Tips from senior students for new students: ‘If you don’t know something, just ask someone’

You’re on the brink of an exciting new chapter: studying in Rotterdam! A new course in a new city can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Senior students offer some advice: “Make sure to join a student association right away!”

No secrets

Cristian Merigo (25, master degree in People, Organisations & Change), or Cris as his friends call him, has been studying at Erasmus University for four years. The campus holds no secrets for him anymore, and even though he misses the warm Italian weather, his time at EUR has been ‘unforgettable’. Cris wishes he had done some things differently during his first year. “Don’t stick with people from your own nationality, get out of your comfort zone. If I wanted to speak Italian, I should have stayed in Italy.” Laughing, he adds: “Thankfully, I made many international friends.”

Cris regrets not joining a student association. “It’s a great way to make friends with similar interests and an excellent opportunity to try new activities.”

Confusing names

“What can be confusing at first is that the buildings on campus have different names – Mandeville, for example, is also called the T Building”, says Jelmer van de Ven (22, pre-master in Business Administration). “Eventually, you can easily find a map, and once you’re inside, the buildings aren’t as overwhelming as they first seem.”

The exam hall is a different story. “It took some getting used to when I first had exams here. It felt so massive”, Jelmer says. He also has a tip for when you’re unsure about something. “Just don’t stress, don’t panic, and ask someone. There are plenty of help points on campus, where nine times out of ten, there’s someone who can assist you.”

Balance Sheet

Megi Malovcova (20, Economics) left her home country of Slovakia to study here. “Thankfully, I had a very positive first year. The campus offers many extracurricular activities, which I take full advantage of. For example, I play volleyball every week at Erasmus Sport. This helps me find a good balance between studying and relaxing. Since I live on campus, all the facilities are within walking distance for me.”

Leaving Slovakia was a big step for Megi, but she has never regretted it. “Before coming here, I had never been alone outside of Slovakia. Fortunately, I met many nice people, and I quickly felt at home. Rotterdam has definitely not disappointed me; the city offers a lot of opportunities for students.”

Melting pot

Laetitia Lasso (22, Law) recommends exploring the numerous associations that Erasmus University has to offer. According to her, the university is a melting pot, which is evident from the vast number of associations. These range from sports clubs and cultural associations to academic societies and social organisations.

Laetitia’s most important tip? “Sign up right away! I only did so in my second year and then realised just how many great associations there are! Participating in activities opened doors to new friendships and valuable networks.” The campus, which initially seemed large and intimidating to Laetitia, gradually became a familiar place. “An association not only offers activities you enjoy but also a community where you feel at home.”