Studying Abroad Sustainably – Why I Chose Utrecht University

Hello, my name is Lea Fuhrmann and I’m currently a second-year student studying Global Sustainability Science at Utrecht University. I am originally from Germany but was born and raised in Poland, where I also attended a British international school. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, particularly basketball, which I am luckily able to do at our on-campus sports centre. I am also extremely passionate about the environment and advocating for animal rights, which is what led me to choose to study Global Sustainability Science.

As a sustainability student, it’s very important to me that my university upholds my views and values regarding sustainability and the environment. Once I began my studies, it was clear that Utrecht University does this. From small actions, such as making vegetarian lunches the standard for any event or planting a tiny forest in the middle of the Science Park, to large accomplishments like reducing the university’s carbon footprint by 23% in four years and increasing energy consumption from renewable sources, Utrecht University is leading numerous initiatives to limit its environmental impact. It made for a lovely first year: I was able to study on a campus that puts into practice the sustainability solutions I was studying in class.

Utrecht is a lively student city located in the heart of the Netherlands. An impressive 20% of its population are students! The city boasts beautiful canals and extraordinary wharf cellars, which usually house cafés and terraces by the water. Even during corona times there is a lot to do. Utrecht has many parks in and around the city, which are perfect for my daily walk in between classes.

One of my personal favourites is the Maarsseveense Plassen, which is a picturesque lake in the north of the city; the lake is an especially popular student attraction in the warmer months. The city is also a haven for remarkable architecture; in the city centre you can walk among medieval structures and monuments, whereas in the outskirts, such as the Science Park, there are spectacular, award-winning modern buildings. Need a change of scenery? Utrecht’s central location in the Netherlands also makes it a perfect starting point for adventures and day trips to other cities in the Netherlands and beyond.

Like everyone, my study experience changed in 2020, when all classes were moved online because of the pandemic. This was obviously frustrating, as I prefer the atmosphere of physical classes and highly appreciate the ability to socialise with other students from my courses. Nonetheless, the transition to online education was a lot smoother than I anticipated, as teachers make sure there is a clear line of communication with students.

Through regular course feedback sessions, and by encouraging students to reach out if they had any problems, the teachers managed to maintain a dynamic learning experience, while adapting to changing circumstances as the pandemic got better or worse. Although I prefer on-site education, particularly for the social aspect, I am very happy to be part of an institution that values my opinion and will react proactively to criticism.

Taking part in social activities at study associations greatly impacted my mental health positively and allowed for some normality in a very abnormal time. Thanks to my study association, I was able to socialise and make new friends, even during the pandemic. In the Netherlands there are many kinds of student-led organizations, some focussing on sports, culture or camaraderie.

A ‘study association’ is an association that focuses solely on the students of one or more particular study programme(s) and organizes social and educational events for its members. At Utrecht University, all study programmes belong to one association! My particular study association, Storm, frequently organises a wide variety of events, including online escape rooms, pub quizzes, movie nights, and even monthly dinners where the ingredients are brought to your home, so you can safely prepare the meals yourself.

Moreover, throughout the pandemic, Utrecht University regularly organises open webinars, workshops and online lectures, reminiscent of those held in person, prior to the pandemic. These events cover relevant and current topics from all fields of study, which means there is something for everyone.

Additionally, a huge focus was placed on mental wellbeing, particularly in times of corona, and how students and staff can learn to deal with this new reality. For example, one workshop looked at how to motivate yourself when working and studying from home. I greatly appreciated the increased resources for one-on-one sessions with trained counsellors, as many people had been suffering under the effects of lockdown.

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