They are here, the first students born in the year 2000. Sometime in their school career they skipped a year, and ended up at university at the age of 17. What characterises this Spotify generation?

Riley Kapelle was born on a special day: 1 January 2000. The Geography, Planning and Environment student from Ulft often has to show people his ID: they simply don’t believe him.

Snapchat or Facebook?
‘Both. I spend half an hour to 45 minutes a day on social media. Everyone checks Facebook during lectures, but I don’t. I use social media for the news mainly. I like to know what goes on in the world.’

Dutch or European?
‘Dutch. Just think of football: there’s no way I could cheer for the German team.’

Loan or job?
‘Both. I work in Ulft, at a sports school and an ice-cream parlour. Now that I live in Nijmegen, I’m going to look for a job here too. I have to; my rent is pretty high. I pay €300, even tough I know it’s not as much as what other people have to pay.’

Festival or concert?
‘Concert. I love Classic Rock and Light Metal. This summer, I went to the Goffer Park with my mum to see Robbie Williams.’

Alcohol or drugs?
‘Alcohol. No drugs; I’m not into that rubbish. It does bad things to you. Alcohol is more fun. And it’s much easier to get. I get in everywhere, and nobody asks me my age.’

Backpacking or drinking holiday?
‘This summer I did both. First I went backpacking in Singapore and Malesia with my parents and younger brother, and then I went to Croatia with some friends. This was just one drinking binge after another.’

Webshop or store?
‘Store. I like to be able to try my clothes on, to see and feel them.’

Mathematics student Annemarijn Blom (17 February 2000) from Emmeloord is renting a room in Nijmegen. During Orientation week, older students were surprised to hear she was born in 2000. “Are you twelve or something?!!”

Snapchat or Facebook?
‘No doubt about it: Snapchat. The main advantage is that I can decide who to send my pictures to. I don’t want my parents to know what party I’m at.’

Dutch or European?
‘Dutch. I don’t have much of a feeling for Europe. I’m just not that interested; maybe I should find out more about it.’

Live at home or rent a room?
‘Rent a room. I found one here in Nijmegen. I love it. Now I can do whatever I want.’

Loan or job?
‘Loan. Before I started my study programme I thought I’d want to start working again after six months of study. But if I’m honest, I find the programme pretty demanding, so I don’t think I’m going to look for a job soon.’

Festival or concert?
‘I’ve never been to either.’

Alcohol or drugs?
‘Alcohol. Drugs don’t appeal to me and I don’t know many people who use them. During Orientation week at University, I was confronted with drugs for the first time. I don’t find them appealing, and I don’t feel tempted myself, although I don’t mind other people using them.’

Spotify or LP?
‘I listen to Spotify literally every day.’

Netflix or cinema?
‘Definitely Netflix! My parents still pay for my subscription, so it’s an easy choice.’

Biology student Isa Martin (19 March 2000) is not 18 yet, so she’s not allowed to drink. So what does she do with her time? She reads. Preferably on paper.

Rent a room or live at home?
‘Rent a room! I come from Maastricht, so I have to. My parents also used to live in a student flat and they think it’s better for me to live in Nijmegen. I also enjoy the independence.’

Snapchat or Facebook?
‘I only have Facebook, but I don’t really use it. So neither. My friends mainly use Instagram and Pinterest.’

Dutch or European?
‘I think of the Netherlands as my country, but I’m not really nationalistic. If I had to choose, I’d say I feel more European. I’m very aware of my Western background.’

Books or series?
‘Books! I love reading. Preferably on paper; it’s all part of the experience. I did consider getting an E-reader, but mainly for going on holiday. Incidentally, I’m getting a Netflix account, so maybe that’ll change soon, haha!’

Loan or job?
‘I took a loan for the first few months, because I want to focus completely on my studies. Ultimately I want to find a job. My parents are now financing part of my study costs and room rental. So I do feel some pressure to graduate as soon as possible.’

Backpacking or drinking holiday?
‘Backpacking with friends. My father is French, so we used to spend all our holidays visiting family in France. On my bucket list is a tour of Asia or South America.’