From Day to Residential Student: Staying at UWC Maastricht

February 25, 2026

*In the photo are Tijn and Eko (a DP2 student who is not part of the interview)

For some students, the decision to move into residence comes from life changes. For others, it’s about wanting more independence, more connection or simply not wanting to leave UWC Maastricht behind. Tijn (DP2) and Kiko (DP1) both made the move from day to residential students. We asked them what that transition really felt like.

-What made you decide to move into residence?

Tijn:

“My dad moved away for work, so I had two options: restart somewhere else or stay here and finish the IB at UWC Maastricht. I’ve been here since MYP1, so basically all my close friends are here. It didn’t really feel right to leave in the middle of the Diploma Programme and start over.

There’s also advice in the IB that it’s better to complete DP1 and DP2 at the same school. But honestly, for me it was more about the people. I didn’t want to lose the community I’d built over the years. Staying and moving into residence just made more sense, academically and socially.”

Kiko:

“My dad had to move abroad for work but I really wanted to stay at UWC Maastricht for the Diploma Programme. Both my parents went to boarding schools and my older sister did as well. My brother was already in the Diploma Programme before me and would talk about residential life and it actually sounded fun. Once I understood more about what it’s really like, I was excited. It felt like a chance to stay at a school I care about but experience it in a completely different way.”

-What was it like in the first weeks of living on campus?

Kiko:

“It was definitely strange at first. You go from going to school every day to sleeping at school every day. During Welcome Week you meet so many people at once, it’s exciting but also overwhelming. Every day felt so long because so much was happening. But what surprised me most is how quickly it started to feel normal. Within a week, it felt natural to wake up here, eat here, study here, live here. It stopped feeling like ‘school’ and started feeling like home.”

-How has living in residence changed your daily life?

Tijn:

“The biggest difference is how close everyone is. If you have a test, there are always people nearby studying. You’re within 50 meters of friends who understand exactly what you’re going through. You don’t have to call someone and hope they pick up, you just walk down the hall.

In the evenings, there’s always something happening. We have board games, common rooms, sometimes we set up a projector and watch movies. The library is open late, the gym too. You can be social or you can focus on studying, both are easy because everything is right there.

It makes school feel less like something you attend and more like something you’re part of.”

-Did you have any concerns before moving in?

Kiko:

“I was mostly worried about two things: personal space and academics. I’m quite introverted, so I wasn’t sure how it would feel to always be around people. But you learn to find your own space. Even something simple like having a curtain around your bed makes it feel like your own mini-room. And there are plenty of quiet places like study rooms, the library, even just a walk outside.

Academically, you do have to be disciplined. You have to decide like ‘okay, from this time to this time I’m studying’ and stick to it. But I think that’s part of growing up. You start managing your own time and that’s a skill you’ll definitely need later in life.”

-Would you recommend moving from day to residential?

Tijn:

“If you get the opportunity, I would take it. There’s not really an equal to this experience. In university, it’s very different, people just come and go. Here, you’re part of a real community. You live with people who challenge you, support you and share the same academic experience.

You don’t just stay at UWC Maastricht. You become even more part of it.”

Considering the Day to Residential pathway?

Each year, a number of residential places become available for students who wish to continue their UWC Maastricht journey in Years 12 or 13. If you are simply looking for a more independent experience of UWC life, the Residential Programme may be the right next step.

This summer, the residential buildings at UWC Maastricht will undergo a full renovation, creating refreshed living spaces designed to better support student wellbeing and community life. Below, you can explore preview images of the renovated spaces and get a glimpse of what residential life will look like from the new academic year.

We encourage interested students and families to reach out early to our Admissions Team to explore the options, ask questions and learn more about availability and the application process. To find out more, please contact Admissions at residentialadmissions@uwcmaastricht.nl