1. Students only eat instant noodles and frozen pizzas
Sure, sometimes you don't feel like cooking, or you have to go straight from class to your training. In these cases, a quick ready meal is ideal. But in many student houses, students regularly eat together and follow a cooking schedule, meaning everyone takes turns cooking. This means you can't avoid putting something decent on the table, although some housemates will be better chefs than others ;). Fortunately, (healthy) cooking is not difficult at all. A simple pasta dish is ready in no time, and with easy recipes and cooking videos, you will manage plenty of other meals too.
2. You won't have time for a part-time job
Studying may be full-time, but that doesn't mean that every day is fully scheduled from 9 to 5. Your schedule will often change from week to week, and usually includes some free mornings or afternoons. You can also plan self-study time flexibly, and you might even have some recorded lectures that you can watch whenever it suits you. And if you plan in a smart way, you can also prepare for a tutorial in advance, so you don't have to attend it if you don't have any questions. That means there’s usually enough time in the week to fit in a part-time job. And of course, you can also work in the evenings and weekends.
3. You have to be friends with your housemates
Perhaps you have this idea of a student house where you eat together every day, spend the whole evening together and form a close group of friends. And yes, there are certainly many student houses where this is the case, and if you like this idea, then you should definitely go for it! But student houses come in all shapes and sizes. I, for instance, lived in a student house where we occasionally chatted in the kitchen, but mostly just did our own thing. And there is also a happy medium, where students sometimes eat together and have a house evening once a month, but otherwise do their own thing. So, think about what you like and pay attention to this during house viewings and in advertisements.
4. Studying at university is just theory
University students are buried in their textbooks all day and just listen to hours of dry lectures. Right? Not quite! At university, you also work on practical assignments. At the University of Twente, in each module, you work on a project with your group members in which you tackle a real-world problem from society or business, for example. Besides that, you sometimes work on case studies during lectures, and you often do various practical assignments. And in many study programmes, you have the opportunity to do an internship during your minor: the perfect way to apply all your knowledge in practice!
5. You will make all your friends during the Kick-In
The Kick-In is a great time, during which you will get to know lots of people. Exploring the city together, going to parties, and doing activities... You might even make friends for life. But don't worry if you don't click with your fellow do-group kiddos that well, or if contact fades after the Kick-In. During your studies, there will be plenty of other opportunities to get to know fellow students and make friends: think of lectures, your sports or study association, group projects or your student house, for example. Your circle of friends will often grow naturally over the months and even years. So, you really don't have to make friends for the rest of your student life within the first week!
6. Student life is unaffordable
Let's be honest, studying itself is expensive. You have to pay the tuition fee, pay your rent every month and maybe even buy a new laptop. But the rest of your student life? That you can make as expensive (or cheap) as you want. For example, by regularly cooking and bringing your lunch, buying own-brand groceries and going to a cheap supermarket, you can already save a lot on your groceries. Second-hand shops and online stores are your best friends too, for everything from clothing and furniture to textbooks. With smart budgeting and a part-time job, you can go a long way. This way, you will most likely have enough money left for nights out or takeaway.
7. University is only about academic development
Yes, grades are important, but that's not the only thing that counts at university. During your studies, you will encounter tutors, mentors or even process supervisors who will support and guide you in your personal development. You can also contact your study advisor with questions about your studies, study progress or, for example, personal matters that affect your studies. Moreover, there are student psychologists available to provide guidance on mental health issues. You can also take all kinds of courses on topics such as professional effectiveness, career development and mental health. Overall, at UT, personal development and mental health are just as important as your academic success!
8. All student houses are dirty
Okay, don't expect a student house to be a 5-star hotel, but usually, it's not a total dump either. Most student houses have a cleaning schedule, meaning everyone cleans a common area (think: toilet, kitchen, bathroom) every week. Do you skip your turn? Then you might end up owing your housemates a homemade cake. So yes, apart from the occasional pile of dishes on the sink or an overflowing bin now and then, most student houses are pretty decent. And your own room? Well… that’s entirely up to you ;).
