A day in the life of an international student at Hotel Management School Maastricht

Aspiring to study at Hotel Management School Maastricht as an international student but unsure of what to expect? We've got you covered! Here’s what a day in your life might look like if you start your studies at HMSM.

Being an international student at HMSM is a great experience. Every day is something new: classes and practical workshops, time with friends, or exploring the city. Maastricht is just a perfect place to study: it offers a good balance between learning, socializing, and getting familiar with Dutch culture. Here's how a day in my life looks like:

7:30 - Wake up and start my day

My alarm rings at 7:30 AM, and I get ready for the day ahead, right here in the Student Residence on the HMSM campus. I grab a cup of coffee and a light breakfast in the shared dining area, where I often catch up with friends and fellow students starting their day. Having guaranteed housing on campus for my first year has been such a relief, especially with the tight housing market. Not worrying about finding a place to stay has made my start here much smoother. Plus, with everything so close by, I can walk to my first class within minutes. Living on campus, surrounded by the school’s beautiful green surroundings, is the perfect way to start each morning stress-free.

9:00 - First class of the day

This is my first class today: Rooms Division Management. During this class, we’re being prepared for the upcoming practicals in the Teaching Hotel. We’re learning about SOPs, workflow, and day-to-day tasks. And guess what? Next week, I’ll be the shift leader for the Housekeeping team! Of course, I knew beforehand that I was studying Hotel Management, but I didn’t expect to be put in a leadership role within the first few weeks.

10:30 - Break at Refresh

Afterwards, it's time for a break. Usually, I go to Refresh, which is the canteen of the school, run by and for students. The atmosphere there is great, as you can get coffee and catch up with your friends for a bit of talk. Usually, we chat about our classes, some upcoming projects, or plans for the weekend; it's nice just to take a breather before starting to work.

11:00 – Information session: innovative hospitality

After that, there is an information session planned regarding an upcoming project. It is actually a 10-week ongoing project, where we have to arrange an event for external guests. The event also needs to be sustainable and innovative, meaning we need to think really out of the box. Our team consists of people from different backgrounds, so everybody puts their point in a different manner. As far as teachers and coaches are concerned, we get loads of support, which helps us a lot. It is very challenging to work together, yet at the same time, it's lots of fun.

12:30 – Lunch

During lunch, I always head back to Refresh, where there’s plenty to choose from: salads, sandwiches, soups, pizza, you name it! Today, I’m having the French onion soup and a Parma ham Pita!

“Having guaranteed housing on campus for my first year has been such a relief, especially with the tight housing market.”

13:30 – Class on Human Resource Management

During the class today, we focused on team dynamics and motivation. Our professor had us do a role-play exercise, where we each practiced managing a “team” with different personalities and challenges. My task was to give constructive feedback and keep everyone motivated—it was harder than I expected! It really showed me how important good communication is and how it affects team morale. This hands-on class is helping me understand what it takes to create a positive workplace.

15:30 – Studies at the city library

After my classes are finished, I head to Plein 92, where my favorite study spot in Maastricht can be found: the City Library. Before I start studying for my upcoming tests, I swing by the Coffeelovers shop inside the library to grab my favorite drink, an oat milk latte. I find a comfortable corner to study in the library. The place is nice, quiet, and has a friendly atmosphere. Sometimes, I even run into friends or classmates here, which makes studying more exciting!

19:00 – Cooking and socializing with roomies

Back in the common room of my living unit, my roommates and I wind down for the day. Almost every evening, we cook dinner together, try new recipes, and share dishes from our home countries, making every day feel like a feast! It’s nice to relax after a long day, and cooking together really makes our flat feel like home.

20:30 – Enjoying Maastricht's Christmas atmosphere

Winter in Maastricht is something special. There's a Christmas market, lights, and even an ice rink in the middle of the city. My friends and I go out into Magisch Maastricht, browsing the stalls and snacks and soaking up the holiday atmosphere. Maastricht is so warm and alive during this time of year.