The new batch of UvA students: 'I'm especially looking forward to studying in Amsterdam'
Today marks the start of the largest Intreeweek ever, with no fewer than 4,200 first-year students. Who are they? Why did they choose the UvA, and what do they expect from their student life? ‘I am very grateful to have been admitted to the UvA.’
Kaan Korucku
18 years old | Media & culture | Comes from Spain
‘I have lived in Madrid all my life. This summer I'm moving to Amsterdam to start studying in a new country. What I know about Amsterdam is that it is really a student city with an international character. That's what attracts me to it. I would say I am fairly nervous about moving to another country, but I'm a social person so I think I'll be fine.
I'm going to study media & culture because I want to work in the creative industries. In five years, I will hopefully see myself in front of the camera or filming. In addition, I consume a lot of media myself and because of digitalization, more and more people are doing the same. That's why I think this course of study is relevant right now. Besides, UvA has one of the best programs in media & culture.
I think student life will take getting used to, or maybe I'll feel like I'm traveling. But as time goes by, I think I will get to know my surroundings better and it will start to feel like home, I hope. Besides, I'm really looking forward to being independent, like cooking for myself and organizing everything.’
Andreea Muntean
18 years old | Economics & Business Economics | Comes from Moldova
‘The combination of economics and business economics in this course study attracts me very much. I have been interested in it since I was young; even back then, I was already doing internships in this field.
The city of Amsterdam attracts me because it is very different from the small town in Moldova where I grew up, where you don't have many opportunities. Amsterdam is totally different. The city is big and I heard from friends that the UvA was a good university.
For me, it is important to make good connections during my time as a student. Online I've already met a number of fellow students who seem nice and open-minded. During my studies, I also hope to join clubs. I danced a lot in high school, and something like that seems fun. In my first year, it is important to pass the mandatory study program. That's why I'm going to focus mainly on studying and less on my social life when necessary. When the first academic year is over, I will look further.
As of September, a new chapter of my life will begin in a new country. I hope to be able to develop myself and I am very grateful to have been admitted to the UvA.’
Mark Kortus
22 years old | Art history | From Hoevelaken (The Netherlands)
‘I'm really looking forward to studying. This is the third time I'm starting a study program. Before this, I tried law in Utrecht, and also architecture. Those studies did not appeal to me. I've just finished a gap year working in customer service.
I am especially looking forward to studying in Amsterdam. I love walking around there. It's a beautiful city with many different types of people. And the city is a perfect fit for studying art history because it is the art capital of the Netherlands. Many great museums are there. Amsterdam is also very lively.
The previous times I studied I was not a member of a student union; I don't know yet if I will do that now. I think my student life is going to consist mostly of making friends at my studies first, and maybe joining an association later. I also think it would be fun to do a course at the Crea cultural center.
In five years' time, I hope to see myself working in a museum somewhere, and perhaps then I'll be working on a master's degree. I would like to put together exhibitions, for example. But I don't have a clear idea of the future yet. I'll let that take its course.’
George de Goumois
20 years old | English language & culture | Comes from Switzerland
‘I chose Amsterdam as my student city because it is a beautiful, international city. The city is also very compact compared to London or Berlin. Also, the city is quite tolerant, which I like.
I want to immerse myself mainly in literature during my studies, but there are more aspects I like about the study program. My passion is comedy and performance art, where language plays an important role, which is why I chose to study English language & culture. I expect that I will have to read a lot for my studies and that I will have to do a lot on my own like go to the library to study by myself.
Besides studying, I think it's important to play sports and be active. Amsterdam has a lively comedy scene and there are many theaters, so I want to immerse myself in music, art and culture. I myself come from a village in Switzerland. Although I had a great time there, life really stood still. Amsterdam is the opposite. Everything is constantly happening here.
In five years, I hope to be able to earn an income from photography and comedy so that I can continue to live here in Amsterdam.’
