Latest stories
To all stories
student Student lifeSecondary school and university: these are the 10 biggest differences!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!
student CampusGroup study rooms on campus: my favouritesGroup projects are many things, but I think we can all agree that they are a bit of a logistical hassle. If you’re only researching and developing something theoretical, then all you really need is to find a nice, quiet room and somehow convince all of your groupmates to show up on time. If you’re working on something practical, like building a one-stage mechanism using a controller and several leaf springs, like in Mechanical Engineering (cough, cough), you might want to find a place that’s already in somewhere noisy, has a sturdy table, and is, of course, large enough. In this article, I present to you my favourite spots.
student ExperiencesMichael studies the Master’s in Computer Science: “I'm learning to push the limits of software technology.”“I’m learning to make software interact with the world: it could be through a computer screen, a gym entrance scanner, or a train gate that opens when you tap a card. With computer science, anything is possible, and the only limit is how creatively you apply software to an interface.” Student Michael shares his experience of studying the Master’s in Computer Science at the University of Twente.
student Student tipsDutch cities every student in the Netherlands should visitEnschede 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!
student InternationalsHow to get your driver's license in the NetherlandsGetting your driver’s license in the Netherlands, especially as an international student, can feel a bit intimidating. You might’ve heard from your friends who’ve passed that the preparation was gruelling and intense, with high prices for driving lessons. But it IS doable, and with this guide, you’ll know everything you need to know to get started on your preparation and pass your test!
student Student tips
Making friends at uni: my experience and tips
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.
Student experiences
All experiences
student ExperiencesRylan studies the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering in Amsterdam: “I’m learning to design all kinds of devices and machines.”“Mechanical Engineering is so versatile,” says student Rylan. “It’s like you're creating something totally new, designing it from scratch and making it strong and functional, for example, a drone frame or a device that assists you playing a sport. This programme is preparing me to design and improve a wide range of devices and machines.” In this article, he shares what it’s like to study the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering of the University of Twente in Amsterdam.
student ExperiencesMaarten studies the Master’s in Industrial Design Engineering: "I close the gap between technical product development and marketing."How can you turn an innovative idea into a practical, market-ready solution? That’s what you’ll learn in the Master’s in Industrial Design Engineering at the University of Twente. Student Maarten explains: “You learn to make an impact by creating products that improve everyday life and contribute to sustainable practices.”
student ExperiencesNoel studies the Master's in Water Technology: "There is still so much to figure out about water."“Life without water is impossible. Yet, we're losing a lot of fresh water due to climate change and overuse. How can we close the loop and make processes more efficient so that we don't waste water? How do we clean wastewater? I love that I’m learning to tackle these challenges.” Student Noel from Romania is studying the Master's in Water Technology at the University of Twente and gives a glimpse into her journey.
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 ExperiencesSam studies the Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics: “I really like maths, and I’ve found my place here.”“For me, maths was more than just a subject at high school,” says student Sam. “I believe maths isn’t as complicated as it seems. You just have to be able to translate it into simpler terms.” In this article, she shares her experience of studying the Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics at the University of Twente.
Student life
More stories
student Student lifeWhat your bike says about youWhen 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?- student Student tipsDutch cities every student in the Netherlands should visitEnschede 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!
student InternationalsHow do you get around in the Netherlands?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.
International students
More stories
student InternationalsThe Dutch grading system: how does it work?To international students, the Dutch grading system in university can be a bit confusing. You won’t see people getting the coveted 10s very often, nor will you see people scraping the bottom of the barrel with 1s and 2s. Never fear, however: this guide’s here to help you make sense of the university’s grading system! So before your parents berate you for only getting an 8, make sure you read this guide first.
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!
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 InternationalsWhy and how you should learn Dutch as an international studentIf you’re moving abroad, it only makes sense for you to want to integrate yourself into the country you’re moving to. To do this, the most important step is to learn the language – not necessarily master it, but just learn enough to get by. Learning Dutch allows you to communicate with the locals, learn about their culture, and make friends. Not learning Dutch only puts you at a disadvantage – besides, having an extra language in your portfolio is always a good idea.
student InternationalsA guide to Dutch cultureAs a Dutch girl who has lived in the Netherlands her entire life, I find our culture and habits nothing special. However, while studying at the University of Twente and meeting people from all over the world, I soon realised how Dutch culture sometimes differs from other cultures. From our daily routines to our deeply rooted traits, here’s a guide to navigating life in the Netherlands!
Study choice
More tips
student Study choiceGirls in tech: why choosing a technical degree is a smart moveDo you want to make the world a better place? You might immediately think of studying healthcare, psychology or politics. But did you know that technology can actually be the key to driving social change?
student Study choiceSocial sciences at a technical university: is it really that technical?When you think of a technical university, you probably think of studies such as Civil Engineering, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. But did you know that at the University of Twente - a technical university - you can also study social sciences?
student Study choiceData science: which study programme suits me?Data science is a very broad field that innovates with immense speed – think of how within a year’s time, ChatGPT has grown out to be one of the most popular chatbots worldwide, or how the TikTok algorithm is able to show you very specific videos that perfectly fit your interests. This means that there’s a huge demand for data specialists: people who can turn data into valuable insights and practical solutions for a better world. Do you see yourself becoming such a specialist? In this article, you’ll discover which data-related study is the perfect fit for you!