{"id":157729,"date":"2023-08-21T12:41:28","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T10:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=157729"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:26:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T10:26:53","slug":"thorstens-fifth-time-as-a-guide-for-eurekaweek-im-collecting-the-shirts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2023\/08\/21\/thorstens-fifth-time-as-a-guide-for-eurekaweek-im-collecting-the-shirts\/","title":{"rendered":"Thorsten’s fifth time as a guide for Eurekaweek: ‘I’m collecting the shirts’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eurekaweek would not be possible without its dedicated guides \u2013 over 650 strong \u2013 who introduce the fresh-faced students to the vibrant city of Rotterdam. EUR student Thorsten Overduin (23) is a seasoned ‘superfan’ of this orientation week and will be introducing newcomers to the world of student life for the fifth time this year.<\/p>\n

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Thorsten with his oldest Eurekaweek shirt.<\/span><\/p>

\n\t\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/span>\n\tImage by:<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBart Huijser<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Laid out chronologically on the conference table in the committee room of the R.S.G. student association, five colourful Eurekaweek shirts tell a tale. Thorsten, who is currently in his second year in the Psychology programme, recalls that \u201cThe black and purple ones hail from 2020 and 2021, years marked by the pandemic. These years were all right, since they did allow us to engage with participants on campus, but the festivities remained somewhat subdued. Which is a shame, because Eurekaweek is all about forging connections and getting to know the city, before diving into serious academics.\u201d<\/p>\n

That is why, come evening, Thorsten often leads his group to the terraces of Oude Haven or to parties hosted by student associations. Amidst these revelries and notorious drinking games such as \u2018bussen<\/em>\u2019 (a card-guessing game), occasions have arisen when participants who had had a bit too much to drink needed assistance returning home safely. \u201cWe once escorted a participant back to Kralingen. On the way back to R.S.G., our sense of direction faltered \u2013 we were slightly inebriated ourselves \u2013 and we got a bit lost and navigated the city from three to six in the morning. We managed to bring him home, but not ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The shirts are laid out across the table.<\/span><\/p>

\n\t\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/span>\n\tImage by:<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBart Huijser<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Country Roads<\/h2>

At the front of the row of Eurekaweek shirts is a vibrant red variant, which Thorsten wore during his first guiding experience. \u201cI have the fondest memories of that year\u201d, Thorsten recalls. Enjoying a whole week off, he was able to team up with a close friend, forming a dynamic guiding duo, and they had a group of wonderful participants. However, what stands out most in his recollection is the \u2018beer cantus at Ahoy\u2019, a grand singing spectacle where people sing along to familiar tunes in a way that is more about exuberance than melodic quality. \u201cIt was awesome<\/em>. You walk into that hall, you see the stage, and everyone is belting out Country Roads<\/em>. Simply fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thorsten himself had not foreseen that guiding new students on five occasions would be this special. \u201cI casually mentioned my four prior guiding experiences during the introductory training sessions. And taking a fifth run at it could indeed be seen as the mark of a superfan, haha. It\u2019s just something that I still enjoy a lot. Being a guide helps you meet so many new people, be it through your group, the student associations or the many clubs. People are always asking me whether I\u2019ll be back as a guide next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Break the ice<\/h2>

With a wealth of wisdom accrued over the years, Thorsten has some tips for new guides. \u201cWhen the assembly convenes at the opening event in Ahoy, the noise can occasionally create an initial awkwardness. The group dynamics take time to solidify. As a guide, you can help break the ice by sharing a few amusing tales of your own Eurekaweek escapades.\u201d He also stresses the significance of gauging whether the participants are enjoying themselves. \u201cHowever, don\u2019t forget you\u2019re still a student yourself\u201d, Thorsten says. \u201cSo make sure to enjoy the experience, and your group will respond by opening up in kind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t

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