The Batavierenrace
Every year in May, Enschede hosts the Batavierenrace, the biggest relay race in the world! This race starts Friday night in Nijmegen and ends Saturday afternoon in Enschede, at the university's athletics track. About 8,500 students from all over the Netherlands take part in this race every year, in various student teams. If you are somewhat sporty (and can stay up all night), it is of course a great experience to run a leg of this relay race yourself.
For the non-runners among us, there is also plenty to experience. For example, you can cheer on the last runners at the finish line, or go wild in the evening at the Batavierenparty, Europe's biggest student party! Furthermore, you can also help as a volunteer, for example by running the campsite where participants sleep or by livestreaming the BataRadio. In any case, the Batavierenrace is a unique event that every student in Enschede should experience at least once.
Music festivals
Music and party lovers can enjoy the best festivals in Enschede at special locations all year round. For example, during the Pentecost weekend, Freshtival takes place: a three-day festival at Rutbeek. In summer, famous Dutch artists like Flemming, Suzan & Freek and Paul Elstak perform at the pop festival In Het Volkspark, which, indeed, takes place in the Volkspark. Our own campus is also regularly home to many festivals. Here you will find Hardfest, the Liberation Festival and QMusic's King's Night Festival annually.
Festivals in the broadest sense of the word
Besides music festivals, there are numerous other types of festivals as well. For example, in September, GOGBOT, an art and technology festival, takes place right in the city centre of Enschede. Furthermore, real food lovers can enjoy the tastiest dishes at food festivals, such as Stoer Voer and Proef Eet. And every year in May, the Dutch Innovation Days take place, with workshops and exhibitions full of creativity, technology and innovation, including from UT students!
The Kick-In
Of course, the introductory period of the University of Twente, the Kick-In, should not be missing from this list. The Kick-In, which for bachelor students takes place at the end of August, is full of activities to get to know the university, the campus and the city. During the Kick-In, you spend nine days with fellow students and senior-year students, enjoying the best activities and parties. Besides a general part, the Kick-In also consists of a study programme-specific part, in which you get to know your study, study association and faculty better.
The Kick-In is also a big event for current students. At the many parties that take place during the Kick-In, current students are also welcome, and they sure know how to find them! If, as a current student, you would like to experience more of the Kick-In, you can also sign up as a do-group parent, to guide new students. Would you rather not be present every day? Then you can also help as a crew member, in one of the many crew groups.
Winter Wonderland
Not only during summer but also during winter, Enschede is a vibrant student city. In December, the city centre transforms into a Winter Wonderland. The city is decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and Christmas trees, and an annual Christmas market takes place, allowing you to enjoy a warm, winter atmosphere. On the Oude Markt you will find an indoor ice rink, which stays open until 10:00 pm! This makes it the perfect spot for an evening skate and a nice (hot) drink afterwards!
