Hi! My name is Elisabeth, I’m twenty years old, and I’m in the second year of my Bachelor of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.   

Study associations  

One of the best things about studying at the University of Amsterdam is all the groups and clubs that make campus life exciting. Every programme at the UvA has its own association, which plans activities like study sessions and casual meetups.   

In my first year I joined CASA, the Cultural Anthropology association. We organised events like collecting gifts for low-income families during Sinterklaas. By joining a committee, I quickly made friends and met anthropology students at different points in their studies who gave me lots of ideas and advice.   

Other organisations  

Besides study groups, there are a  lot of other clubs to join. During my second year I was part of the UNICEF Student Team of Amsterdam. We held lots of events to raise money, from fun karaoke nights to relaxing yoga sessions and bake sales. In the end, we raised €2,500 for UNICEF. We often collaborated with other student groups, like the Student Council and the Common Room.   

I got to work with UvA and VU students from different studies, which expanded my perspective. We even visited the UNICEF Office in The Hague, where we talked with staff and met student volunteers from all over the Netherlands. I learned a lot about global development, which made me want to take more courses in this area and maybe even pursue a career in it.  

Being part of different groups has helped me grow, both personally and professionally. I can't wait for next year!