Studying in Friesland? You’d be crazy not to!

Friesland may not be the biggest, but it’s certainly the smartest choice for studying. Friesland is brimming with opportunities to develop both your studies and yourself. With Leeuwarden as a lively student city and degree programmes you won’t find just anywhere in the Netherlands, you’ve come to the right place. René and Famke explain why.

Broad, international and full of challenges

René Schultinga chose Public Administration – Government Management at NHL Stenden. That course is only offered at a few institutions in the Netherlands, and for him the choice was an easy one: Leeuwarden. “Amsterdam or Deventer didn’t appeal to me at all. In Friesland, the distances are manageable, the city feels more accessible and the atmosphere is much more relaxed. That suits the way I want to study and live much better.”

What struck René straight away was the dynamic atmosphere at the university and in the classroom. “At NHL Stenden, so many cultures come together that you hear different languages all around you all day long... in the corridors and during lessons. It took a bit of getting used to at first, but now I actually enjoy it. It shows just how diverse the university is and how open people are with one another here.”

The creativity of the North

Famke Slump chose Creative Business, a broad management-oriented course that focuses on planning, organisation and project management. It was important to her to explore a wide range of options. For her, Leeuwarden offers exactly the right balance: a broad course with plenty of opportunities to build a network.“I didn’t want to be tied down to one specific direction straight away, but rather to have the freedom to discover what I really enjoy. Here, I can combine that perfectly with practical experience and collaboration with businesses.”

During her minor, her classmates travelled all over the world: Thailand, South Africa, Italy... Whilst others might opt for a semester abroad, Famke chose to build her network locally. “I knew that I’d learn just as much here, and that I’d be making valuable contacts for the future straight away.” It was through that network that she found her internship.

What both students appreciate most is the attitude. René says: “People here are simply more approachable than in bigger cities. There’s a greater willingness to engage with others, rather than everyone just being preoccupied with themselves.”
Famke adds: “That down-to-earth attitude appeals to me. People still say hello to each other in the street and lecturers know your name. That makes studying a much more personal experience.”

With thousands of students, cultural festivals, sporting events and innovative projects, there’s always something going on. From cultural festivals to innovative projects. At the same time, the city remains accessible and friendly: big enough to keep surprising you, but small enough to make you feel at home in no time. That’s exactly what René and Famke have found during their studies.

Studying in Friesland isn’t just about the course itself, but also about the opportunities it offers for the future. With strong sectors such as water technology, renewable energy, the creative industries and healthcare, the region offers plenty of opportunities for career progression. René: “I’m open to where my master’s degree takes me, but I’d prefer to stay in the north. The mindset and atmosphere here suit me.” Famke is even more certain: “For me, it’s a given that I’ll stay in Friesland. This is my place; this is where I want to build my future.”