The academic year has begun, and thousands of Ghent University students are returning to their lecture halls, labs, and campuses. For some, it will be their very first time, for others, a new phase in an intense journey.
Ten students share how they found their way, what drives them, and what they want to share with fellow students. Their stories show that there's more than one way to be a student, and that every journey is worthwhile.
Sander: "Don't lose yourself in your studies, but find the balance"
"I was looking for a program that offered the right balance between sciences. After much deliberation, I ended up with bioscience engineering. A choice that makes me happy on a daily basis. I don't know yet what profession I’ll take on later. I'm currently just taking courses that really appeal to me. As a result, my interests are constantly changing, and that's precisely what I enjoy: discovering something new every time.
I came into contact with the student association VLK during my introduction day. We clicked immediately, and this year I'll even become its president. I learned how to organize, hold meetings, and, above all, get to know myself better.
My tip for new students? I have a quote I often use, but it might not be really appropriate for the start of the academic year (laughs): You're paying for the resits, so why wouldn't you participate? Take your studies seriously, but don't lose yourself in them. Find the balance between hobbies and your student life."
Sander, First Master's in Bioscience Engineering
Rani, First master's degree in communication sciences
Rani: "Just dare to say yes"
"Communication sciences was a very obvious choice for me: I always wanted to do something in the media. In my master's year, I will focus on film and television, a passion that I can finally pursue after three more theoretical bachelor's years. I also feel that I am ready to gain practical experience, such as with the short film we are going to make.
Our programme involves a lot of group work. At first, I was a bit daunted by that, but in the end, it's how I got to know my best friends. I now consider this as one of the greatest gifts of my studies.
Our group of friends recently adopted a motto: Just say yes to everything. Talk to people, dare to try. You grow enormously from it."
Emiel: “Do something alongside your studies”
"I started out studying civil engineering, but soon realised that the engineering subjects weren't really my thing. I found mathematics and general sciences interesting, but I missed the social aspect. That's why I switched to psychology. I was particularly attracted to the experimental side of it: it combines science with a social perspective. That turned out to be the right choice for me.
I sometimes attend information sessions for my programme and often advise students to choose a programme that genuinely interests them. Don't choose the most logical programme, but choose something that allows you to develop, also on a personal level.
In addition to my studies, I became involved in student representation. At the very first meeting, I became a candidate treasurer (laughs). Last academic year, I was president of the Ghent Student Council, which was almost a full-time job. Still, it was worth it: I learned so much. My advice is therefore simple: do something alongside your studies. Find something that suits you, you will learn a lot from it."
Emiel, First master's degree in psychology
Bernadette, First master's degree in medicine
Bernadette: “Don't compare yourself too much to others”
"My love for medicine began when I was a child. I often had to go to hospital and always wondered why doctors did what they did. I kept asking questions, and that's how my fascination grew.
Last year, I was chair of my faculty council. That was very educational, but also a bit much (laughs). Our faculty is open to participation and innovation, which makes you feel that the time you spend as a student representative really pays off. But this academic year, I'm taking a step back and want to focus a little more on my studies, although I will remain involved.
My bachelor's years have been very rewarding, but also challenging. The pressure can be really intense. To be honest, I had to get used to it. I also learned that you shouldn't compare yourself too much to others. Make sure you achieve your goals, but decide for yourself how you do that."
Marlotte: “Ghent is the perfect student city”
"I was born in the Netherlands and grew up in France, and studying in Ghent felt like a nice compromise. My love for animals led me to veterinary medicine, although I soon discovered that the programme is much broader than that.
At the same time, I also learned that being a student is not just about studying and grades. That's why I chose a flat closer to the centre of Ghent, even though the campus is in Merelbeke. Ghent is a great city to live in: there is always something to do and you meet so many people.
I recommend everyone to enjoy their student days. Your studies are important, of course, but this is also a unique period that you will never get back."
Marlotte, Third Master's degree in veterinary medicine
Axel, Eerste bachelor in de Handelswetenschappen
Axel: “Keep believing in yourself, even when things get tough”
"Before I started Business Administration this year, I was already studying Business Management. I chose to major in Marketing because I enjoy being creative in my studies and my personal life. Time flew by, and that's the most important message for me: enjoy your student years, they go by faster than you think.
But one goal always stuck with me: obtaining a master's degree. That's why I'm now moving on to Business Administration. It feels familiar to do this in Ghent: I was born and raised here, and my parents both work(ed) at Ghent University. So choosing this university was almost no-brainer (laughs).
My tip for other students? At start it can be difficult, and sometimes it doesn't seem to work out. But even then: keep believing in yourself. In the end, everything will turn out fine."
Zori: “Move forward step by step”
"I knew from an early age that I wanted to make a difference in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, I chose biomedical sciences because I want to make an impact on a broader scale. My dream is to obtain a doctorate and contribute to people's health through research.
I found the start of my studies overwhelming. I wanted to do too much at once, and that didn't work. Gradually, I learned to take everything step by step: subject by subject, day by day. That's how I found peace and clarity.
My tip for new students: a setback doesn't mean that all is lost. Keep moving forward, step by step, and trust that everything will be alright."
Zori, Third bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences
Janne, Graduated with a master's degree in medicine
Janne: “Finally getting started”
"After six intense years of study, I graduated as a doctor. In October, I will start my residency in emergency medicine. It feels like I can finally get started. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor: as a child, I was fascinated by medical programmes and never considered anything else.
Still, it wasn't always easy. The internship years were tough, and the final exams and selection procedures demanded a lot from me. Academically, I was never the most outstanding student. I never got the highest marks, but I did find my own way. In addition to my studies, I worked student jobs and had my hobbies. I believe this balance made me stronger.
Today, I am where I want to be, in my own way. But you don't have to know where you will end up when you start your studies. Give yourself time. You will find your path."
Florian: "Enjoy it, because it goes by quickly"
"I deliberately chose commercial sciences and Ghent University because the programme and the university were a perfect fit for who I am and because I wanted to gain international experience. That became a reality with my semester in Bordeaux. Before I left, I was quite stressed: the language, the unknown... But I remembered my first days of class, and in hindsight, it all turned out to be fine. So why would this experience be any different?
From my introduction day, I knew I wanted to go abroad. I remember Professor Els de Wielemaker: she showed us a world map with all the partner universities, linked to a quiz. That inspired me enormously.
Now that I'm more than halfway through my studies, I realise how quickly time flies. It feels like yesterday that I had."
Florian, third bachelor's degree in commercial sciences
Kaat, second master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences
Kaat: "Follow your instincts if you're not in the right place"
"For me, my degree programme is the ideal mix of science and healthcare. I love that I can immediately make the connection between how medicines work and how I can explain that to patients. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to help people in this way. I also like the accessibility of the profession: being close to people and really making a difference.
What is often underestimated about the pharmaceutical sciences programme is how much you have to keep learning. That makes the job itself particularly challenging and interesting.
What advice would I give to new students? Follow your instincts. If you feel you're not in the right place, take that step to change. That has always got me where I wanted to be."
"We really want to be among our students"
Petra De Sutter: "For Herwig and myself, a university is more than just a place where you study or do research. It is a community, a home, where everyone should feel seen and heard. As rector and vice-rector, we therefore want to make a conscious choice to be close to our students. That is why, starting this academic year, we will be organising an Open Forum twice a year. Not in a meeting room or behind closed doors, but simply in an auditorium, among you. We want to listen: what is on your minds, what concerns do you have, what ideas can make our university stronger?
We do this because we believe in a connected and caring university. Pride and solidarity only arise when we build together, and that is only possible if there is room for dialogue. We want every student to know that their voice counts. We let you choose the topics in advance and ensure that the conversation is as accessible as possible. Even for those who don't immediately dare to speak up. And, of course, we make sure that international students feel welcome too.
Listening is one thing, but acting is just as important. After each Open Forum, we will clearly communicate what was discussed and how we will act on it.
We look forward to meeting you, to hearing what you think, feel and expect. Because only together can we make Ghent University an even stronger, warmer and prouder university.
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New academic year, new home for students: welcome to the Student Centre
A brand-new building has recently been added to Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat: the Student Centre. Students can go there for information, advice and guidance before, during and after their studies.
