Celebrating the start of your time as a student during the introduction week without restrictions, that is what Radboud University is aiming for this summer. Sleeping bags during the weekend are no longer necessary because the closing festival will disappear in its old form.

After a mostly completely online introduction week and a hybrid edition, the introduction week will return to its fully physical form this summer. At least, that is what the university is aiming for. Introduction coordinator Dionne Aldus is happy: ‘No sessions in Zoom or one-and-a-half meters distance anymore but instead celebrating the start of your student life shoulder-to-shoulder.’

Cycling lessons

On August 21, students can register at the sports centre and pick up their bracelet and hoodie. Just like last year, the introduction market will take place on campus. The university will, among other things, offer cycling lessons to international students there. ‘The lessons will take half an hour, while the Dutch students can enjoy music and a drink on the Erasmus square,’ says Aldus.

The sports day will, just like last year, be spread out over the course of four days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The faculties will be divided over these days. ‘This way, we’ll have more room for students to get to know all the sports the sports centre and students sports associations have to offer.’

One-day festival

The introduction festival will also be spread out over four days, from Wednesday until Saturday on the grounds of the Vasim. It will be held like a one-day festival: faculties who were grouped together during the sports day will also meet each other at the festival. Aldus: ‘We’re doing this so students will see familiar faces at the festival.’

‘By having the festival only take one day instead of a whole weekend, it becomes less intensive’

The multi-day closing festival, which was organised in Goch before covid, will not return. Talks between the University Student Council and several associations revealed that there is little enthusiasm for a return. Aldus: ‘A survey we held among students after the introduction week in 2021 revealed that the introduction week is perceived as being very intensive. By having the festival only take one day instead of a whole weekend, it hopefully becomes less intensive.’

Educational

The previous two editions of the introduction week were not ideal, but they were educational for the organisation, says Aldus. ‘Spreading out the events turned out to have a very positive effect, which is why we are continuing to do that this year.’ This way there will be less big groups and more time, space, and attention for everyone, is the idea.

If covid still decides to ruin the plans, there are plenty of alternatives ready. Aldus: ‘Plan B is always in the back of your head, but of course I hope it won’t be necessary.’