Ceres holds presentations as well. Photo Youssef el Khattabi New students are given the opportunity to get to know the different student associations during the introduction week. Not just by attending the parties at night but also through presentations offered throughout the week.
Text and photographs Youssef el Khattabi
An enthusiastic Niels Klaassen (19, incoming student in Forest and Nature Management) has just left the KSV Franciscus premises. ‘I am looking for a place to spend my evenings after the AID. I enjoy house parties as well, but I believe membership offers quite a few advantages, such as meeting new people and enjoying activities together. I really value a club where you can spend time together and where everyone can be who they are.
Franciscus member Dennis Hieselaar chats with various incoming students on the KSV roof terrace. ‘There is a great atmosphere, as you can plainly see’, he says. ‘The most frequently asked question new students ask is what distinguishes us from other associations.’ The answer is simple, says Hieselaar. ‘There is room for everyone to feel at home at Franciscus.’ During the tour, a little later, he points out his favourite spot: a painting by Herman Brood.
Popcorn and fruit
SSR-W welcomes AID participants with the scent of freshly popped popcorn while dinner (rice and curry) is being served in the garden. There is fruit for dessert. International students Alejandra (master Resilient Food Systems) and Karim (an exchange student in Environmental Sciences) discuss their future in Wageningen while seated at one of the tables.
‘I see that there are quite a few sorority-like associations here’, Karim says. ‘It appears that the clubs focus mainly on Dutch members; at least, that is the vibe I’m getting’, Alejandra states, while Roxy Dekker’s hit Sugar Daddy blares from the speakers. Alejandra is considering a sports club membership. ‘The volleyball association appealed to me, and I see that fencing is also an option. I really want to give that a try.’
Hungover in the clubhouse
Hundreds of bicycles are parked near Argo on the Grebbedijk. AID groups give rowing a try on the water. Some are fast learners and smoothly glide over the water, while others struggle to find their balance. Laughter sounds from the banks of the river, as well as cries of encouragement.
Argo members Femke Boersma (20) and Maarten Ruijgh (21) talk about Argo passionately. ‘Our parents were also Argo members’, Boersma says. ‘The rowing culture and student life are inseparable.’ Ruijgh adds: ‘There is much more going on at Argo than just rowing. Give it a try, is my advice. Most or our members are passionate about sports.’ Boersma adds, laughing: ‘If you aren’t much of a rower, there is still plenty for you to do. At some point, the group usually splits into competitive rowers and members who sit around in the clubhouse nursing their hangovers. Both are fine.’
Need some help choosing your association? Check the decision tree below and check out the AID-magazine for more details on each of the associations.
More pictures from the presentations:
