Faculty Introduction - Faculty of Law
Welcome to the Faculty of Law! From 24 to 28 August 2026, we warmly welcome all our new students during the Faculty Introduction Week. Participation is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. You'll get to know your fellow students, become familiar with our teaching approach and the campus, and get a head start on your studies at our faculty.
đź“ť Missed the registration deadline?
All new students were sent an email inviting them to register (or deregister) for the Faculty Introduction Week. The deadline for this has now passed.
If you did not receive the email, or forgot to register or deregister in time, please see the instructions for late registration in the FAQ. This ensures you can still be assigned to a tutorial group and start your courses on 1 September.
🎓 Attention bachelor students!
Registration is especially important for bachelor's students. If you don’t register or deregister, you will not be assigned to a tutorial group for the start of the academic year. So make sure you have registered — even if you’re unable to attend the introduction week.
ℹ️ What to expect
The Faculty Introduction Week is designed to give you a strong start to your studies. Whether you're beginning a bachelor’s, master’s, or exchange programme, this week will help you get to know the faculty, your fellow students, and the education system at Maastricht University. We’ll make sure you're not only well prepared, but also feel at home on campus.
During the introduction week, you will:
- meet your fellow students, teaching staff, and tutor;
- learn how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) works;
- discover where to find your books and study materials;
- get practical guidance on using Canvas and checking your schedule;
- work on your first legal case (for bachelor's students);
- and enjoy a free lunch with food trucks in our faculty garden!
đź“… Faculty Introduction Programmes
Bachelor's students European Law School
Below you can find which days you're expected, as well as an overview of what is planned. The final programme, including times, group allocation and locations, will be shared with you in the week of 17 August.
When are you expected? You are expected at the faculty on Tuesday 25 August. On Wednesday 26 August you prepare individually at home, and on either Thursday 27 or Friday 28 August you join a post-discussion session, again at the faculty.
Online preparation — from Monday 17 August
- Watch short videos in Canvas about Maastricht University, the University Library, the Student Service Center, the Faculty of Law, the Student Portal and the study associations
- Learn more about Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
At the faculty — Tuesday 25 August
- Introduction: word of welcome by Dean Ronald Janse and introduction by Director of Studies Pauline Melin (60 min)
- Meet fellow students in your tutorial group (30 min)
- Discover the inner city: Student Service Center & Inner City Library (30 min)
- Are you okay? lecture – become an ally against sexual violence and find out where to get support at UM (30 min)
- Working on the 'Challenge' in your own tutorial group (60 min)
- Introduction to the building and book market (45 min)
- Mini lectures (30 min)
- Tips & Tricks and ESN presentation (30 min)
- Explanation of Student Support and systems (30 min)
🍴 Lunch festival — Tuesday 25 August On Tuesday there's a catered lunch in the garden of the faculty. It's part of your programme, so you don't need to bring your own lunch that day.
Individual preparation — Wednesday 26 August
- At home, you prepare for the post-discussion of the 'Challenge'
Post-discussion 'Challenge' — Thursday 27 or Friday 28 August
- A two-hour post-discussion of the 'Challenge' with your tutor in your tutorial group at the faculty, followed by an evaluation. Your day depends on your group allocation, which will be published on Canvas.
Master's students European Law School, Forensics Criminology & Law, Globalisation and Law, International & European Tax Law, International Laws
Below you can find which days you're expected, as well as an overview of what is planned. The final programme, including times and locations, will be shared with you in the week of 17 August.
When are you expected? Thursday 27 August. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday there's no programme for you.
Online preparation — from Monday 17 August
- Watch short videos in Canvas about Maastricht University, the University Library, the Student Service Center, the Faculty of Law, the Student Portal and the study associations
- Learn more about Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
At the faculty — Thursday 27 August
- Word of welcome by Dean Ronald Janse and Master Director Iveta Alexovicova (30 min)
- Introduction to your programme by your Master Coordinator (60 min)
- Are you okay? lecture – become an ally against sexual violence and find out where to get support at UM (30 min)
- Introduction to the building and book market (45 min)
- Get to know each other (30 min)
- Thesis kick-off (30 min)
- Tips & Tricks: studying in Maastricht, Q&A (30 min)
- Explanation of Student Support and systems (30 min)
- Mini lectures (30 min)
- Meet the staff (30 min)
🍴 Lunch festival — Thursday 27 August On Thursday there's a catered lunch in the garden of the faculty. It's part of your programme, so you don't need to bring your own lunch that day.
Exchange students Bachelor's and Master's
Below you can find which days you're expected, as well as an overview of what is planned. The final programme, including times and locations, will be available shared with you in the week of 17 August.
When are you expected? Wednesday 26 August. On either Thursday 27 or Friday 28 August you join a post-discussion session, depending on your group.
Online preparation — from Monday 17 August
- Watch short videos in Canvas about Maastricht University, the University Library, the Student Service Center, the Faculty of Law, the Student Portal and the study associations
- Start preparing for your first PBL case: the 'Challenge'!
At the faculty — Wednesday 26 August
- Welcome by Dean Ronald Janse and introduction by Pauline Melin, Director of Studies of the Bachelor European Law School (and Iveta Alexovicova, Director of Studies of the Master's programmes) (45 min)
- Get your UM card (30 min)
- Tips & Tricks and ESN presentation (45 min)
- Get to know each other (30 min)
- Faculty tour and visit to the book market (45 min)
- Are you okay? lecture – become an ally against sexual violence and find out where to get support at UM (30 min)
- Working on the 'Challenge' in groups (45 min)
- Mini lectures (30 min)
- Explanation of Student Support and systems (30 min)
🍴 Lunch festival — Wednesday 26 August On Wednesday there's a catered lunch in the garden of the faculty. It's part of your programme, so you don't need to bring your own lunch that day.
Post-discussion case study — Thursday 27 or Friday 28 August
- A two-hour post-discussion of your case study with your tutor in your own tutorial group at the faculty, followed by an evaluation. Your day depends on your group, which you'll receive during the introduction.
📬 Questions?
Do you have a question about the Introduction Week? First, check the FAQ section below — your answer might already be there. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us at:
introduction-law@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Please mention whether you are a bachelor’s, master’s or exchange student in your email. This helps us assist you more efficiently.
If you have questions about your study programme or another education-related topic, check the student intranet, or submit your question via AskLAW.
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
I forgot to register or deregister, but I will be studying in Maastricht. What should I do?
Fill in the late registration form as soon as possible.
If you complete it no later than 09:00 on the day your programme’s introduction starts, you can still participate in the Faculty Introduction.
After this deadline, participation in the introduction will no longer be possible, but we will still assign you to a tutorial group so you can start your education on 1 September.
Is the Faculty Introduction Week mandatory?
No, participation is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend it. During this week, you’ll meet your tutorial group for the rest of the year, get to know the faculty and campus, receive instructions on the online learning environment and other practical matters, and work on a case together with your group. This way, you’ll get a first taste of our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system and start your studies well-prepared.
Please note:
Although participation is not mandatory, you are required to fill in the registration form to ensure you can start your education from 31 August.
How do I get access to the Canvas environment?
Once your student details have been processed, you can log in to Canvas using your UM account. The exact timing may vary per student, so don’t worry if you don’t have access yet — just check back regularly.
In the week of 17 August, a dedicated Introduction Week group will be published in Canvas, containing all essential information.
Having trouble logging in or experiencing technical issues? Visit the ICT Service Centre for help and support.
Where does the Faculty Introduction take place?
At the Maastricht University campus, Faculty of Law (Bouillonstraat and surrounding buildings). Exact locations can be found in the programme on Canvas or will be shared with you on the day itself.
How do I know my group number?
Bachelor’s students: You can find your group number in Canvas, the digital learning environment. Log in and go to the Faculty Introduction Week page — your assigned group will be listed there.
Master’s and exchange students: You will be informed of your group assignment at the start of your faculty introduction programme. No action is required beforehand.
Do I need to bring my own lunch?
On the main orientation day for your programme, we’ll be providing a free lunch in the faculty garden. There’ll be food trucks where you can get something to eat and drink. Vegetarian options are also available.
You can check which day this is for your programme at the programme section of this page.
I can only attend part of the programme. What should I indicate on the form?
If you are unable to attend your study programme's introduction days at all, it is best to indicate that you will not be taking part in the introduction week.
If you are available for (part of) your programme day(s), please indicate that you will be attending.
I’m not yet sure if I’ll be able to study in Maastricht. What should I indicate on the form?
If you haven’t been officially admitted yet, or are still sorting out practical matters such as accommodation, but do plan to study in Maastricht, it’s best to let us know in advance that you will be attending the introduction week.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to come and study after all, please cancel your registration for the introduction week, and don’t forget to deregister via Studielink.