- Intro
- 28/08/2025
Master Kick-Off in photos: from companies to drinks
The campus turned red earlier this week as nine hundred new master’s students arrived to get acquainted with the university during the Master Kick-Off. The two intensive days were packed with new friendships, networking opportunities, and (educational) challenges.
Monday
Lara Hofstra welcomed the students in the Markthal and emphasized that there are plenty of places within the university they can turn to for help. There may be difficult moments—personally or in their studies—but there is always someone willing to listen, said the diversity officer.
Right from the start, the master’s students got to know each other through a speed-dating activity. The Markthal buzzed with animated conversations. Every five minutes the students switched to a new conversation partner. A big screen displayed suggested questions to get—or keep—the conversation going. One of them was: “If you could relive one day from the past without changing anything, which one would it be?” Another: “If you could never fail at anything, what would you want to try?
Soon after, the campus fell quiet, as all master’s students left by bus to visit a total of 34 companies for tours, lectures, and interactive workshops.
At the High Tech Campus, students got a taste of the career opportunities ahead, catching some sunshine every now and then along the way.
The visit ended with a well-deserved drink. “With unlimited free beer,” master's student Dimitris said enthusiastically, before adding: “For twenty minutes.”
Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, students were introduced to their departments. At Artificial Intelligence and Engineering Systems, board members of Mimir introduced themselves. This study association was only founded in March and is dedicated solely to this master’s program, which spans seven departments.
At the end of the morning session, they handed out prizes to the group that won the Crazy 88 challenge. The winners received a bag of licorice—and the coveted Mimir mug.
After lunch, it was time to get down to business. Students were introduced to something they will encounter often in the next two years: Challenge-Based Learning. In small groups they worked on a variety of challenges, from creating light artworks to bridging the gap between innovation and defense.
One of Tuesday afternoon’s Master Challenge assignments came from the Ministry of Defense. There are many technological innovations that could benefit the armed forces. The students were asked to build a bridge between research and Defense. The challenge was set by Bas Klis, who in his work at the Ministry continuously looks for such innovations. “It’s not about weapons,” he emphasized, “but about support, such as logistics.”
Meanwhile, in the basement of Neuron, students presented their concepts for a light artwork to IGNITE, the student team known for its contributions to the light art festival GLOW. The challenge, called Light Storytelling, asked for a design that tells a story. One poster depicted a forest that emerges from nothing and comes to life, then is destroyed by a great fire, only to slowly revive again.
Wednesday
Day three was all about relaxing. At the Vibes festival, new students from across Eindhoven came together. Students from MBO, HBO, and TU/e celebrated with DJ La Fuente at the Stadhuisplein.
Discussion