The Inkom Working Group would have liked to admit more first-years, says chairman Iris Vloet, “but because of all the corona measures, we have chosen to stick to three thousand. That number is manageable.”
In terms of measures, the program contains events that do and do not require testing. It is not necessary on the Sports Day, nor is it on the AquaLounge (in the Geusseltbad). However, everyone keeps a 1,5 meter distance and follows the walking routes.
A test certificate is required at the Festival at De Griend (Tuesday afternoon), the BBQ on the Tapijn (Wednesday late afternoon), and the Culture Carnival at the Bonnefanten Museum (Thursday evening). When visitors are standing and walking around, as is the case at the Festival, a maximum of 750 applies. If everyone is seated, such as at the BBQ or the OpenAir Cinema (Friday evening at Onze Lieve Vrouwe Wal), two-thirds of the site may be filled.
Just like the Dutch, students from the European Union can show a QR code; those coming from outside the EU need to bring a test certificate every day (within 24 hours).
Vloet: “Due to the limitations, the seniors are unfortunately not welcome at the moment. That's a shame, because they know student life inside out and are a source of information for the newcomers.”
All events can be grouped under culture, sport or information. Instead of the Opening scheduled for tonight, student associations serve meals to soak up the atmosphere.
Not only the bright sides but also the pitfalls of student life are reviewed this week. During lectures and workshops - see College Tour - a personal coach will talk about burnout, high sensitivity and healthy egoism. Because yes, more and more students are suffering from psychological complaints, even before the corona crisis. The other lectures are about nature conservation and politics.
Politics is also discussed in the Student Debate, led by philosopher Teun Dekker and psychologist Arie van der Lugt. There the youth sections of political parties will cross swords with each other, but student associations will also enter into debate.