Student experiences

My time in the Honours Programme was a very enriching experience. What stood out to me most was the community: a group of curious, kind, and inspiring people. I especially loved the international atmosphere, with students from many different backgrounds and nationalities bringing their own perspectives to discussions and projects.

The broadening part of the programme offered many interesting courses with valuable lessons, like workshops on time management and mindfulness. But this was also the time when everyone came together and connected, which was always a lot of fun.

For the deepening part, I took an additional statistics course, conducted a research project, and created a science communication video to present my findings. I particularly enjoyed the statistics course, as we designed a small experiment and directly applied what we learned, rather than just completing assignments like in a regular course.
The most rewarding experience, however, was my research project. It was conducted in collaboration with an environmental organisation, for which I had the opportunity to present my research earlier this year. I am also currently writing an article about my findings for their magazine. Through all of this, my supervisors have been a great help in answering all of my questions and providing useful feedback.

Looking back, the Honours Programme challenged me at times, but it was a very rewarding journey that gave me many new insights, skills, and friendships.

Kaziwa de Valk - student BSc Pharmacy (cohort 2022/2023)

During my Bachelor’s degree, I had the opportunity to take part in the Honours College Programme, which was one of the most enriching parts of my studies at the University of Groningen. The programme brought together motivated students from different disciplines, which made discussions during the Broadening modules especially engaging. I really enjoyed collaborating with my peers and learning to approach problems from new perspectives. The courses on teamwork, argumentation, and positive psychology helped me grow not only academically, but also personally, I still apply many of these skills in my studies and daily life. 

In the deepening part of the programme, I conducted two research projects within chemical engineering at ENTEG. One project focused on nanotechnology for enhanced oil recovery, and the other explored a patented method for recycling ground tyre rubber. Working closely with researchers and fellow students allowed me to deepen my scientific knowledge beyond the standard curriculum and strengthened my research, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. These experiences gave me a solid foundation that I now carry into my Master’s programme and future academic work.

Overall, the Honours College challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and fostered both intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of community. I am truly grateful to have been part of it.

Irina Obeada - student BSc Chemical Engineering (cohort 2022/2023)

"How do you effectively work in a team?" In a regular bachelor’s degree, it is never explicitly taught. However, I learned how to effectively work in a team in one of the skills modules of the Honours College. It was a relatively small course, but it provided me with valuable insights. The skills I acquired have been beneficial in group projects for my bachelor courses, leading to a noticeable improvement in my teamwork.

Within the Honours College program, I have the opportunity to explore and learn beyond the scope of my bachelor’s degree, acquiring skills like how to be persuasive and effective teamwork that I couldn't have learned otherwise. For instance, I am currently enrolled in a course on religion in the public domain, a topic that has always fascinated me. It serves as a refreshing break from the usual physics-centric subjects.

One significant reason for my decision to apply for Honours was the prospect of recognition, support, and the chance to undertake a research project within my field. Gaining research experience early on is invaluable for someone wanting to pursue a career in academia. I find it amazing to apply the knowledge from my bachelor’s degree to real research projects.

An unexpected aspect of the Honours College program is the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people. Through the courses, meet students from various backgrounds, expanding my network even within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE).

I am genuinely pleased with my decision to join the Honours College program. It constantly challenges me, pushing me out of my comfort zone to explore new horizons.

 Robin Kootstra - student BSc Physics (cohort 2022/2023)

I chose to join the Honours College because I wanted something more than my pharmacy degree. The program's multidisciplinary approach appealed to me, offering a chance to broaden my knowledge beyond pharmacy and engage in independent research.

The diverse mix of students I've encountered has provided a valuable opportunity for intellectual and personal growth, challenging me to think outside my comfort zone. Participating in the summer school in Barcelona, exploring 'Religion in the Public Domain,' was undeniably one of the highlights of my Honours journey. Additionally, I became quite interested in pharmacoepidemiology after a brief introduction in one of my first-year courses. This interest prompted me to take on a research project for FSE deepening part in the field during my second year, gaining valuable experience.

It's an enriching journey that not only challenges you intellectually but also fosters friendships and experiences that extend well beyond the lecture halls. Recognizing the importance of this, I decided to take an active role in HCSA, becoming the chair of the travel committee. Currently, we're planning an exciting trip for all Honours students!

If you're seeking an experience that goes beyond your regular degree program, I highly recommend trying the Honours program!

Ceren Yilmaz - student BSc Pharmacy (cohort 2021/2022)

Entering the Honours College often reminds of my time in Sri Lanka during high school, where I actively participated in various sporting activities and school clubs. During that period, I focused on developing skills such as public speaking and building connections. The Honours College, in my view, serves as a platform that empowers students to work on themselves by engaging in a diverse range of activities. This includes participating in various research projects within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), taking extra courses on topics beyond one's field, and attending modules to enhance soft skills. For me, the various research opportunities was a primary motivator for joining the Honours College. Involvement in multiple research groups at the University of Groningen not only provided hands-on experience with experimental setups and thesis writing but also emphasised the significance of teamwork, collaboration, community building and so much more.

Beyond research, the Honours College has been instrumental in building close connections with peers across different faculties, as well as with professors, researchers, and staff members. Reflecting on my time in Vienna for the summer school, our team would work diligently during the day and in the evenings, we would roam the streets of Vienna, where we ended up becoming closer over time. Some of my closest friendships have been formed through the Honours College. Additionally, the small classroom settings and the opportunity to be part of professors' research groups have allowed students like me to establish direct connections with faculty members.

Overall I would say the Honours College has been a transformative experience, offering a dynamic platform for personal and academic growth. The diverse activities and collaborative environment not only enhance individual skills but also foster lasting connections among students and faculty members.

Virun Malalasena - student Bsc Physics (cohort 2021/2022)

At the moment, I am almost done with my Bachelor and Honours programme. I started this program because I had some time and motivation besides my normal programme to do and learn something extra. Honours College provided me with some great opportunities to network, gain experience in my field, learn necessary academic skills, and have a very fun trip to Paris!

The trip to Paris was part of the Atelier, a course in which you do a project with a large group of peers. This allowed me to learn how to work together in a large group and divide tasks evenly. It was great that we first went to Paris, since we got to know each other and had a lot of fun together! This trip also allowed me to build connections in Paris and explore this nice city!

In the deepening part of the Honours program, I got the chance to do a research project in the UMCG. Thereby, I gained a lot of experience with lab work, setting up research, and analysing results. I could practice this in a way that would never be possible in my normal Bachelor program. Instead of doing a standard experiment, adjusted for students, I got to work with the newest technologies and did an experiment that was really published!

So, if you want to get more out of you Bachelors, and be able to broaden and deepen your knowledge and experience, the Honours program is a great place for you!

Tessa de Nooijer – student BSc Biology (cohort 2021/2022)

My time in Groningen was defined by many decisions I made: What associations I joined, the friends I made, where I ended up living, what events I went to, and the courses I joined, among others. I think joining the Honours College was one of the best decisions I made. I initially pursued it as a way to academically challenge myself, and to potentially pursue a more interdisciplinary degree.
Biomedical Engineering is certainly a diverse Bachelor’s, touching upon Biology, Physics or Chemistry in different courses. Regardless, I had always been interested in Politics, Anthropology and the involvement of social perspectives in STEM.

For this reason, what I learnt from the Honours College went much further than the courses I took. I was able to gain skills that were invaluable to the work opportunities I encountered during my Bachelor’s. I learnt more about intentional time management, academic writing skills and I did a course on conflict resolution through the Pick Your Own Talent Courses. I also gained a diverse range of research methods that I would have never encountered in Engineering, such as learning how to perform Participant Observation. Moreover, I was able to learn to network and I was able to work on my organizational and leadership skills through the organization of a Lecture Series and a Symposium for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. I made amazing friends and got to know Lisbon in my week of the Summer School.  I was also incredibly glad to bridge my Health Sciences knowledge with my Social Sciences interests in the research of Energy Poverty in the Netherlands as part of my Deepening Project.

Finally, for the course of my personal career after Groningen, the Honours College experience was invaluable: Thanks to the diverse curriculum I selected, I was able to pursue a Master’s in Culture and Politics after my Bachelor’s. This was defining for me, as the theories and concepts I came in contact with I have also needed for my Master’s, and many of the class discussions and classmate conversations have molded my current life-perspectives. The Honours College is more than extra credits and a nice title on your diploma. It can give you networking opportunities, crucial academic skills to improve your Bachelor projects, and give you the chance to give a twist to your future career, as it did for me.

Laia Bonet Orrego - student BSc Biomedical Engineering (cohort 2020/2021)