re not alone! There are so many options to step out of your comfort zone and start making friends, either at your study programme or somewhere else. In this article, I’ll show some examples of how you can build your social life at uni, and sprinkle in some bits on how I managed to call the University of Twente my home.
student Student tips
Preparing 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 experiences
All experiences- student ExperiencesMay studies the Bachelor's in Management, Society & Technology: “I want to drive a positive societal change.”“I’m learning the tools and techniques to influence government’s decisions,” says student May. “It’s awesome that what I’m learning now will help me make a positive impact in areas like building better cities, improving healthcare, or using technology for environmental sustainability.” In this article, she shares insights into the Bachelor's in Management, Society & Technology at the University of Twente.
- student ExperiencesFloor studies the Master's in Business Information Technology: “I learn to create information systems that add real value to companies.”How can you help organisations work smarter and faster? Student Floor explains: “Information systems are part of any organisation today: small companies, corporates, hospitals, and even governments. By understanding both the business and IT sides, you can prevent issues like wasted resources. This programme prepares me to bring those two together.” In this story, she offers a glimpse into the Master's in Business Information Technology at the University of Twente.
- student ExperiencesMarco studies the Master's in Industrial Engineering & Management: “I want to contribute to better production processes.”“Ever wondered how your favourite products get from the other side of the world to your doorstep? I'm learning to tackle the challenges behind global supply chains, finding smarter and more sustainable ways to meet the demands of our fast-paced world,” says student Marco from Ecuador. In this article, he describes his journey through the Master's in Industrial Engineering & Management at the University of Twente.
- student ExperiencesHanna studies the Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science: “IT is changing fast, and I’m learning to adapt.”What’s the one common thing between all the tech stuff you use every day? “Technical computer science. Whether it’s figuring out how to make online searches faster or creating the systems that run our phones and computers, this is the field that’s behind all of that,” student Hanna explains. She describes her experience of studying the Bachelor’s in Technical Computer Science at the University of Twente.
Student life
More stories- student EnschedeStudent city Enschede throughout the yearThroughout the entire year, Enschede has plenty to offer to its students. Both in summer and in winter, all kinds of events take place here. From festivals to sports events, Enschede has it all! These are the best annual events that make Enschede a unique student city.
- student Student life5 unconventional sports YOU want to try at UT!We're a few months into the new year and that can only mean one thing... failed New Year's Resolutions. Where on the 1st of January, exercising more seemed such a good prospect, motivation is now nowhere to be found. Do you also dread making yet another trip to the gym or the football pitch? Then try one of the rather unconventional sports the University of Twente has to offer instead!
- student Student lifeStudy associations: what are they?During your time as a student at the University of Twente, you may come across some funny-looking photos of very serious people posing in suits. That, dear reader, is probably a picture of the board of a study association – pretty much the faces of that study programme.
- student Student tipsMoving into a student room? This is what you need!Will you be moving into a student room soon? Then you are entering a fun and exciting period! Furnishing your own room is a fun experience, but it also requires some preparation. The challenge is to avoid taking too many things that will only end up cluttering your room. What do you take with you and what do you leave behind? Let’s find out!
- student Enschede8 hotspots for lunch in Enschede on a student budgetIn Enschede, you'll find plenty of cosy lunchrooms where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. As students, our budget may not be infinite, but thankfully, going out for lunch does not have to be that expensive. Here are the best places in Enschede where you can enjoy a delicious lunch for under €10.
Being an international at UT
More stories- student InternationalsFinding a house in the Netherlands: how does it work?The Netherlands, renowned for its excellent education system and vibrant student life, is currently facing a housing crisis that affects both local and international students. Finding suitable accommodation has become a significant concern, but with careful planning and resourcefulness, students can successfully secure housing.
- student InternationalsStudent associations: how to get the most out of student life in the NetherlandsAs an international student, the prospect of being active on campus can be both exciting and challenging. Finding meaningful ways to fill your free time and connect with like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your university experience. For me, that meaningful thing turned out to be through active participation in my own country’s student association.
- student InternationalsWhy I came to study in the NetherlandsDeciding where to go to for university was a tough decision to make. The Netherlands was famous for its quality of education – but then again, so were many other countries. However, through reading and research, I found some things that made the Netherlands the country to go for, at least for me: from its campuses and student life to its close-knit communities of international and Dutch students. In this rather personal story, I’ll navigate you through how I decided to go to the Netherlands for my Bachelor’s.
- student InternationalsBiking 101: all about the bicycleIn the Netherlands, cycling is not just a mode of transport – for a lot of people, it’s a way of life! I know, I know, you’ve probably already read that same sentence a billion times in other guides, but the importance of owning a bicycle in the Netherlands can’t be stressed enough. They’re cheap, they’re efficient (one of the most efficient machines ever invented, in fact!) and they’re reliable.
- student InternationalsWhat should you pack when studying in the Netherlands?Wondering what essentials you absolutely cannot forget to pack for your thrilling study abroad adventure at the University of Twente in the Netherlands? In this video, I’ll tell you what to pack!
Tips & tricks
More tips- student Enschede6x student-budget friendly places to eat in EnschedeWe all know that good food and a student budget are sometimes difficult to combine. Pasta pesto and frozen pizzas will get you through the month, but sometimes you just feel like eating out without having to fully empty your bank account. Luckily, Enschede offers plenty of tasty, budget-friendly dining options. In this article, you can read my personal favourites, where you can score a tasty meal for under €15!
- student Student tipsThe ultimate checklist for moving outMoving out is a big and exciting step. Therefore, furnishing your own place requires quite a bit of preparation. But don't worry: with this checklist at hand, you won't overlook anything!
- student Student tipsThe best tips for student discounts in EnschedeAs a student, you will be all too familiar with the eternal struggle between making the most out of your student life and not draining your bank account too much. Luckily, there's a solution: your student ID card. This turns out to be good not only as proof of identity during exams, but also as a means to benefit from extra discounts. So, where can you get the best student deals in Enschede? Here are my recommendations!