‘Each faculty has a Faculty Diversity Officer, whose task it is to ensure that more attention is paid to diversity and inclusion. During part of my Molecular Neuroscience programme, I served as student assistant to the Faculty of Science’s Diversity Officer. That’s how I got involved in the Get Ready! programme. In 2020, the Central Diversity Office team asked me to help with the implementation of this three-day summer programme. The lectures, workshops and training courses are aimed at helping new students fulfil their potential and hopefully have a successful start at the UvA.’

‘For the past two years, I’ve also been a student mentor for Get Ready! As a mentor, you’re assigned a group of students who preferably study the same degree programme as you. I was their first point of contact for the three days of the programme and have stayed in touch with them since then. I also took the initiative to organise a return session. Every now and then, I use our WhatsApp group to ask how they are and check whether they need any help with anything.’

A positive beginning for first-generation students

‘Get Ready! specifically focuses on first-generation students: students of whom neither parent attended university. They can encounter all kinds of obstacles, causing a higher dropout rate than for other students. Many students find the transition from secondary school to university difficult anyway, but this is often even more difficult for first-generation students. University culture and jargon can differ considerably from what they are used to at home, which can make some students feel like an outsider. For some of them, this leads to a lack of a sense of belonging. First-generation students are also more likely to have a fear of failure and imposter syndrome, sometimes believing that they’re not smart enough to attend university. They’re less likely to ask for help, for fear of “being found out”. The Get Ready! programme brings starters into contact with fellow students, senior-year students and staff. It also helps them find their way around the faculty. How can a study adviser help you? What does a student counsellor do? Where can I go for advice if I have any doubts about my choice of degree programme? The programme deals with all kinds of questions and helps familiarise students with the university, so they feel at home here more quickly.’

Feeling at home at the university

‘The Get Ready! programme takes place before the Intreeweek. The difference between the two orientation programmes is that the Intreeweek focuses predominantly on the social aspect and Get Ready! is more about empowering students. Social interaction is important as well, of course, but our main aim is to show students how they can achieve academic success. Inspiring speakers can contribute to this aspect. One of the guests last year was stand-up comedian, actor and television presenter Jandino Asporaat. Among other things, he talked about his childhood and the problems he faced growing up. And look how far he’s come! His story made it clear to the students that everyone feels insecure in a new situation, but everything will work out if you just believe in yourself. First-generation students have to discover practically everything for themselves; they’re unable to turn to their parents or wider network with their questions about university life. This programme offers them extra background knowledge and tips to help them feel at home at the UvA more easily.’

Further development and monitoring

‘Reflecting on the past two years, I think we’ve made a great start. The coordinators who’ve been involved in Get Ready! – first Fatima Kamal and then Raisa Sambo – have put together a wonderful, inspirational programme. Moreover, the feedback we’ve received from the students has been extremely positive. The next step is to roll out the programme more widely. Three faculties participated in the first year and five last time, but eventually it’d be great if the whole university took part. It’s important that we reach all first-generation students who enrol at the UvA and offer them the chance to join in. I also think we should monitor how the students are doing for longer. Do they encounter any initial problems that could be solved? Return sessions are essential in that respect. I believe plans were already in place for this, but the coronavirus pandemic rather threw a spanner in the works. Hopefully, this will be possible in the future.’

More information

Get Ready! is part of the Diversity Document.

To find out more about this programme, visit the Get Ready! web page.