Motion to Begin This Article—Approved!
Hello, my name is Jasmine! I am from Galati, Romania, where I studied humanities during my high school years. Now I'm pursuing my Bachelor in PPLE (Politics, Psychology, Law, Economics) at the University of Amsterdam, being a second year here.
Exploring My Extracurriculars and Decisions
My extracurriculars weren’t that extraordinary because I was just a high school student, but I am very proud of them and the way they shaped me. I was an assistant at the library for a couple of months and got educated in IT. I was interested in how I could make money, so I started gaining knowledge about the stock market and investing, being very interested in the economics field.
When it came the time to apply to college, I actually wanted to study medicine in Romania, not even abroad!
However, I realised that the lifestyle of a doctor wasn’t ideal for me. I quickly decided I wanted to go abroad to study politics, psychology, law and economics (PPLE). What made me choose this Bachelor was the fact that I hadn’t yet decided what I wanted to study, and it was really appealing that I could go along with all four subjects and make the decision later.
It was my main option because they have many Bachelor programs in English, and the tuition fee is somewhat affordable compared to the UK.
How PPLE Works
The Structure of My Studies
There are two semesters in the first year, and each semester is divided into three blocks. Per block, you won’t have all four subjects. For example, you’ll study politics and something else in the first block, while the following one might consist of law and another topic.
In the second year, you will decide your track and focus on it. At the same time, you’ll also take courses from the other fields, therefore not forgetting about the remaining subjects.
Inside the Classroom
We rarely have days off because our schedule is packed with lectures and tutorials every day. After the lecture, the ideal schedule would be to go to a tutorial, which is a group formed of around 14 people where you can apply concepts from the lectures. In tutorials, you have more in-depth discussions with your peers; you debate ideas, apply theories to real cases, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
I think PPLE it’s a challenging program, and the learning process is very structured, studying the material first, and discussing the theory after. For example, for rethorics, we had to analyse speeches and study the theories behind them. We were even required to give a speech in front of the tutorial class based on the content we learned, which was a very creative way to engage with the subject.
The University of Amsterdam is a research university, so studying here isn’t about memorising theories—it’s about applying them. You have to understand concepts and be able to discuss them, because the exams consist of you applying theories to new cases to demonstrate your understanding. Professors give us lectures, academic papers, and theories, but we also have to apply them in our assignments, essays, and presentations. Everything is more engaging in the second year—we are assigned more research, in depth discussions and my academic life and vision has improved a lot from one year ago.
I believe it’s demanding having to study four subjects at the same, but I think we are used to it because, in high school, we are very pressured to doing many activities. So, it’s mostly difficult because the subjects are taught at the university level. PPLE itself requires a lot. The grading system is a big shock. Here, a 7 is considered a good grade, while the minimum passing rate is not 5, but 5.5. You can miss only two tutorials before you get taken out of the course.
Adapting to University Life
At first, I felt like I was one step behind everyone else. I had to work even harder to keep up, but I got used to it pretty quickly.
However, the exam process was intense. During the admission exam, we had to read three academic research papers and listen to one lecture. Well, that is now my everyday reality, because four times a week, I have to read academic research. Each block, from the first lecture to the final exam, lasts about a month and a half, so you don’t have time to procrastinate, because you have to plan your exams from the beginning.
My Most Challenging Project
The hardest research project so far was with my colleagues, our team consisting of fifteen people. We had to start with a research question—something we wanted to investigate and then find a theoretical framework, which involved researching existing theories. Our main task was to analyse different theories in restorative speeches and apply them to a real case.
We initially divided the work into small groups, but we had a lot of overlap in what we were writing, so we had to restructure everything multiple times. It was a constant learning process—we had to interview professors and researchers, record a podcast, select speeches as case studies.
We gained a lot of experience—not just in research, but also in using software, conducting interviews, and structuring academic work.
You need to be open-minded.
You’ll hear different opinions, and you can’t afford to be stubborn. You need to expand your horizons and understand where people are coming from—their background, their personal experiences, and why they hold certain beliefs.
I’d also say curiosity is very important. You have to be curious and stay updated on current events.
Another important quality is being considerate. It’s not your job to “win” arguments or put someone down just because they have a different opinion.
And, of course, confidence.
How Debating Shaped Me
Debating is also a key part of tutorials. We constantly share and exchange opinions, and they aren’t about arguing, but about refining ideas.
At first, I was shy.
During my first courses, I was still adjusting. Maybe I wouldn’t find the right words in English in real time, and that made me a bit shy. Now that I’ve chosen the politics track, I’m surrounded by people who share my interests. I feel more comfortable in my environment.
I also learned that tutorials are a safe space to talk. No one will judge you if you speak up. I feel confident when I speak and we are encouraged to participate—it’s even part of our grade.
I’m fascinated by the things my peers share. They come from different countries and backgrounds, so their perspectives are very diverse; I constantly hear new facts and ideas I had never considered before. I’ve lost arguments, but having debates isn’t about winning or losing, but understanding the topic in an objective and correct manner.
Yes, 100%.
I don’t think it’s my place to come here and hate on media politics—I’m just trying to understand what’s happening. I don’t want to limit myself to thinking, “Politics is bad. Everything is corrupt. Nothing works.”
Corruption exists everywhere—you can’t escape it. Even if you’ll defend your home country, you can’t be stubborn and refuse to acknowledge that certain things aren’t working.
The Admission Process
There are three things admission officers are looking for:
Your GPA;
An English Certificate (at least C1 level);
Your CV.
The first time I was panicked about my future happened in the 11th grade, in spring. I contacted a student counsellor company and talked a bit to see what was the best fit for me. I got a student counsellor named Artem. From that moment until the end of my admission process, I had his help 24/7. The admission process was very lengthy because it started in 12th grade, in late autumn, and continued until May of the next year, just before my final exam. It consisted of three steps, so it was a long process.
First Step: Submitting Documents
In September, you have to register on the platforms and submit documents like your CV, English certificates, and transcripts from all grades. You submit a request through StudyLink (https://www.studielink.nl/), and the University will send you a link and your student ID to upload all the required documents there. They will assess whether you are eligible for their academic level.
You have to estimate your final high school grade, with what diploma, what mathematics level and what your expected grade on your final exam would look like. A lot of emphasis is put on the mathematics level, and if you don’t study mathematics informatics during high school (I didn’t), you have to take a supplementary test in order to be considered for enrolment.
I already had the English certificate from 11th grade, but I had to take the mathematics exam (OMPT-A), which was a burden. I studied for it myself, and it was beyond my mathematics level, but I passed it.
After sending all these documents, they required a budget plan and a schedule plan. They wanted to see that I was aware of the cost of studying in the Netherlands, that I could afford to pay. They also wanted to see how I was going to schedule my time to balance university, personal life, and extra work. They expected students to work 32 hours/month, apart from university attendance. Beyond that, they also wanted to see how you would incorporate your personal life, hobbies, and so on.
Second Step: Preparing for Exams
After sending all these documents, the second step consisted of an exam. I was given three academic research papers and one lecture recording and I had one week to read and prepare. The exam itself was online.
It was one hour long, with about 20 multiple-choice questions. Three of them were essay-questions based on the academic research papers and lecture recording, with the role of assessing how I constructed arguments and my reasoning.
Everyone who took this exam was ranked from best to worst candidate (Numerus Fixus). They only accepted the number of candidates they had room for, which consisted in a lot of applicants eliminated there.
The final step, in late spring, was the interview.
Writing A Worthy Personal Statement
Firstly, the admission officers want to see that you are familiar with the program you want to study. You need to know what student organisations they have and offer them a real reason for wanting to come there. They read hundreds of motivation letters—why should yours stand out?
You have to write something that convinces them you are truly passionate about the program. What I wrote about, for example, was that I come from a post-communist country and I always wondered how political transitions happen, so I chose this as my topic.
Being both emotional and formal, I connected my country’s political path with politics, psychology, law, and economics. This helped my application stand out. They really want to see your curiosity and your reason for choosing this program. It’s not just a story; it’s also about how you connect your story to their mission.
Every university has its own admission process. That’s why I highly recommend that future students are very organised and create a table for every Bachelor program they apply to. They should track the deadlines for submitting documents for each program, because if you miss one, they cut you off the list.
Adapting to a New Life… And Fast!
I don’t have a scholarship - it’s common for European universities not to offer them, since the tuition fees are affordable. In my first year I had to pay €3471 for my tuition fees, and for my second year €5060.
However, you can get some money from the government if you work. If you work a minimum of 32 hours/month, you can get a grant of around €400-500. Additionally, if they assess your family income, you might qualify for even more financial support.
Renting: a Small Problem?
It’s a crisis. Finding accommodation was really difficult; my friends and I have already switched places at least twice since our first year. Rents are very expensive, especially in Amsterdam, and a lucky price would be around €800/month.
It’s important to consider this and discuss it with your family to see if studying in the Netherlands is feasible for you. Unexpected costs can come up, and rent is a major burden. The rent alone is about €1,000. Covering food, transportation, rent, utilities, and occasional outings adds up to roughly €1.800-2.000/month.
First Month of Living Abroad
It was a very interesting experience. All of my Romanian friends gathered on weekends in Hague. We missed home so much, so we spent time together, complaining about missing our families and worrying about our futures, which gave us a sense of belonging—having our culture close to us that helped us accommodate easier.
At the same time, it was overwhelming. I had to figure out how to do daily chores, cook for myself, bike to the university, and cope with student life. Meanwhile, I also had to attend lectures and tutorials. The pace was very fast. I started to feel more confident during spring, but I think I’m most confident now, in my second year, because I proved to myself that I could get through the first year.
Now, I also have other activities. For example, I’m studying German and I joined an association. I go outside and do hobbies, which is really nice. Otherwise, I go to the gym, spend time with my partner, or hang out with my university friends. Sometimes, I also take short trips with my friends.
Yes, after my first year. The pace here is extremely fast. You don’t even realise how quickly things happen.
You move to a new country, settle into a new home, start a new life, and before you know it, exams are in a month and a half. If you have previous research projects, you have to manage those as well. It’s a lot.
But after the summer break, I recovered. Now, I prioritise my mental health. I’ve also learned to say no. If someone in a group project suggests an unrealistic deadline or expects me to work all night, I just say, “I’m sorry, I can’t.”
You have to protect your peace and set boundaries.
My Role in EESA and My Valuable Lessons
I’m an events coordinator. I’m part of the board as an events coordinator for the Eastern European Student Association (EESA).
I’m part of the board with my friends, which makes it even more enjoyable. It has helped me improve my skills, expand my network, and learn more about event planning and engagement within the Eastern European community.
We also collaborate with other student associations. For example, in December, we partnered with an organisation called European Horizons. Their president is Romanian, and she managed to bring from Romania to Amsterdam Simina Tulbure from the REPER Romanian Political Party.
She came to hold a debate on Romanian politics and current issues. Now, I have a direct contact with her, as well as with the president of the association. So, in terms of networking, this has been an incredible opportunity.
Aside from networking, the association has become very close to my heart—it feels like my little project, and I want to take care of it. We have weekly board meetings, and we plan events for the entire year. I’m responsible for event logistics, so it’s both fun and demanding.
I would say: be confident in every aspect possible, but at the same time, work hard. The hardest part about studying abroad isn’t actually studying, but the things you have to learn by yourself. You also have to be very organised and plan your future in terms of studying, housing—everything.
But confidence is key because, sometimes, university life can feel discouraging. It’s so demanding. You also want to have a social life, and you miss home. But you have to be brave and trust that things will go well.
Even in tutorials and lectures, you will hear people speaking so confidently that they sound incredibly smart. They present their ideas with authority, and sometimes, it can make you feel like you’re not as good as them.
