Forum: Heart of the Campus<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Forum\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-05-at-14.53.57-300x225.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nForum has been at the center of student life since it opened in 2007, and you\u2019ll see why the moment you step inside. Designed by Quist Wintermans Architecten, Forum looks like a sleek, modern castle from the outside, square and monolithic. Inside, though, it\u2019s a whole other story. The building is full of courtyards and varied spaces, with the Agora (a lively courtyard) at its heart. Here, you\u2019ll find a restaurant, grand caf\u00e9, shops, study spots, and plenty of places to meet friends and colleagues. Forum truly lives up to its name. A forum is a place for gathering and sharing ideas, exactly what happens here.<\/p>\n
I personally spend most of my time studying in Forum. The variety of study spaces, from silent areas to open spots where you can work in groups, really suits my rhythm. Also, the cafeteria here is one of my favorites, great food and even better atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Orion: The Star of Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/04\/Orion-2-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOrion is literally a star, not just in appearance but in how it connects students and ideas. Opened on 2 September 2013 and designed by Ector Hoogstad Architecten, Orion is shaped like the Orion constellation. Cool, right? This star-shaped design promotes openness and collaboration. It features a dramatic central atrium, flexible learning spaces, and huge lecture halls that can host over 700 students. Moreover, it\u2019s super sustainable, with energy-efficient systems that make it a green standout on campus. The star shape isn\u2019t just for show. It symbolizes WUR\u2019s mission to lead the way in science and innovation.<\/p>\n
I still remember attending a lab session in Orion. And when it comes to food, the cafeteria here is another top pick for me. It\u2019s hard not to love Orion.<\/p>\n
Did you know that most on-campus Open Days at WUR are held in Orion? It\u2019s no surprise, given how central and impressive this building is. Want to experience Orion for yourself? Join one of our upcoming Open Days and explore study programmes, meet lecturers, and discover what student life is like at WUR. Check out the WUR Study Orientation page<\/a> for details.<\/p>\nAxis: The Research Core<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/f4b98009-0f5e-4078-bf9c-adb5b28e5653_WUR.0615.7739_LR_b7ad41d6_750x400-300x160.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve ever wondered where much of the behind-the-scenes science happens, it\u2019s in Axis. Opened in 2012 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Axis is a hub for departments like Animal Sciences and Food Safety. Its design is clean and functional, with transparent spaces that connect labs, classrooms, and offices. The name Axis is no accident. It reflects the building\u2019s role as a central pivot for research and discovery on campus. Like many WUR buildings, it also incorporates sustainable features.<\/p>\n
Omnia: The Inclusive Dialogue Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/d40641d6-2dc0-4783-9c6c-7f94e18261e7_220512_163_Omnia_f4d9f9b0_750x400-300x160.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe newest kid on the block, Omnia opened its doors on 10 May 2022 and is already making waves. Designed by Broekbakema, this stunning circular building emphasizes openness and inclusivity. Its wooden structure and green roof blend beautifully into the surroundings, making it both eco-friendly and visually amazing. Inside, Omnia hosts conferences, dialogues, and workshops. The name means \u201ceverything\u201d in Latin, reflecting WUR\u2019s mission to bring people and ideas together. It\u2019s a space where science meets society and where we can come together to solve big challenges.<\/p>\n
Aurora: The Dawn of Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"WUR](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/03\/aurora-227x300.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNamed after the aurora borealis and the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora is a truly inspiring building. Opened on 30 September 2021 and designed by LIAG Architecten, Aurora is filled with natural light thanks to its huge windows and terraced floors. It\u2019s also one of the greenest buildings on campus, with natural ventilation, solar panels, and a BREEAM Outstanding sustainability rating. Aurora aims to create an open, welcoming space for learning and collaboration, and it definitely delivers.<\/p>\n
Leeuwenborch: The Historical Anchor<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/765d78aa-cb59-42d3-adde-9e9c8dffb165_Print-version-300-DPI-Leeuwenborch_3_750x400-300x160.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a social sciences student, you\u2019ll likely spend a lot of time in Leeuwenborch (or, as we call it, ‘Lebo’). Opened in 1974 and designed by W.R. de Vries, Leeuwenborch is one of the older buildings on campus. However, it has been renovated to keep up with the times. The design features a central core that connects three wings, with plenty of space for lectures, libraries, and socializing. The name comes from the old Leeuwenborch neighbourhood that once stood here, linking WUR\u2019s modern mission to its local history.<\/p>\n
Helix: The DNA of Innovation<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Helix\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-05-at-14.52.17-279x300.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNow, let\u2019s talk about Helix, one of the coolest research buildings on campus. Opened in 2015 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Helix takes its name (and design) from the double helix structure of DNA. It\u2019s a stunning building with four high atria spiralling around a central core, creating dynamic spaces for life sciences research. Helix is home to departments like Nutrition and Biomolecular Sciences. It\u2019s packed with state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces. If you\u2019re into science and innovation, this is where the magic happens.<\/p>\n
Atlas: The Bold Vision<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Forum\"](\"https:\/\/weblog.wur.eu\/international-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-05-at-14.53.57.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nForum has been at the center of student life since it opened in 2007, and you\u2019ll see why the moment you step inside. Designed by Quist Wintermans Architecten, Forum looks like a sleek, modern castle from the outside, square and monolithic. Inside, though, it\u2019s a whole other story. The building is full of courtyards and varied spaces, with the Agora (a lively courtyard) at its heart. Here, you\u2019ll find a restaurant, grand caf\u00e9, shops, study spots, and plenty of places to meet friends and colleagues. Forum truly lives up to its name. A forum is a place for gathering and sharing ideas, exactly what happens here.<\/p>\n
I personally spend most of my time studying in Forum. The variety of study spaces, from silent areas to open spots where you can work in groups, really suits my rhythm. Also, the cafeteria here is one of my favorites, great food and even better atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Orion: The Star of Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nOrion is literally a star, not just in appearance but in how it connects students and ideas. Opened on 2 September 2013 and designed by Ector Hoogstad Architecten, Orion is shaped like the Orion constellation. Cool, right? This star-shaped design promotes openness and collaboration. It features a dramatic central atrium, flexible learning spaces, and huge lecture halls that can host over 700 students. Moreover, it\u2019s super sustainable, with energy-efficient systems that make it a green standout on campus. The star shape isn\u2019t just for show. It symbolizes WUR\u2019s mission to lead the way in science and innovation.<\/p>\n
I still remember attending a lab session in Orion. And when it comes to food, the cafeteria here is another top pick for me. It\u2019s hard not to love Orion.<\/p>\n
Did you know that most on-campus Open Days at WUR are held in Orion? It\u2019s no surprise, given how central and impressive this building is. Want to experience Orion for yourself? Join one of our upcoming Open Days and explore study programmes, meet lecturers, and discover what student life is like at WUR. Check out the WUR Study Orientation page<\/a> for details.<\/p>\nAxis: The Research Core<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nIf you\u2019ve ever wondered where much of the behind-the-scenes science happens, it\u2019s in Axis. Opened in 2012 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Axis is a hub for departments like Animal Sciences and Food Safety. Its design is clean and functional, with transparent spaces that connect labs, classrooms, and offices. The name Axis is no accident. It reflects the building\u2019s role as a central pivot for research and discovery on campus. Like many WUR buildings, it also incorporates sustainable features.<\/p>\n
Omnia: The Inclusive Dialogue Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nThe newest kid on the block, Omnia opened its doors on 10 May 2022 and is already making waves. Designed by Broekbakema, this stunning circular building emphasizes openness and inclusivity. Its wooden structure and green roof blend beautifully into the surroundings, making it both eco-friendly and visually amazing. Inside, Omnia hosts conferences, dialogues, and workshops. The name means \u201ceverything\u201d in Latin, reflecting WUR\u2019s mission to bring people and ideas together. It\u2019s a space where science meets society and where we can come together to solve big challenges.<\/p>\n
Aurora: The Dawn of Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nNamed after the aurora borealis and the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora is a truly inspiring building. Opened on 30 September 2021 and designed by LIAG Architecten, Aurora is filled with natural light thanks to its huge windows and terraced floors. It\u2019s also one of the greenest buildings on campus, with natural ventilation, solar panels, and a BREEAM Outstanding sustainability rating. Aurora aims to create an open, welcoming space for learning and collaboration, and it definitely delivers.<\/p>\n
Leeuwenborch: The Historical Anchor<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a social sciences student, you\u2019ll likely spend a lot of time in Leeuwenborch (or, as we call it, ‘Lebo’). Opened in 1974 and designed by W.R. de Vries, Leeuwenborch is one of the older buildings on campus. However, it has been renovated to keep up with the times. The design features a central core that connects three wings, with plenty of space for lectures, libraries, and socializing. The name comes from the old Leeuwenborch neighbourhood that once stood here, linking WUR\u2019s modern mission to its local history.<\/p>\n
Helix: The DNA of Innovation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a><\/p>\nNow, let\u2019s talk about Helix, one of the coolest research buildings on campus. Opened in 2015 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Helix takes its name (and design) from the double helix structure of DNA. It\u2019s a stunning building with four high atria spiralling around a central core, creating dynamic spaces for life sciences research. Helix is home to departments like Nutrition and Biomolecular Sciences. It\u2019s packed with state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces. If you\u2019re into science and innovation, this is where the magic happens.<\/p>\n
Atlas: The Bold Vision<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nOrion is literally a star, not just in appearance but in how it connects students and ideas. Opened on 2 September 2013 and designed by Ector Hoogstad Architecten, Orion is shaped like the Orion constellation. Cool, right? This star-shaped design promotes openness and collaboration. It features a dramatic central atrium, flexible learning spaces, and huge lecture halls that can host over 700 students. Moreover, it\u2019s super sustainable, with energy-efficient systems that make it a green standout on campus. The star shape isn\u2019t just for show. It symbolizes WUR\u2019s mission to lead the way in science and innovation.<\/p>\n
I still remember attending a lab session in Orion. And when it comes to food, the cafeteria here is another top pick for me. It\u2019s hard not to love Orion.<\/p>\n
Did you know that most on-campus Open Days at WUR are held in Orion? It\u2019s no surprise, given how central and impressive this building is. Want to experience Orion for yourself? Join one of our upcoming Open Days and explore study programmes, meet lecturers, and discover what student life is like at WUR. Check out the WUR Study Orientation page<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever wondered where much of the behind-the-scenes science happens, it\u2019s in Axis. Opened in 2012 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Axis is a hub for departments like Animal Sciences and Food Safety. Its design is clean and functional, with transparent spaces that connect labs, classrooms, and offices. The name Axis is no accident. It reflects the building\u2019s role as a central pivot for research and discovery on campus. Like many WUR buildings, it also incorporates sustainable features.<\/p>\n The newest kid on the block, Omnia opened its doors on 10 May 2022 and is already making waves. Designed by Broekbakema, this stunning circular building emphasizes openness and inclusivity. Its wooden structure and green roof blend beautifully into the surroundings, making it both eco-friendly and visually amazing. Inside, Omnia hosts conferences, dialogues, and workshops. The name means \u201ceverything\u201d in Latin, reflecting WUR\u2019s mission to bring people and ideas together. It\u2019s a space where science meets society and where we can come together to solve big challenges.<\/p>\n Named after the aurora borealis and the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora is a truly inspiring building. Opened on 30 September 2021 and designed by LIAG Architecten, Aurora is filled with natural light thanks to its huge windows and terraced floors. It\u2019s also one of the greenest buildings on campus, with natural ventilation, solar panels, and a BREEAM Outstanding sustainability rating. Aurora aims to create an open, welcoming space for learning and collaboration, and it definitely delivers.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a social sciences student, you\u2019ll likely spend a lot of time in Leeuwenborch (or, as we call it, ‘Lebo’). Opened in 1974 and designed by W.R. de Vries, Leeuwenborch is one of the older buildings on campus. However, it has been renovated to keep up with the times. The design features a central core that connects three wings, with plenty of space for lectures, libraries, and socializing. The name comes from the old Leeuwenborch neighbourhood that once stood here, linking WUR\u2019s modern mission to its local history.<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s talk about Helix, one of the coolest research buildings on campus. Opened in 2015 and designed by Wiegerinck Architecten, Helix takes its name (and design) from the double helix structure of DNA. It\u2019s a stunning building with four high atria spiralling around a central core, creating dynamic spaces for life sciences research. Helix is home to departments like Nutrition and Biomolecular Sciences. It\u2019s packed with state-of-the-art labs and collaborative spaces. If you\u2019re into science and innovation, this is where the magic happens.<\/p>\nAxis: The Research Core<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nOmnia: The Inclusive Dialogue Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAurora: The Dawn of Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLeeuwenborch: The Historical Anchor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nHelix: The DNA of Innovation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAtlas: The Bold Vision<\/strong><\/h2>\n