Master’s Open Day: Key Questions Answered
By Devi Muralee Krishna
On March 27, 2025, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) hosted its Master’s Open Day, welcoming prospective students from multiple nationalities. The event provided a great opportunity for attendees to explore study programmes, interact with faculty members, and gain insights into student life at Wageningen.
One of the most engaging parts of the day was the Q&A sessions, where students asked various practical questions about moving to the Netherlands, studying at WUR, and future opportunities. Here, we highlight some of the key questions and their answers!
1. Does the University Help in Finding Bikes for New Students?
Yes! WUR understands that cycling is the primary mode of transportation in the Netherlands. To help new students, there is a Bike Market organized during the Annual Introduction Days (AID). This market provides opportunities to purchase various types of bikes, including second-hand options, making it easier for students to find an affordable and suitable bike for their daily commute. But if you didn’t find the right bike during AID, don’t worry! There are also several bike shops in Wageningen that sell both second-hand and new bikes. I personally got my bike from one of these shops, and it worked out great for my daily commute.
Additionally, students can benefit from free bike repair services available at Orion basement every Tuesday from 18:00 to 20:00.
2. Does the University Offer (Dutch) Language Classes?
Yes, Wageningen University offers free Dutch language classes to students, and also other languages you can learn or practice. These classes are available both online and offline, but prior registration is required, as there can be a waiting list. It is important to note that missing more than the allowed number of classes (as mentioned on the official website) may result in a requirement to pay the full course fee. To find more details and register, visit the Dutch Classes WUR page.
3. Is It Possible to Stay in the Netherlands After Completing a Master’s?
Yes, there are multiple career paths that allow students to stay in the Netherlands after completing their Master’s degree! Graduates can explore opportunities such as PhD positions, Engineering Doctorates (EngD), research assistant roles, lab technician jobs, and teaching positions at universities and research institutions. Additionally, there are support roles, such as study advisors and administrative positions, that students may qualify for. These options provide various ways to remain in the Netherlands and build a career after completing their studies at Wageningen University.
4. How Can Students Find Housing in Wageningen?
There are several options available for students looking for housing in Wageningen. The primary platform for student housing is Room.nl, which offers approximately 5,600 rooms and apartments. Students can choose between shared facilities or self-contained units, and accommodations may be furnished or unfurnished. To register on Room.nl, there is a one-time fee of €35.-, and ranking for housing allocation is based on priority and registration time. I recommend that future students register as early as possible, just as I did, to improve their chances of securing suitable housing. To know more, visit Student Housing in Wageningen Additionally, Facebook Marketplace is another option where students can find housing listings from private landlords and other students.
Experience from a student
“I signed up for Room.nl even before paying my tuition fee and kept track of housing trends. About a month before my arrival, I was able to secure a self-contained room through the platform, which made my transition much smoother”
5. How Can Students Build Connections While Studying?
Making connections is an essential part of student life at Wageningen University. One of the best ways to start networking is by participating in the Annual Introduction Days (linked above), where new students can meet peers, explore the university, and engage in various activities designed to ease their transition.
Another useful platform is Unibuddy, which allows prospective students to connect with current WUR students and alumni and ask questions about academic programs and student life. This is a great way to gain insights from those who have already navigated similar experiences. I am a part of it, and if you would like to chat about any questions regarding your study life at WUR or specifically about Msc Food Quality Management, feel free to connect with me
International students can also find support and community through Study and Student Associations. These associations organize events, social gatherings, and cultural exchanges, making it easier to connect with students from different backgrounds while feeling at home in Wageningen.
For those interested in sports and fitness, Sports Centre de Bongerd offers numerous activities, from gym facilities to group classes and sports teams. Joining a sports association is not only beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle but also for meeting like-minded people outside of academic settings. If you are interested in Badminton like me, you can join BC de Lobbers where there is room for every level of players.
The Student Service Centre is another valuable resource, providing guidance on academic and personal matters. Whether students need career advice, counseling, or assistance with university-related procedures, the SSC offers support to help students navigate their academic journey successfully.
Entrepreneurial-minded students can explore opportunities at Starthub Wageningen , an incubator for student-led startups and business ideas. This platform provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and workshops to help students turn their innovative ideas into reality while connecting with other aspiring entrepreneurs.
I am also a part of a student organization called Enactus Wageningen, which focuses on social entrepreneurship by empowering students to develop business solutions that address social and environmental challenges. Through Enactus, I gained hands-on experience, build networks, and work on impactful projects that contribute to sustainable development.
Couldn’t Make It to the Master’s Open Day? We’ve Got You!
If you weren’t able to attend the Master’s Open Day, don’t worry! You can still get all your questions answered at the Virtual Open Day on Thursday, April 3, 2025 15:00 – 21:00 (CET). If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure to register and join us virtually for this open day, where we will address all your questions and provide you with valuable insights into student life.
Best Regards
Devi
