Text and photo: Eva van der Graaf
Rosalie still vividly remembers her first day in Wageningen. ‘On my first day I had to go to De Dreijen. I got off the bus and found myself almost in a meadow. I was prepared for more nature and cows, but nevertheless, it was a culture shock. I immediately Whatsapped my friends in Utrecht, like “Guys, I’m in a meadow!” But now I’m used to it. I love how green it is, and the fact that you can sit by the water. I also appreciate the cosiness of the campus. The university feels like a small village, even though there are about 10,000 students walking around.’
I immediately Whatsapped my friends in Utrecht, like “Guys, I’m in a meadow!
In order to get to meet new people in Wageningen, Rosalie joined the Green Office, a team of five students and one former student who together think creatively about the sustainability of the university. ‘On the one hand I wanted to become more involved with life in Wageningen, and on the other hand I thought the Green Office was an interesting initiative. I already knew the concept from Utrecht, but then I did not have the time to join in. Now, during my Master’s, I do have time for it. At least, I make time for it. It is busy, but it is a nice, diverse team and I like having meetings with people that I would never speak to otherwise. For example, the energy coordinator of the university and other staff members.’
Now a couple of months into her Masters, Rosalie has found a good balance between her life in Wageningen and that in Utrecht. ‘I think it’s important to try my best in my studies, to prepare well and attend the lectures. When I am here, I am focused and I use all my time to read and prepare. But I have to be honest, when I am at home I don’t do anything more. I think it’s nice to keep it separate. In Wageningen I am a student and in Utrecht I have my social life and my work.’