Student Life
Together, Utrecht University and the city of Utrecht create a comfortable environment for students to study in. Utrecht has a bustling student community, which offers plenty of opportunity for extracurricular activities. There are many different student organisations and societies in Utrecht.Student organisations play an important role in student life at Utrecht University. There are many student organisations you can join (about 150). Some focus on offering a good time while others centre around a religion, a sport or a shared cultural interest (singing, photography).Some of them are internationally oriented – such as Erasmus Student Network - or are associated with a certain faculty. In addition to social activities, they organise lectures and excursions.
Sports
Utrecht University provides excellent sports facilities. The University’s sports centre Olympos, located in De Uithof, has playing fields, tennis courts, squash courts, a fitness room and three sports halls. You can take part in about 30 different sports, including tae bo, fencing, fitness, running, squash, tennis, salsa dancing, street dance, and different kinds of ballsports - all at student rates of course.
Culture
For students interested in taking courses in the fields of arts, theatre, music or the like, Utrecht University offers numerous possibilities. Cultural Centre Parnassos organises courses in the area of music, dance, theatre, expression and photography. In addition, Parnassos is home to 13 student music and theatre groups. The USConcert (Utrechtsch Studenten Concert), for instance, is the oldest symphony orchestra in the Netherlands and the close-harmony choir Dekoor has been recognized with numerous international awards. For a small contribution, film aficionados can join the film club, Bios Parnassos, and enjoy free films for a year. Parnassos not only offers cultural facilities for students and staff of Utrecht University but also has a strong international character. Parnassos is home to a number of organisations that look after the University’s foreign guests, such as ESN Utrecht, the International Neighbour Group and AEGEE. Parnassos also houses scientists and students from abroad.