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5 Fun Facts About the Campus Fryslân Faculty Building

Date:05 September 2024
Campus Fryslân
Campus Fryslân

The content of your study and the atmosphere in which you study are as crucial as the physical environment of your future campus. Here are five intriguing facts about the Campus Fryslân building that you might not know, which will make you eager to join us as soon as possible. Rest assured, we’ll be here to give you a warm welcome!

1. Its nickname is 'the Beurs'

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De Beurs before being renovated.

Don’t be surprised if you hear the term "Beurs" instead of "campus" or "uni" when current students or faculty refer to the CF faculty: it’s a common part of the local vocabulary. The Dutch word "Beurs" translates to "exchange" in English, reflecting its history as a trading post dating back to 1880. Although it was converted into the city’s library in the 1990s, which many Campus Fryslân students remember fondly from their childhood, it is still affectionately known as "de Beurs" by both the local community and international students and staff.

2. The roof is filled with solar panels!

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The Beurs is the first historic building in the Netherlands to be fully powered by electricity! While you might not see the approximately 360 solar panels in action, it's reassuring to know that your long study hours are supported by sustainable energy, isn’t it?

3. Historical stairs

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When De Beurs was a library, the stairs had been removed. Upon acquiring the building, the University decided to restore the original stairs. Old drawings of the stairs were retrieved, and the blacksmith from Lemmer, assigned to the renovation, meticulously recreated an exact replica. The stairs now look just as they did in the past, with the exception of a small emblem that reads "2019," marking the year of the renovation.

4. It has gender neutral toilets

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To support the open-mindedness of our campus community, the building features gender-neutral toilets for use by students and staff alike. In these facilities, you will often find baskets stocked with items such as sanitary towels, which you are welcome to use or replenish if you have any to spare. :)

5. All interior is removable

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Finally, while the building's exterior preserves its historic trading heritage, the interior has been fully renovated and modernised, except for the original pillars and entrance stairs. A notable feature of the updated design is its focus on sustainability, with all classrooms, offices, study areas, and open spaces being interconnected and easily adaptable for future needs. And here's a fun fact to share as you show your parents around: all the interior furnishings were moved in through a single window!