Storm

Starting at a new school, in a new city is very exciting but what is it like during the middle of a pandemic? Hi, I’m Michelle and I’m starting uni this year. When I was still in high school I used to always picture this ‘perfect’ beginning of my student life in my head. With the partying on Thursday nights, being hangover in class the next day and the instaperfect study sessions in the library. But as you all know, it is safe to say that it did not really go as I expected.

My first steps into the student life were during the UITweek – or actually two UITdays - which was very nice considering the situation. I had two amazing UIT papa’s and the first day we did a bike tour around the centre and all the places you must know as a student. Then when the evening fell, we ordered some pizza’s and played some (drinking) games. The next day my papa’s did the same with the other half of the group and the third day we met up again with everyone to go swimming and to have some drinks that evening. All in all it was very ‘gezellig’ and I made some good memories. One thing that was a little bit sad was that the papa’s told us that this is like the opposite of what normal UITweek is supposed to look like. They told us stories from their week with the parties, cantussen and just having fun in general, which made me have some sort of fomo? Although, nobody this year really had this experience haha.

Then next is the introweek from Storm! Before this week I really did not know that the study association from GSS was so active and so fun, so that was a pleasant surprise. We had some activities on campus during the week but most of them were online. I personally really liked the escape room and Cluedo game we played. Next to that I also think my mentor parents were such nice people, so a big shout out to Lars and Noë, they were just so nice told us all these stories from what is like being part of Storm. Which was indeed also again a bit sad haha, because the introduction weekend and just everything sounded so much fun! I really hope that once this covid situation has laid down we can catch up with all the activities again.

Nevertheless, I am still enjoying everything, for instance, the Storm event from ‘jeu de boules’ was very lovely and a good way to meet more people. And I am also really grateful that we at least are allowed to go the university because some of my friends that study at different universities have everything online. I personally really enjoy my time on campus because it is just so refreshing to see your fellow classmates face to face and to talk and laugh with them in real life. This whole situation is not ideal, but I try to make the best of it and I cannot wait for everything to become normal again and to really start living the student life!