Kick-off activities

Introduction to the degree programme

During the Kick-off Activities you will be introduced to the faculty, the degree programme, the study association(s), and most of all, to your fellow students.
You can find these activities in the table below and in the UG Schedule if you search for your programme. We strongly encourage you to attend these.

Kick-off Schedule

More information will follow soon!

Date	Time	What	Location
September	xx - xx hrs	Introduction day by study association [specify for programma]	[Link to building/location]
September		Kick-off lecture ‘Introduction to your degree programme’ by your academic advisor	[link to rooster.rug.nl]
September		Start of the first course(s) [specify names]	[link to rooster.rug.nl]
September	[link to rooster.rug.nl]	First mentor meeting	[link to rooster.rug.nl]
September	[link to rooster.rug.nl]	Information market	Energy Academy
September		Introduction camp [include organisation by study association and when/where to register]

Introduction to the degree programme

We start the academic year together on Monday 4 September with your mentor, academic advisor and programme director. Please feel very welcome to meet us then. More information will follow soon!

Information Market

The Information Market will be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025 from 10:00-16:00 in the main hallway of the Energy Academy. It offers an opportunity for you to get all the information that you may need to start your journey here at the FSE outside the standard information regarding your programme.

Several organisations will be present at the market, ranging from university departments to external organisations offering their services and help to (international) students. There will be poffertjes and a barista available outside the venue throughout the day. Take 30 minutes out of your day and don't miss out on what is on offer!

FSE Camping

From Monday 1 September to Wednesday 3 September there will be an FSE Camping next to the entrance of the Energy Academy. There is no actual overnight camping, but various FSE study associations will be present to welcome you to the Faculty. They will also organize several fun activities. Be sure to stop by!

Escape Game

We need your help solving a big problem! Prof. Ben Feringa, a professor at our faculty, won a Nobel Prize for his work on the development of molecular machines. But the Prize is missing! Can your mentor group find it in time?

The game will take approximately one hour, including instructions and playing time. It has been developed as a teambuilding activity for your mentor group. Your mentor will tell you when you will participate in the game.

The door will not be locked, and the environment will be that of a regular education setting in terms of lighting and sound. The puzzles are varied and require the use of different senses. Some require you to stand and move around, for others you can stay seated if you like. You can choose which puzzles you participate in. If you need to take a break during the game, that’s possible.

If you have concerns about participating in the FSE Escape Game, you can contact your academic advisor or let your mentor know.

Going Dutch: a crash course in culture & customs

Curious about the Dutch? Unlock the secrets of Dutch culture during our workshop going Dutch; a crash course in culture & customs on 9 September 2025 from 17:00-19:00 @ BB 5161.0165. We will dive deep into the world of Dutch rituals, values and communication styles. We will also deal with essential habits unique to the Netherlands while exploring the drawbacks of stereotypes. Don't miss this chance to explore and connect with Dutch culture like never before!

Escape Room

We need your help solving a big problem! Prof. Ben Feringa, a professor at our faculty, won a Nobel Prize for his work on the development of molecular machines. But the Prize is missing! Can your mentor group find it in time?

The game will take approximately one hour, including instructions and playing time. It has been developed as a teambuilding activity for your mentor group. Your mentor will tell you when you will participate in the game.

The door will not be locked, and the environment will be that of a regular education setting in terms of lighting and sound. The puzzles are varied and require the use of different senses. Some require you to stand and move around, for others you can stay seated if you like. You can choose which puzzles you participate in. If you need to take a break during the game, that’s possible.

If you have concerns about participating in the FSE Escape Game, you can contact your academic advisor or let your mentor know.

Introduction Camp

A great way to get to know your fellow students as soon as possible, is the Introduction camp, organized by the study association of your degree programme.

Pienter Camp

Dear prospective first-year student,

You have made an excellent choice in joining us here in Groningen at the RUG! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Faculty of Science and Engineering during the upcoming academic year.

This year, like every other year, there will be an introductory camp which we call the Pienterkamp! This camp is a way to meet your fellow first-year students in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy.

Pienterkamp will be held on the weekend before the first week of the academic year, which will be Friday the 1st of September till Sunday the 3rd. Costs will be around 50 euros, the exact value is yet to be determined.

Friday afternoon, we will bike together to the Loryann in Bakkeveen. This will be a journey of about 40 km so make sure to pack some snacks and water. Your luggage will be brought to the camp location, so you won’t have to worry about dragging your stuff with you on your bike. Please do not pack too heavily though! When we arrive at the Loryann, we have a nice evening planned, including a lovely dinner and a pub quiz.

On Saturday, you’ll have the pleasure of meeting our lovely and holy Pienterkamp tradition called vlaby, which we dare not speak about until the weekend. Furthermore, we will play some sports and finish the day with a BBQ and an exciting activity in the woods nearby.

Sunday will be a chill day, where there is the option to go swimming or just hang out in the common rooms. After lunch, Pientercamp will sadly be over and we will bike back to Groningen.

This camp is a lovely opportunity to meet your fellow first-year students, so make sure to check out the website where more information will be provided such as what to pack, the definitive price, and when you can sign up. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email at mail@pienterkamp.nl.

Hope to see you there!

Kind regards,

The amazing Pienter committee <3