Are you looking for a top-notch education from a school that feels like a community? Maybe you are in search of something affordable at the same time? If this is the case, then you are in luck! In this article, EDUopinions will shine the spotlight on Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, focusing on five aspects of the university which make it truly one-of-a-kind. Continue reading to find out what exactly students think about Radboud University.
High-quality education
First and foremost, the university is renowned for its excellent educational standards. Among the top public universities in The Netherlands, Radboud has been awarded as the ‘best traditional university’ for its research and recognition by ‘Keuzegids Universiteiten’. Offering 40 different bachelors degree and 200 masters degrees, the breadth of study programmes offered at Radboud means that there is certainly something for everyone there. Clearly, a degree from Radboud is sure to set you up for success – just see what 2020 graduate Marianthi had to say:
Centrally located in a green campus, in the oldest city of the Netherlands, Radboud University offers a great student experience. The staff is highly qualified, the study programs are very research oriented and the social life corresponds to the needs of even the most demanding student. Highly recommend!
A modern campus in a green environment
Another thing that comes to mind when students think about Radboud University is its modern and eco-friendly campus. With cafés, sports facilities, grocery stores, state-of-the-art research institutes and cultural/social spaces, Radboud has everything you need on its welcoming and tree-lined campus. Students enjoy being able to have a coffee with friends between classes, always being nearby study spaces and libraries and taking part in the numerous cultural activities on campus. Even better, if you need to take a break from your studies, just take a walk along the campus’s many forested paths. Check out what Constantina, a student in economics at Radboud, said about the university:
Radboud is the perfect place for a student who wants the feeling of an active university environment in a beautiful city. The campus is forested and green, the buildings are modern, and the university community is very active. There are many kinds of supporting services especially for international students. As a student there you can have a membership at an excellent gym for a very low yearly fee and be active in sports clubs, there are opportunities to be a student assistant for your professors, to be active in student associations, and many more things. Although Nijmegen is not very big it always has an event going on, and it is very well connected for visiting Germany, Belgium, and many other places. I am happy with the student experience because the classrooms are small, the program structure is very interesting with a number of elective courses, there is an opportunity to study abroad for a semester, and talking to or getting advice from teachers is very easy. I would definitely recommend Radboud to someone interested in a good academic environment in a beautiful environment.
City of Nijmegen
Next up, the beautiful and historic city of Nijmegen comes to mind when students think about Radboud University. As the oldest city in all of the Netherlands, Nijmegen boasts a diverse set of attractions, from Roman ruins to music festivals. The city is small and quaint, but offers all the amenities you may need, from top-notch entertainment to plentiful work opportunities. If you are looking to spend time in bigger cities, Nijmegen is less than an hour and a half by train from Amsterdam and not far from Brussels or Cologne either. Still not convinced? Take a look at what Skip, a 2018 Radboud alumni, had to say about why he considers Nijmegen his new home:
I went to Radboud University after I graduated from my previous university to pursue a different subject. I have been living in Nijmegen for quite a while and I currently consider it my home town. It’s a lively place with lots of things to do for students, for entertainment and professional purposes. My study is great! I love the courses and the building where I am studying is new and has nice facilities for studying. Classes are often interactive and teachers like students to be active and involved during courses. This has helped me to focus on my studies and gave me confidence and experience in expressing my views on topics. My current Master’s program is challenging but very interesting. Often courses reflect current issues and debates which makes it more relevant and of use for later careers. Dutch students are used to cooperate with internationals and overall I would say this university has an international and open perspective, where developing your interests and skills are heavily encouraged.
Personal approach and support system
Radboud professors emphasise on the personal approach. At Radboud, students not only attend lectures given by world-class researchers, but they benefit from being able to work side-by-side them as well. Students attend small-size seminars to be able to engage with their study material in an interactive and personalised way. In addition, personal tutors are assigned to every student, helping guide them through their degree and offering advice whenever needed. Further, students with disabilities, illnesses and mental health conditions can access specialised services to make sure their studies are not affected. All in all, Radboud offers a comprehensive support network, helping students focus on their studies and enjoy university life. Read what Nora, a current student, had to say about her experience at Radboud:
Radboud University Nijmegen is a place full of possibilities, opportunities, and support. The university has a wide range of studies on different faculties. The campus is very green and has many facilities to enjoy your studies apart from simply following courses. Among other things, there is a career service, study associations, a sports center and an academic writing center where you can follow activities or get help with your future planning. All in all, Nijmegen is a great student city with a well-facilitated university. I definitely made the right choice to follow a bachelors programme at the RU and I am looking forward to the upcoming years in Nijmegen!
International student experience
Last but not least, internationality is something that comes to mind when students think of Radboud University. International students at Radboud will find themselves alongside plenty of other non-Dutch classmates and even have the opportunity to live in international student housing. The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most popular study destinations, given its welcoming atmosphere and the fact that English is a very widely-spoken second language. At Radboud, things are no different. International students benefit from joining a diverse community of students where diversity is celebrated through frequent cultural events. For more information on what life at Radboud is like for international students, check out the Radboud International Students’ Blog! In addition, check out what made Willem’s time at Radboud so memorable as an international student:
From its very beginning, the Radboud University Nijmegen was founded on the idea that your studies should be more than just studying. Every course you’ll follow will not only educate you in the field of studies but will also contain courses on the relevant philosophical concerns regarding your studies, allows you to combine your curriculum with many extra-curricular activities and actively promotes following part of your education abroad.
I’m happy that the Radboud University allowed me to combine my studies with AEGEE, the European Students’ Association. The curriculum the university provided didn’t simply teach me new stuff, but also made me more aware of the impact and practicality of my studies in the real world. And AEGEE allowed me to follow extra-curricular courses all over Europe. The university even reimbursed my travel costs for the biggest of which, in Kiev and Chișinău. Plus, the university’s support for allowing me to do some of its courses while on Erasmus in Sheffield was fundamental in allowing me to complete my studies without any delay.
During the first lecture I ever had at the Radboud University, the professor said, “So far you’ve only learned to learn a trade. Now, it’s time to also learn how to grow into a fully formed human being.” This has proven to be incredibly true. The Radboud University gives you many opportunities to develop yourself everywhere around Europe. The clearest result of which is that I recently started a job in Prague, because of the extra-curricular skills that I have learned in AEGEE, which I was encouraged to join because of the Radboud University’s promotion of interdisciplinary development, both within Nijmegen and abroad.
Likewise, Daria had only great things to say about her experience:
You can find whatever you like there. There is something for every person! It is very friendly to international students and the diploma is really valid. There are more than 80 sports as well offered with a very cheap subscription.
Conclusion about what students think about Radboud University
Having gone over the many advantages of Radboud University and spotlighted some real student reviews, we hope this article has helped you understand what makes it such a special place to study. For more information about Radboud, or for help finding another university, please do not hesitate to reach out to EDUopinions for free, individualised advice!
Check out these related articles on the best student cities in the Netherlands and the five best business schools in the Netherlands.
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