Practical matters

Discover the process from orientation to being a student for Creative Technology and Mechanical Engineering at VU Amsterdam and the UT.

From orientation to being a student

Are you considering applying for the Bachelor's program in Creative Technology (CreaTe) or Mechanical Engineering (ME) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) or the University of Twente (UT) in Enschede? Or are you simply curious about the entire journey – from exploration to student life?

Here, you'll find all the essential information and practical steps to guide you, from selecting the right program and submitting your application to experiencing introduction week and navigating your first year. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect!

1. Orientation

The bachelor’s programs CreaTe and ME have the same content at both universities. This means you can follow the program at either the UT or VU Amsterdam, with the curriculum and course material being completely identical.

Open days
Want to see if the CreaTe or ME Bachelor's degrees are right for you? Start by attending the open days at VU Amsterdam and the UT. You’ll get a great feel for the programs, the atmosphere and the campus.

Taster days and 'Student for a day'
Want an even better idea of what it’s like to be a student? Sign up for a taster day or 'Student for a day' at VU Amsterdam, or a taster day or 'Student for a day' at the UT, to experience a real study day. Attend lectures, meet students and find out whether the program suits you.

Study choice consultations
Still unsure or have questions? Schedule a study choice consultation with an advisor. Together, you can discuss your interests, doubts, and options to help you make an informed decision.

2. Application

How do you apply?
No matter which location you choose, you’ll apply via Studielink at the University of Twente. This is because your degree will be awarded by the UT, even if you study in Amsterdam.

Start your application in Studielink by searching for the University of Twente program. If you plan to study in Amsterdam, select the “Bachelor Amsterdam (VU-UT)” option. Complete your application by uploading all the necessary documents to Osiris.

After you apply, you will receive several emails from both the UT and VU Amsterdam regarding the completion of your enrollment, payment and the introduction days. We do our best to keep this communication clear and to a minimum, but please expect multiple messages between now and the start of your studies in September.

Application deadlines
The deadline for applications is 1 May 2025. Be sure to submit your full application, including all required documents in Osiris, by this date. This deadline applies to all students, no matter their previous education.

3. Matching

To make sure you’re choosing the right program, there’s a mandatory matching process. This helps determine if the program is a good fit for you.

4. Location, travel and accommodation

Studying in Amsterdam and Enschede
If you choose to study in Amsterdam, you will spend most of your time there. However, you will regularly travel to Enschede for practicals, lectures and exams – usually about 15% to 20% of your total study load per year. This amounts to roughly 20 to 25 nights per academic year. The exact number of days you’ll need to be in Enschede each month can vary; some periods will require you to be in Twente more often than others. We always try to schedule several consecutive lecture days in Enschede so you can easily stay overnight and make the most of the campus facilities and atmosphere.

Classes take place on the UT campus in Enschede. If lessons are scheduled for multiple days in a row, you can choose to stay overnight in the campus cabins. For many students, this is a fun way to spend time with classmates. Of course, you’re free to commute back and forth or stay elsewhere, but please keep in mind any travel and accommodation costs. For example, the cabins cost around €22.50 per night (price as of February 2025), and these costs are not included in your tuition fees.

International students should also consider additional travel expenses due to commuting between Amsterdam and Enschede.

Accommodation in Enschede
Since you’ll be in Enschede regularly, it’s helpful to arrange accommodation there during your stay. You can find more information about accommodation here:

Living in Amsterdam
If you want to live in Amsterdam, you can search for a room through Studentenwoningweb. When you register, you’ll indicate that you’ll be studying at VU Amsterdam. Please note that you must be able to show that you’ll study primarily in Amsterdam when applying for accommodation.

5. Introduction week and student associations

Introduction week
Your student life kicks off as your studies begin! The introduction week lasts six days, with three days in Amsterdam and three days in Enschede. This is your chance to get to know both cities, your program and both universities.

Student associations
For student associations, there are options for both program. For Creative Technology, the student association in Enschede is S.A. Proto, and if you study in Amsterdam, you can join Kliché. For Mechanical Engineering, the association in Enschede is W.S.G. Isaac Newton, while in Amsterdam you can become a member of the student association M.E.S.A. 's Gravesande.

6. During your studies

Discounted textbooks
As a member of S.A. Proto, Creative Technology students get a discount on textbooks. You can also benefit from this discount if you’re studying in Amsterdam. For Mechanical Engineering, you’ll receive a textbook discount during the introduction period through W.S.G. Isaac Newton.

Notebook requirements
Both programs require a notebook with high graphics performance and a powerful processor. You can either bring your own laptop or purchase a new one through the University of Twente’s annual notebook project.

Laptop Project 2025-2026 for Creative Technology
This year, CreaTe students can again choose from two carefully selected, powerful laptops that meet the program’s requirements:

  • HP ZBook X G1i 16" Mobile Workstation (€1201 incl. VAT)
  • HP ProBook 4 G1a 14" Ultrabook (€722 incl. VAT)

The ordering and delivery process are maneged by Computacenter at the UT. New students will receive all the details during the Kick-In and through enrollment communications. Make sure to order on time so you’re well prepared to start your studies.

7. Looking ahead

Specialisations and internships
During your studies, you can choose a minor or specialisation that aligns with your ambitions. It’s also important to actively seek internships and graduation projects to expand your practical experience.

After your studies
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you may consider continuing on to a master’s program. Start networking early through internships and career events, and stay engaged with the alumni network to further strengthen your professional connections.

Regardless of whether you study in Amsterdam or Enschede, you’ll always receive your degree from the University of Twente.

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