Lieke de Koster

My name is Lieke, and I am currently a fourth semester student at University College Roosevelt (UCR). Before coming to UCR, I attended ‘Het Scheldemond College’ in Vlissingen, where I completed my six years of secondary education (vwo). Growing up in Zeeland has always been an important part of who I am, and choosing to continue my studies here felt like a natural step. 

Something that feels very “Zeeuws” about me is how close I live to the beach. It’s only about a 20-minute walk from my family’s home and growing up I spent a lot of time there, especially during warm summer days. The beach has always been a calm and relaxing environment for me, and it’s still a place I go to clear my mind. 

Finding the Right Study Programme 

I chose UCR because of the Liberal Arts and Sciences system. When I first looked at the courses offered, I immediately noticed how many of them aligned with my interests. I liked the idea of being able to explore different subjects while still shaping my own academic path. I first heard about UCR at a study market, and it was the only program where I felt I could genuinely see myself studying. After attending two open days, that feeling only became stronger: that was when I knew UCR was the right fit for me. 

One thing that surprised me after starting at UCR was how quickly I adapted to the new environment. I was nervous beforehand, especially about the transition from high school to university, but it turned out to be much smoother than I expected. The smaller scale of UCR really helped with that adjustment. 

Feeling at Home at UCR 

What makes UCR different from larger universities, in my experience, is the sense of community. Because of the campus system, everyone lives close to each other. I have friends living in the same building, so it’s easy to visit each other spontaneously. Even friends on other campuses are only about ten minutes away, which makes student life very social and connected. 

Staying in Zeeland for university was a conscious choice. During open days at larger universities, I often felt out of place, while at UCR the environment immediately felt comfortable and welcoming. That smaller scale made a big difference for me. 

Middelburg as a student city 

If I had to recommend Zeeland to other Dutch students, I would describe Middelburg as a cozy and pleasant city to study in. It is more of a student city than people initially expect. Once you get to know the right places and people, it becomes a really enjoyable place to live and study. For international students, I would say something similar: Zeeland offers many opportunities to build new connections and meet interesting people from different backgrounds. 

The transition from studying in Dutch to English took some getting used to in the beginning, but after a few weeks it felt completely natural. Studying close to home has also been an advantage. I can easily visit friends and family when I need a break, especially during busy periods. 

Housing and Independence 

Another benefit of studying in Zeeland is the cost of living compared to larger Dutch cities. Having my own room with a kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance allowed me to apply for rent allowance, which makes living independently more affordable. Although I was initially unsure about the obligatory guaranteed housing, I have come to really appreciate it. Living on my own has made me more independent and confident, and living close to other students makes university life much easier and more enjoyable. The guaranteed housing also removes the stress of having to find accommodation yourself, which is a big advantage when starting university. 

Looking back, choosing UCR allowed me to study in an environment that feels both academically and personally right for me. Close to home, yet full of new experiences and opportunities.