Student life at Wageningen University offers opportunities to meet new people, join different associations and explore life beyond the campus. Laura, an Environmental Sciences student from Iceland, shares her own experience and practical tips for becoming part of the social community after moving to Wageningen. From her experience, getting involved early and exploring the opportunities available can make the transition into university life easier.

Join the Annual Introduction Days

The Annual Introduction Days (AID) can be a useful starting point for new students in Wageningen. Held in August and February each year, AID introduces students to the university, campus and different aspects of student life.

Students become part of an AID family where they can meet people and ask questions. For Laura, participating was an important way to begin integrating and making friends.

Explore Student Associations

Wageningen offers many student associations covering different interests and communities. Laura joined two international associations as well as another organisation that helped her become more involved in Dutch university life.

Students can also explore smaller associations connected to areas such as:

•⁠  ⁠Volunteering

•⁠  ⁠Activism

•⁠  ⁠Internships

•⁠  ⁠International communities

•⁠  ⁠Dutch student life

•⁠  ⁠Other student interests

Although the number of options may initially feel overwhelming, Laura believes everyone can find something that suits them.

Discover Life in Wageningen

Student life in Wageningen also extends beyond the university campus. Laura enjoys visiting the Rhine, going to cafés in the city centre and walking around the nature park nearby. Although Wageningen is a relatively small town, students can still find different ways to socialise, explore their surroundings and spend time outside their academic routine.

Visit the Local Market

Wageningen’s local market can offer both a practical and social experience for international students. Laura visits the market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and explains that it can be more affordable than shopping in some stores.

It is also somewhere students can visit with friends. For Laura, the market became a place where she could practise her Dutch while becoming more familiar with local life.

Consider Student Housing

Living in a student house played an important role in Laura’s social life during her first year. Sharing accommodation gave her another way to meet people and build connections outside classes. For international students moving to a new country, a shared student environment can provide regular opportunities to interact with others and develop friendships.

Be Open to New Opportunities

Despite Wageningen being a small town, Laura highlights the variety of opportunities available to students. Her advice is to ask people around you, explore different activities and remain open to changing your mind as you discover what suits you.

You do not need to have your entire student experience planned from the beginning. Exploring different communities and opportunities can help you gradually create a university life that works for you.

Student life at Wageningen University can become much broader when students actively explore the opportunities around them. Annual Introduction Days, student associations, local activities and student housing can all provide ways to meet people and become part of the community. Laura’s advice is simple: ask questions, explore your options and discover what Wageningen has to offer.

How StudyNet Can Help?

StudyNet supports students exploring Wageningen University and other international study opportunities. StudyNet Group can help you compare universities and programmes, understand your options and navigate the next stages of the international university application process.

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