Thousands of freshmen embark on their Rotterdam adventure

The Eurekaweek 2019 has started for all 4006 participants. Or as rector magnificus Rutger Engels said at the opening in Ahoy: “Your adventure begins here. This university is now your university.” The word ‘adventure’ came up regularly this Monday morning, not very surprising if the theme is ‘Start your adventEUR’.

The Eurekaweek is not sold out: there are 244 places left. Nevertheless, the hall in Ahoy was quite full. After a warm-up from The Erasmus Music Collective, the official program started. Traditionally, the student associations, the sports associations and the study associations could make themselves heard. The more serious tone came, of course, from the rector and deputy mayor Bert Wijbenga.

This year, Eurekaweek focuses more on student welfare and inclusiveness. Engels emphasized to the students that their well-being is dear to him. Studying, living on your own, learning new habits, meeting new people: it is a lot, said the rector. “And it will freak you out. It can lead to stress.” But don’t forget that this week is about making friendships, he added. Engels made friends for life during his introduction period, thirty years ago .

Wijbenga focused more on the city of Rotterdam. “Discover the city, discover yourself. Crawl from behind of your computer and come outside. We need young people to come up with new ideas and solutions.” Solutions for issues such as global warming, excluding people, but first, the students should enjoy their introduction week.