Hi! My name is Bernd and I am a third-year Bachelor’s student in Mechanical Engineering. In the past year, I had the honour of being a board member of Newton. During my board year, I became interested in the policies of the UT, which led to my current seat in the Faculty Council of ET and now to being on the list of UReka. Right now, there is a lot happening around the UT, and there are many uncertainties. During these times, I think it is important that the university keeps focusing on its strengths and maintains the approachable, personal atmosphere that makes studying at our university such a nice experience.

Hey! My name is Twan Weerdenburg, a bachelor’s student in Technical Computer Science. During the past four years I have been active at many committees, both at Inter-Actief and DHC Drienerlo, and in the past year I represented UReka in the FAC. During my board year at Inter-Actief I learned how hard it can be to accomodate to every students needs, especially with the current developments regarding educational financing making an active study life even harder. I believe the UT should keep motivating students to become active, especially when new regulations are working against this.

Hi there! I’m Fenna van Heuven, a first-year Master’s student in Technical Medicine.
Over the past few years, I’ve been actively involved in student life in many different ways. From being an active member of associations, completing a board year at SKV Vakgericht, and organizing a Study Tour, to working as a student assistant. What I’ve learned during those years? A supportive and inclusive university begins with students who feel heard and empowered to speak up. Whether it’s improving transparency in communication, making financial support easier to access, or just having a say in how education is shaped, it all starts with listening and speaking out. Since there is so much more to discuss and to listen to, I am committed to creating a university where every student feels heard, represented and safe.

Hi! I’m Talha Raza, a second-year Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s student. I currently serve as the President of ESN Twente, the largest international student association in UT. In my role, I’ve spoken with hundreds of UT students, both Dutch and international, and have been very active in my association this year. I’ve also had the privilege to go to 7 different countries for work-related trips this year alone, where I learned extensively about advocacy and student rights. We’re currently in an unprecedented time in Higher Education where the recent budget cuts and changes in policy are affecting all students. That’s why I’m running for the University Council: to make sure no student is left unheard or unseen. I believe the University Council should not just be about representation, it should be about connection, transparency, and impact. I’m not here with empty promises. I’m here to be a bridge: between students and the university, between internationals and locals, between words and action. I hope to be able to help everyone by listening, acting, and advocating for a better UT in the University council. Thank you!

Hi! My name is Merel and I’m a first-year master student in Technical Medicine. Over the past years, I have been active on several fronts, for example by boardmember of S.V. Paradoks and within the Umbrella Association OS. These experiences have shown me how much influence students can have and what difference they can make. Not only within their studies, but also in shaping the university as a whole. I’m passionate about maintaining high-quality education and I believe the UT should actively support and value student activism as an essential part of student life.

Hey everyone, I’m Jelle! I am a first-year Master student at Industrial Design Engineering, before which I did my Bachelor IDE here. In my time at the UT, I have done many types of student activism, from side jobs on campus to a full-time board year at my study association S.G. Daedalus, and now a part-time board at the Umbrella Association for study associations, OS. From this, I recognise that student life is dependent on the engagement of students, but support for this is much needed. I stand for a University for everyone, with a culture for students by students, actively encouraged by the UT.

Hi, I’m Emma Burema, a 22-year-old third-year Creative Technology student. Last year, I had the privilege of serving on the board of S.A. Proto, the study association for Creative and Interaction Technology, as Treasurer and Officer of Educational Affairs. I’m also an active member of the Programme Committee, where I represent students from all years and help shape the future of my study. I’m excited to run for the university council in the coming year, I want to help build a more vibrant and involved university community, both in and outside the classroom. I’m looking forward to making your voice heard and contributing to an even better student experience!

Hello! I’m Venise, an Industrial Engineering and Management student. Though I’ve been here a while, I’m still blown away by our community of driven, diverse, daring students, who each blaze their own path – but these paths might sometimes feel a bit too lonely. Nowadays, we face much uncertainty and fear about the future. I realise it’s tough. I realise it might simply be unclear. But now more than ever, we need to build trust and vulnerability with each other. This looks like stronger feedback cultures, better top-down/bottom-up communication, clarity about financial and study situations, equity in treatment, among others. I aim to do my part in building a more resilient university — one where you know, without a doubt, that you are not walking alone.

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Students need strong representation at the university, more now than ever! I’m Tjerk, a mechanical engineering student, and over the past years I’ve been actively engaged with student life — from a board year at the Student Union to several committees. I care deeply about high quality education and our lively student community. While these are under pressure, I believe we can weather this storm if we do the work and make decisions that put the students first. Vote in the upcoming election and vote for UReka