Why did you choose this bachelor?
Choosing this bachelor was the result of a learning curve and a process of exploration. Finding a programme that truly sparked my interest and felt like the right fit did not happen immediately. This field has long sparked my interest, but now more than ever it truly speaks to me and feels like a force pulling me toward it and making me pursue it. We live in a time when sustainability is a concept you encounter almost everywhere. Urban sustainability stood out to me because it brings together many of the subjects I have always been passionate about, like science, history, design, policy, and social studies. It feels like a genuinely blended programme that reflects the complexity of real cities and the challenges they face today. This bachelor is highly relevant in our current global context and, I would say, very much future-oriented as well. Growing up and living in various countries around the world has strongly shaped the way I see cities and societies. Being exposed to different cultures, urban environments, and ways of life made me aware at an early age that cities are not experienced the same way everywhere. This international background sparked my curiosity about why cities function so differently, how cultural, social, and environmental contexts influence urban life, and how one can bring that together and incorporate it all.
How has your experience been so far?
My experience at the University of Antwerp has been positive so far, though like any new experience it involves a learning curve and some challenges. The academic environment and staff are supportive and welcoming. There is a sense that you can ask questions, engage in discussions, and have meaningful conversations both inside and outside the classroom. Since this is a new programme it is understandable that not everything runs smoothly. There are both advantages and disadvantages and at times the coordination between different subjects can be challenging. As this is the programme’s first year, such issues are expected and form part of the development process, allowing adjustments and improvements to be made where necessary. The university offers excellent facilities and modern campuses spread throughout the city almost all within walking or cycling distance of one another while others are located slightly further away and are accessible by bike, car, or public transport. There are plenty of study spaces, green areas, and seating spaces, as well as food canteens with a wide selection
of good and affordable food for students. All of this makes studying here more enjoyable, practical, and welcoming. Architecturally, the city campus gives off a “Cambridge” vibes. To note on student experiences, student life in Antwerp has exceeded my expectations. I truly fell in love with the city, it feels like an ideal place for students. Antwerp has a vibrant atmosphere and offers a wide range of activities, both on and off campus. The city is international and language-friendly, while also deeply rooted in history. From its rich historical architecture to its modern, technological campuses, Antwerp offers a unique balance between past and present. The campuses are well equipped, with many study spaces and facilities that support student life, making the overall experience both inspiring and comfortable.
What is your favourite thing about the bachelor?
What I appreciate most about this bachelor is its interdisciplinary nature. Urban sustainability does not focus on one single discipline, instead, it connects environmental concerns with social issues, historical context, policy, and everyday urban experiences, often supported by real-life examples. This holistic approach mirrors real-world challenges and allows us as students to develop a broader and more critical perspective. Another aspect I value greatly is the flexibility of the programme. Rather than pushing students toward one fixed outcome the bachelor opens up many possible directions after graduation. It encourages exploration, reflection, and personal growth, allowing students to gradually discover where their interests truly lie. I also appreciated having a mid-semester exam for one of the courses, as it allowed me to spread the workload more evenly. As a result, when preparing for exams later in the semester, I could focus more thoroughly on each subject rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Do you already have plans for the minor you’d like to pursue?
At this stage, I am still exploring my options. I don’t believe that studying should always be about working toward a single predefined goal or having it all figured out. I have some ideas in mind but it is too early to say and more research and figuring out is needed. For me, it is equally about self-discovery and learning what motivates you by trying different subjects and perspectives. I am interested in choosing a minor that complements urban sustainability and deepens my understanding of social dynamics, governance, or cultural processes within cities. I also appreciate that it is an open curriculum, as it allows us to choose minors and subjects based on our interests.
Do you have any dream career ideas?
Rather than having one fixed dream career I see my future as something that will continue to evolve. One has to have goals and work toward them. I don’t believe the idea of a “perfect career” truly exists. Instead, I believe one discovers their path as they go by gaining experience, exploring different fields, and learning more about yourself and the world around you. What matters most to me is making a meaningful difference even if it is gradual. I am drawn to work that allows me to be mobile, interact with people, and engage directly with places and communities. I want a career that involves seeing things with my own eyes, discussing ideas, involving people, and working collaboratively toward positive change.
And lastly, if you had to describe the bachelor using three emojis, what would they be and why?
🌱 : I chose the seed emoji because it represents growth and development. To me it shows how something can grow in different environments and on different types of ground. In the same way this bachelor encourages growth in many directions. No matter the path students eventually choose, they will grow, gain knowledge, and develop skills across different aspects as they move forward.
🚲: I chose the bicycle emoji because it reflects both the city of Antwerp and the themes of the bachelor. Antwerp is a highly bikeable city with a strong cycling culture and a focus on sustainable mobility. As mobility is an important topic within the programme, the bicycle also represents sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. More broadly, it symbolizes movement and choice, the ability to move forward, change direction, and decide one’s own path. Just like cycling, the bachelor allows students to explore different routes and determine where they want to go.
🌉 : I chose the bridge emoji because it represents connection and bringing different sides together. A bridge needs a strong structure and foundation in order to function and in the same way this bachelor builds a solid academic base that connects different disciplines,perspectives and ideas. It also symbolizes bridging theory and practice as well as linking people, places, and knowledge in meaningful ways.
Paula Hlad – YUFE’s Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies Student
