Hi, I’m Su Myat Sandi. I’ve recently begun my new academic journey studying Global Responsibility and Leadership at Campus Fryslân, a faculty of the University of Groningen located in Leeuwarden. The transition to university life has been an interesting blend of discovering new academic challenges, meeting new people, and adjusting to a different pace of life. In this post, I’ll share some reflections on my initial weeks here, touching on what I’ve learned in my courses, how I’ve been integrating into campus life, and my impressions of Leeuwarden new student city! 

Life in Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden has quickly become a city I’ve grown fond of, with its mix of history, culture, and peaceful surroundings. I often spend weekends walking around the city, appreciating the calm atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and charming canals. The Blokhuispoort, a former prison now a cultural hotspot, is a fascinating place to explore with friends, its unique setting always offers something new to see.

The Prinsentuin is another favourite of mine, where I recently enjoyed a relaxing summer Sunday afternoon concert. The combination of live music and the park’s serene greenery made it a perfect break from studying. These small experiences, along with the city’s student-friendly vibe, make me feel at home here in Leeuwarden. I'm looking forward to discovering even more of what this lovely city has to offer!

Academics and Course Content

For the first term, I’m taking courses such as “Explaining Human Behaviour”, “Language and Culture” and, so far, the lectures have been nothing short of fascinating. In "Language and Culture," we began with an introduction to the concept of culture, focusing on cultural relativism, universality, and ethnocentrism. A particularly intriguing aspect was learning about interpretive anthropology through Geertz’s work, which emphasises culture as a system of meanings.

In our recent classes, we've delved into practice theory by Bourdieu, which examines the relationship between culture, structure, and social inequality. Class discussions on the cultural significance of exchange-how gifts and commodities are treated differently across societies, have been thought-provoking and have helped me connect theoretical concepts with relevant examples of real-world practices.

Social Life and Intro Week

Adjusting to university life has been a lot easier thanks to the diverse range of activities during Intro Week. These events were a fantastic way to meet new people and get a feel for the vibrant student community!

The SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) activity was a fun and active way to kick-off the week. Being out on the water with fellow students allowed chances for casual conversations with those whose paddleboards drifted by. Like many of my classmates, I spent more time sitting on the paddleboard than standing, carefully avoiding any falls into the canals! This led to a humorous moment when a passerby on the streets quipped that we were "sit-paddling" rather than stand-up paddleboarding. The beach volleyball games were a memorable highlight; our group tied for first place, making the competition both intense and fun!

I’ve also had the chance to explore some student committees during the CF community and committees fair, including the NCF Travel Committee. I attended their trial meeting and I immediately signed up. Getting involved in organising student trips and events seems like a great way to contribute to campus life while making new connections.

The Introduction Week at Campus Fryslân was a great way to get integrated into the city as well as the campus. 

The LEIP! Festival was another standout event from last week. It was a vibrant celebration that drew students from all across Leeuwarden, offering a refreshing break from a busy week of lectures and a chance to immerse myself in the local student culture. Although I wasn't expecting to enjoy the festival as much as I did, especially given my lack of dancing skills, I ended up having a blast with my friends from my intro group. A special shout-out to Team Green for their warm welcome and camaraderie!

My first few weeks at Campus Fryslân have been a blend of new experiences and learning opportunities. From engaging coursework to lively social events, the transition has been both lively and enjoyable. With each passing week, I’m discovering more about the opportunities available and how I can make the most of my time here. As I continue to navigate this new chapter at Campus Fryslân, I’m looking forward to further exploring the academic and social aspects of university life.