These are some of the findings from a recent questionnaire by the municipality of Maastricht, together with Maastricht University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Vista College (senior secondary vocational education). More than seven hundred students filled out the questionnaire – predominantly UM students (538). The results are intended to help the city better understand students, in the hope to encourage them to remain even after they graduate. About 35 per cent says yes to that now. Most of them are from the Netherlands or outside the EU. About one third studies at UM.
Nice but with frustrations
How do people feel about Maastricht as a place to live? Nine out of ten students enjoy living there. UM students especially are pleased with how safe the streets are, the cycle paths and public transport. Even parking ranks high on the list, despite it often being quite a trial to find a somewhat cheaper place to park.
But there are also frustrations. The rubbish collection policy, for example: “This system encourages people (...) not to recycle or throw rubbish away correctly,” is one reaction. Rubbish should also be collected more frequently as mice are a common occurrence. And then there’s the lack of (good) housing. According to students, housing is expensive, many properties are in a bad state, and too many landlords are unwilling to fix issues. That could be improved. UM confirms that there will be enough housing available from September this year, and the length of time people have been signed up to housing corporations will no longer apply from 1 October. The separated collection of plastic rubbish which is set to start from January 2025 should also lead to a more positive opinion.
Engaging isn’t always easy
What about the connection to the city itself? Students feel the sports facilities, cultural events and large parties such as carnival and INKOM are “good”. About half also does something extra for the city, such as being a member of an association. UM students are especially likely to do that. Compared to other universities, fewer students here have a job.
International students in particular would like to be more active, but feel they are too busy with their courses. It’s also worth noting that many consider the Dutch language a barrier. Because some students are forced to live further away due to the housing shortage, it’s also harder to be involved with the city itself.