INTRO 2025: the start of something big
Every year, the start of the school year at Saxion begins with one of the most exciting traditions: the introduction week. It does not matter if you are a first-year student or already in your last year - intro week is fun for everyone. It is not only about activities, but also about making new friends, discovering the city, and feeling part of the Saxion community.
This year’s program lasted three days and was full of energy and smiles. Students from HBO-ICT, together with their mentors, called “parents”, took part in a mix of outdoor challenges, city games, music, and parties. Groups were made randomly, which meant that everybody had the chance to meet new people. At the start many students were strangers, but by the end of the week, they were already teammates and friends.
Three days of fun and connections
One of the highlights was the adventure day in the forest. The groups had no idea where they were going until they arrived, which made it even more exciting. The day included climbing in the trees, solving team challenges, and even building rafts to cross a river. Not all the rafts stayed together, and some teams ended up swimming, but that only made it more fun. The sunny weather helped, and people laughed the most when things went wrong. These activities gave students the chance to work together, trust each other, and share moments they will not forget.
The second day was full of action in a different way. Study association ADA organized the famous “Crazy88”. Forty small challenges had to be completed as fast as possible, and the group with the most finished tasks won a prize. The tasks were funny, sometimes a bit embarrassing, but always entertaining. It was a great way to show creativity. After the game, everyone enjoyed a big barbecue with music from a DJ, which gave students the chance to relax, eat, and celebrate the day together.
The last day showed the variety of activities Saxion has to offer. There were inflatable games in the city centre, meditation sessions, wood painting, music bingo, and much more. Some students preferred to rest and take it easy, while others kept competing and trying new things. Lunch was provided, and in the evening, students could eat in selected restaurants for a special price. The grand ending of the week was a concert with Dutch artists like Lotje and Bizzey, together with DJ sets. It was the perfect way to close the introduction week with music, dancing, and a lot of happy faces.
More than just a week
Looking back, the introduction week was more than just a schedule of events. The true value was in the atmosphere, the good weather, the motivation of the mentors, and the enthusiasm of the students. People left not only with T-shirts full of drawings and signatures, but also with friendships, funny stories, and a strong feeling of being belong.
For first-year students, this was the real start of student life. Many found new classmates, future colleagues, and maybe even something more. For older students, it was a chance to give back, to share their experience, and to enjoy the fun all over again.
Everyone agreed that intro week is one of the best memories of university life, a time when you can forget your worries, try something new, and just enjoy being together. If you ask anyone who joined whether they would do it again, the answer is always the same: yes, yes, and again yes. And that is what makes Saxion’s introduction week so special! It is the beginning of new adventures, new friendships, and the feeling that you are part of something bigger