Start of Something New

Posted at: 2 Nov 2018 | Student Affairs

After months of preparation, confusion, stress and saying farewell you finally make it to Amsterdam. The first week is your introduction to the city, its student life and most importantly to all your new friends.

Introweek

ARRIVAL DAY

As soon as you arrive at the airport it hits you: hundreds of students are walking around as excited as you are, looking for their shuttle to bring them to the UvA Science Park. Here, the International Student Network and the International Office put together an arrival point where you can arrange several requirements and necessities in one spot.

In a short amount of time, you will be able to register with the municipality of Amsterdam, collect your student card, get an ISIC Student Mobility Card to use for public transportation throughout your stay, as well as ask questions about Amsterdam, the universities, your studies, and if applicable, about immigration procedures.

ISN INTRODUCTION WEEK

Four overwhelming days are ahead, a good chance to connect to other students and start creating friendships. Believe me, as intensive as it might be, you will enjoy it to the fullest!

Day one is all about being officially welcome. We met with our coaches at the beautiful DeLaMar Theatre, grabbed some lunch and started getting to know our group. We then listened to some very informative speeches from former exchange students as well as from the AUAS’s student counsellors.

After the official welcome was over, we had our first chance to discover Amsterdam by cruising on a boat through its canals. This was followed by a BBQ dinner and a party with fun red cup games and an amazing DJ by the water. The next three days were followed by even more activities like brunches, a variety of workshops and sports activities, a crash Dutch course, a zoo visit, multi-culinary dinners and of course more parties!

If there is something I would advise you to do, it is to take part in as many activities during the introduction week as possible, even if it initially is something you would never have seen yourself doing in your home country. Be brave, be curious, be open-minded! You will meet countless interesting people and make tons of new friends during these few days! Enjoy it to the fullest, because it’ll be over before you know it, and you will look back at this week as the time when you met and became friends with the wonderful people who would accompany you for the rest of your stay!

ISN Introduction Week Fall 2018 Aftermovie

Watch the student ambassadors video