Valentijn

I had always been interested in the built environment. I used to think this interest was physical, so to speak, but I noticed too that I enjoy thinking of the environment more broadly, socially, and theoretically. I had started reading books on urban issues; issues pertaining to the relationship between people and their urban environment. That’s why I chose urban studies. I found the programme through Leiden University’s website, and had inquired about the programme’s contents with former students! I personally hadn’t attended the open days but the impression I got from the students was great, so I’d recommend everyone who’s considering studying urban studies to ask students about their experiences!

Having been in the programme for almost a year now, I can confidently say it was the right decision for me. Of course there are classes and aspects of the course I like more than others, but I think that’s a good thing. I think that as long as what is considered enjoyable or challenging differs from student to student, we can learn from each other. The diversity of backgrounds and opinions on the subject matter, but also the course structure, makes for fruitful debates and exciting team efforts. For example, I liked the courses ‘Governance of Cities and Citizens’ and the ‘Material City’ (in part because I liked the professors’ teaching) more than some peers, whereas some enjoyed the methodological courses more than I did. As such, the programme has plenty to offer to everyone! Further, this means we get to learn from each other’s opinions, attitudes, and backgrounds a lot, for urban studies is a relatively small programme and we tend to work in teams frequently; very fruitful for our development, I’d say. Personally, I had some troubles getting used to the pace at university, but with the help of my peers I started to see great results quite quickly! This diversity and tight-knit community feeling makes the programme so much more fun as well.

I really like studying in the Hague as well. It’s quite big, has a beach, and though it doesn’t have as much of a student culture as, say, Leiden, there’s plenty to explore. Great city to house the Urban Studies programme. However, if you want to explore beyond the bounds of the city, Leiden and Rotterdam are but 10 and 20 minutes away by train, respectively.

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