Impairments

If you have an impairment, there is much the University of Applied Sciences can do to make studying easier. However, you must say what you need. Utilise peer coaching if you have difficulties with planning, or with specific subjects: you will then receive support from seniors and that can be incredibly helpful.

Vivian van Leeuwen (fourth year Dutch Teacher Training student)

How to study

Study effectively: ensure you are not distracted by your phone, emails, or other things. Half an hour of studying with your full attention is better than three hours of studying with fifty percent of your attention. And do not ‘just’ read, think about the subject matter and search for answers to questions.

Quincy Brassers (fourth year Financial Services Management student)

Share your study load

Unable to work through your subject in time, or is the book too thick? Split the chapters between a few fellow students (a maximum of four), prepare summaries and share them with one another. That alleviates your workload considerably.

Annick Schavemaker (fourth year Communications student)

Cross off lists

Use lists. Nothing is more satisfying than crossing off a completed task.

Food blogger Marinda Middelburg (second year Cross-media Communications student)

Relevant work

Try to find work now that suits your study programme. That way you can find out what you enjoy and especially, what you do not. Do you not need to work? Then do volunteer work in the sector of your choice. It’s fun and looks good on your CV.

Ellen van de Velde (second year Nursing student, part time)

Development

Working is important for earning money, but these years are also of great importance for your personal development. Do not devote all your time to your boss.

Alex Hoogendoorn (fourth year Communications student)

Use your travelling time

You can read and study (or catch up on your sleep) on the train. Commuting appears daunting, but is easy to do.

Bas Koedood (fourth year Social Studies Teacher Training student)

Live well

Ensure you have good accommodation. Many students have a ‘temporary’ mindset, because they think four years is not long. It is though; take that from someone who slept on a terrible sofa bed for four years. Is something not to your liking? Moving or purchasing new furniture is worth the effort.

Demian Janssen (fourth year Illustration student)

Find a room on Facebook

In my experience, Facebook pages such as ‘Zoekt kamer in Rotterdam Community’ are the best and quickest way to find a room.

Annick Schavemaker (third year Communications student)

Live at home

Living with your parents saves on many expenses, including rent and groceries. It also saves time, because you (usually) only have to tidy your room and the laundry is done for you!

Siham (fourth year English Teacher Training student)

Live!

Your studies are important, but they are only one aspect of your life. There is far more to see and do on the horizon besides completing your studies within four years. Life experience is worth more than credits.

Bas Koedood (fourth year Social Studies Teacher Training student)

Travel

Try to see more of the world. Do not hesitate too long and take that long trip – after all, you still have plenty of years left to work.

Marinda Middelburg (second year Cross-media Communications student)

No worries

Struggling with your studies and still young? Don’t worry; you still have time to find something else that suits you. However, keep looking actively for a suitable study programme, you don’t want to be working behind the cash register until the age of 67.

Ellen van de Velde (third year Nursing student, part time)

Copywriting: Tosca Sel