After a wonderful year...

living abroad as an Erasmus student, I wanted to spend my Master years doing the same. I found the MSc in biological sciences very intriguing, and having always wanted to visit Amsterdam, I took the chance and applied. That was without a doubt one of the best decisions of my life.

In my research...

I am investigating the existence of a (cryptic) human oestrus period, a topic on the cutting edge of biological and sociological research. This reflects the amount of freedom I am allowed during my studies. As long as you work hard enough and arrange the practical matters yourself, the UvA is very open to whatever field you wish to pursue.

I love the fact...

that the UvA has so many international students. Living in a so-called ‘expat-bubble’ is interesting and challenging for many reasons, one of them being the unique perspective life outside your own national context gives you. UvA has a great range of different locations for studying. I am very pleased that I have access to all of them, as my preference for an ideal place changes from day to day.

The housing situation in Amsterdam...

can be quite bad. My best tip: If you are staying for more than a year, find a group of students, go to an agency and they will hook you up with a nice affordable flat. Good places are out there!

My life as a student...

is, alas, not over yet. I plan to do a 1-year MSc in Human Evolution and Behaviour at the UCL in London.
I think that, combined with my experience at this research master, it will be an ideal backbone for my further academic career.