Should I Join A Student Association?
Samudraki's Saturdays
Myth #1: I need to know/speak Dutch To Join These Associations
Busted: You absolutely DO NOT need to know the Dutch language to join any of the Dutch or International student associations. Some student associations may be exclusive to only Dutch students, but you will be made aware of that rule before you apply. Many students don't know this, but associations that may seem to attract only Dutch students are actually open to international students too! So what are you waiting for? Apply now and you'll be able to pick up the language in no time! Especially if there are more Dutch students. Just be yourself and you'll be welcomed with open arms.
Myth #2: These associations are just an excuse to party
Busted: Majority of student associations have alot of socialising events that does revolve around partying during the week or drinking lots of beer. However, it is NOT COMPULSORY to attend all of these events. You can go for the events you would like to attend that is more sober-activity oriented such as trips, game nights, study session, movie night or even excursions to a study-related place like a museum or factory. All associations have a single purpose - to make you feel comfy in a new city by introducing you to fellow peers or people with similar interests. The way in which these purposes are executed depends on the association itself. There are also plenty of associations dedicated to just having a study group if that is something that interests you. Most of the cases, you can find these groups on campus itself and they also have their own study rooms with vending machines, couches and desks, which is much better than the library desk, if you ask me.
Myth #3: Hazing is compulsory before joining an association
Busted: Movies have ruined the image of the process of joining student associations. Here in the Netherlands hazing and crazy activities in the middle of the night are not a thing. There might be some hazing activities that involve alcohol, but not very extreme like in USA. For most student associations, you will need to apply via a form and then after approval you will be invited to a welcome event which could range from a quiet dinner to a party at the clubs. Hazing activities, if any, can get you out of your comfort zone and make you love the people or make you realise that this association is not for you. So either way there's a benefit, however if you are completely against hazing then do your research before you apply to find out which associations take part in such activities.
Myth #4: You need to live in the house of the association
Busted: Unlike the USA, fraternity and sorority houses is not a very familiar concept to Dutch students and it's definitely not a way to get housing. Finding housing in university towns and bigger cities in the Netherlands is a very difficult process and takes months. So if you think you found a shortcut by joining an association you are wrong. Very few associations do have housing for their members but majority do not. This not only gives you freedom to make new friends outside of the association, but also gives you your own quiet space to do things that you love and study peacefully.
Myth #5: The events of the associations will take up all of my study time
Busted: Student associations are made for students by students and also run by students. So don't worry about clashing of social and study commitments. During the year, events that take place are evenly distributed. There are big-scale events/parties that happen twice a year, one excursion, monthly meetings and activities as well as weekly parties. It is upto YOU on what you would like to attend as none of this is compulsory. So you can schedule in which events interests you and make a study plan accordingly, or study harder the week before and after a big event to cover up for lost time. Majority of events are scheduled in the first few months as ice breaker sessions with various social activities that can range from 2 hours or the whole night. But after the introduction phase, the events will become less frequent. Also, the board members themselves are students, or maybe even your classmates or seniors. That's why they know your exam schedule and plan events accordingly. If you feel like the association activities take up alot of your time you always have the option to unsubscribe. However, I would highly recommend sticking to atleast one assocition for the whole duration of your degree program. This way you will have a very good friend circle which is long-lasting, and you will be able to have time to pursue your interests and hobbies alongside studying. This is as important as getting good grades!
My Experience: The busiest year of my university life
As I briefly mentioned earlier, I joined 4 associations in my first year itself - The Indian Student's Association, A Chemistry Program Student Association, The ESN Association and lastly a Dance Association. To summarise, I would say that being a part of 4 big associations like these in my university town of Groningen was the best idea ever. I was fresh out of high school and absolutely lost on how to integrate into the society, make new friends and be able to pursue my hobbies all at once. It took me a week to go through all the flyers and then I was down to 4 associations which I thought would fit best with my interests as well as my university schedule. Luckily for me, these associations were free, but I had friends in other associations who paid between 5 EUR - 50 EUR to register for the whole year! You would pay 25 EUR per month for a gym membership, this is even cheaper and you also get plenty discounts on books, clothing and even drinks with an association membership. I even did a board year at the Indian student's association. That was a life-changing experience where I made friends whom I call family now. But that's for another blog, so stay tuned ;)
XO, Samudraki
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