Read our interview with University President Edith Hooge:

Why is an introductory period important for new students?

Edith Hooge: 'You’re not only starting a degree programme, but also beginning your student life in Amsterdam. For most new UvA students, this is a new city. The Introduction Week is the perfect time to meet fellow students and make friends. I started my own studies in the late 1980s and also participated in the Intreeweek. I was curious and found it exciting as well. I stayed in touch with many of the people I met during that week throughout my studies, and I’m still friends with some of them today.

Moreover, it’s a great opportunity to get to know the university and the city better. During Introduction Week, you’ll visit various UvA campuses and iconic locations such as the Concertgebouw, the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum, and clubs like the Westergasfabriek and Paradiso. And of course, you might find your bike wheel stuck in the tram tracks or get lost in the city, which only adds to the experience of discovering Amsterdam.'

You spoke with many students during the Student Fair. What’s your impression of this new group of UvA students?

Edith Hooge: 'They’re full of anticipation, they are looking forward to it. It’s great to see their enthusiasm. And I am impressed by how thoughtfully they have chosen their studies. One student told me that he started studying at the UvA to get out of his ‘comfort zone and to be challenged’. Another student was especially delighted because ‘at the UvA you get the city of Amsterdam for free’. Three other students said that they arrived at the Roeterseiland campus on Monday feeling very enthusiastic but also quite nervous, but now, after three days of introductory week, they are already feeling good.'

What was the most striking stand at the fair?

Edith Hooge: 'The stand of the student councils was a nice highlight: it was good to see student council members motivating new students for participation in decision making and showing that you can contribute to the UvA community in this way. And the UvA Pride stand. I hope that all new students immediately saw that you can be who you are at the UvA.'

In The Hague, there’s talk of reintroducing the long study penalty and cutting funding for higher education. What’s the UvA doing about this, and how can students make their voices heard?

Edith Hooge: 'We’re concerned about the plans to reintroduce a penalty for taking longer to finish a degree, and to cut funding for higher education. We’re actively opposing these measures. A penalty for taking longer to complete a study programme has a significant impact on students whose parents are less well off, and on students who need more time to adjust to university life and learn how to study effectively. Illness and caregiving responsibilities affect academic performance as well, of course. Additionally, it makes serving a year on the board of a student association less attractive, even though such experiences are crucial for personal development and contributing to the UvA community. Students should have the option to take longer over their studies if necessary.

On 22 June, I went to Utrecht to support a demonstration against the penalty. The UvA is also actively campaigning against these plans, in partnership with all other universities in the Netherlands. I urge students to join demonstrations in the coming year and to sign the joint petitionExternal link by De Marker, BNNVARA, LSVb and FNV Young & United.

The academic year officially starts next week. Do you have any tips for new students?

Edith Hooge: 'Your time as a student is a vital and formative period that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You’ll meet new people, make friends and gain many new experiences. The opportunities are there for the taking. My advice: make the most of them. The UvA is a very broad university, so choose an elective or minor outside your main field of study to broaden your knowledge, consider studying abroad for a period, try out new sports at the USC, complete an internship to see if your dream job suits you or take a creative course at CREA. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself, take time to relax, don’t let the pressure to perform get to you and make it an unforgettable time. Good luck!'