Student life
UCM is a place where you not only develop your academic knowledge and skills, but you also get a chance to be part of a vibrant academic community. Students connect easily with other students and staff, aided by both a culture and a building that promote interaction and engagement in extracurricular activities.
UCM Academic Community
Your university experience can be much more than a professional training. It can stimulate an interest in knowledge, a love of critical debate and a fondness for argument. In short, it can be a way of life, where students and staff participate in an intellectual community. University College Maastricht endeavors to create such an intellectual community by providing a learning environment that fosters your desire to learn.
Another way of ensuring an academic community is keeping classes small. The College enrolls a limited number of students (maximum 200 per year) so that they get to know each other quickly. In addition, the staff members actually know who you are, as there are no anonymous mass lectures or absent professors. At UCM students are active participants in the intellectual community of the college.
UCM study association
Universalis
UCM hosts the diverse and engaging UCM study association, Universalis. This multicultural and multi-disciplinary student organization, run by UCM students, aims to offer its members academic and social development opportunities as a supplement to the regular UCM curriculum. Its name and logo are derived from different interpretations of the concept of the homo universalis, a person who has developed all of his or her skills and abilities to the fullest extent. An example of such a person might be someone with not only a sharp mind, but also athletic qualities and artistic talent.
Exciting initiatives and fun extracurricular activities
Within Universalis there are fourteen different committees to provide UCM students with exciting initiatives and fun extracurricular activities.. Each committee takes care of a specific aspect of student life at UCM. For example, the Sports Committee organizes events that give UCM students the opportunity to engage in sports, the Party Committee hosts many thrilling parties every year, while the Politics Committee practices discussing delicate political topics and controversial issues in UCM's 'Tough Talks' and at the EuroMUN.
Some hallmarks of Universalis' activities: the Universalis Ski Trip to France, a week full of ski and snowboard fun in the French Alps; hitch-hike trips to Bruges and Geneva, weekends of blind trips; and great parties in rented bars around Maastricht, dancing and socializing in different hilarious styles depending on the night’s theme...
Have a look at Universalis' website and the Facebook page for more information.
INKOM
If you start your studies at UM in September, you will be invited to participate in the student orientation programme in August. The programme consists of a general orientation week (INKOM) followed by an introduction to the faculty.
INKOM
During INKOM, you will be introduced to Maastricht and to various aspects of student life here. This will provide you with an ideal opportunity to get your bearings and to make some new friends. Representatives from many social, sports and student associations in Maastricht will introduce themselves to you during the event. We recommend that you participate in this introduction week. You can find more information on the INKOM website.
Faculty orientation
The faculty orientation is an introduction to studying. During the orientation, you will meet your new fellow students and be provided with information about the faculty organisation, the building in which you will be studying, the teaching system, etc. You will also receive materials that you will need for your study, such as course manuals, schedules and a study guide.
The city of Maastricht
Historic yet forward-thinking and contemporary, typically Dutch yet multicultural and vibrant, Maastricht is a city of contrasts. It is a beautiful, lively city and home to a young and dynamic university
Maastricht is a warm and welcoming city, but also a modern and energetic one. It is one of the best shopping cities in the Netherlands, and the many festivals and activities on offer here reflect its variety of cultural influences. From the annual Carnival festivities to experimental theatre shows and concerts, and from sophisticated restaurants to traditional pubs, Maastricht has something for everyone. It is also the perfect city for sports lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Maastricht is situated at an international crossroads. Cities such as Brussels, Liège, Aachen, Cologne and Düsseldorf are just a short drive away and you have easy access to Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris or London.
More information
For more information on life at UM and in Maastricht, have a look at 'Life at UM'.
On MyMaastricht.nl , an English-language portal for international students, you will find all kind of information about transport, healthcare, finances, housing, sports, culture, leisure, and social media, is an initiative of Maastricht University, Hogeschool Zuyd, and the Municipality of Maastricht. The portal is maintained and updated by students.
Cultural activities
On the right a number of associations or organizations affiliated to the University of Maastricht. They contribute to the cultural climate at the university with classes, shows, performances and other cultural activities.
For more information on cultural activities in Maastricht also see:
Maastrichtnet
Vrijthof Theatre
Lumière Cinema
Bonnefantenmuseum