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Should I stay or should I go? Big dilemmas every student faces

Chris Wind Campus Confessional

In the second episode of Campus Confessional, hosts Kevin, Sasha, and Thalassa dive into some ever-relevant dilemmas: should you stay in the Netherlands after graduation for better career prospects, or move back home to be closer to your family?

It’s a dilemma many international students face, and our trio offers an honest, heartfelt discussion based on their own plans, doubts, and cultural backgrounds.

Kevin opens up about his connection to Aruba and how remote work has given him the flexibility to stay open-minded about the future. Sasha shares her hopes of moving to Amsterdam (and her current Duolingo streak!), while Thalassa considers cities like Rome or Paris as potential new homes after graduation. All three reflect on what it means to build a life away from family, the importance of following your own path, and the bittersweet reality of living between cultures.

The second big dilemma this week? Budgeting vs. FOMO. Should you go out and enjoy student life to the fullest, or stick to a tight budget and risk feeling left out? The hosts offer practical advice, touching on getting part-time jobs, finding affordable activities, and—most importantly—communicating openly with friends about financial boundaries. They also unpack the challenges international students face in the Dutch job market, with a mix of humour and realism.

The episode also takes some fun turns as the trio shares their least favourite parts of student life (spoiler alert: student alcoholism and hangovers make the list), dives into the Groningen dating scene, and even reveals some of their favourite hidden gems around the city—from the cozy charm of De Uurwerker to a secret lemon tart spot and creative afternoons at Artsy Avenue.

With heartfelt moments, playful teasing, and a lot of laughter, this episode captures the essence of being young, confused, and trying to figure it all out. Tune in now, and don’t forget to send in your own anonymous dilemmas via the HanzeMAG International Instagram page!