‘It was quite scary to start at the UvA without a good overview’
There were no physical activities during the introduction week and their first lectures were mostly online. How are our freshmen doing now? This week we look back with them on their first three weeks at the UvA. Annabel Couzijn (18, Psychobiology): ‘I will never get to know everyone but I don’t feel like an outsider.’
What do you think of online education?
‘In the beginning it was confusing and I found it quite scary to start a new study course without a good overview. Now, it all feels more comfortable. What I really appreciate is the UvA's casual attitude and the effort that the university makes to make us feel comfortable. Teachers understand how difficult this is for freshmen.’
Have you been to campus, and what was that like?
‘I am there about once a week. This week I happen to be at Science Park three times. It is nice to meet the people you see on your screen during physical lectures. However, there has not been a get-together of all students of my year yet. We are divided into four blocks and you only get to see some students.’
Do you feel like you belong to the university?
‘I will never get to know everyone but I don’t feel like an outsider.’
Have you made college friends yet?
‘Yes, mainly people I meet up with more often and students I sometimes ask questions to during lectures. I can easily have a chat with them and I sometimes meet up with my new college friends. So it will be fine.’
