Summer Looks Different for Every Student

Another year rolled off, and summer is right around the corner. For some, even, it is already here. For students, this means summer break, one of the most awaited times of the year!

Summers are exciting for those soon coming to Wageningen University (WUR), too! Preparing everything and getting ready to depart and start your WUR journey is always a big thing. As we are on that topic, I am going to use the moment and mention that soon, as usual, we’re coming with more pre-departure information for incoming students. If you are already curious, I can’t blame you, haha. You can check out our previous tips and tricks on how to prepare before coming to Wageningen.

Summer holidays look different for everyone, especially for international students. In today’s blog, we are sharing our own summer plans to give you a glimpse of what the sunny season looks like for WUR students.

Zlati’s Summer Plans

Going Home After Graduation

I successfully defended my thesis a couple of days ago (yaay), and in 2 days, I am about to head back home to Bulgaria. In the days in between, I have been trying to see all of my friends here one last time before leaving for the summer. So, I have been busy. But that is the “good busy”, though, the “busy” I’m trying to have more of.:) While at home, I’ll see my family and friends there and spend some quality time together. My family and I are also going to take our traditional summer Greek holiday, which we’ve been doing for a couple of years now. There’s nothing better than the waves, your loved ones and your doggie. 🐶🌊 After that, I am coming back to Wageningen for the Annual Introduction Days (AID), which take place from August 14th to 19th! Even though this means a shorter summer break for me, I am still suuuper excited to experience the AID from the other side and help all the new students integrate. The AID is always so much fun and truly the perfect way to start your WUR journey, so I expect to see some of you there!;)

Getting Ready for the AID

During the AID week, I am with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) as I am on the Board for 2026-2027! We have many fun and engaging activities planned to show new students everything student life has to offer, along with the importance of finding your community. Of course, next to the social life, there is also the university and studying part. 🙂 During the AID, you will get to know your fellow classmates and more about your curriculum during the Study Day. But of course, you are not left alone to figure all of this out! You will have WUR student mentors by your side to guide you and even share useful survival tips, hehe. Study Days are usually organised by study associations, and as you might have guessed by now, I am going to be a mentor myself as part of my study association, Nicolas Appert! So, future BFT WUR students, we’ll most likely see each other around.;)

A few final words from me before you move on to Devi’s summer plans: Make sure to check back here regularly! Our upcoming AID and back-to-school blogs are packed with useful information you won’t want to miss.

Devi’s Summer Plans

From Coursework to an Internship

When people think of summer as a student, they often imagine long holidays, travel, and endless free time. That was exactly how my first year at Wageningen University looked. After months of intensive coursework, assignments, and exams, I enjoyed a two-month summer break to relax and recharge.

This year, however, summer has been very different.

As part of my master’s program, I am currently completing my internship. Unlike last year, there isn’t a long vacation after exams. Instead, my days are spent learning in a professional environment. I am applying the knowledge I gained during my studies and experiencing what it is like to work in the food industry.

Thankfully, my internship company allows interns to take one week of holiday. I used this opportunity to visit my family. After spending months away from home, being with my loved ones was refreshing. It gave me the energy to return to my internship with a fresh perspective.

 

Enjoying a Dutch Summer

The rest of my summer has been spent in the Netherlands. I have realized that enjoying summer doesn’t always require a long holiday abroad. The Dutch summer has its own unique charm.

I’ve attended community gatherings, explored local events, and enjoyed picnics in beautiful parks. I also spent relaxing evenings with friends along the picturesque Dutch canals. We shared meals, watched the sunset, and enjoyed meaningful conversations. These simple moments became some of my favorite summer memories.

This summer has taught me that every stage of student life is different. Although I didn’t have a two-month holiday like last year, I gained something equally valuable. I built professional experience, spent quality time with my family, and created unforgettable memories with friends.

Being a master’s student isn’t just about lectures, assignments, and exams. It’s also about growing personally and professionally. This summer showed me that balancing an internship with moments of relaxation is important. As I continue my internship journey, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the little joys that summer in the Netherlands has to offer.

Samir’s Summer Plans

I’m spending my summer in Berlin, where I recently started an internship at Ecologic Institute. Before leaving Wageningen, I made sure everything was sorted out. I rented out my apartment, deregistered from the municipality, and packed everything I needed for the next few months. I’ll be living in Berlin until autumn, so it already feels a bit like a second home.

When I’m not working, I want to make the most of being here. I’m planning to explore as much of Berlin as I can, from different neighbourhoods and cafés to parks, lakes, and festivals. I also have a few trips planned with friends, including visits to Estonia and Croatia. I’m really looking forward to balancing my internship with travelling, meeting new people, and enjoying everything summer has to offer.

One trip I’m especially excited about is Croatia, where I’ll finally get to see my favourite artist, Lorde, perform live. It’s been on my bucket list for years, so I can’t wait for the concert. While I’m there, I’m also planning to explore Pula, visit its famous Roman amphitheatre. I wander around the old town, and spend some time by the sea. I think it’ll be one of the highlights of my summer.

Before You Leave Wageningen for the Summer

Before heading off on your summer adventures, take a few moments to get everything in order. A little preparation now can make your return in September much smoother!☀️

• Plan for September – Know where you’ll be living, when your courses start, and what your first weeks back will look like.
• Complete registrations – Check if you need to re-register for courses, your programme, housing, or any municipality-related matters before deadlines pass.
• Leave your room in good condition – Clean your room, empty the fridge and bins, and make sure everything is tidy to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return.
• Take care of your plants and belongings – Ask a friend to water your plants or store valuable items safely if you’ll be away for a long time.
• Check your rental agreement – Make sure you know the rules if you’re subletting, moving out, or returning after the summer.
• Pack the essentials – Don’t forget important documents, medication, chargers, and anything you’ll need while you’re away.
• Stay connected – Keep an eye on your WUR email over the summer so you don’t miss important updates or deadlines.

Enjoy your summer, recharge, and we’ll see you back in Wageningen for a new academic year! 🌍🌻

Need more ideas? Give this a quick read and get inspired to try out something new! You thought that was all? We always have more for you! From volunteering at festivals to travelling abroad and completely new experiences!

Happy summer,

Zlatoslava (Zlati), Devi, Samir