Maastricht University - UM Speciality : Politics
programme: European Studies

A truly incredible hub where the synthesis of intellect, knowledge and ideas take place. Multidisciplinary approach stimulates research and explores the potential for collaboration, as well as an individual take.

The university’s course curriculum is heavy on academic research and writing, including literature reviews, ethics and project development, offering comprehensive coverage of the subject matter. Overall, I highly recommend the university for its practical approach to education, which effectively prepares students for their future careers.

One of the most advertised features of the university, it is very pressuring and does not deliver the promised results – everything still has to be learned in the same manner as everywhere else – but here no tutorials are to be missed and PBL is supposed to be a key to successful graduation. Doing twice the work, therefore dividing the attention and time resources, without other options for students struggling with this method – then you are on your own.

Online learning was not the best, as the PBL system works far better in person. however, overall a good programme to learn about Europe, its institutions and its relations with other continents and their institutions.

Location wise Maastricht University is great, it is located in a small city but is close to Eindhoven, Brussels, Luxembourg and Cologne which makes it easy to travel around during the weekends if your studies allow it. Trains are quite expensive in the Netherlands but there are other forms of transport you can use. But even if you want to stay in Maastricht, you will find over 400 bars to chill out with your new friends! Plus there are 3 cinemas and a couple of music venues that bring you big names.

Study wise the University is tough. It is a very demanding university that tries to push you as far as you can go to reach your potential. This can be great because you have endless opportunities for improvement, student associations, clubs, sports, seminars, lectures. Literally anything you need. At the same time, it can be very time consuming, but most of all kind of tough on your mental health because of the stress and so on. Good thing is, they have student advisors who can help you and psychologists you can talk to. It’s not a taboo here and everybody does it. There will always be someone you can talk to about your issues, and especially now with the COVID-19 craziness, the university has been quite understanding.