Student review [#96761] for BBA Human Resource Management
at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

As a second-year International Human Resource Management student, I can already say that my journey has been vibrant, challenging, and deeply transformative. I always say that NHL Stenden is a place that shapes your values and beliefs, self-perception, and boosts your soft skills rather than developing hard skills (that, let’s be honest, would be outdated by the time you graduate). Getting away from your family and the comfort of your country, you develop one of the strongest friendships in your life and question what you have believed in so far in life through continuous intercultural interactions.
The DBE education is seen as an innovative, cool approach, however, in practice, it proves to be one of the most difficult things to adapt to among students. Working in groups requires you to be adaptable to the needs and preferences of other team members, as well as to stay open-minded and flexible as the clients’ assignments never go as planned. Personally, I found it incredibly stressful and chaotic in the beginning. However, with time, I realized that DBE mirrors real corporate life more closely than any traditional classroom setting could and learned to appreciate it. It offers a creative space to experiment, fail, reflect, and innovate, ultimately preparing you for the workplace beyond graduation. The only thing to consider is the fact that students are never equipped with knowledge beforehand and oftentimes learn what they need for the project along the way simultaneously. Therefore, I would recommend reflecting on whether this approach aligns with your working style, learning preferences, and personality.
Apart from that, the university buildings are super modern and provide a cozy environment where I do feel motivated to study. The campus is full of opportunities and resources that you can explore both for and beyond your programme, such as equipment for filming, an enormous physical and online library, the Center of Entrepreneurship, and others. The fact that there is student accommodation (StudentStay) guaranteed for first-years cannot be overlooked either, considering the housing crisis in the Netherlands. My experience of living there was great as I fully felt the atmosphere of student life, found friends, and found it very convenient (5-minute walk to university, no hurdles associated with taxes, gym in the building, no extra costs). The only disadvantage is that it is a costly option, but still I would recommend living there for at least 6 months.
If I had to choose again, I would still choose NHL Stenden — not because it’s easy, but because it pushes you to grow.