Month: September 2014

De Daktuin, or the rooftop garden, opens every June and September on the top floor of the giant parking structure next to the library.

It’s student-built and student-run, and it’s got this kind of “green” and “sustainable development” vibe to it. They’ve got hammocks set up and seats and booths all around, with plenty of room to breathe even during peak hours.

You can find fancy organic dishes for sale (lots of couscous dishes), and when it comes to the drinks you can get craft beers on tap (like De Leckere, but I imagine it rotates each year) and craft sodas made with ginger and exotic fruit that definitely don’t grow in the Netherlands.

In the middle of the day it’s filled with people taking a coffee break. And if the students have something to celebrate (say, the end of an exam), then perhaps an early beer will replace the coffee. By the evening, De Daktuin is popping with students.

“Wesley, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you outside of class!”

Sometimes De Daktuin will host an activity in-between. Yoga workshops, live football matches on a projection screen, live concerts performed by students. A Dutch rapper came by once.

De Daktuin is one of my favorite places to meet up with someone. The rooftop affords a great view of the campus, and with the amount of people coming in there’s a good chance you’ll bump into someone you know.

There’s a lot of ambient noise from all the other students chattering about, but it’s not overwhelming that you can’t hear your conversation partner. You’re in a lively public place, but you and your friends can also retreat into your own cozy spot if you’d all like.

(Come to think of it, it’s a nice spot for a casual date).

When the month of June is over, the rooftop garden packs up and closes, just like how the students pack up and run off to places sunnier than the Netherlands. But no worries, de Daktuin will return once again.