Why did you choose Twente?
'I did two bachelor's programmes in Germany. I wanted to do a master's, but it shouldn't be a copy of my bachelors. Then I suddenly came across Interaction Technology in Twente. Future-oriented, innovative and with many opportunities. I knew straight away: I'm going to Twente.'
Found a place to live yet?
'Yes and no. I am borrowing a sofa from someone for the time being. She doesn't even know me very well, so that's very sweet of her. Then I will stay at the ITC Hotel until the end of December. The advantage is that your room is cleaned, but it also has disadvantages, such as the price. In the summer, I sent at least 200 e-mails. In the few responses I received, I only got back Dutch Only. My argument that I wanted to learn Dutch didn't work.
What do you expect from your time as a student?
'Unlike in Germany, I hope for a sense of community here. In Germany there are also sports facilities, but they are not linked to the university. The campus looks great. It really looks like a village.'
Will you join an association?
'Definitely, but I don't know which one yet. Horse riding seems fun, but I heard that there is a big queue, probably because of the number of horses. Water sports seem to be cool too. I didn't expect to find these clubs here, because there isn't much water in the area.'
Have you been vaccinated?
'Yes, I have. I had a vaccination in April and in June.'
What is your first impression?
'It is beautiful here. I saw many master's students at the opening market and they seem chill. Most of all, I hope corona doesn't kill my study time.'
What are you going to do in the first few months here anyway?
'I'll try to take as many trial lessons as possible with clubs to see where the opportunities are. I would also like to participate in an orchestra.'
What are you dreading?
'I want to enjoy myself and not think too much about the hassle of finding a house. The paperwork involved in registering in the Netherlands is no fun either, but otherwise I'm positive.'
