For weeks, there was unrest among sixteen international student societies. Their shared workspace and meeting place on the Kanaalweg was in danger of closing down, forcing them to look for alternatives. That threat has been averted for the time being: the DUWO housing association has withdrawn its notice of termination. But there is little sense of relief.
The BASE at the Kanaalweg. (Photo: Sinan Keleştemur)
“Basically, the message is: you have to leave, but it’s still unclear when,” says Dániel Cserep, President of Erasmus Student Network Delft (ESN), one of the associations with an office at The Base. “We’re therefore continuing to actively look for alternative spaces, because it’s impossible to ignore these developments.”
Converting into a space for start-ups
The Base is part of the International House residential complex and is home to sixteen international student societies. In February, the landlord DUWO announced that the associations would have to leave by early 2027, as that part of the building was to be converted into space for start-ups.
On 16 March, a month after that announcement, DUWO reversed that decision by email. As soon as there is more clarity regarding the future of the building, DUWO intends to resume discussions with the societies “to reach a careful and appropriate resolution”, says a spokesperson. It is not yet known when that clarity will be achieved.
Logistical hub
According to Dániel, the potential loss of the offices would have serious consequences. “For many associations, this is a logistical hub,” he says. “Without that space, it will be much harder to organise activities, store materials and share information and knowledge between boards.”
Moving to commercial premises is not a realistic option for most associations. Only a small proportion receive financial support through university schemes such as the student support fund. Most associations rely on membership fees and occasional grants.
“Perhaps we could afford it for a year, but for many associations it’s simply not an option,” says Dániel.
Open letter
In February, the sixteen associations expressed their concerns in an open letter to TU Delft and the municipality. In it, they asked for help in finding affordable office and event space.
In response to this, the Student Council raised the issue with the Executive Board . Student Council Chair Guuske Kouwenhoven (ORAS) describes the associations as indispensable. “For students who come to Delft without a local network, these associations offer a place where they can feel at home and continue to develop.”
The council sees shared office spaces, similar to those in the StudentHub on campus, as a potential solution.
‘Not primarily the university’s responsibility’
During a meeting with the Student Council on 11 March, Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl said she understood that the loss of office space could pose a major problem for international associations. At the same time, she stated that it is not primarily the university’s responsibility to provide such spaces, although options are being explored.
The university is currently investigating what the associations need and whether suitable space is available elsewhere. Until a permanent solution is found, the associations will continue to operate ‘as usual’ from their offices on Kanaalweg for the time being.
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