Three alumni memories that capture the spirit of Maastricht University

“My time at university is tied to countless memories that shaped who I am today - there is not a single favourite one.

Starting with moving into my first apartment in university accommodation. Eight students from six different countries shared that space, and every Sunday one of us would cook for everyone. Those dinners became moments of intercultural exchange, laughter, and friendship. Many of those friendships have lasted until today — from travelling to Bangkok to attend a Thai wedding to meeting again fifteen years later to explore German Christmas markets together.

My first tutorial group: I met friends whose families eventually became my friends as well, creating a network that now spans across the globe, and even if there are months or years that pass in between us meeting face to face, we still feel as connected as ever.

During my studies I also “adopted” a Dutch grandmother — an elderly widow who helped me learn Dutch. In return, I helped her become more comfortable with the digital world. Over homemade dishes like kip saté and zuurvlees, we shared stories and time. Today, we are still in touch through WhatsApp.

Another life-changing moment during my time in Maastricht was of course meeting my husband, who remains the greatest stroke of luck in my life!

My semester abroad in Colombia was another defining experience. I made close friends there too, friendships that have continued through visits to each other’s countries years later. Colombia also turned me into a passionate salsa dancer, and I am usually one of the last ones to leave the dancefloor at every Salsa party.

Maastricht itself remains vivid in my memory: a beautiful city where my days often started with cycling across its bridges, battling the wind that somehow always seemed to come straight from the front, no matter which direction I rode.

Not to forget watching Andre Rieu's concerts at Sint Amorsplein - a highlight for my German grandma in 2012 (and our gift to her this year for her 85th birthday).

More broadly, the Netherlands became much more than a place to study. Thanks to the Blokker dagkaartjes voor NS, I discovered a country with far more to offer than King’s Day and tulips, and over time it became my second home. Today I live in the beautiful city of Haarlem.

The UM Alumni network that I founded in Vienna - meeting people who shared the same enthusiasm about Maastricht, and who carried similar memories from stolen bikes, mice in the apartment, or long nights in the Alla (in case you do not know it anymore - legendary club!) after the exam period. (Not to forget the friet at Reitz - still a highlight of every return to Maastricht, see the picture.)

Finally, the Problem-Based Learning approach at Maastricht University had a lasting impact on me. It trained me to be an executor — someone who tackles real problems rather than only discussing them. I was struck by the difference when I pursued my master’s degree at the University of St Andrews and was surprised to find the education there far more traditional and the learning effect to be poor (despite its much higher cost).

Looking back, Maastricht University did not just give me an education. It gave me friendships across continents, a second home, a new language, a passion for dance, and even my husband.

I never regretted the choice to choose Maastricht University to pursue my studies, and I am happy to be an ambassador alumni recommending my Alma Mater to anybody who did not yet make a choice!”

“COMING HOME

In the mid-1990s, I consciously chose Maastricht University. After three years at Nijenrode, it was the only place in the Netherlands with a similarly progressive educational system, an international outlook and a personal, human scale. I was looking for connection with fellow students and lecturers; I hoped I would feel at home there.

But as a boy from Brabant, after three years spent “above the rivers”, I was completely and unexpectedly overcome by a wonderful feeling of coming home. I found it in the everyday presence of Catholicism woven into the fabric of the city, symbolised for me by the small chapel of the Virgin Mary beside the gate of the economics faculty on Tongersestraat. I think I only lit a candle there once, but that place proved decisive in shaping my love for the city.

Within three weeks, I was in love: with the city and with one of its residents. Those loves never faded. Even the city’s characteristic chauvinism turned out to be contagious. Our three sons were baptised beside the tomb of Saint Servatius and proudly carry his name.”

“In 1998, with only an unfinished HAVO 4 education behind me, I still wanted to try to study Law through a colloquium doctum admission procedure. After conversations with other universities, I was left with the strong impression that my chances of succeeding were considered virtually non-existent.

That changed during a conversation at Maastricht University.

There, I was told: “We do not reject anyone beforehand. You are free to apply.” Those words have stayed with me ever since. For the first time, I felt that people were looking not only at diplomas and statistics, but also at motivation, character and perseverance.

I decided to apply, passed the entrance examination and graduated in Tax Law in 2004. During my studies, I often realised that I was probably one of the few students without a secondary school diploma. Precisely because of that, I became even more aware that a person’s future is not determined solely by their starting position, but above all by their willingness to keep going.

Maastricht, moreover, gave me far more than just an education. My wife, also an alumna of Dutch Law at Maastricht University, played an indispensable role during those years. Whenever I had doubts, she continued to encourage me to persevere. We have now been together since 1999, have two wonderful children, and still carry warm and valuable memories of our time in Maastricht with us.

Looking back, I realise how much impact an open attitude and a fair opportunity can have. What began as a conversation about an entrance examination grew into the foundation of my family, lifelong friendships and a fulfilling career — in short, a life for which I remain grateful every single day.

It taught me that perseverance may well be the most important driving force behind a meaningful life. That is also what we try to teach our children every day.”