What were the most remarkable moments for students during the first three years of Mechanical Engineering in Amsterdam? 'At that moment, I really thought, wow, we have already learned a lot in that first year'.
100 % sure of the right choice
‘Initially, I had opted for the study of Movement Sciences, a nice study, but it was not quite my thing. I was therefore very happy that I could start with a technical study in Amsterdam. The second project we did was a super cool project about renewable energy. We concluded that project with a meeting where different groups presented their results to each other and where we also asked each other critical questions. At that moment, I really thought, wow, we've already learned a lot in that first year. And that's when I knew for 100% that I had made the right choice. And that feeling has never gone away. It's hard work, but also a very challenging study with a lot to offer.’
Sanne Cox
Always willing to help another
‘I worked quite hard because it was not an easy study. And because it was all new, things didn't quite run smoothly. On the other hand, there was a close bond between students and lecturers. Everyone was always willing to help others. What I remember most is a project meeting at the end of the fourth semester. After two years of corona, we could finally get together again live. It struck me not only how much fun it was, but also how much easier it is to communicate. Whether you want to explain, demonstrate or discuss something, it is much nicer and more effective to do it live. It was only then that I realised how much I had missed that.’
Wenzel Neumann
Sweaty armpits and red cheeks
‘For our first project, we had to make a machine that could cut network cables underwater. For most of us, this was a step into the unknown, but it was a lot of fun to get started. And then, four months after the start of your study, you find yourself in Enschede with a machine that you have thought up, designed and built all by yourself. Then comes the moment of truth: you get to try and cut through a PVC pipe. With sweaty armpits and red cheeks, I pull the lever with all my strength. The blades enclose the PVC pipe and it is squeezed tighter and tighter. Then I can’t get the lever to move any further, but I keep trying. Suddenly, the lever snaps and I almost fall forward. When I look behind me, the PVC pipe is lying there untouched. The gears were broken. We had mixed up the required radius and diameter in the design. I’ll never forget that.’
Bas Bets
Enormously matured academically and professionally
‘Mechanical Engineering has been an adventure with highlights and challenges. In a way, our batch is unique because we were sort of guinea pigs for a difficult technical study at a non-technical university. And then there was corona. All this forced me to become a very independent student. There were no older fellow students to ask for help, some professors were far away and we had to deal with a mix of two different academic philosophies. Nevertheless, I look back on the journey with pride. Staying at university until closing time, struggling with the material, dealing with difficult group members and still passing those difficult exams. It has all been worth it, because I have matured enormously both academically and professionally.'
Øyvind Russwurm
