"I always dreamt of studying in England but because of the tuition fees I never thought about it more seriously. I was actually looking for a master’s programme in Germany as I already did my undergraduates abroad in the Netherlands, but then I read about this collaboration and saw my chance to let this vague idea I had as a 13-year-old become reality."

At that point she didn't know much about Loughborough University.

"I actually didn’t know the university at all but, of course, started my research when I read about the collaboration and was impressed by its reputation and the beautiful campus."

About that campus, she has three words:

"Sporty. Beautiful. Huge.

"I love walking around campus and always seeing someone doing sports and following their passion. As I also live on campus it is easy to feel part of the community even though I am not a professional athlete.
The people are also very nice and helpful. From social, sports and career fairs to faculty socials or just chats in the lecture hall there’s always someone interesting to talk to."

She is also enjoying her studies so far.

"I really enjoy it. It for sure was a change coming from the Dutch education system into the UK one but so far, I think I manage. And there is lots to do also outside the lecture halls. I already became course rep, joined the choir and the stage society, and got my first gym membership. It definitely doesn’t get boring even though the town is quite small."

She is looking forward to getting her degree, but also to have a lasting connection to Loughborough when she leaves.

"I would like to look back and can think of good memories, having a lot of friends and an international network. And I want to travel the UK a bit while I’m here.

"I do not have the final plan yet. I think I’ll start working and leave the world of academia for now (even though I can imagine coming back at some point). There are a few more programs of the Studienstiftung that I am quite interested in and I might apply for. Depending on what works out I could be in many different places in the world, but I think that my studies did and still will prepare me for that."