Testimonials
When I visited the campus and saw how green it was, I was sold. Plus, the Arts & Culture major just screamed "me".
- Previous education
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Singapore School, Bona Vista in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Programme
- Arts and Culture Studies
Why did you choose Radboud University?
If you ask my parents, the answer would be because of family. My mom’s side of the family lives in Arnhem, which is only a few minutes away from Nijmegen. Radboud University wasn’t my first choice but when I visited the campus and saw how green it was, I was sold. Coming from Jakarta, the busy metropolitan capital city of Indonesia, I was hooked on the nature. Plus, the Arts & Culture major just screamed me.
What are you looking forward to the most regarding coming to Nijmegen?
I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in the student life. Meeting new people, discovering new cultures, (hopefully not late night) studying. The whole nine yards.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a two-time gold medalist Tae Kwon Do (Poomsae/form) athlete with a 1st Dan black belt Kukkiwon.
Follow Selena's adventures in her vlog!
I wanted to expand my knowledge of the field and study the Creative Industries Master's, so that's what I did. It was a good choice!
- Previous education
- A-Levels obtained at St John Rigby College and a BA in Arts and Culture Studies at Radboud University
- Programme
- Creative Industries
- Country of previous education
- United Kingdom and the Netherlands
- Study start date
Why did you decide to study in the Netherlands?
I chose to study in the Netherlands because I had heard the country is quite open, relaxed and friendly. I had never visited the Netherlands before I attended my Introduction Week at the beginning of my Bachelor's programme, so it was quite scary when I first arrived! I had heard that Radboud University has a good reputation, especially for English-taught courses, so I was eager to visit and see what it was like to study abroad.
What do you like about the Master's programme and why?
After following the second-year Bachelor's course Organizing the Creative Industries I decided that I wanted to expand my knowledge of the field and study the Creative Industries Master's, so that's what I did. It was a good choice! The teachers in the Faculty of Arts are all very supportive.
What do you like about Nijmegen?
I really like the atmosphere in Nijmegen, it is the first city I've lived in. I find the people to be very friendly and warm, which made me feel at home from day one. Also, I find it to be big enough to be 'interesting' but not so big that you feel you could get lost or intimidated.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
I would advise students to thoroughly read the curriculum so they don't encounter any surprises later on in the year, and I would also recommend that they choose a programme which covers topics they're genuinely interested in, rather than topics that they're academically gifted at.
I like that the Arts and Culture Studies programme has a broad curriculum: from visual arts, literature and music, to theatre, film, television and fashion, and much more!
- Programme
- Arts and Culture Studies
- Study start date
- Study end date
Why did you choose Radboud University?
I chose the Radboud University for several reasons: first, because it was very close to where I grew up and lived. Second, the studies that I enrolled for, Arts and Culture Studies, was named the best of its kind in all of the Netherlands. Finally, I chose Radboud University because I knew Nijmegen was a lovely city, not too big and not too small, and very welcoming to everyone. Nijmegen is the perfect city for me: bigger than the town I grew up in, but also smaller than cities like Amsterdam. The city is very open and welcoming, the vibes are great and there is so much culture. There are plenty of places to have fun and go out with friends as well.
How did you experience the transition from high school to university?
The transition from high school to the Radboud University was hard at first because I was not used to the workload and the sudden freedom. It was important that I knew how to plan my weeks as well, something which I had never needed to do. But once I got used to it and realised that all the teachers here are very helpful, I very quickly got accustomed to the workload. It helped a lot that this studies was something I was really interested in and passionate about.
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why?
I like that the Arts and Culture Studies programme has a broad curriculum: from visual arts, literature and music, to theatre, film, television and fashion, and much more! The curriculum is very broad at first, which gives you basic knowledge of a broad series of disciplines. Further in your studies, you get the chance to specialise in the disciplines that interest you the most.
On the other hand, the programme has challenged me the most in critical thinking. That was one of the, if not the most important skill I was taught in this studies: to always be critical. Critical of dominant systems, of the artist’s or academic’s argument, and even of yourself.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The relationship between student and teachers is very nice because it does not feel strictly hierarchical. During classes for example, my contribution to a discussion is always taken seriously. Besides that, I know that I can always ask the teacher anything, even outside class. Teachers are very approachable and they do not mind you visiting them in their office either. The class atmosphere between students is also really nice. Everyone respects each other’s opinion. Besides, everyone from the studies knows each other, no matter the track and year, especially through the study association.
I am very involved with KNUS, our study association. Not only have I been a member since I started with my Bachelor's, I have also always been part of several committees such as the Symposium Committee and the External Affairs Committee. In my third year, I became the Editor-in-Chief and designer of the Newsletter Committee. This committee brings out the association’s magazine, the NUKS, every period.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
I will continue with my studies and start the Research Master Art and Visual Culture at the Radboud University.
Did you visit any information meetings at the campus before you signed up for your studies?
I went to the Bachelor's Open Day where I visited some studies such as Arts and Culture Studies and Art History. An Open Day is a great start, but I think my choice was really made after I joined the Student-For-A-Day day, because I could actually visit classes and see what a regular day in Arts and Culture Studies would be.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
Follow your heart. Don’t choose a programme based on what others expect of you or want you to do. And don’t think too much about job opportunities. If you are motivated enough and have passion for the things you like, you will get there anyway. Just know that your future is not set when you choose a programme, you can always choose something else if you do not like what you’ve chosen.
I always say that you can trust a ACW or ACS student to be friendly!
- Programme
- Arts and Culture Studies
- Study start date
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why?
I love that our programme is interdisciplinary. Instead of being restricted to one discipline we get to choose what art forms and scholarly debates we find relevant for our analysis. Being able to think outside the box is essential in current times and I think this studies helps students navigate that.
How did you experience the transition from high school to university?
In high school, I followed the science track so suddenly studying humanities was quite a change! While most students had lots of experience writing essays, I had barely written any in the last few years of high school. I felt a bit lost at the start but by the end of the semester, thanks to the Academic Skills course, I had figured out a way of essay writing that works for me.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I always say that you can trust a ACW or ACS student to be friendly! I think this especially shows within our study association KNUS, everyone can join and it's always a good time. I used to be the head of the cinema committee during covid, that was a lot of fun. I still often attend activities and never regret spending time with KNUS. The teachers and Radboud staff are also very approachable and understanding, you can always talk to them if you have any inquiries.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
I have none! I haven't decided yet whether I want to stick to the culture industry or whether I would like to apply my acquired knowledge elsewhere.
What do you like about Nijmegen?
It's small, it's cozy and there is still lots to do! As a student of ACS, I love all the different cultural activities that happen in Nijmegen. Studying ACS was actually a very last-minute decision! But I loved the fact that Radboud has a small campus and I liked the atmosphere of Nijmegen.
Did you visit any information meetings at the campus before you signed up for your studies?
I knew I was in love with this studies from the first time I heard about it on the open day but was hesitant whether I wanted to go into a more insecure sector like the culture industry, however, when I participated in the 'student-for-a-day' day I knew that this study was the one for me.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
Make sure that you love the content of your chosen studies! You will be spending A LOT of time on your chosen area of knowledge so it's best if you actually find it interesting. When deciding on which university to go to: talk to the teachers and students. They will let you know what angle their studies take and in conversation you will be able to find out whether you think you will fit the teaching style of the university.
The thing I like about Arts and Culture Studies is the fact that it is more culture-focused than art-focused. A lot of attention is payed to the way art interacts with culture and society.
- Previous education
- Merletcollege Cuijk, VWO, profile C&M
- Programme
- Arts and Culture Studies
- Study start date
- Study end date
Why did you choose Radboud University?
The university is really close to my hometown. I liked the idea of staying close to home when starting my studies. I also already felt comfortable on the Radboud campus because I used to visit it quite often during high school. When I stumbled upon Arts and Culture Studies, my choice was easily made.
How did you experience the transition from high school to university?
For me, the transition was very weird and probably not representative for many students, since it was during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a massive gap between the end of high school and the beginning of uni for me because of the first lockdown that lasted a few months, and the summer break after that. Maybe that's why my first months of uni were quite a shock for me, as I was overwhelmed by all the work I had to do in contrast to me not having done anything for those past few months. Within the studies, we have the Mentoring Programme which assists students during the first year. However, I mostly turned to the study association or older students when I needed help; I felt like they were more approachable and always ready to help.
What do you like about the Bachelor's programme and why?
The thing I like about Arts and Culture Studies is the fact that it is more culture-focused than art-focused. A lot of attention is payed to the way art interacts with culture and society. I was glad that there isn't that much time spent on pure art history, but more on what art can mean for the world in general. The most challenging thing about this programme is that you need a lot of determination. You have to have a lot of motivation to get through your first year, as you need to make countless assignments, read many texts, and plan everything out yourself. Of course, there are people who can help you with that, but eventually you'll have to rely on yourself to actually get it done.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I think the atmosphere is great. I used to be in the board of the study association, so I was really involved with a lot of students and professors. But even if you're not in such a position, you can still make a lot of friends. If you put in some effort (preferably at the beginning of your first year), I really think you can make friends that will stay with you for the rest of your studies, or even the rest of your life. As for the relationship with professors; I have noticed most professors get along really well with their students. The study association makes an effort to connect these two groups as well and I think that's really nice.
What are your plans once you have received your Bachelor’s degree?
As of now, I don't really have an idea. I would like to do a Master's here, I think. The way I envision my future is constantly changing. At this moment I can see myself teaching here at the Radboud, and maybe work on all kinds of research projects alongside it, because that is what I like to do now. But who knows, I might have a totally different idea next year. I'm studying Arts and Culture Studies because I enjoy doing it, not because I need this programme for something I want to do in the future.
Are you involved with the study association of your programme?
Yeah, as I mentioned I was in the board of Study Association KNUS; I was the Secretary. This was such a wonderful experience. I got to meet so many wonderful people and got to see from up close how the association can create such a beautiful community within the studies. A study association adds so much to the studies and to student life in general. I really think a study programme would lose all its charm if it didn't have a study association.
What do you like about Nijmegen?
I don't live in Nijmegen, but I know the city really well because I live so close by and have been visiting it for my entire life. It does feel like my second home, definitely. There are so many fun clubs, lunchrooms, restaurants, cultural institutions, parks, etc. The city is not too big and not too crowded, which I really like. As a student, you just feel completely at home.
Did you visit any information meetings at the campus before you signed up for your studies?
For me, the open days, experience day and study choice check were really important. I have attended a lot of open days, and it wasn't until the very last one that I encountered Arts and Culture Studies. In my opinion, open days give a pretty solid impression of the atmosphere of the campus and the study programme you're visiting. I have also been to an experience day, which I thought was super nerve-wrecking but I forced myself to do it, and I'm glad I did. I got a really good impression of the contents of the study programme, and it was good to visit the university on my own and get more acquainted with it. I attended the study choice check online because of COVID-19, but I still liked it very much. I remember getting super excited and just wanting the academic year to start already.
What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?
Start visiting open days early, and keep visiting them. I went to my first open day when I was in 4 vwo (which was three years away from my high school graduation), and decided on a study programme at the very last moment in 6 vwo. If you've registered for a study programme, be sure to participate in the introduction week that is being organized for you. This is your chance to meet the people of your study programme and already make new friends. I would also highly recommend joining the study association of your programme! That is, in my opinion, the best way to start your studies at any university. And lastly: don't worry too much! Everything will work out for you, even if you still haven't found your study programme in your final year of high school. ;)