What are your New Year's Resolutions? We asked two of our students for their plans for 2025.

Ruth, student of Religious studies

It’s always hard to recognize change while you’re going through it; many things are clearer in retrospect. I think this past year has been an impactful one, and my hope for next year is that it will be as well.

2024 was the year I started writing my thesis, all the way back in February. After lots of back-and-forth and some (disproportionately) panicky emails, I chose a topic and got to work. I soon got angrily passionate reading feminist literature on gender, embodiment, and comportment, and in response very grateful for my weekly dance classes where we are taught to move freely and with joy, regardless of whether you’re getting the steps right or what is expected of our bodies outside of the walls of our dance studio. I also started doing my interviews, which was an exciting process and made for some beautiful encounters. However, after having been submerged in thesis work for a while, I decided to take some steps back, because 2024 was also the year I was RUG poet-in-residence: an incredibly cool project that demanded a good portion of my time (which I was more than happy to give, of course). I had told my thesis supervisor at the beginning of the process that being poet-in-residence was my priority this year, and that I couldn’t promise him I would make the deadline. He was understanding and supportive (thank you, Jelle). And it paid off! I had a great year as a university poet and in February this year, my dichtbundel (book of poetry) will come out. So: 2025 will be the year I will have a book of poetry to my name, and hopefully continue growing as a writer. It will also be the year (knock on wood) I graduate! I started my last bachelor’s course in November and in February I hope to finish. However great, interesting, and eye-opening Climate Change, End Times, Sustainability may be (and it really is), I am excited to discover what my new chapter is going to look like.

Jan-Pieter, Student of Theology

2024 was the second to last year in which I had the privilege of enjoying the Theology program and our wonderful faculty. It’s astonishing how quickly time can fly; it feels like just yesterday that I started my first year, and now I’ve already had the chance to welcome two groups of first-year students during the introduction camp. As I progress further in the program, I notice how remarkable it is that the things you learn stay with you and elevate your level of nderstanding. I’ve realized that I can now discuss topics with professors on a different level, and new information feels more like “a part of the bigger picture.” This makes learning enjoyable and intriguing.

I’ve also had the opportunity at the faculty to engage in many enjoyable activities beyond just studying. I’ve built strong bonds with my fellow students and discovered how the faculty operates behind the scenes by participating in boards and advisory bodies, as well as by welcoming new cohorts of students. I would highly recommend this to all students, even those from other faculties. It allows you to connect with fellow students and gives you a sense that your contributions matter—not just to yourself, but to the entire system.

I’m looking forward to the coming year. At times, I find myself battling procrastination. Perhaps it’s a New Year’s resolution to work on. I’ve noticed that procrastination often stems from a fear of failure. That’s why it’s important to keep reminding yourself that it’s better to try your best, even if something doesn’t work out. After all, the faculty is a place for learning, and sometimes you learn the most when something doesn’t go as planned, giving you the chance to try again.

All the best wishes for 2025!