The OWee in photos: the corona effect

On the small picture (right corner below) the TU Delft logo with in the background the entrance of the Basecamp, where mentor groups normally come together for breakfast and lunch. This year no Basecamp, but a Delft Community Terrace. OWee participants end the day with their group here. Delft residents are also welcome, after registration. The terrace is open until Sunday 23 August. Reservations can be made after 15:00 on the day itself.

Traditionally, the official part of the introduction week starts with the singing of the study association songs. Freshmen learn slogans like ‘Wij worden toch jouw baas (We will become your boss anyway)’ during the first year weekend preceding the OWee.
This year, it is all a little different. For example, the first year weekend now takes place online and after the introduction week, and besides that it is out of the question to get together in large groups to sing. Nevertheless, study association Curius (TPM) has found a solution. “We will teach the songs online during the first year weekend and will try to hype it up a bit during the physical OWee on the community terrace.”

Lunch with loud music in the background. While last year the Mekelpark was the central meeting place for mentor groups, freshmen now only cross the park on their way to their next destination: the information market at X or for drinks on the OWee Community terrace. 

At the site where Delft student associations presented themselves en masse last year, market vendors are now advertising their wares. This year, the information market takes place at and around sports and cultural centre X. Associations have their own stall there, just like every year, but what is striking are the differences. People have to keep a meter and a half distance from each other and because of Cabinet measures it is forbidden for associations to promote or register members. Associations therefore mainly approach members through social media.

On Sunday, the OWee normally kicks off with a big barbecue and a parade. Along the Schie there would be dozens of picnic tables surrounded by cheerful freshmen watching a parade of clubs passing by. This always attracts a lot of attention: not only students, but also Delft residents marvel at the rowing boats and trampolines on wheels. This year, the Oostsingel is deserted. Local residents enjoy the evening sun in their front gardens or on their balconies while associations present themselves online to the new wave of students.