Introduction events
Mandatory Kick-Off IBA
6 and 7 September
The Official Programme IBA Kick-off is mandatory for all students starting with the IBA programme. During this event you will learn more about the programme, receive your course schedule, booklist, meet your mentor and fellow mentor group members, etc.
On this day, the International Office EUR also organizes the so-called One Stop Shop. This activity is not mandatory but can be very useful (for non-EEA students) to take care of all practical matters right on campus! More information can be found here.
Other recommended introduction events
Get your student life started with the following events. Especially the Eurekaweek is very popular and recommended to all students!
Eurekaweek 20-24 August
Eurekaweek is the official introduction week for all new students of the Erasmus University Rotterdam! Together with a group of around 15 students of your own studies and two guides (senior students), you will explore student life in Rotterdam. In this week, we will show you the campus, you will discover the city of Rotterdam and, above all, you will meet many fellow students. You will also get to know the student, sport, study, multicultural and cultural associations. In short, this is the flying start to your time in Rotterdam.
For all international students there is a whole day, on 20 August specially organized to get acquainted with the Dutch habits and a warm welcome to your new city. Furthermore, you can go island hopping between various convenient organizations and businesses which help you get started with Rotterdam’s student life. For example, you will get the opportunity to arrange health insurance or a bike and to open a student bank account.
For more information you can visit the website of the Eurekaweek or follow the Facebook page and Instagram page for the latest updates. Registration opens soon!

ESN Summer Introduction Days (dates TBD)
Usually around the end of August, ESN Rotterdam will organize the ESN Introduction Days. These days are focused on meeting over 300 other international students and getting to know Rotterdam. This event will be THREE days filled with great activities to make you familiar with Rotterdam and its amazing student life. The memories you make and the friends you’ll find will stay with you for a lifetime!
ESN Rotterdam also offers the ESN Buddy Programme where you are paired with a fellow current student to exchange knowledge, gain insights about different cultures, and a to meet new people in Rotterdam.

STAR IBA Freshman Weekend (dates TBD)
This weekend is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and make lots of unforgettable memories. Are you up for some fun to start your student life in the best way?
This event is brought to you by RSM STAR, in collaboration with IBA Programme Management (PM). This event is highly recommended by PM, so why not check it out? For more information about this event please click here.

All welcome & orientation programmes
For an overview of all of the welcome activities specially organized for new students at the Erasmus University Rotterdam and also lots of helpful information about student life, university facilities, and life in Rotterdam please check out the Erasmus University Rotterdam’s official welcome page.
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) offers several orientation programmes and highly recommends to participate in all of them. By taking part in these activities you will have the opportunity to meet fellow students, learn to find your way around the campus and get to feel at home in Rotterdam! Please click here to view the Summer Orientation Programmes.
Prep programmes
Create a successful start to your bachelor programme!
Below are two programmes for you to complete before the start of your studies to help you prepare for university work and life.
Pre Academic Programme by EUR
The leap from high school to university can feel daunting to many first year students. It is our desire to make sure you start your university degree well-prepared.
As a dedicated first-year-student, you certainly want to take every chance offered during your student days. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) organises the Pre Academic Programme, with the theme "Master Your Future." During this inspiring training period before the start of the academic year, you will learn everything you need to start your studies well-prepared.
The Pre Academic Programme in short
Through a digital course and a concluding campus activity, you encounter a variety of themes which will help you to be a successful student.
- Learn to study effectively and develop your ability to achieve
- Develop personal leadership and create success
- Get to know you fellow students and the academic culture
All in all: a perfect start of your student life at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Deadline to register is 1 July!
RSM Onboarding course
The Onboarding course contains information and instructions on how to use the different communication platforms, how to check your schedule, how to register for a workshop, the contact details of different departments and much more.
More detailed information and link to the course will follow in August va email from BSc Programme Management (bachelor1@rsm.nl).
Academic calendar
Click here for the IBA Academic Calendar of 2023/24. Please note that this calendar is just to give you a general overview of the blocks and holidays, academic calendar is subject to change.
The start of the academic year is Monday, 11 September but you should be here no later than 5 September in order to participate in the mandatory IBA kick-off on 6 September. Mid-August is even better to ensure you are able to participate in events like Eurekaweek (20-24 August).
Learning environments
All the different platforms, applications and websites can be quite intruiging as a new student. Below you will find some links to the most important platforms to help you get started. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page for contact details or consult the FAQ for any questions.
The most important study environment is MyEUR. From here you can access basically all applications and services such as the library, timetable, Canvas, student mail, OSIRIS, the service desk, and course guides. You can edit the top pane of the page using the green toggle in the bottom-right corner.
For an overview of the curriculum, please go here. If you want to know which books you might need, please consult the course guides that you can find in Canvas. The course coordinators will indicate what material you need during the first class or through email. So please keep an eye on your inbox.
Below we have listed the most important links that you might need now or during the first weeks of your study.
Timetable
You can access the timetable here once it has been published. Make sure to log in with your ERNAid.
Canvas
Via Canvas you have access to all your courses, online lectures, study material, and grades.
SIN-Online
SIN-Online is primarily used to communicate important updates.
OSIRIS
Here you find your course registrations and progress. You can also access all of the course guides when they are not on Canvas.
Computer and IT
Although most classes are in-person, a few of the courses are offered online and you need the following minimum computer configuration to participate properly in the programme.
Operating system
- Mac OS X or Mac OS 10.10 or later
- Windows 7 or higher
- Linux: Mint 17.1, Ubuntu 12.04, OpenSUSE 13.2 and above
Processor or CPU | Minimum requirement is Intel i3 or similar (eg AMD Ryzen 3); i5 or higher is recommended, especially if you will be working with video conferencing applications like Zoom.
Work Memory (RAM) | 4 GB or more
Disk space | 256 Gb or more, SSD is recommended (is faster), but not required.
Video Out | HDMI (useful, not mandatory)
Network connection | Wired or wireless 600 kbps is minimum, 1.5 Mbps or more is recommended for video-based online interaction and collaboration (802.11 G). For mobile: 3G or 4G minimum.
Internet browser | In general, recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari will suffice. Note: Internet Explorer 11 and Edge do not work on all applications. If you run into a problem, try using a different browser first.
Other hardware | A webcam, either built into your computer or one that connects via USB, and speakers and a microphone, either built-in, USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth.
Minimum Configurations for Key Applications
- Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-Requirements-for-PC-Mac-and-Linux
- Canvas: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720-67952720329
If you don't have the required configuration, try purchasing it. If you do not have sufficient financial resources for this, you can turn to the Erasmus Trust Fund for financial support: https://www.eur.nl/en/education/practical-matters/financial-matters/scholarships-grants/financial-aid/exceptional-family-circumstances
Study support
Student advisor team
RSM has a dedicated student adviser team which serves as a point of contact where you can access professional help, advice and guidance during your studies.
Students are free to make a confidential appoinment with the study advisors for any of the circumstances below and more:
- If you have questions regarding studying in general: study planning, study methods, time-management, taking exams etc.
- If personal circumstances may affect your study progress (illness, family matters etc.)
- If you need help in case of specific situations: studying whilst having a professional sports career, studying with a functional impairment, study delays in general, special arrangements for taking exams etc.
- If you are a prospective student and if you want more information about our programmes.
- If you need advice about possible exemptions.