A new batch of students is coming to Enschede on Wednesday, August 21 to begin a new chapter in their lives. During the Kick-In, the introductory period of the University of Twente, the brand-new students will get to know the campus, the city and each other better. This is a very intensive period with a varied programme that can make a real difference to the student. Thus, "Make It Count" is the slogan for 2013.
During the Kick-In there is, for example, an information market and there are various cultural activities; there are several sports, there is a real world record attempt and even a church service. And do not forget the many parties. Via merchandise and a lottery, money will be raised for oneMen pioneer, Margaret. She helps women in Uganda on the right track with micro-credit so they can borrow money to buy a cow, a goat or a water tank. Margaret needs a laptop and a motor scooter in order to be able to reach more women.
Full-time
The committee that makes it all possible has been working behind the scenes full-time for months, says Kick-In chairman Lidy Kuster. "We started a year ago in June, 2012. First, you follow last year's committee around. From November, it becomes a full-time occupation. We have had many consultations with external parties and wanted to know what they would do, so that everyone can get as much as possible out of the Kick-In."
To date, a thousand prospective students have signed up for the Kick-In. The organisation expects that this number will increase to around 1300 registrations. "And perhaps even more," says Kuster. What is new this year is a big fireworks show at the opening ceremony. This show starts Wednesday at 9.00 pm at the events field on campus.
World record attempt
One of the highlights of the Kick-In will take place on Friday, 23 August at 4:00 pm near the Ludica tennis courts. Then there will be an attempt to break the world's record for throwing cream cakes. The current record stands at 714 cakes. "Last year we failed with dodge-ball. We should certainly be able to break the record this year. The idea is that everyone gets a plate of shaving cream at the same time. We then have a countdown and the fights can begin. Of course, we have already tested to make sure the shaving cream does not burn the eyes," said Kuster. To keep the shaving cream neatly inside the gates of the court, the court is being covered with plastic. If the record is successful, an honorable mention will be added in the Guinness Book of Records.
Storming the Bastille
A recurring highlight of the introduction week is the storming of the Bastille on 29 August, in which prospective students climb the building on campus. "This is the ultimate way to show that you're really ready to start your college years as a student. We want to ensure that the student realises that the college years count. We have 74 super-activists, our heroes who do all kinds of odd jobs. This week they still managed to fill all 1900 bags with information for the kiddies. Without their help we would not have been able to do this. We are ready to go!"
For more information about the Kick-In 2013, you can contact the Kick-In committee: 053-489 2356. A full program overview of the Kick-In 2013 can be found here. Contact person: Dennis Moekotte - +31 618642685
