TU Delft TPM

TPM Newsletter 29 June 2023

Hi there! Welcome to the last of three newsletters for all new Master students in CoSEM

You are on your way for the master's program Complex Systems Engineering & Management (CoSEM)! You may still have doubts about how you are going to follow this program or what studying at TU Delft actually entails. To help you make this choice, three international students have gathered all the information you may need!

Meet the team!
We are a team of three current international CoSEM students, Marilyn, Doruk and Emre, that had some doubts before deciding to study here, so we decided to join and write this issue from our own experiences to orient newcomers. This issue covers housing issues, online beginners course Dutch and Things you need when you arrive in the Netherlands.

Thanks!
Thank you for reading our newsletter this past academic year! We hope that they were helpful to you in everything you need to before you come here. If not, feel free to reach out to any one of us! Now comes the fun part, have a great summer, and hope to see you on campus this upcoming fall in Delft!

In this Newsletter

It is almost time to meet!
Your First Week in the CoSEM Programme
Navigating Dutch Delights: A Guide to Your First Semester in the Netherlands
About Housing: Finding a Room
Helpful Phone Applications
Summer in the Netherlands

It's almost time to meet!

What are you looking forward to most in the new academic year? Is it learning new theories and skills in CoSEM? Is it meeting new fellow students and teachers? Or is it living in a different place, a different country perhaps? You may be excited by the thought of all these new experiences you will have. We, the teaching staff of CoSEM, are looking forward to meeting you, teaching you what we know, and learning from you by listening to your stories.

While I know more or less what to expect at the faculty next year, for you this will be much more vague. So besides being curious about what is going to happen, you may also be a little anxious: will it all go well?

If you like, send me an informal email telling me what you think you will like most about staying in Delft, or what might be challenging for you. I will share my thoughts with you. You may need some patience due to the holiday period, but I will get back to you.

Have a good summer period and stay safe!
See you in September,

Ivo Bouwmans
CoSEM Programme Manager
I.Bouwmans@tudelft.nl

Your First Week in the CoSEM Programme

The first week of your CoSEM education is dedicated to making a good start. In the first week we offer the course ‘Introduction to designing in socio-technical systems.’ It is a week-long, hands-on course. We refer to it as ‘bootcamp.’  The aim of the activities in this course is to engage you in forming a learning community with your peers, to introduce you to the TPM mindset, and to support you in using and enlarging the skill set that is needed for designing in socio-technical systems.

We introduce you to the body of knowledge that will be taught in the subsequent, design-related courses in the COSEM MSc programme (SEN1121, 1131, 1141, 1151 and 1161). The programme consists of a mix of lectures and collaborative project work or assignments. You will build on knowledge and skills from your Bachelors and enrich this with new theory, concepts and methods and skills. At the end of the week, you and your team will deliver a final assignment and this  will be reviewed by peers and instructors. During the course you will meet lecturers from all design-related courses, including Dr Pieter Bots and Dr BinBin Pierce.  

We teach this course on-campus. The course starts on Monday September 4 at 8:45 am sharp. Your attendance is obligatory, Monday through Friday, 8:30-17:30. Attendance of on-campus social functions is expected. Please bring your laptop to make the assignments and to study lecture materials. You must enroll yourself in the course via the online platform Brightspace SEN1111. We open Brightspace for enrollment on August 21 and anticipate that everybody will be enrolled by August 31 so that we can form the teams.  Brightspace will hold all information that you need with regard to the day-to-day programme and learning materials.

Timeline Infographics

Navigating Dutch Delights: A Guide to Your First Semester in the Netherlands

Welcome to the Netherlands, where windmills spin and bicycles rule the roads! As you prepare for your first semester in this vibrant country, it's essential to familiarize yourself with a few key aspects of Dutch life. From opening a bank account and obtaining a BSN (Burger Service Nummer) to finding popular transportation apps and modes, let's dive into the exciting details!

BSN: Your Dutch Identity:
The BSN, or Burger Service Nummer, is your unique identification number in the Netherlands. It is essential for various administrative tasks, such as opening a bank account, signing up for health insurance, and even securing a part-time job. To obtain your BSN, visit your local municipality's office (Gemeentehuis) with your passport, proof of address, and proof of enrollment. The process usually takes a few weeks, so make sure to plan ahead.

Banking Bliss:
Before you start your studies, opening a bank account in the Netherlands is highly recommended. It's a convenient way to manage your finances and pay for day-to-day expenses. Popular Dutch banks include ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO. Schedule an appointment with your chosen bank, and remember to bring your passport, proof of address, and proof of enrollment at TU Delft. With your new bank account, you can easily handle payments, access online banking services, and even apply for a student discount card.

Two Wheels and Beyond:
Bicycles are the Dutch way of life, and embracing this mode of transportation is a great idea. It is eco-friendly and cost-effective and offers a unique opportunity to explore the country's charming cities and breathtaking landscapes. Consider purchasing a second-hand bicycle (tweedehands fiets) from local websites like Marktplaats or visit a nearby bike shop. Always remember to lock your bike securely, as bicycle theft can be a common issue.

Transport Apps to the Rescue:
The Netherlands offers a reliable and efficient public transportation system when you need to venture beyond cycling distance. To navigate the trains, trams, and buses effortlessly, popular transport apps like 9292 and NS (Dutch Railways) will be your best friends. These apps provide real-time schedules, routes, and even ticket information. Don't forget to check out the OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable card that simplifies public transportation payments across the country.

Discovering Dutch Delicacies:
As you embark on your Dutch adventure, don't forget to indulge in the country's delicious cuisine. Try traditional treats like stroopwafels (syrup waffles), bitterballen (fried meatballs), and haring (raw herring). Explore local markets, such as Amsterdam's Albert Cuyp Market or Rotterdam's Markthal, to discover an array of fresh produce, cheeses, and international delights.

Your first semester in the Netherlands promises to be a whirlwind of new experiences and unforgettable memories. By following these tips and embracing the Dutch way of life, you'll easily navigate the practicalities and embrace the vibrant culture that surrounds you. Enjoy your studies, make new friends, and savour every moment in this enchanting land of windmills and tulips. In case you need any further guidance, check out our Checklist or reach out to one of our TU Delft Student Ambassadors

Welkom in Nederland! (Welcome to the Netherlands!)

About Housing: Finding a Room

Once you've decided to attend TU Delft, you should start looking for housing. Before arriving in the Netherlands, all students are strongly encouraged to guarantee their housing. You could use these links as guides to learn more about housing in the Netherlands.

Finding a room in the Netherlands can be challenging. We hope the following tips and advice will assist you in finding one if you haven't already. Here is some advice to find a room or accommodation provided by Charles, an academic counsellor of TPM.

More Practical information

We have listed some important information for you:

Online Beginners Course Dutch

How do you order your coffee in Dutch? What is life like in a typical Dutch city? The Delft Dutch Course for Beginners will help you in your first steps learning Dutch and give you a head start getting around in the Netherlands. You are going to learn the language by following the daily life of Maria, an Argentinian student who lives in Delft.

Helpful Phone Applications

There are many phone applications that will help assist your daily life in the Netherlands. Here we listed some of them that we think are the most necessary for you to download on your phone.

9292: to check the public transportation schedule and plan your journey.
DigiD: an online identity platform to access many services and government websites in the Netherlands.
My TU Delft: to access personal information related to schedule, study progress, and exam registrations.
Pulse: to access Brightspace, a TU Delft's learning platform, to get the course information.
Outlook: to access email accounts and calendars.
Buienradar: to check the weather forecast.
Google Translate: to translate languages.
Bank Account Application: to access online banking features from your phone. The application depends on which bank account you have.
NS: to access personal information related to your journey with NS, the train in the Netherlands.
Online stores: Bol.com (a webshop similar to Amazon), Zalando (an online retailer of clothes), Marktplaats (to buy and sell secondhand goods).
Tikkie: to ask for your money back and pay back other people.

Note: Some applications will only be available to download if you have changed the region of your play store or app store to the Netherlands.

Summer Fun for Students in the Netherlands!

Dear Students,
Summer is here, and as a student in the Netherlands, there's a world of adventure awaiting you beyond the classroom. Here are some top activities and destinations to make your summer unforgettable:

Explore Iconic Cities: Discover the charm of Delft, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. Cruise the canals, admire the unique architecture, and indulge in local cuisine.

Discover Nature's Beauty: Visit Hoge Veluwe National Park for cycling and the beaches of Scheveningen, Zandvoort, and Texel for swimming and sunbathing.

Festival Frenzy: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of music festivals like Pinkpop and Lowlands, or cultural events like the Uitmarkt and North Sea Jazz Festival.

Join Outdoor Activities: Boat through canals, cycle through the countryside, or try paddleboarding. Enjoy picnics in parks and thrill-seeking activities like skydiving or bungee jumping.

Cultural Delights: Visit museums like the Rijksmuseum, enjoy open-air concerts, and embrace local traditions like terrace sessions and Dutch barbecues. Check out the museum card for great discounts in the link below.

EU Travel: Also, besides staying in the Netherlands you can travel throughout Europe. Be careful that the UK and Ireland is not part of the Schengen area. So, depending on your situation, you may need to apply for a visa

Have a sensational summer exploring the Netherlands and creating unforgettable memories!
Note: Make sure to verify the latest regulations and recommendations from official sources before planning your summer activities.

Enjoy your summer!

Colophon

Third edition Delft, the Netherlands, June 2023
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management

Master programme CoSEM
Editors: Emre Ates, Doruk Ergez, Marilyn Lawino, Ivo Bouwmans, Joyce Zwetsloot, Toke Hoek

The 1st edition and 2nd editions of the COSEM newsletter are still available online

Contact

If you have any questions about this newsletter or suggestions for possible new items or events, please contact the editorial office at internationaloffice‑tbm@tudelft.nl.