In 2020, first-year students were unable to participate in most regular academic and social activities. As a result of the limited on-campus activities, students in different years of a course are able to offer a different perspective on their educational experience.
Abiding by the regulations, first-year students can still safely explore the landmarks of a traditional campus experience. Sophie Nordenhed and Aakansha Gupta, two third-year students from the University of Amsterdam, recommend several spots which allow students to study and hang out with friends.
Sophie, a 24 year-old who majors in Business Administration and Aakansha, a 21 year-old Communication Science major, have their facilities located on the Roeterseiland campus. From their experience of studying on campus, they recommend several spots in and around Roeterseiland that they frequented.
“On the first floor, there is a study room with a view of the canal next to the [C] building”, Sophie mentioned, “- that’s my favorite place to study and I’m the most effective there because I can see the weather and what’s going on outside but I can also see other people working which itself is very motivating.”
“You can sit under the bridge or those little windows outside the G building and have a chat even if it’s raining,” Aakansha added, and “if the weather is good, the green patch next to the G&K building” is the spot suggested by the 21 year-old to catch up with friends.
For places that allow a bit more time to either study or hang out, one of the top recommendations is CREA, located in building I of the campus. According to both students, it’s a great place to grab a coffee or beer after class.
“It’s nice and relaxing, you can get a nicer coffee than the ones in the canteen.” explained Sophie, “It’s an independent cafe but it’s got a students’ vibe.”
Other than CREA, there are several other cafes and bars for students to visit when regulations allow us to do so again. These include: Café de Krater, Kriterion, Coffee Company, Bagels and Beans, Poollokaal De Gracht (pool bar), Coffeeshop Het Ballonnetje, Bar Botanique and De Plantage.
“If you want to be a little more fancy, [there’s a] a cafe called De Plantage, it’s next to Artis, and it’s very nice. They have affordable brunch meals but it’s a very fancy place so it’s nice to sit and maybe have a glass of wine in the middle of the day if you’re feeling exhausted.” said Aakansha.