GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

cool Places and activities tHat Will HelP You socialize

Writer: Natali Petrova

Designer: Mila Engering

Unfortunately, not everyone is born to be a social butterfly in this life. Some of us enjoy spending our weekends in the warmth and comfort of our beds. However, sitting alone in our room will definitely create an unsettling feeling of alienation. More often than we care to admit, finding the courage to go out and meet new people is hard. We all have our moments as outsiders but sometimes the best way to get away from the dark corner is to go out, and try our luck by wandering around the city, looking for intriguing people who may transport us in a more comfortable environment. Do you recognize yourself as one of those people? It’s alright, because this article aims to pull you out of your eggshell and show you some cool places and activities that will help you blossom again.

We went around the university to ask our co-students about their favourite places to go and activities to do in the city of Breda. Why, you might ask. Because we know there’s no better research than first-hand experience!

The Thrilling Hub

Pier 15 is a unique and dynamic place that offers a diverse range of activities and events. This multipurpose venue is home to a chill bar, basketball court and skatepark, making it the perfect spot for adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts. Additionally, the venue features a bar where visitors can relax and socialize after a long busy day. Pier 15 also hosts multiple events throughout the year, including live music performances and art exhibitions, which attract a diverse crowd of people. The skatepark’s event calendar is regularly updated, and visitors can check the Pier 15 website or social media pages for information on upcoming events. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to hang out, Pier 15 is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an active and vibrant experience.

Get Lost in Nature’s Beauty

Mastbos and Park Valkenberg are two scenic destinations that offer a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences. Mastbos is a historic forest that features hiking and cycling trails, lakes, and ancient trees. Visitors who enjoy nature will appreciate the diverse range of experiences that Mastbos offers. Park Valkenberg, on the other hand, is a scenic city park that features flower gardens, walking paths and a lovely cafe. This beautiful green space is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking to have a picnic with your friends or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, Mastbos and Park Valkenberg are two enchanting destinations that offer beautiful escape for outdoor enthusiasts in Breda.

Where Fun and Friendship Meet on Ice

Kunstijsbaan Breda is a super cool indoor ice rink that attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. No matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced skater, you’ll love the excitement of gliding on the ice. It’s a lively place where you can make new friends and have a lot of fun with your old ones too. They even have ice hockey and curling tournaments, which makes it even more exciting! If you’re looking for an unforgettable skating experience in Breda, you simply can’t miss out on Kunstijsbaan. Don’t be afraid to take a tumble, there will always be someone to give you a hand, trust me! Exploring the city is one of the best ways to spend your free time as a student. Whether you’re into trendy cafes, cultural events, or outdoor activities, there’s always something exciting to discover. But what if you’re looking for more than just a fun experience? What if you’re looking for a community that shares your interests and passions? That’s where BUas comes in. With a variety of clubs and events, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and dive deeper into your hobbies and interests. So, let’s take a look at some of the fantastic clubs you can join and start building those connections!

Leomund’s Tiny Club

Leomund’s Tiny Club is the perfect place for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and explore new worlds. Their community is centered around tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPG), where you can create a character and embark on an immersive journey through a world created by a game master. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, they welcome players of all experience levels to join them in a low-pressure and inclusive environment. But they’re more than just a group of TTRPG enthusiasts – they’re a society that values diversity and inclusivity. At Leomund’s Tiny Club, they welcome players from all walks of life and prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can feel welcome. Whether you’re interested in trying out new and experimental TTRPG systems or just looking for a fun and engaging way to spend time with others, they’re here to help you on your journey.

Poetry Club

You’ve got an artistic soul? The Poetry Club is a space where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of poetry and explore your own creative potential. The club members’ focus is on reading and discussing poetry that resonates with them, whether it’s a wellknown classic or an undiscovered gem. And if you’re a budding poet yourself, you’re more than welcome to share your own work with the group. Their meetings are a place to connect with others, exchange ideas, and support each other’s artistic growth. And with a new prompt for writing your own poetry each time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hone your skills and explore new creative avenues. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or just starting out, the Poetry Club welcomes all with an open heart and mind. So why not join them for their bi-weekly meetings on Mondays from 5-7 pm and discover the power and beauty of poetry for yourself?

Airplane Modelling Club

If you’re looking for something even more distinctive, you can check out the Airplane Modelling Club that is all about the wonder and excitement of flying model airplanes. Using free-flight rubber-powered models weighing 3 grams or less, members of the club gather in the Chapel to watch their planes soar through the air for over a minute at a time. Powered by tightly wound rubber strips, these planes are truly a sight to behold as they twist and turn in the air. At their meetings, they time their flights with stopwatches and strive to keep their planes in the air for as long as possible. However, it’s not just about watching – they also welcome anyone who wants to try their hand at building their own model airplane. Building these planes is a patient and precise process, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And when your creation takes flight for the first time, the sense of accomplishment is truly exhilarating. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious about the world of model airplanes, the Airplane Modelling Club welcomes all with open arms. So come join them and discover the joy of flight for yourself – who knows where it might take you!

There are plenty of fun activities and places for BUas students to explore in the city, and even more opportunities to get involved on campus through various organizations. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the university’s events and activities by visiting the student portal, clicking on “Community Organization” in the top middle, and then selecting “BUas Community.” From there, you can scroll down to find out about the latest events on campus. If you’re not sure which BUas Club is the best match for you, don’t hesitate to do the following quiz and find out. So, what are you waiting for? Get involved and make the most out of your time.