It won’t be long now before the OWee begins. Starting on Sunday, Delft will be turned upside down for the 52nd time during the annual introduction week for prospective students. What is on the programme?
The Parade marches past barbecuing students. (Photo: Thijs van Reeuwijk)
Fun and a whole lot of information. That, in a nutshell, is what awaits the approximately three thousand participants from Sunday to Thursday. The OWee (short for “OntvangstWeek”, or welcome week) is the perfect opportunity for them to get to know their new home town from top to bottom.
All that while most participants will not be completely fresh at the start. On Sunday afternoon, they will have just completed a first-year weekend of two or three nights. But they will then receive two things that will undoubtedly wake them up: a mentor group with potential new friends and a wristband that gives them access to parties and all kinds of other activities.
The OWee traditionally starts with the Schiediner, where, as with many other parts of the programme, local residents are welcome. This vegetarian barbecue is also a first introduction to the social, culture and sports associations, which parade past the tables. Afterwards, the Opening Party will take place on the Aula car park.
- Read our article about the first fully vegetarian OWee in 2023: ‘It’s no more than logical that the OWee is completely veggie’
Rolling out your mat in the sports hall
For those who need some peace and quiet, there is a slow-paced programme every evening at the sports and culture centre X on campus. Those seeking tranquillity can enjoy activities such as painting, a candlelight concert or a campfire evening.
For some, X is also their place to sleep. Those who do not have a room, do not know anyone yet, or cannot or do not want to sleep in a fraternity house can roll out their mat in the sports hall.
- Delta visited the slow-paced programme at X last year: ‘It’s quite relaxing’
One thing you shouldn’t miss is the information market on Monday afternoon. Not only will the associations have a stall there, but also all kinds of other organisations that are interesting for students. At the same time, the latter can collect all kinds of free gadgets. The Delta journalists (the news website on which you are reading this article) will also be there, with tote bags and coffee mugs.
Want to see the full programme?
- You can find it in the OWee app or on the OWee Instagram page. Many associations also have special websites, and the OWee Instagram page also offers en overview of this.
- Don’t miss Delta’s social media and website either. Every day, we’ll publish a photo report of the previous day. So check to see if you’re in the pictures!
- Curious about Delta’s previous articles and photos? Check out our OWee & IP dossier.
Activities organised by the associations
The associations will start their programmes on Monday. They will organise activities every afternoon, and every evening the first-year students can eat and party there. There will be live performances, you can fight a beer mat war, go rowing or take part in pub quizzes. In addition, the central OWee programme will continue as usual.
- Last year, Delta joined the OWee tour of the campus’ best-kept secrets: ‘This may well be the only time you come here while studying here’
Well-being is a priority during the OWee. For participants, their mentors serve as a first point of contact if necessary. In addition, the organisation distributes a so-called well-being roadmap for people who encounter inappropriate behaviour, including sexual misconduct. You can also watch a stort video on this subject.
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Alcohol-free beer
As in previous years, the OWee organisation is doing everything it can to prevent alcohol abuse. For example, alcohol will only be served at five central programme components, only alcohol-free beer will be promoted, and there will be no alcohol before 5 p.m. The latter is TU Delft policy throughout the year, for both students and staff.
You may also be required to take a breathalyser test at the entrance to the major central parties: the Opening Party (Sunday), OWeekenings (Monday) and the Cantus Sing-Along (Wednesday). The large associations will also be standing by at the entrance with breathalysers. Minors (recognisable by their wristbands) who appear to have been drinking will not be allowed in. Their wristbands will be cut off. The next morning, they will have to report to the organisation at 9 AM for a meeting.
- Read more about the alcohol policy in this article from last year: ‘I saw how three wristbands were removed on just one evening. It was quite shocking’
Free second-hand shop
For those who still have energy left at the end of the week, there is something new this year: the Zero Waste market. For months, there has been a container at waste collection company Avalex where used household goods were collected. On Thursday, the organisation will be selling these goods in a free open-air second-hand shop near the aula to students and other Delft residents who are looking for a sofa or television. Or a bed, if they need to catch up on some sleep.
Introduction Programme for master’s students
The OWee is for bachelor’s students, but there are also many master’s students who are new to Delft. For them, like every year, the Introduction Programme is organised. This year, about 1500 people are participating. Occasionally, the paths of both groups of newcomers cross, for example at the Bike Sale on Monday and Delft’s Got Talent on Tuesday.
- New master’s students often come from abroad. Delta was there in 2024 when some of them bought a bike: ‘Is my bike not a touch expensive?’
Do you have a question or comment about this article?
s.m.bonger@tudelft.nl
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