Eurekaweek opens in a modest setting

Eurekaweek officially began on Monday with an opening programme at Ahoy. Compared to previous editions, the programme was clearly more modest, but for new students the experience was still impressive.

The ceremony started promptly at 11.00 am. On the stage in the centre of the hall, the presenters welcomed the new first-year students. Accompanied by the Rotterdam Opera Choir, the cortège entered the hall. This was followed by speeches from alderman Abigail Norville, rector magnificus Jantine Schuit and Eurekaweek chair Shirley Le.

New life

For Schuit, it was her first Eurekaweek since taking up the role of rector magnificus. “Student life is an exciting period: the time to try new things, to experiment and to discover who you are and what you want”, she said. “Welcome to the first day of your new life. Embrace what is offered to you and enjoy the journey ahead.”

Eurekaweek chair Le stressed that the new life as a student can be not only exciting but at times also overwhelming. “But you should know that you are not alone, you have fellow students who are travelling alongside you.”

More modest than last year

After the speeches, the presenters introduced the student associations. Representatives of umbrella organisations such as ISN Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Chamber of Associations briefly spoke.

The presentation of the student organisations was more modest than in other years. This year, there were no dancing, cheering, jumping, rowing, rugby-playing or badminton-playing students on stage. Nor were there large stage acts as in previous editions. Instead, students were shown a short introduction video on the screen above the stage.

As is tradition, the Hermes House Band closed the programme. With a limited line-up of vocals and keyboard, they sang the Rotterdamlied.

Impressive

Afterwards, first-year law student Laura walked with her group towards the metro. She thought the opening was a success. “I had expected it to be grander, but it is still impressive to be here with so many students.”

Business administration student Lars also enjoyed the opening: “It’s nice to experience, but what I’m really looking forward to is the cantus. That’s being organised here at Ahoy as well, right?”