Student story Leco

“I want to come up with solutions for the overloaded electricity grid, while we work to a fossil-free society.” Bachelor student Enviromental Sciences Leco already knew in highschool that he was interested in environmental topics. Although moving away from his hometown was a tough decision, Wageningen turned out to be the perfect place to persue his interests.

“It all started in high school.” I often say when people ask why I chose to study Environmental Sciences. I enjoyed geograpgy and biology, and I realised I was good at bèta courses. When I started exploring my options during my final year, I noticed something: all the programs that interested me fell within the same field – Earth and Environment. “That can’t be a coincidence,” I thought at the time. 
My interest didn’t stem solely from school. “I always found news about climate change, extreme weather, deforestation, and technical innovations incredibly interesting.” On top of that, I had a remarkable political interest, even more so than my parents. Choosing Environmental Sciences therefore quickly felt like the logical step.

It didn’t take long for me to decide on Wageningen. During the Open Day, the campus felt “exciting and right,” as if I would feel at home immediately. A month later, I shadowed an Environmental Sciences student for a day. The lectures were interesting and even tied in with the material I remembered from high school. That’s when I know: this is the place for me. 
The biggest challenge? Moving from Zeeland to Wageningen. “A one-way public transport trip took 4.5 hours, so moving into student accommodation was the only option.” It was a though decision, as I’m very attached to home. I was quite homesick during the first months. Studying, cooking, grocery shopping – it all hit at once. “Fortunatley, I had an old classmate as a housemate whom I could always turn to.” It wasn’t until I started a relationship that I began traveling back and forth to Zeeland less frequently.

Alongside my studies, I enjoy swimming and going to the campus gym. I also often cook and eat with my housemates and regularly have fun evenings and parties. What do I lika about Wageningen? “It is small and friendly; you run into everyone, and you can make it as busy as you want.” That’s ideal for someone who doesn’t like the hustle and bustle of the city.

In the future, I hope to work in a diverse team where my broad knowledge contributes to creating solutions – at a consultancy company, a chemical company, or a governmental agency. I am particularly drawn to the energy transition. “I want to come up with solutions for the overloaded electricity grid, while we work to a fossil-free society.”

My top tip for prospective students: “Look at what really interests you, not just what comes easy for you.” Attend open days, compare programs, and make lists. That’s how I found my program – and perhaps you’ll find yours to.