What is special about this newsflash?

You could better ask ‘what is not special about it’? It is the (fingers crossed) the final newsflash written during a moment during which our daily lives are still highly characterized by the pandemic. As such, it contains a sneak preview on how life will be when we return in September, through a report on the on-campus meeting with our first-years. This is also the first newsflash that illuminates the ways in which you can participate next academic year in urban studies organization. Read for example the interview with our almost graduated Juliette Brouwers on her role in the Programme Board. And what about the Programme Committee? Meet Jurriaan Witteman and read about what he and our programme committee (student) members do behind the scenes.

Readers with an appetite for some more intellectual content will not be disappointed. In an interview with our own Dr. Ksenia Fedorova, you will find out more about her work and the relation between art and life in the city. Remember our last booktip on the body and public space? Well, Ksenia brings in a whole new, yet related perspective, which stems from her research on artistic use of technology in its relatedness to our everyday life and public space. The book offers a great opportunity to deepen your critical reflection upon (city) life in a digital age!

In case you are looking for academic interaction and stop studying all by yourself, the Critical Urbanists offer you a great surrounding for further exploration of your intellectual interest. We are happy that this first official Astus Committee stirs intellectual debate and materializes its perfect combination with friendship and a positive social environment.

Another reason why we have called this a special edition is that we are looking forward to a great summer and a great come-back of and at Urban Studies in September – with our first graduation ceremony! In her interview on her role as board member, Juliette will share a bit on what she will do after Urban Studies. The most prominent reason for this to be a special edition is that it is the first edition brought to you by a newly formed editorial board, consisting of Dana Pokojna, Nienke de Bruin and Jetse Siebenga! Dana and Nienke did not hesitate when they saw the opportunity of becoming part of the editorial board and its been great fun to work on this together! When you are looking forward to become more involved in Urban Studies next academic year, don’t hesitate to reach out and who knows, will we see you next year as one of our closely involved students!