I’m Nico de Leeuw, and I’m 18 years old. I’m originally from Rotterdam in The Netherlands.

My main interest is the global climate crisis. At UCR I’m therefore thinking about the many different aspects of global climate. The social aspects of the climate crisis and its impact on society: Human Geography. Ways to tackle the climate crisis through new technological developments: Energy Transition. Why the climate crisis is a crisis and how exactly it affects ecosystems: Environmental Science. After UCR, I’m interested in continuing studies in Sustainable Development.

I came to UCR because I was interested in doing the interdepartmental projects, and UCR is the only UC that offers them. I also like the close community in combination with a small city. The community in Middelburg is amazing. I recognize people on the streets every single day. I also truly love living in Bagijnhof. We have multiple house dinners a week, host study sessions and vibe together with my housemates.

For me, the most amazing thing at UCR is the community. It’s amazing to see people taking their studies seriously and being active in class, and seeing the same people partying in the weekends. It is crazy to see how many people you get to know in such a short period in time.