Delft Student Introduction Week (OWee)

The Delft Student Introduction Week (OWee) is an annual student-run organisation based in Delft, Netherlands, that coordinates the introduction week for approximately 4,000 new freshmen at Delft University of Technology. While its primary function is event management and student orientation, the organisation operates with a strong foundation in public relations and communications, serving the university community and its incoming students each August. Founded in 1973, the OWee has evolved into a structured, student-led initiative that relies on a yearly board of eight students to manage all aspects of the week-long event, from logistics and participant coordination to external relations and communication.

Who They Serve and How They Help

The Delft Student Introduction Week (OWee) primarily serves new students at Delft University of Technology, offering them a structured introduction to campus life, academic culture, and social networks. The organisation also supports the university itself by managing a large-scale public relations campaign aimed at welcoming freshmen and integrating them into the Delft community. Through its communications efforts, the OWee helps reduce student anxiety, fosters a sense of belonging, and ensures that thousands of incoming students receive clear, consistent information about schedules, activities, and safety protocols. The board works under the guidance of four permanent staff members—Sanne Gijsberts, Aileen van der Steen, Salomé Tiemersma, and Alex Lokhorst—who provide year-long support to ensure continuity and professional oversight.

Services and Specialties

While the OWee’s core service is event organisation, its public relations and communications functions are integral to its success. Based on its role and the needs of a large-scale student orientation, the organisation likely offers or coordinates the following services:

• Event communications and campaign management for large audiences
• Internal communications for student participants and volunteers
• Media relations and press coordination for university events
• Social media management and content creation
• Crisis communication planning for safety and logistics
• Brand messaging and identity management for the OWee programme
• Stakeholder liaison with university departments and local businesses
• Participant registration and information dissemination

Location and Operational Context

Based at 1 Van den Burghweg, 2628 CS Delft, South Holland, Netherlands, the Delft Student Introduction Week (OWee) operates in a city known for its technical university and vibrant student culture. Delft provides a compact, walkable environment that is ideal for a week-long orientation event, with historic squares, canals, and university buildings serving as venues. The organisation’s proximity to the university allows for close collaboration with academic and administrative departments, while the annual board structure ensures fresh perspectives each year. The 2025 board, led by Chair Niels Maring and Vice Chair & Head of Communication Madelief de Bruin, includes roles such as Secretary & Head of Participants Lars van Manen, Treasurer Rik Keulemans, Head of Acquisition Puck Boelens, two logistics coordinators (Inez van Winden and Annique Snow), and External Affairs Commissioner Koray Kramer. This team reflects the diverse skills required to manage a complex, high-stakes public relations event in the Netherlands.

Who the OWee Is a Good Fit For

The Delft Student Introduction Week (OWee) is best suited for incoming students at Delft University of Technology who seek a comprehensive, well-organised introduction to university life. It is also an ideal partner for university departments, local businesses, and sponsors looking to reach a young, engaged audience in the Netherlands. The organisation’s student-led model makes it a good fit for those who value peer-to-peer communication and grassroots event management. While not a traditional PR agency, the OWee demonstrates how public relations and communications can be effectively applied to large-scale community events, offering a blueprint for other student orientation programmes in the Netherlands and beyond.