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 Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Zwolle buddies can be a helping hand. As well as supporting exchange students, ESN Zwolle provides entertainment throughout the semester, including an introduction, city tour, themed nights and activities associated with the elective module ‘Introduction to Windesheim’.
As an exchange student, you are matched with a full academic ESN buddy after you have been accepted for study. Your personal buddy 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 the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Zwolle organises, 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.
Most ESN activities are free of charge to Windesheim (exchange) students. 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 to info@esnzwolle.nl(opens in new tab) or check out @esnzwolle on Instagram.
This introduction module is optional 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 a portfolio with assignments that are related to the activities organized by ESN.
Bachelor's students
Join Bruisweek from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 August 2023! This is Zwolle's introduction week and is the best way to start your student life and meet lots of new people. Guided by your student buddy, you will meet fellow students and explore the hotspots of Zwolle. You will camp on the festival grounds in sports park the Marslanden, where everything is taken care of.
The programme will be announced here around the summer. In the meantime, please make sure you complete your enrolment is completed by September 1. We guide you through the process.
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.