University College Fryslân: What it's really like
Get to know this institution in the Netherlands
Want to put sustainability at the forefront of your university experience? University College Fryslân could be for you!
University College Fryslân at a glance:
| Founded | The University of Groningen was founded in 1614; University College Fryslân is one of its faculties. |
| Locations | Leeuwarden, the Netherlands |
| Undergraduate course length | Four years |
| Courses | There are seven faculties at Radboud: Arts, Law, Medicine, Management, Science, Social Sciences, and Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies. |
| Students | Approx. 200 and growing |
| Great for | Students interested in studying lots of different subjects, but focusing on sustainability. |
| Not for | Students who are keen to study only one subject. |
Amaranta, who is a Recruitment and Internationalisation Officer at University College Fryslân, shares what it’s like to study there.
What is University College Fryslân?
University College Fryslân (UCF) is a liberal arts and sciences college in the north of the Netherlands. We focus on sustainability, and our students look at this topic from different angles, tackling global challenges on a local level.
University College Fryslân offers three interdisciplinary majors for your degree. There’s Responsible Humanity, for those interested in topics like psychology and global health. Responsible Governance is for students more interested in economics and international relations; whilst Responsible Planet is for students interested in things like earth sciences and climate adaptation.
Why apply to University College Fryslân?
If you’re interested in looking at sustainability in new ways, and making an impact on the environment, UCF will be a great choice for you. You can apply what you have learnt with our ‘living labs’ project in your second year, where you work with an organisation to find sustainable solutions to a challenge they are facing.
At UCF, we are also very proud of our international community. About 50% of our student population is international. We believe that in order to tackle global challenges, we have to bring together the perspectives and experiences of different regions. One of our aims in the classroom is to welcome a diverse range of ideas, so we can all learn from each other. If you are an international student, you should feel very welcome here.
Who isn’t the right fit for University College Fryslân?
If you are looking to study a more traditional degree, or one subject only, UCF may not be the place for you. Our students learn through an interdisciplinary approach, which means they study several subjects at once.
Any application tips?
UCF is looking for uniqueness and innovation in its applications. The admission team does not focus so much on your grades (though there is a minimum requirement for maths and English – check the UCF website for details) but a motivation letter is encouraged. However, this does not have to be in letter form; you can apply with a video or by any other creative means that shows off your interest in studying with us!
What’s the location like?
University College Fryslân is in Leeuwarden, in the north of the Netherlands. It’s considered a ‘student city’ as there are three knowledge institutions here, so you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people! There are lots of student-centred activity options too, like festivals, cinemas, and cafes where you can meet up with friends.
The city is known for its research, which presents opportunities to meet people from all over the world too. There are also natural reserves within a five-ten-minute walk of the city, so there’s the chance to enjoy outdoor activities in your spare time.
Like many cities in the Netherlands, Leeuwarden is well connected by public transport. You can get to another student city, Groningen, in around 30 minutes by train, and big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam in around two or three hours by train.
What facilities does University College Fryslân have to offer?
On the UCF campus there’s a living lab, where students meet to create their own assignments; and an auditorium with a piano which students can use for performance rehearsals. UCF’s faculty building offers study areas and a library, but students can also use the library in the city.
When it comes to the social side of university, the student association organises cultural activities and lots of clubs you can get involved with. There’s also a green office; and a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee you can join.
Our sports facilities are also open to all students in Leeuwarden. You can access them for around 50 EUR a year and this includes sports teams as well as the gym.
What’s the accommodation like?
University College Fryslân is a residential campus, so there is guaranteed housing for all students in their first year.
There are two student residences with about 75 students in each house. They offer a small room which is your own, including a small kitchenette, toilet and shower, and your own study space. In addition there are facilities you’ll share with other students like common rooms, game rooms, or gardens, creating a fun atmosphere.
How does the university meet the needs of students with different accessibility requirements?
At UCF, you can benefit from the support of our study advisor. They can help guide you through your journey academically, but also offer support if you have additional needs – for example, if you require reasonable adjustments to your accommodation to support your mobility – or advice navigating Dutch culture.
Our diversity, equity and inclusion club advocates for students, making sure that everyone feels included across campus. Our committee on mental health and wellbeing organises activities aimed at supporting students with things like stress or loneliness, and we work with an organisation called All Ears, which offers wellbeing support as well.
Want to explore more Dutch universities? Remember, Unifrog’s Shortlisting tool can help you put together a list of great potential courses.