The Kick-In

The Kick-In is the introduction and orientation period of the University of Twente. This period is organised especially for all new students at the University of Twente. The organisation of this period is arranged by the Kick-In Committee in collaboration with the various faculties of the university and, for the international part, the International Office and ESN Twente.

We highly recommend you to take part in this fun and exciting orientation and introduction period! This will not only give you the opportunity to meet fellow classmates and (inter)national students, get to know your study programme, university and campus and to explore your new living environment, but will also arrange time for you to take care of important and official formalities upon arrival (for example: registration, visa, health check, bank accounts, bicycles, etcetera) and to get to know the Dutch (student) culture!! Please note that not attending the mandatory formalities-day at the Kick-In will delay the completion of formalities needed to properly start your studies.

You will receive all important information (dates and times, how to register for the Kick-In, and so on) by letters and emails once you have applied and are registered as new student of the University of Twente. You can also find information on the website of the Kick-In by clicking here.

Keep in mind, the Kick-In takes place before the academic year kicks off! If you are starting in the 2nd semester, the Kick-In will take place in the weekend before the lectures start! Take this into account when arranging your flight or other means of travel to the Netherlands and when booking your accommodation.
Usually this will be in the last two weeks of August or the last weekend of January/first weekend of February. The exact starting dates will be communicated to you in the letters/email of the Kick-In and via their website.

Pick-up service during the Kick-In

ESN Twente provides a pick-up service from Schiphol Airport (AMS) during the weekend before the international Kick-In starts. As international student you can apply for this service. The service includes ESN mentors picking you up at the airport and guiding you to Enschede by train. If you will stay in a room arranged by the International Office/Housing (on-campus room or room in Macandra in Enschede) they will also help you find your room and settle in.

ESN mentors will await you at the Meeting Point (see photo below) in the arrivals hall (Schiphol Plaza) of the airport. It is close to the Burger King, Starbucks, and the Train Tickets & Service desks. For recognision they will bring flags with the ESN logo and a banner of the University of Twente. They will carry a list, so please make sure they will check your name once you have arrived, so they know how many people still have to arrive!

As it takes about 2,5 hours by train from Enschede to Schiphol, ESN mentors cannot be there before 09.00 (9 am) on Saturday morning or before 10.00 (10 am) on Sunday morning. If you arrive before this time, please be aware you might have to wait some time at the Meeting Point. For the same reason, ESN mentors will have to travel back to Enschede around 21.00 (9 pm) on both Saturday and Sunday night. If you are arriving later in the evening, consider booking an accommodation for the night (Saturday) and coming back on Sunday morning, or find your own way of traveling to Enschede (Sunday). Unfortunately, if your flight is delayed, ESN mentors cannot wait for you after 21.00 (9 pm).

You have to subscribe for this pick-up service by submitting your flight details during the registration for the Kick-In. If you are already in the Netherlands but would like to travel from Schiphol Airport to Enschede with ESN Twente, you can also apply. Please submit which time you will come to the Meeting Point. It is possible you have to wait some time at the Meeting Point, because we will travel in (small) groups.

This is a free service! You only have to buy a train ticket to Enschede, which will cost you around 22 Euros. Preferably have this money with you in cash. The ESN mentors will help you buy the train ticket at the airport.