Maastricht University vs University of Amsterdam

Maastricht University is located in buildings in two separate locations in Maastricht. The arts, humanities and social science departments are housed in a number of historic buildings in the city center, while psychology, the medical and life sciences are based in the modern Randwyck campus on the outskirts of the city.

The University of Amsterdam has always been housed in old and new buildings scattered throughout the capital. The university lies within the largest megalopolis in the Netherlands, the Randstad. The campuses are scattered across city center, science center, academic medical center and Roeterseiland campus. 

UCM is a place where you not only develop your academic knowledge and skills, but you also get a chance to be part of a vibrant academic community. Students connect easily with other students and staff, aided by both a culture and a building that promote interaction and engagement in extracurricular activities. UCM hosts the diverse and engaging UCM study association, Universalis. This multicultural and multi-disciplinary student organization, run by UCM students, aims to offer its members academic and social development opportunities as a supplement to the regular UCM curriculum. Within Universalis there are fourteen different committees to provide UCM students with exciting initiatives and fun extracurricular activities.. Each committee takes care of a specific aspect of student life at UCM. For example, the Sports Committee organizes events that give UCM students the opportunity to engage in sports, the Party Committee hosts many thrilling parties every year, while the Politics Committee practices discussing delicate political topics and controversial issues in UCM's 'Tough Talks' and at the EuroMUN. 

Some hallmarks of Universalis' activities: the Universalis Ski Trip to France, a week full of ski and snowboard fun in the French Alps; hitch-hike trips to Bruges and Geneva, weekends of blind trips; and great parties in rented bars around Maastricht, dancing and socializing in different hilarious styles depending on the night’s theme.

The University of Amsterdam is a modern university with a rich history, providing a high-quality education in inspiring surroundings. The University is a world-class centre for research and teaching, and is committed to helping students think in an original, independent and academic way. The University is conveniently located in the heart of Amsterdam, overlooking the famous canals. Surrounded by history and culture, and within a short walk of the shops and restaurants in the city centre, the University of Amsterdam is the perfect base to enrich your student experience. The University of Amsterdam has many student associations catering to a variety of student needs including social clubs, career and study societies and cultural and sporting societies. ISN is an organisation run by Dutch students for international students studying in Amsterdam. Their goal is to optimize the social-cultural integration of international students into Dutch society. They organize weekly activities for students, provide information on housing and work, run a coaching and mentoring system and publish a magazine all about (student) life in Amsterdam. 

Kelly Weekers (Tv host, model), Sabine Uitslag (politician), Hanna Novosad (politician, activist, civil servant), Jean pieters (biochemist)

Khadija Arib (Dutch politician), Pim Fortuyn (businessman, author), Jesse Klaver (politician), Thierry Baudet (politician)