ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��

International Law alumnus Peer Michaelis fondly remembers his year as a Master student at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��. Now back in his native country of Germany, he takes every opportunity to reminisce. “Being an ambassador for UU is a great way to share my experience and inspire others. That is why I help out where I can, at student fairs and pre-departure meetings. But also in my daily life – anytime really.”

Every time I talk about my experience at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, that good feeling comes back to me

“I arrived at Utrecht central station and after five minutes I knew this was a very special place,” Peer enthuses, recalling his first day in Utrecht. “I spent my first night without bedsheets or a pillow because there was no time to get them. The sun was shining, I bought my first bicycle, and then things started.” This is the story Peer told international students headed for UU at this year’s pre-departure meeting in Berlin. Then he delved into the practical side of life in Utrecht, discussing his personal experience and getting people excited about their upcoming adventure.

A SNEAK PEEK OF LIFE AT UU

“I talked a bit about life in Utrecht as a student. The practical side. I showed them people pictures of parties, football, day trips… and there’s a story for each one. Afterwards, the students thanked me for giving them such a lively insight into the Dutch student life. It’s something you don’t get from reading the website to compare universities. That unique experience you can only get from someone who was there. And it also offers some reassurance. One person who was there to support a departing student got so excited that he wanted to go as well!”

REMINISCING WHILE HELPING OTHERS – IT’S A WIN-WIN!

“I could see that the information I provided really helped the students and that I was making a difference. It feels really good to still be part of the university in this way. On top of that, going to pre-departures and other alumni events is always a chance to network. It’s a platform. You get involved with other people and that can always be useful. Because of the connection to UU you always have a common history and something to talk about. It’s really interesting to talk to prospective students and exchange ideas, and to see where some of them end up. Seeing the success of others motivates me as well.”

GLOBETROTTING AMBASSADOR

But Peer does not limit his ambassadorship to formal student fairs or pre-departure meetings. “After UU I travelled around Asia for three months. I stayed in hostels, so I met lots of students along the way. You exchange life stories and talk about different topics. I also met people wh o were doing their Bachelor and thinking about their Master, so of course I told them all about Utrecht. From the high standard of education to the international environment. In Utrecht people from all over the world come together, you can really learn from that. Countries, cultures, mother tongues… the international setting is one of the things that improve the UU experience the most. And on top of that, it’s good value for money for international students!”

EVERY STORY COUNTS

Peer believes that all alumni have something useful to share with new students. “There might be some prospective students out there who are interested in your particular story. Maybe you have a similar background, or maybe you are from the same country. It will benefit you both to share your experiences, and it’s also not that much effort. On top of that, if you need any help: the Alumni Office staff are very approachable and supportive. So get up and do something, you will enjoy it!”