On the campsite, first-year students Mees and Tim are sitting in front of their rather large tent, taking it all in. “We made ourselves as comfortable as possible,” they say.

During the night, someone pulled a few tent pegs out of the ground. “I guess they thought it was funny,” Mees shrugs. It didn’t affect his sleep at all. Tim was also fast asleep when it happened. “We went back early yesterday. I was in bed by one o’clock.”

In the afternoon, student associations – ranging from social and sports to cultural and religious – organize all kinds of workshops on campus and in the city. From Bible study to a game of throwing bitterballen: there is plenty to choose from.

After the workshops, the All TU/egether Festival kicks off. Students who prefer not to party can instead watch a film program in the Zwarte Doos. Dinner is served by the student associations at the festival grounds.

It is clear that CIC has made an extra effort this year to draw in more staff members for All TU/egether. As the festival is just getting started, several groups of staff are already enjoying a beer together. Would they stop at just one drink, or try – like some first-years – to last until breakfast?

“It’s a weekday…” is the cautious response. Still, PhD candidate Matthijs Kleijer admits that ‘all-nighter Thursday’ could be the perfect excuse to skip a few Friday morning meetings.

After diner has come to an end, the festival transitions into the WordLid! party, which goes on until midnight. For those who still haven't partied enough, there is the traditional Doorhaaldonderdag. A calmer alternative is available in the Luna Underground, where students can play board games and join in on low-stimulus activities until early in the morning.

The diehards go straight from the party to breakfast at nine o’clock, served by the study associations. Despite the lack of sleep, spirits are still high. Those who have pulled an all-nighter mingle with the students who did manage to sneak in a few hours of rest.

Intro Week may now be over for the students, but not for CIC staff. They will spend the entire weekend dismantling everything, making sure the campus is ready for the upcoming Master Kick-Off.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.