Photo: Susan van Weperen With input by Susan van Weperen
The last two Saturdays were on-site open days for the different bachelor programmes. There was less interest than before covid, but the approximately 1200 prospective students that came to the open days appear to be further along in their decision-making process than was the case in previous years. However, pre-enrolment is not very busy yet.
The question remains whether the declining interest for the open days, which was a national trend, translates into fewer enrolments for bachelor programmes. ‘The lack of clarity about the loan system does play a part in deciding what programme to choose,’ says student recruiter Renske van Dijk. ‘Just like the fact that many students in their last year of secondary school are still working to catch up with delays caused by covid. This is an odd time to have to choose a study programme.’
Reference date
The number of pre-enrolments of Dutch bachelor students is currently 8 per cent below that of last year (in numbers: 60). When combined with international enrolments, the number is +1. However, April is generally a month in which there is plenty of movement in pre-enrolment numbers. Moreover, another online bachelor’s open day is scheduled for next month. Van Dijk does not consider the current numbers a trustworthy prognosis. ‘The reference date is 1 May. That is when we will know more.’
Campus-levendigheid
Responding to the lagging enrolments for the on-campus open days, all activities were clustered in a single building -Orion- to create sufficient bustle. The programme offered abundant options such as workshops and field trips for students seeking more in-depth information. High school students seeking help with more general questions, such as information on the changing student grant system, could talk to the school spokesperson, who normally visits schools. Resource visited the campus to see how the prospective students liked the open day:
Sarine (18) and her mother Fokje: ‘It is great to have an on-site open day. This provides a much better impression of the university. I visited online open days of other universities, but that did not give me a feeling of what the university is like, which is quite important for me. Now, I can see everything. I intend to take a gap year next year. This is unrelated to the return of the basic student grant. If I take a gap year, I do so for my own enjoyment. My friends are starting their studies even though the student grant is not yet available.’
Janneke (14) with mother Vivi: ‘I am currently in VWO-4 (A levels), so I have a few years before starting university. My sister is starting her university education this coming year. She is not postponing it for the basic grant. I see the same in my friends; they are aware of the changes in study grants but don’t necessarily consider taking a gap year.’
Giovanni (18) with father Lorenzo, from Italy: ‘I come from Italy and intend to enrol for Environmental Sciences. This open day provided me with a good impression of the programme. It is well organised; I feel very welcome and saw many smiling faces.’
