Living in the Student Residence: Angelika’s experience

Student Angelika Amato is half Italian and half German and is now in her second year at Hotel Management School Maastricht. In this blog, she looks back on her first year and shares her experience of living in the Student Residence.

Students outside of student residence on campus

Angelika’s first days in the Student Residence

Before moving into the student residence, I was nervous about feeling overwhelmed, especially as an international student barely 18 navigating a new country, culture, and environment. I expected it would take weeks, maybe months, to feel comfortable. To my surprise, my first days were far more welcoming than I imagined. Almost everyone was in the same situation, far from home, which made it easy to start conversations and form connections. Instead of feeling isolated, I quickly felt part of a supportive community, and many of the friendships I made in those first weeks are still strong today.

Living with other first-year students from all over the world had a huge impact on my sense of belonging. Being naturally bubbly and outgoing, I’m always down for anything, and I quickly discovered that the most spontaneous plans are often the most memorable, whether it was a late-night walk or a last-minute party. Everyone understood that we were all adjusting to something new, which created a strong sense of camaraderie. Socializing became a central part of life, helping me feel less homesick and more connected. It wasn’t just about making friends; it was about building a network of people who truly supported each other.

Campus life

One of the things I loved most about campus life was the diversity of my friend group, which included both international students and Dutch classmates. I was constantly learning from different traditions, languages, and ways of seeing the world. Sharing meals became little adventures in themselves, with friends cooking dishes from their home countries and teaching me about their cultures. These experiences broadened my perspective, made me more open-minded, and helped me appreciate the richness of living and learning in an international community.

Some of my favorite moments came from everyday routines shared with my friends. Cooking together, going on walks, or just hanging out in the courtyard turned simple moments into lasting memories. Celebrating birthdays, studying side by side, or chatting while someone tried to teach me a recipe from their country created a strong sense of community. Living with others also taught me valuable lessons about communication, compromise, and respecting different habits, making the experience both fun and meaningful.

Living on campus gave me the chance to build an international network of friends and connections. These relationships were especially meaningful because we supported each other through similar challenges, like being far from home. Some of my Dutch friends even invited me to spend weekends with them back home, which made the friendships even more special. Many of these connections have lasted well beyond the first year and continue to play an important role in my life today.

students cooking in the student residence

“As an international student, living on campus made a huge difference in how quickly I adapted.”

Growing independently

Adjusting to university also meant learning how to balance demanding coursework with social life. While my studies required focus, I quickly realized the importance of taking breaks to recharge. I’m always up for spontaneous plans, whether it’s grabbing a coffee, joining a group outing, or heading out for a night of partying with friends. These moments not only helped me relax but also strengthened my friendships and made campus life unforgettable. Finding a rhythm between academics and social activities has kept me motivated, energized, and fully immersed in my first-year experience.

Moving to a new country on my own at barely 18 was both thrilling and challenging. Managing everything, from cooking and cleaning to handling studies and navigating a new city, pushed me to become more independent and self-reliant. I learned to handle unexpected situations, make decisions confidently, and find solutions on my own. Living away from home strengthened my resilience and gave me the chance to discover who I am and what I value, shaping me into a more confident and capable person.

A year to remember

As an international student, living on campus made a huge difference in how quickly I adapted. Without it, I think I would have felt more isolated, and it would have taken much longer to feel comfortable. The residence created an environment where social and cultural integration happened naturally, whether it was just knocking on a friend’s door to hang out or making a quick, spontaneous plan with whoever was around. These small moments gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and made settling in so much easier.

Looking back, my first year went by in the blink of an eye. It was easily the most social, exciting, and fun year I’ve ever had, filled with adventures, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.

My advice to new students is simple, enjoy it to the fullest! Be open to new experiences, say yes to spontaneous plans, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, these moments go by faster than you think, and they’re what make university life truly special!