Frequently Asked Questions

What is more usually in the programme structure: lectures, tutorials or assignments?
The vast majority of courses is interactive. We call them seminars for that reason. Courses have 2x2 contact hours. Some have additional tutorials for student to practice skills, for example, and there can be lab work. Assignments are a regular feature of the programme. They can be reading assignments from one class to the next. Some will require you  to answer a question about a text and thus come to class prepared. There are at least three graded assignments per course.

How many elective courses must I register for?
In year 1, block 2, you must register for exactly 2 elective courses; in all other years/blocks you may take 2 or 3 electives (but if you are planning to take 3 electives you should discuss this with your academic advisor).

How many contact hours will I typically have per week?
Most courses have 4 contact hours per week. Some courses include practicals which means these will have more contact hours.

When can I start following courses at other Faculties and how does that work?
Our programme includes some electives in other Faculties from year 2.

Can I do an internship?
Yes, you can do an internship as an elective. This will most likely be in or just before your third year. Our Internships Coordinator can advise you.

How many students generally drop out during the first year?
Some students indeed feel that they prefer a different study, and some take a gap year. Approximately 10% in the past years have dropped out.

When do I choose my major?
UCG does not require you to formally state your major. It is likely though you will begin considering your preferred route in year 1. In year 2, it is most likely you will take courses within a major. You are free, however, to remain flexible and even to choose a Free Major. Our academic advisors help you with choices related to the majors.

Can I still switch my major later on in the programme?
Yes

If you don't pass a course you have to repeat the entire block or just the course?
At UCG, there is a 80% attendance rule. A higher absence rate can result in a student failing a course. In general, with the three assignments for each course, students receive regular feedback and are able to adjust their study approach in order to improve on a following exam. Elective courses have a resit option (one week in the summer for all courses) but this is not the case for all courses, such as the projects. The precise rules are also available in our Teaching and Exam Regulations.

What are the options for sports/extra-curricular activities/social activities/cultural activities?

• Join our Student Association Caerus! For an overview all its committees, visit their website
• Sports: ACLO
• Culture: USVA, Studium Generale
• Community life at the UCG campus (Kitchen downstairs in the campus)

What does the University organize for international students?
There are several international student associations, for example: SIB and ESN. An overview of all associations for international students could be found here

Where can I find more information about the courses?
Browse through the course catalogue (Ocasys)

What kind of guidance does UCG offer?

• Guidance by an academic advisor, career coordinator, internship coordinator and exchange officer.
• Guidance by a student mentor during the first year
• Guidance by an academic director in the third year
  

What would make a student perform well at UCG?
In general the students that perform well have broad or/and interdisciplinary interest, like being challenged academically, enjoy group and project work in an international community and want to make a meaningful contribution to the world around them.

What would make a student at UCG a happy student?
This partially depends on the student. The ability to shape your own academic programme and the amount of extra-curricular activities available mean there is no single template for a happy student. There are students at UCG involved in athletics, the student organization, social committees, charity work etc. There are also students that gain their inspiration from taking on academic challenges. This is up to the individual student.

Where do I go for questions regarding...?

• Payment of the tuition fees / Studielink account / RUG account: Central Student Administration
• Scholarships : Mobility & Scholarship Desk - msd rug.nl
• Visa application: International Service Desk - isd rug.nl
• Admission / Application / Housing: Admission & Enrolment Coordinator -newstudents.ucg rug.nl
• Course registration at UCG - studentaffairs.ucg@rug.nl
• General UCG questions - ucg@rug.nl
  

What if I still have questions about UCG, even after reading these incredibly thorough FAQs?
Send an email to ucg@rug.nl, so we can add your question to this page!

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