Arrival and Introduction
Welcome to Windesheim
At Windesheim we offer a comprehensive introduction programme to help you make new friends and meet other students, to welcome you to campus and to help you settle into your new surroundings and life. We encourage you to take advantage of everything that is offered!
There are different programmes for exchange and bachelor's students.
Exchange students
Many exchange students arrive at Windesheim every semester. In order to support these students in their every day life, the International Office offers a buddy programme called SUN (Students United in the Netherlands). It is organized by 11 Windesheim students. As well as supporting exchange students, SUN provides entertainment throughout the semester, including an introduction, themed nights and activities associated with the compulsory course ‘Introduction to Windesheim’.
As an exchange student, you are matched with a Dutch SUN mentor as soon as you enrol. Your personal mentor will make you feel at home in Zwolle from day one and help you navigate the social and support opportunities available at the university.
You will have the opportunity to take part in various exciting activities that will help you to make new friends and settle into Zwolle and university life. Activities are organized every month and usually take place in the evening or weekend. Highlights every semester include:
- Introduction Week with several events to welcome you
- Activities to get to know Zwolle
- Sinterklaas celebrations in December (autumn semester)
- Playing Dutch traditional games (spring semester)
- Country presentations
- Multicultural food night
- Trip to the Dutch countryside where you can sample the Dutch culture
- Goodbye party / Throwback night
The activities are subject to change, depending on demand and availability.
SUN activities are free of charge. Some events will have refreshments included, but you will need to pay for personal items and most of your drinks and food yourself.
Do you have a question? Please email SUN(opens in new tab).
You can also join us on Facebook(opens in new tab) and meet fellow exchange students.
This introduction module is compulsory for all exchange students and lets you obtain 2 ECTS credits. It is the perfect way to introduce you to life in Zwolle and the Netherlands and consists of an introduction week, some activities organized by SUN and assignments
Bachelor's students: Bruisweken
Bruisweken is Zwolle's introduction week for bachelor's students and is the best way to start your student life and meet lots of new people!
The event that normally welcomes 8,000 students and includes a complete Bruiscamping at Sportpark de Marslanden, could not take place in September 2020 due to the pandemic. Buro Ruis, the organization responsible for organizing Bruisweken(opens in new tab), has therefore created an online alternative together with several educational institutions and student associations. What Bruisweken will look like in 2021 will be announced later this year.
How to get here
The best way to travel to Zwolle from the airport is by train. Please check NS.nl(opens in new tab) for the timetable. If you arrive at the station in Zwolle, you can take a bus to your student room.
To use public transport in the Netherlands, you need an OV-chipcard(opens in new tab). Before you arrive, our International Office will provide information about ticket options and the OV-card.
In the Netherlands, cycling is the easiest way of getting around. We will give you information on how and where to buy or rent a (second-hand) bike.