TU Delft TPM

TPM Newsletter 29 June 2024

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, two international students have gathered all the information you may need!

Meet the team!
We are a team of two current international CoSEM students, Emre and Abigail, and we decided to 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 and much more.

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
Timeline Infografic
You'll never walk alone!: CoSEM Mentorship Programme
Navigating Dutch Delights: A Guide to Your First Semester in the Netherlands
About Housing: Finding a Room
Online Beginners Course Dutch
Helpful Phone Applications
Summer Fun for Students in the Netherlands!

It's almost time to meet!

An exciting time lies ahead of you: your move to Delft, meeting new fellow students and teachers, learning new theories and skills. In a country that may be quite different from your own.

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 from experience I know more or less what to expect in the next academic year, for you the future 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, please send me an informal email telling me what you think you will like most about staying in Delft, or what might be challenging. I will answer you sharing my thoughts. 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 soon,

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 helping you make a good start in the programme. The course you will begin with is called ‘Introduction to designing in socio-technical systems’, otherwise known as “Bootcamp”. It is a week-long, group-based, learning-by-doing course.  The aim is to engage you in forming a learning community with your peers, to introduce you to the TPM mindset and ways of thinking needed for designing in socio-technical systems through a real-world case.

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, but mostly collaborative group assignments. You will build on knowledge and skills from your bachelor’s and enrich this with new approaches. At the end of the week, you and your team will deliver a final group project to be reviewed by peers and instructors. During the course you will meet lecturers from many courses in CoSEM design-related courses.

The course starts on Monday September 2 at 8:45 am sharp. Your attendance on-campus is obligatory, Monday through Friday, 8:45-16:00. There are also on-campus social functions in addition to the Bootcamp programme where your presence is expected but not mandatory. 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 21th and anticipate that everybody will be enrolled by August 28th so that we can form the teams.  Brightspace will hold all information that you need about the day-to-day programme and learning materials.

Timeline Infographics

You'll never walk alone! : CoSEM Mentorship Programme

Are you excited to start a new chapter in your new faculty and kick off your first quarter in CoSEM? We know that this new journey comes with many questions, unknowns and concerns for you. Rest assured that you will have the support you need, especially in your transitioning period to the master programme.

The CoSEM mentorship programme connects newcomers (mentees) with mentors who are second-year CoSEM students. It's a great chance to chat with your future self in a year's time!

Mentees are grouped together with mentors. When you first meet on Faculty Introduction Day, your mentor will help you get to know the faculty, other students, the programme, show you around, and tell you about Brightspace, Osiris, timetables, classes, and exams. You'll chat, play games, and most importantly, make your first friends! And it doesn't end there. Throughout the quarter, your mentor will be there to check in on you, make you feel welcome, and help you settle in. You'll occasionally meet with your mentor and group for lunch or drinks, keep up with everyone, ask questions, and share your experiences so far.

Last year, I (Emre) was a mentor and Abigail was a mentee, and we had a great time. We hope you'll participate too!

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 accommodation
How to find a room

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 on how to find a room or accommodation provided by our academic counsellors at 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!

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 2024
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management

Master programme CoSEM
Editors: Emre Ates, Abigail Weeks

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.