Largest ever UvA introduction week welcomes 4,300 students
On August 26 4,300 students will participate in the UvA introduction week, making it the university’s largest ever. Folia talks to board member Kaylee Schuilenburg about its organisation.
How are the preparations going?
‘Very well. Many of the committee members are back from vacation, and we’re busy with finishing touches, filling goodie bags, making signs for group leaders and working on decoration. We’re a group of 30 but will have reinforcements during the week itself. Luckily, everyone is getting along very well.’
Is there anything new this year?
‘There will be about 500 more students than last year, so we had to look for venues with a larger capacity. We have an event near NDSM and there’s a festival in the Arenapark on Friday. And we’re working on sustainability: this year we’ll be using re-usable cups.’
What did you like best about your introduction week?
‘Making friends even before university started! And friends that last: I’m currently I’m living with a girl I met during my introduction week. I also enjoyed getting to know the city: during the ‘Museumplein morning’ students can visit the Stedelijk and Rijksmuseum for free. They can also participate in a drawing class.’
What’s the plan if it rains?
‘We always have a plan B, except obviously for events like a city excursion or the festival. And I’m not sure what’s going to happen with the barbecue at Roeterseiland if it rains… But we’ll figure something out.’
