Before the lectures start and the library becomes your second home, there is one week that defines the start of every Dutch academic year: Intro Week.
Known by different names depending on the city (AID in Wageningen, OWee in Delft, EL CID in Leiden, INKOM in Maastricht, or KEI-week in Groningen), this is arguably the most important week for your social life. Here is what to expect.
1. It’s Not Just About the University
While your faculty will have a few "academic" sessions to explain the curriculum, the majority of Intro Week is organized by the city and its student associations.
- The Goal: To help you find your way around the city, meet fellow students, and discover which student associations or sports clubs you want to join.
- The Group: You will usually be assigned to a small group of 10-15 "freshers" led by two senior students (your "mentors" or "parents").
2. Typical Activities
A typical Dutch intro week schedule is packed from 09:00 to 02:00 every day:
- City Tours: Exploring the best bars, supermarkets, and hidden spots by bike.
- Association Markets: Every club (sports, music, debating, or just social) will have a stand trying to recruit you.
- The "Cantus": A traditional Dutch/Belgian event involving group singing and (lots of) beer.
- Festival Days: Large-scale concerts and parties, often held in the city center or a local park.
- Sports Brunches: A more relaxed way to discover the university's athletic facilities.
3. The Role of Student Associations (Verenigingen)
The Netherlands has a very strong "association culture." During intro week, you will see students wearing colored ties or jackets—these are the members of the traditional student associations.
- Social Associations: Focused on drinking, parties, and networking. Some have strict "hazing" or "initiation" periods (KMT).
- Study Associations: Focused on your specific major. They organize book discounts, career fairs, and social drinks. These are usually much more relaxed.
Don't feel pressured to join a social association immediately. There are plenty of international-friendly clubs (like ESN - Erasmus Student Network) that don't require intense initiations.
4. Why You Shouldn't Skip It
- Friendships: Most people meet their best friends for the rest of their degree during this week.
- Bikes and Logistics: Mentors often help their groups find cheap second-hand bikes or help them navigate the bus system.
- Belonging: It’s the one week where everyone is new, everyone is looking for friends, and the whole city is focused on welcoming students.
5. Survival Tips
- Hydrate: It is a long, physically demanding week. Drink plenty of water between the beers.
- Bring a Bike: You will be biking from one end of the city to the other all day.
- Be Open: Talk to everyone. This is the one time when it's perfectly normal to introduce yourself to random strangers.
- Budget: Intro week can be expensive (~€100 - €200 for the week ticket, food, and drinks).
Coming to the Netherlands alone?
Our community connects you with other students going to the same intro week as you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is participation mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory for your studies, but it is highly recommended. The only mandatory parts are usually the faculty-specific orientation sessions.
Is there a lot of drinking?
Yes, Dutch student culture involves a lot of beer. However, every intro week now has "alcohol-free" options and events, and there is no pressure to drink if you don't want to.
Can I join if I'm a Master's student?
Absolutely! Most universities have a separate program specifically for Master's and PhD students, which is usually a bit more relaxed than the Bachelor's version.