Abroad magazine spring 2017-2018

ABROAD

T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L S

SPRING 2017/18

UTRECHT

Best parks to hang out during spring DISCOVER UTRECHT: TOLSTEEG

THE ULTIMATE FESTIVAL BUCKET LIST

HOW TO CELEBRATE KINGS DAY

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Abroad Magazine

E DI TO R I A L

COLO P HON

Dear readers,

Editor-in-chief Marjolein v. d. Brand

Winter is officially over and the time for spring has finally come.

A shining sun, flowers popping out of the ground and more smiles on people’s faces. It smells like spring.

It even sounds like spring – the birds getting overly excited in the morning and people are outside enjoying the great weather.

Yes, you’re reading it right.

Enjoying good weather is also a part of living in the Netherlands (it isn’t that bad all the time). Lucky you, because you’re going to experience the best time of the year in our small country!

This issue is all about the new season, to escape from your student room and become active again! But where to go, you might ask. Pay a visit to Utrecht’s finest public parks for a day in the sun or host a picnic with your friends.

You could bring a fresh and delicious lemon cake which will make everyone happy – and we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Or spend your day in another Dutch city: How about Leiden?

And there’s many more.

Go to one of the many festivals and celebrate

Design Lara Ehmler Writers Adriana Correia András Abaffy Iris Janssen Jelle de Korte Lara Ehmler Marjolein v. d. Brand Robin Martina Editor-in-chief Marjolein van den Brand

Kingsday with us, dressed in orange from head to toe.

Are holidays more your thing? Then you should check your ultimate travel spot immediately! Based on your zodiac sign, of course.

Well, let’s say in short: there are too many things to do this season. Are you new in Utrecht? Learn all about the Dutch in our article about understanding Dutch people as an international.

And don’t forget to meet your fellow internationals and join the ESN activities!

Have a great spring!

Love, on behalf of the JoCo, Marjolein

Cover Lara Ehmler Marjolein v. d. Brand Special thanks to our cover model Imge Fem Azdural Contact ESN Utrecht Achter Sint Pieter 25, Room 0.03 3512 HR Utrecht info@esn-utrecht.nl www.facebook.com/ esnxutrecht www.esnutrecht-blog. com

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CONTENT 2 Editorial 4 How to understand Dutch people

as an international 6 Top 5 parks during spring 7 Eazy squezzy lemon cake 8 Celebrating Kingsday 10 Neighbourhood: Tolsteeg 11 Fighting hay fever 12 Must see city: Leiden 14 Stories behind the city statues 16 The 4/5th of May 17 Utrecht’s cultural venues 18 Zodiac signs: Your favorite

travel spot of 2018 20 The Dutch festival bucket list 21 JoCo drawing contest

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Abroad Magazine

HOW TO UNDERSTAND DUTCH PEOPLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL You have been living in the Netherl ands for a while now and probabl y experienced that Dutch people are a bit different in many ways, when it comes to personal encounters. In this ar ticle, I attempt to reveal these instances and the possible reasons behind them.

by András Abaffy

1. They are friendl y and helpful.

This one is not really surprising, at some point it might even feel natural that you encounter this pleasant attitude.

Almost anywhere you go, or any situation you need to deal with, you can expect helpfulness from the ‘Dutchies’. We can say, of course, that it requires remarkable bitterness not to be nice when everyone else around you is nice.

Though, you might wonder, if it comes naturally to be always smiling and kind. But actually I am not surprised...after all, this is the country of stroop waffels, Tony’s and colourful tulip fields!

2. They do not reall y have taboos.

When it comes to politics, jokes, parties or to some extent personal situations, they do not mind sharing it with you. They are also really direct, which at first can be intimidating for internationals, but it only takes a short time to get used to it. Whether it’s a girlish or boyish conversation, you might hear things you would not expect, and you wonder if you would ever share the same things with people from home.

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“You might hear things you would not expect, and you wonder if you would ever share the same things with people from home.�

3. They are reall y reserved.

Have you ever tried having a deep conversation with a Dutch person about emotions, when you discuss them as they truly are, beyond smiles and hugs? As much as they are open in most of the situations, it looks like many of them are like a solid shell.

It takes a serious effort and time for them to open to you, in case you want to. I believe closeness in this case is the flaw of the open society, where emotions are not something to show in social interactions.

In my opinion....

These three issues are the biggest eye-catchers. After spending more than a year in this fun country, I needed to understand that not everything is what it seems.

If you have Dutch friends as an international, they are really cool people to hang out with.

On the other hand, they are probably not going to be the ones who are pouring their heart for you in their harder days, but rather keep smiling and helping you out as they usually do.

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Abroad Magazine

TOP 5 PARKS DURING SPRING Spring has finally sprung and we assume you definitely want to enjoy the first rays of sun. The parks which are situated in and around the city center of Utrecht are perfect hangout spots for you and your friends to have a good time. You only need to bring your own food and drinks!

by Iris Janssen

Wilhelmina Park

This park is the favorite hangout spot of many students, because it’s situated between the Uithof and the Wittevrouwen neighbourhood. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some good food and drinks together with your friends after college.

Park Lepelenburg

In the east of the city center you find Park Lepelenburg. This park was built on old city defenses, because before 1860 it was a fortified area.

Every Sunday you can enjoy all kinds of live music at Tolsteegplantsoen (a small stage located in Lepelenburg) during the Lazy Sunday Afternoon sessions.

Griftpark

In the Vogelenbuurt (the ‘bird’ neighbourhood) you can spend some of your free time in Griftpark.

This park is also a good place for outdoor workouts. That’s probably why The Bootcamp Club Utrecht organizes different levels of bootcamps here!

Park Oog in Al

Would you want to spot deers while hanging out in a park? Then you have to visit Park Oog In Al! You can find this park in the Oog in Al neighbourhood, 10 minutes away from the city center.

“Would you want to spot deers while hanging out in a park?”

Juliana Park

Probably one of the biggest parks in town is Juliana Park, which is located in the neighbourhood Zuilen. It’s a favorite spot of many students who live in or around this area. It’s a perfect park for walks or work outs. In summer many chickens walk around as well!

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EAZY SQUEZZY LEMON CAKE Finally, the parks start to look green again. And what could be a better way to kick off picnic season than with a delicious lemon drizzle cake?

by Lara Ehmler

Ingredients

275g flour 225g butter, softened 110g brown sugar 110g white sugar 1 package of baking powder 4 tbsp milk 4 large eggs grated zest of 2 lemons

For the topping:

Juice of 2 lemons 175g granulated sugar

Step by Step:

1. Lightly grease and line a 30 x 23cm tin. Preheat your oven to 160C. 2. If you have an electric mixer, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. If, like me, you don’t have an electric mixer, start by creaming the butter and sugar together, add the eggs and milk and mix well, then add the flour, baking powder and lemon zest and continue to mix well.

3. Empty the mix into the tin and level the top with the back of a spoon or spatula.

4. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until golden and the sponge springs back when pressed lightly.

5. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Prick the cake all over the top with a fork.

6. While the cake is cooling, mix the topping ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle the topping over the cake while it’s still slightly warm. This ‘syrup’ forms a crunchy lemony sugary glaze. Yum! 7. Cut into squares once completely cooled. Pack it into your picnic basket and share this lemon paradise with your friends!

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Abroad Magazine

CELEBRATING KINGSDAY Every country has its own national holiday(s). In the Netherlands, we have King’s Day, or in Dutch: Koningsdag.

by Robin Martina

It is a big celebration and the whole country joins. If you’re an international, it’s quite an experience. If you also want to celebrate Koningsdag (which you should!), read this article to be prepared.

What is Koningsdag?

On Koningsdag, we celebrate the king’s birthday. It is an official holiday, so even people who’re not a fan of the royal family (or monarchy in general) are happy with it. It takes place on April 27 or April 26 when the 27th is on a Sunday. Did you think we celebrated Koningsdag on the 30th? Then you’re not the only one. Up until 2013, before Willem Alexander became the king, we celebrated his mother’s birthday (Queen’s Day or Koninginnedag), on April 30. A little fun fact: her birthday was actually in January, but since the weather is better in April, she decided to keep the holiday in April, on her mother’s birthday. Still following?

In the years after the change from the 30th to the 27th, a lot of tourists who wanted to celebrate this national holiday with us, came to the Netherlands on the wrong day.

Maybe you’ll see one of them this year! Just look for someone who looks a little lost and is dressed in orange clothes.

“In the Netherlands, we have King’s Day, or in Dutch: Koningsdag.

It is a big celebration and the whole country joins.”

How to celebrate Koningsdag?

King Willem Alexander and his wife and kids always visit another Dutch city on Koningsdag. This year, they’ll visit Groningen. Luckily, the celebrations spread out over the whole country, so you won’t have to go that far. But how do the Dutchies actually celebrate this national holiday?

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“Up until 2013, before Willem Alexander became the king, we celebrated his mother’s birthday ”

Orange is our national colour, so everyone will be wearing something in this colour. A lot of people also paint little Dutch flags on their faces.

Now you know enough to celebrate Koningsdag with the Dutchies.

Buy yourself some orange clothing and join the fun!

The birthday boy: Willem Alexander

There are a few different ways and traditions. One of them is flea markets! Mostly kids, but also adults, organise flea markets. They sell mainly small things, like toys or books they don’t use anymore.

Another way to celebrate Koningsdag is by going to a party or festival. This already starts the night before, which is called Koningsnacht (King’s Night). During the day, there are festivals in most of the big cities in the Netherlands and a lot of bars host a party. You often have to buy a ticket to get in, but it’s definitely worth it!

If you decide to celebrate Koningsdag just like the Dutch people, you’ll have to make sure you follow the dress code to fit in.

Luckily, this is quite easy: just wear orange!

Day’s motto: Orange (juice) first!

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Abroad Magazine

UTRECHT’S NEIGHBOURHOODS

TOLSTEEG Just outside the city center lies the neighbourhood Tolsteeg. Tolsteeg is known for a couple of pretty cool hotspots in Utrecht. These are the highlights. by Jelle de Korte Ledig Erf

Ledig Erf is a little square at the end of Oudegracht. Many say that this is the most cosy and relaxed square in Utrecht. The square has two cafes: ‘de Poort’ and ‘Café Ledig Erf’. You’ll have a stunning view of the canals when you’re lucky enough to have a table at ‘de Poort’. Whenever you’re hungry you can get the best burgers of the city at Meneer Smakers and afterwards enjoy a movie in the Louis Hartlooper Complex.

intimate movie experience. Every Thursday you can watch a new première for only six euros!

Twijnstraat

Citizens of Utrecht have called the Twijnstraat a village within the city center. The Twijnstraat is the oldest shopping street of Utrecht. This street has a variety of very cool original little stores where you can buy everything your heart desires. From cool clothing stores to flowers, vegetables or special beers - the Twijnstraat has it all!

Louis Hartlooper Complex

The Louis Hartlooper Complex is a very cosy and nice cinema where new movies are shown every week. The fun thing about this cinema is that you often get a little introduction right before the movie starts. There are five different areas where you can enjoy a movie. Hall 5 only has three rows, so it’s a very

The Louis Hartlooper Complex

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HAYFEVER TRICKS Spring is a lovely season. The birds are chirping again and the weather gets better. Unfortunately, you can’t have the good without the bad. For a lot of us, spring means allergies.

by Robin Martina

If you think you’ll finally get rid of the runny nose caused by winter, you’ll be in for a disappointment.

Luckily, there are some tips and tricks to make your hay fever a little more bearable.

flower garden, for instance, is not a safe spot.

Keep yourself pollen free

Protect yourself

Hay fever is caused by all the pollen flying around during spring.

So the key is to keep yourself as pollen free as possible. Pollen can get stuck in your hair, your clothes and your skin. Therefore, it helps to take more showers than usual.

Especially right before you go to bed, so you don’t take the pollen to bed with you. Also, wash your clothes and hair more often. And don’t forget to clean your hair brush!

Keep your room pollen free

In addition to keeping yourself pollen free, you should also do this for your room. Wash your sheets and vacuum your room more than usual. And if it gets warm, don’t just open the first window you see! Check if the window is in a ‘safe spot’ first. Right above a

Since you can’t stay in all spring, it’s nice to know how to protect yourself from the pollen.

Wearing sunglasses and tying up your hair is a start.

Another ‘life hack’ is to put a little bit of Vaseline right under your nose.

Kiss kiss kiss!

And last but not least, kissing helps to get rid of hay fever. I’m neither a biologist nor a doctor, so I’m not 100% sure, but you can always try and see for yourself, right?

“For a lot of us, spring means allergies.”

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Abroad Magazine

MUST SEE CITY:

LEIDEN

You’re probably crossing off Dutch cities when you’re in the Netherlands, and you should, because besides Utrecht and Amsterdam there are a lot of great cities in this country Leiden is one of them!

by Marjolein v. d. Brand

Luckily for you, ESN organizes a lot of cool trips to the beautiful places the Netherlands has to offer - for example Leiden. Missed the trip? No worries, we’ll give you the ultimate highlights of this city. The only thing left to do is to find some company and buy a train ticket.

Cultural city

Leiden is, just as a lot of other Dutch cities, a wonderful place to look at. There are canals, but that doesn’t mean it looks the same as Amsterdam or Utrecht. Leiden is different – with unique bridges, mills and boulevards. It has a rich history. The buildings along the canals at the Rapenburg, located in the city center, are from the 17th century. Built in the same time English religious refugees (Pilgrims) came to Leiden to work and raise

Discover Leiden on a sunny spring day!

money to lease the Mayflower, the boat that took them to America - the ‘New World’ - in 1620. Also, well-known Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn was born in Leiden. He painted the famous ‘Nachtwacht’ (‘Nightwatch’), for example. Besides, Leiden is the home of the Netherlands’ oldest and most prestigious university.

Leiden University was founded in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange, leader of the Dutch Revolt during the

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Funny fact: Albert Einstein was a special professor at the university who came to Leiden for a few weeks a year. He regularly gave lectures and taught a lot of students his relativity theory.

Leidens Ontzet

Every third of October is a special day for the city of Leiden. This particular day is called ‘Leidens Ontzet’ or ‘Leids Ontzet’. The citizens of Leiden celebrate the victory of the Siege of Leiden in 1574 by the so-called ‘Watergeuzen’ during the Eighty Years’ War. During this day, children are free from school and there are a lot of festivities in the city.

There’s a fair and there are many food stalls that sell especially herring, white bread and ‘hutspot’, a Dutch stew made out of carrots and onions.

Must-visits

When you’re in Leiden, you’ll want to know where to go. Walk along the canals, like Rapenburg, take a look at the Pieterskerk (church) or go on a touristic boat tour to see all the

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highlights from the water. You could visit a lot of museums, like the National Museum of Ethnology (Museum Volkenkunde), the Royal Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) or Naturalis Biodiversity Center.

Oh, and don’t forget the botanical gardens of Leiden, the Hortus Botanicus!

After a stroll through the city, regain your strength at one of the many nice cafes and restaurants Leiden has to offer. Go to Lot & de Walvis (Haven 1), Waag (Aalmarkt 21), Borgman & Borgman (Nieuwe Rijn 41) or Meatcave (Breestraat 117).

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a date and pay a visit to this beautiful city.

“Leiden is different – with unique bridges,mills and boulevards.”

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Abroad Magazine

STORIES BEHIND THE CITIES STATUES Let’s look at some of the most iconic or peculiar statues in Utrecht! by Adriana Correia Anne Frank

Although this Jewish girl was living in Amsterdam before being captured by the Nazi’s, you can find a statue of her here in Utrecht, more precisely at Janskerkhof.

The statue was donated to the city by the Utrecht sculptor Pieter d’Hont. It was put up in 1960 and shows the girl looking at the clouds, with a positive outlook on life. It is a habit to leave flowers by the statue to remember all the victims from WWII.

The Anne Frank statue

Mahatma Gandhi

If you study at the University Library in the city center, you will spot this statue in the courtyard.

It was inaugurated in 2016 and it represents the multicultural and welcoming character of Utrecht University. It also represents the non-violence stances that Utrecht is also well known for, especially connect with the peace Treaty of Utrecht.

Ghandi was also a student of philosophy and law, so it is appropriate that the statue is connected with the library that hosts those topics.

A good spot to meditate...

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Koningin Wilhemina

Located at the Wilheminapark, this statue is remarkable by the stark contrast between what it represents, a queen, and the representation, a very discrete old lady. Inaugurated in 1968, the statue depicts the queen in the later stages of her life, as a symbol of the resistance of the Netherlands during WWII, for which she fought fiercely.

“It is supposed to be a crossover between Bugs Bunny and The Thinker by Rodin”

Queen or old lady?

Thinker on a Rock

At Neude, you will find a peculiar statue commonly referred to as ‘The Bunny’. It is supposed to be a crossover between Bugs Bunny and The Thinker by Rodin, attempting to comment on how old culture merges with new. The statue was put up in 2002, but not without controversy: while some politicians didn’t want it to be on a the main square, it became a small political issue and it won the right to be there by referendum. In winter, you can find a scarf around its neck and some carrots as a food offering!

The rabbit is a popular meeting point

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Abroad Magazine

REMEMBER & CELEBRATE:

THE 4/5TH OF MAY Are you asking yourself what exactly happened on those dates? Here’s a brief Dutch history lesson! by Jelle de Korte 4th of May

On the fourth of May, the Dutch were officially liberated from Nazi Germany. This has become the national Remembrance Day for the Netherlands. We have a two-minute silence to commemorate all civilians and armed forces, who died during World War II. In every city, mostly on big squares, the Dutch come together and take a moment to realise what happened as well as to remember that this can never ever happen again.

In the past decade, the fourth of May has become more then a remembrance for the victims of World War II. On this day, we think of all the people in the world, who live in terrible conditions because of wars and terrorism. For instance: Refugees are invited to come and share stories about the war, the terror but also the love they have received from people.

5th of May

The fifth of May is the official Independence Day of the Netherlands. On this day, we celebrate our freedom and the fact that we can live our lives in peace.

Big freedom festivals are hosted in fourteen different cities in the Netherlands.

Utrecht organizes a big musical festival in the neighbourhood Transwijk. The fifth of May is always a happy day where people from all ages come together and enjoy (hopefully) the nice spring weather and amazing music by Dutch artists. Every year, one band is elected to become the ‘ambassadors of freedom’. They carry the ‘freedom fire’ by helicopter to all the different cities throughout the Netherlands.

“We think of all the people in the world, who live in terrible conditions because of wars and terrorism.”

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GET INVOLVED:

ART, CULTURE, POLITICS & SOCIETY Do you want to get involved in art and society topics during your stay abroad? Utrecht as a lot of English options for you!

by Adriana Correia

Theater Kikker is an eclectic

theater right in the centre of Utrecht.

Their main focus is on contemporary theater, modern dance and youth theater. They are especially in sync with the non-Dutch speaking community, and the events that don’t require Dutch are labeled ‘Language No Problem’. They are also an ESN partner, which means you can get discounts!

Moira cultural centrum is an

incubator of new talent. It has two branches: the ‘events room’ and the ‘exposition room’.

In the former you can find generally up and coming bands playing, especially singer-songwriters, but there are also open-mic nights where you can be the star!

In the latter, you can see expositions of young or alternative artists. You might discover the next Picasso!

BAK is a cultural organization that

explores the connections between art and society, addressing all the new

challenges posed to both. In their venue they hold regular exhibitions, performances, screenings, conferences and more. Most of their events are in English, so if you like to think critically about the world through an aesthetic lens, this might be for you.

ACU is the hub of counter-political

discussion in Utrecht, an open and inclusive space ran by volunteers where you can explore left-leaning ideas that are less mainstream, like anarchism. They have a book café with books in English and a stage where they regularly screen socially relevant movies, host alternative concerts, and more. And the best: most of their activities are in English, so dare to explore new ideas!

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Abroad Magazine

JOCO HOROSCOPE:

YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL SPOT So, where are you going this semester (or summer)?

by Marjolein v. d. Brand

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) You should go to: West Coast, USA. When you go on a trip, you want to make a whole tour out of it.

Because that is just who you are as an Aquarius – adventurous and impulsive. A trip through the West Coast of the States will only lead to a lot of great memories.

Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20) You should go to: Santorini, Greece.

You’re such a sweet person, that’s also why you forget to take care of yourself sometimes. You deserve to visit one of the most wonderful places Europe has to offer and to relax in the Greek sun.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) You should go to: Andalusia, Spain.

Going on holiday is everything but ‘taking a break from it all’ – for you it means it’s time for a new adventure! Discover the beautiful south of Spain, including Seville, Granada and Málaga. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) You should go to: Havana, Cuba. You feel like you have to visit every spot in this world ASAP. And the first gem on your list? Cuba it is. The old cars, cigars and the total absence of the modern world are major advantages, which you HAVE to see.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You should go to: Santiago, Chile.

Your ideal trip? Somewhere magnificent, including a vibrant culture, breathtaking views and where nature is more beautiful than you could ever imagine. So, Chile. And don’t forget Easter Island – it’s officially a part of the country.

Cancer (June 21 – Jul y 22)

You should go to: Puglia, Italy. You’re a romantic, which means Italy is your place to be. It’s such a romantic country: the cities, the nature, the language. Even the food has a romantic touch (Lady and the Tramp, anyone?). Who knows, maybe you even find love in Puglia?

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Leo (Jul y 23 – Aug 22)

You should go to: New York, USA. Vibrant person, vibrant city. Well, that sounds like you and NYC are a perfect match. You love to walk the busy streets, to hear all of the noise and to breathe in the smog. Very instagrammable, that’s for sure.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You should go to: Copenhagen, Denmark. Ah, Virgo. You love the quiet and the calm – not only around you, but also as a way of life.

Danish ‘hygge’ is your lifestyle and Copenhagen is definitely your city.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22) You should go to: Koh Tao, Thailand.

Nature at its best, that’s your ideal travel destination (wherever that may be!). You really want to relax during your holiday and where to do that better than on a solid white sand beach with a cocktail in your hand?

“This country has everything you need and is everything you are.”

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) You should go to: Algarve, Portugal.

Your requirements for an amazing trip? Sun, check. Beaches, check.

Great food, check. Beautiful cities and landscapes, check. Well, that’s your ticket to Portugal. (And if you want to go somewhere else now because you’re a Scorpio and you’re stubborn, that’s also fine.)

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) You should go to: Capetown, South Africa. This country has everything you need and is everything you are: the sun and the beach match your sunny personality, the wild life stands for your wildness and the nature represents your beauty, of course.

So, when will you go?

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) You should go to: Vienna, Austria. You love a luxury lifestyle, so stately and high-quality cities are your thing. Vienna takes the crown in that category – all the pretty buildings, clean streets and classy people will make you feel like a fish in the water. Or should I say like a French Angelfish in a purified water tank full of fancy corals?

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Abroad Magazine

FESTIVAL BUCKETLIST Do you want to enjoy some good music and tasty food, while dancing in the sun? Then you have to go visit a festival!

In and around Utrecht there are many festivals during spring where you can have an amazing time. by Iris Janssen Make your choice and mark the date(s) in your agenda, you definitely don’t want to miss out on any of these festivals.

Dutch Liberation Festival

When? May 5, 2018 Where? Park Transwijk, Utrecht

All Dutchies celebrate their freedom and memorialize the end of World War II on the 5th of May. That is why in many Dutch cities you can visit a free liberation festival. In Utrecht this festival takes place in park Transwijk, where you can enjoy live music of different famous Dutch artists. The lineup is still a secret, but this festival is definitely a must-visit when you want to get more familiar with the Dutch culture!

TREK Foodtruck Festival When? May 12 - 17. 2018 Where? Griftpark, Utrecht

Choose a foodtruck that serves food of your preference (think: burgers, nacho bowls, spring rolls and crepes), get a cocktail or special beer at the bar, sit down with your friends and enjoy the music and mini theatre shows of TREK! You will definitely have a good time at this festival that also has a free entrance for everyone.

Zand Festival

When? Every Sunday, starting in April Where? SOIA, Utrecht

SOIA organizes free mini festivals on every Sunday in spring and summer, starting at 5 pm and ending around 10 pm. These are perfect festivals to get the most out of the last hours of your weekend! You can either sit down and relax by the water or dance close to the DJ booth. It’s up to you! The music is a mix of techno and house.

Tip: Go follow the festivals of your choice on Facebook under the tab events, to stay up to date with the lineups!

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JOCO UPDATE!

G’day, I’m Marcus!

Hoi, it’s Lucínia!

As an Aussie halfway through my exchange, I thought I could pass on some of the lessons I’ve learned as an international student by joining the ESN Journalism Committee. When I decided to live in Utrecht for a whole year I relied on stereotypes and Google Maps Street View, but now I’ve explored a little more – and it’s going to be much harder to leave than it was to come here! My time and money are spent learning about interesting things and meeting new people, but travelling to places off the beaten track is what I live for.

I’m a third year English literature student, but over the years have shifted my focus towards visual culture and in particular (South) Korean cinema. I am someone who tends to lose important things during times I should definitely not be losing them. During my stay in Seoul this past summer, I managed to lose both my phone and my debit card (which I actually found weeks later in a tiny pocket in my wallet). I also lost my OV-chipcard while on my way to the airport once.

Undeniably not a great move.

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Abroad Magazine

ESN SPONSORS ESN Students Nights @ Club Poema Every Tuesday night is ESN Student Night with beer, wine and soda for â‚Ź1,90! The dancefloor is ours between 11.00 PM and 5.00 AM, and if you arrive before 0.30 AM, you can use your ESNcard for priority access and you get three special ESN coins you can use for 50% discount on drinks!

Club Poema is the place to be every Tuesday!

For more details refer to the ESN Student Night Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/esnstudentnight/ Address: Drieharingenstraat 22

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PoolcafĂŠ Hart van Utrecht If you want to play pool, there is no better place than Hart van Utrecht!

With your card, all beer, wine or soda you order is only â‚Ź1,50! This pool centre is located in the heart of Utrecht and is recently renovated.

Use this deal to have great night with friends on a student-friendly budget!

Address: Ganzenmarkt 16B

Bar Walden Want a drink in a relaxed environment with a view at the Dom? Try Bar walden! Your ESNcard gets you 20% off any drink you order! Bar Walden is located right next to the Dom and is one of the most popular spots for students in Utrecht.

Address: Domplein 16

Eazie Too lazy to cook, but still want to eat healthy? Use your ESNcard to get 10% off your order at Eazie during the week and get 20% discount during the weekends! Eazie offers Asian dishes, salads, wraps and smoothies. Eazie makes healthy fresh food easy and fast! Take-away is also possible.

Address: Voorstraat 8

De Rijnstroom Want to have fun on the water? Rent a boat at 'De Rijnstroom'! With you ESNcard you always get 15% discount when you rent a canoe, Canadian, row boat or day tour. Experience the centre of Utrecht from a whole different perspective!

Address: Weg naar Rhijnauwen