Fun
I would definitely advise you to join a club of some sort. They come in all shapes and sizes: you are sure to find one that suits you. Some clubs organize an activity once a month, others weekly or almost daily. Explore the clubs that match one of your hobbies or sports. I am actively involved in a sports club myself, and that means I have some fun to look forward to every week.
Jelte Zeekaf, MSc student of Biology
If in doubt, wait
I would advise you to join a study association, if only for the discount on books and the degree-related excursions. It will also be a way to meet your fellow students. It takes up as much time as you want to spend on it. Student societies are a bit more time-consuming, especially in the first year. That’s not a problem as long as you pick a society you really feel at home in. If in doubt, you can always join later.
Robin Tas – alumnus and online editor at Corporate Communications & Marketing
Find a click
Take a good look around at the various societies. You might meet people that you click with. My experience is that belonging to a student society enriches your university days but that it still leaves you enough time to study. You will also get to know people within the society who are doing the same degree as you. And that’s useful, because they can give you tips and advice on your programme.
Bas Volkert, BSc student of Business and Consumer Sciences
Distraction
Studying at WUR is hard work, I will not deny that. You need to invest time to pass your exams. However, you are expected to spend about eight hours per day on your studies. The remaining hours, as well as weekends, are free time. My advice is to take your mind off your studies at those times by joining student, study and sports associations. I joined three of them myself, which works well for me.
Marta Battistel, MSc student of Biology
Useful skill
I would recommend joining a student society or association. It helps you to meet new, amazing people and do fun – and some silly – activities that will make your student life more rewarding and unforgettable. Balancing study and leisure is trickier when you are a member, but you will need to manage a work-life balance for the rest of your life as well. So learning how to prioritize early on is very useful. Besides, your fellow members are students too. They understand you skipping events to study.
Jonas Fuchs, MSc student of Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
Next WURry: Hospiteren
Do you have advice or tips for this Wurrier? Or could you use some good advice yourself? Email your tips or your question (100 words max) by 10 September to resource@wur.nl, subject line noWURries.
