'I have done a lot of growing personally in the last 3 years and learned things about myself that I would not have if I had studied elsewhere.'

Justin Kersten - Zimbabwe

'Before I started my Bachelor’s degree, I had never visited the city of Amsterdam before. I only heard how amazing the city was from other people. Choosing the University of Amsterdam (UvA) was really easy. The BSc Actuarial Science ticked all the boxes for me, so it was an easy choice to go here. What I find unique about Amsterdam is that the city is physically not that big and is extremely easy to get around. And there is always something going on.'

'The study programme has gone far beyond my expectations. Being a small, specialised programme, it was easy to get to know my fellow classmates. Everyone helps each other out when it gets rough from time to time. The lecturers are extremely open and approachable. They will always be there to help you out if, for example, you misunderstood a concept and are in need of guidance.'

'Coming to Amsterdam has been a big learning curve for me. Living in a big city like this, balancing studying full-time with sports and social activities has not been without challenges. I have done a lot of growing personally in the last 3 years and learned new things about myself that I would not have if I had studied elsewhere. During my studies I worked part-time at the ASICS retail store. Near the end of my Bachelor’s, my academics took priority, and I left that job. I am an avid golfer, as well as having joined a student squash club based at the USC.'

'My advice for upcoming students is: take full advantage of what the city of Amsterdam and the UvA has to offer. Join a study association, study hard, stay active and maybe even pick up a new hobby. Remember that studying will be a new experience for the majority of students around you. So go out, make friends and make the time you spend in Amsterdam the  memorable time that it should be!'