Student life

Life as a student rarely feels minimalistic, even if your bank account does. Between lectures, parties, late-night study sessions, half-finished assignments, and the vague hope of eating something besides frozen pizza, the smallest upgrades can feel transformative. And you’re lucky: not every upgrade needs to leave your wallet pleading for mercy.

Whether it's a rainy evening at home, you have a break between lectures, or you just want to do something fun with your friends, a nice game is exactly what you need. And no, I’m not talking about drinking games, I’m talking proper old-school card games 😉. Here are the eight best card games for students, and I promise: you’ll understand every single one in under five minutes!

Student housing comes in all shapes and sizes. But whether you live in a seven square metre room or your own studio, your room reveals more about what type of student you are than you might think. Here's what your student room says about you!

We’ve all been there: you head out the door, leaving your raincoat and umbrella behind, only to get caught in a downpour. But ending up soaked? That may soon be a thing of the past thanks to Nathalie, a master’s student in Industrial Design Engineering and Industrial Engineering & Management. Together with Miguel, a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering, she founded PLU – a start-up developing machines that provide access to shared umbrellas.

After a long day of studying at university, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen and wash up three different pans afterwards. A tray bake is exactly what you need! Mix all your ingredients, throw them on a baking tray and let the oven do the rest. Here's how to make one!

I have stickers all over my laptop. Some people like doing this, some don’t. To me, my laptop stickers represent communities I belong to, bands I listen to, passions I pursue, and places I’ve been. In a way, it’s kind of like a time capsule – and there are some stickers on there that I look at more than others, reminders of past times and past people. If you’re planning on decorating your laptop cover, or if you simply want to see what your stickers say about you, then read on.

During your first weeks at university, you will quickly notice that there are many different types of students. Some study best with ten different coloured markers, others with ten cups of coffee. These are 11 types of students you’re guaranteed to come across in your first year (and beyond)!

In university, when you’re trying to keep up with the professor’s flurry of slides and the mounds of information that are being dumped on you, taking notes on paper can make you slow – not to mention the number of notebooks you’ll have to burn through to finish your degree, and the added hassle of having to sort out your notebooks and find which pages you need. There is an alternative, though – ever thought about digital notes? Let’s put them to the test.

Whether you've been studying hard all day, are feeling a little hungover, or it’s the end of the month and your budget is running low, sometimes you just want something quick, healthy and tasty for dinner. A homemade soup is exactly what you’re looking for! You can use whatever leftover veggies you’ve got lying around, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, and it requires (almost) zero cooking skills. In other words: soup is the perfect student meal, besides pasta pesto, of course ;). Curious how to make it? I'll talk you through it!

Moving out: it's the first big step into your student life. There’s no one around anymore to complain about what time you came home last night, and you can always decide what you want to eat. But living on your own can take some getting used to: suddenly, besides studying, you also have to do the laundry, cook, and budget, and you no longer get the standard question of how your day was when you get home. Don't worry, with these tips, you'll be perfectly prepared for this new phase!

Many students find it difficult to stay fit and active between all the lectures, tutorials, and exams. However, exercising even for a short period of time will benefit your body, energise you and clear your mind. Not to mention that you’ll probably also feel better about your own health after exercising. Luckily, the university campus is perfect for… well, staying active and staying fit, so read on for some ideas on how to move around while hustling through your classes!

Everybody has a laptop these days. You kind of need one to be a student, after all. To me, my laptop is basically an extension of myself – I study with it, do my homework on it, watch videos and play video games with it. I don’t know what I’d do if my laptop just up and died on me – that’s how important it is. Of course, with so many people owning laptops, it’s also natural that there are so many kinds of laptops as well. This then begs the question: what does your laptop say about you?

As a student in Enschede, there are a couple of places you are guaranteed to visit often. But while it makes sense to older students to meet up at Teletubbieland or go partying at 't Gat, as a new student, you probably have no idea what this is all about. No worries, though – here are the most important hotspots of Enschede you need to know as a (new) student!

There are tons of stories circulating about studying and student life. Ask that one uncle, and he'll probably have the wildest stories about legendary house parties or dirty student houses where rats run across the floor. And if we are to believe movies and series, every student reheats a microwave meal or a two-day-old pizza slice for dinner each night. Most of these stories are complete nonsense, of course, as you have already read. In this second article on the biggest misconceptions about studying, I will debunk even more clichés and tell you how things actually are!

When you start studying, a whole new world opens up to you. You've got your secondary school diploma, gathered all your student essentials, and you're getting ready for the Kick-In introduction week... But besides all the social activities, exploring a new city and meeting your housemates, something else is waiting for you: university itself. And wherever you went to secondary school, there are quite a few differences. In this article, I'll walk you through the 10 most important ones!

Enschede is, of course, the absolute best city in the Netherlands ;), but that does not mean it’s not fun to explore other places now and then. We previously wrote about recommendations close to Enschede, but there’s a whole world outside Twente too. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a holiday city trip, these are my favourite cities in the Netherlands, which are definitely worth visiting!

Perhaps you’ve heard this common saying: “University is the best time of your life!” I’m sure everyone’s university experience is different, but personally, university has been kind to me. Not to say that I haven’t had my less-than-finest moments in university – there were times where I was telling myself, “Damn. I wish someone would’ve told me this.” And now here I am, telling you young students some harsh truths about university. Strap in for a ride.

As a hard-working student, you have more than earned your holiday. After all those lectures, exams and hours of studying, it's finally time to relax on the beach or explore a new city, buy souvenirs and enjoy good food. The only problem? Your student budget, which (unfortunately) is not infinite... Fortunately, as a student, you can also go on a budget-friendly holiday! The following 10 tips will help you save money without compromising your well-deserved time off.

As a student, you are most likely on a budget – also when it comes to your holiday. And although there’s cheap stuff in some places, Europe isn’t necessarily known for being cheap. However, as a student in the Netherlands, anywhere outside of Europe will probably be more expensive than anything inside (by virtue of flight tickets alone). That’s why I’ve laid out a couple of options that might suit you, backpackers and travellers, looking to make the most out of your summer!

Elections are here! From 16 June to 20 June, the University Council and the Faculty Council will be holding their elections. But what do these elections truly entail? And why should you vote? In this article, you’ll read about why it’s important for students to participate in the elections, which play a crucial role in policy-making at the University of Twente.

Sustainable living and student life: not exactly a great combination, you may think. After all, as a student, you don't have the time to maintain a large vegetable garden or the money to buy solar panels. Fortunately, sustainable living doesn't have to be complicated. With a few small changes, you can make a big difference. Here are 9 ways you can do your bit as a student!

Imagine this: you’ve just had a long day at university, filled with classes from morning till afternoon, plus any extracurriculars you might have – you get home, you open the door, and you find yourself greeted… with this.

When you are about to start university, you probably hear a lot of stories. Apparently, university is incredibly hard, every student drinks beer every night, and you will never have any free time. But what is university really like? Here are 8 common misconceptions about studying at university and why they are not true!

As a student, you are often surrounded by fellow students, friends, housemates and maybe even a partner. While this is fun, of course, it is also healthy to do something on your own every once in a while. Or rather said: with yourself! This may sound a bit lonely at first, but a solo date can actually be super fun and relaxing. Looking for inspiration? These are 13 solo date ideas for your next self-care moment!

The sun has finally come out again, temperatures are rising, and it’s time to dig up your spring clothes! Are you still looking for fun things to do this spring? Here are the 10 best activities for students in and around Enschede!

Student life is more than just spending a few years with your head buried in books. You could for example choose to do a board year at your study, student or sports association. Or what about joining a student team, the Kick-In committee or doing a board year for the Batavierenrace? If you’re still unsure about whether a board year is right for you, let us help you out. Here are the pros and cons to help you decide!

As a university student, you’re always on the lookout for the next big thing to keep you from boredom: a new game, a new show, or even a new place to study. However, if you want to look even deeper, it might be a good idea to consider new hobbies – ones that tie in to what you’re studying, and could be used to build up the skills that university teaches you.

Studying is expensive, we all know that. But besides tuition fees, there are lots of other costs you need to consider. From the obvious expenses like rent and groceries to unexpected taxes, these are all the costs of being a student!

Are you like me and do you become a mummified zombie during exam week because you literally have no time to cook, clean or do anything except live and breathe through your exams? Do you experience existential crises right before and after your exams that make you forget to cook and eat? Then this article is for you!

When you bring out your trusty old steed for a ride around the campus or the city, do you ever just stop and wonder, why are there so many different types of bikes? Or conversely, why do so many people use the same type of bike?

Christmas is that magical time of year when cosiness and delicious food go hand in hand. Whether you go for a culinary masterpiece or love simple, homely bites, people across the globe celebrate Christmas in unique and surprising ways. From flavour-packed Mexican Romeritos to the typically Dutch gourmet feast – in this blog, discover five traditional dishes from different countries. Add an international twist to your Christmas and bring that worldly holiday vibe to your student house!

As I’m writing this now, the chill has set in, the days have become shorter, and the pull of winter break has become irresistible. Think about it: you’re a university student, and your weekdays are dedicated to school and studying, basically a full-time job already. Would you not also grasp at the lure of the winter break, with endless possibilities and destinations? Although I am by no means a travel blogger, here are some fun, wintery destinations that might interest you students looking for an affordable getaway.

University is definitely an experience. You can pull all-nighters whenever you want, party your heart away, or even just… exist. Among the highlights of campus life are the professors who will shape (or break) your academic journey. Whether you’re cramming for finals or simply debating a topic, these lecturers are there every step of the way, in some form or another. Here’s a list of the types of lecturers you’re bound to encounter in university.

When you walk into the lecture hall, you probably head straight to your usual seat without giving it much thought. You probably think it doesn’t have much meaning. However, the seat of your choice reveals more about you than you think. Whether you like to sit in the front row or unnoticed in the back, this is what your seat in the lecture hall says about you.

Group projects are either of two things: fun and relaxing, or stress and frustration. There might be an in-between, where it’s fun and you’re also stressing out at the same time (which is usually a good indicator for a well-made project), but those are few and far between. And, like with most group-related things, your experience will largely depend on your groupmates. You could have the best group in the world, who are willing to work and put in the hours… or you could have the exact opposite. Let’s delve into the different types of groupmates you’ll encounter in your time as a student!

At university, you will spend quite some time in your student room. It’s a place to relax, do your university work, and hang out with your friends, so it’s a good idea to personalise it and make it ‘you’. Decorating it and making it cosy and comfortable is one of the best ways to combat homesickness and feel at home straight away in this new place, far away from your friends and family. In this article, I’ll give you some tips on how to get started!

As a first-year student, you will encounter a lot of new terms and abbreviations: as a sjaars, you have to pass your BSA, take various modules and hopefully see at least a studententien (student-ten) on Osiris. I can hear you thinking, ‘’What is this all about‘’? No worries! In this article, I will explain the most important terms!

As much as I don’t like to think about it, the more I do, I’m realising that the new academic year is basically right around the corner (sorry, everyone). Every summer vacation feels that way to me, eventually, but that’s beside the point. For the new students, the soon-to-be ‘sjaars’, the last week of summer is exciting: if you’ve signed up for the famous University of Twente Kick-In, you’re in for a helluva week. Read on to learn how to prepare for it.

Going to museums is usually never a boring experience. You get to look at cool things and read about their histories. However, for this list, I wanted to compile museums that are more than just your expensive paintings and lifelike statues. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. How about something more… quirky? In no particular order, here’s my list of niche museums you can visit during the summer.

Going 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.

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 😉).

Bucket lists are fuuun – for a couple of years now, I’ve written bucket lists of things I wanted to do during the summer… and completed none of them. I mean, I do complete some of the things on the list, but by the time the next summer comes around, it really defeats the purpose of the last bucket list, if you get what I mean. This time, however, I’ll propose a ‘realistic’ bucket list – and maybe you guys can get some ideas if you’re looking for inspiration!

Are you getting ready for the festival season? As a student in Enschede, you don't have to look far, because with many festivals throughout the year, there is always something going on here. Whether you are a music lover, food lover or technology fanatic, these are the festivals in Enschede you shouldn’t miss!

What do pig legs have to do with Technical Medicine? What kind of projects do you work on as a Mechanical Engineering student? And how do you deal with stress and keep a healthy work-life balance? Check out the first episode of the podcast series Student Talk and find out how students Wisang and Marit experienced the fist semester of their studies.

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!

Moving 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!

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.

A classic among us students is, of course, pasta pesto. This pasta is easy, quick, cheap and delicious. Plenty of reasons why it is served in most student houses at least once a week. But how do you take this student meal to the next level? With these tips, you will transform a simple pasta pesto into a culinary masterpiece.

In 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.

Getting around in the Netherlands can be as easy as tapping a card on a reader – because, really, that’s all there is to it sometimes. This guide is here to help you easily navigate the Dutch terrain and make the most of your time in Enschede and the Netherlands.

As 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.

We're fresh 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 life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Let's face it - especially regarding finances, there's often room for improvement... In this article, you'll find eight money-saving tips for students, so you won’t have to survive on instant noodles for the rest of the month (yes, we've been there).

When you start studying, you’ll face an important decision: will you move into a room in a student house, or do you prefer to live on your own in a studio or apartment? Each option has its pros and cons. Based on my own experiences, I will list the differences for you in this article!

Throughout 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.