TOP Week is the introduction week of all new students who will start their studies in Tilburg. The week is filled with various activities where you will immediately get to know Tilburg and its student life very well. Examples of activities are an opening festival, 013 Fair, Film Festival and the week will end with the TOP Cantus!

During TOP Week, you will be placed in a group of approximately 20 other students, based on your study program. This group will be guided by your TOP Mentors, who are usually second- or third-year students.

No, you can’t sign up with a friend. Everyone who participates doesn’t know each other, so TOP Week is the perfect opportunity to meet new people!

No, you don’t have to be 18 or older to participate in TOP Week. There will be an alternative program for participants under 18 during the TOP Cantus.

The answer is no. Hazing is a kind of initiation ritual that students go through in order to become a member of a student association. Hazing excesses such as are occasionally reported in other student cities (giving rise to all kinds of wild stories) fortunately do not occur at Tilburg University. There is no place for hazing in TOP Week. TOP Week is all about sharing information, getting acquainted with one another, and of course having lots of fun. 

TOP Week won’t be able to arrange a place for you to sleep. However, your mentors or someone else in your group may be able to help you find one.

Yes, you can join TOP Week later. You will be able to pick up your wristband at the TOP Headquarters at a different time instead of on Monday during registration.

The TOP application will be available approximately one week before TOP Week starts.

Yes, it is still possible to join TOP Week. You can pay with an international bank account.

During TOP Week you will get to meet your fellow students and together with them you experience what Tilburg’s student life has to offer. Throughout the week, your mentors will show you the way around Tilburg. This is a voluntary program, which you can sign up for and requires a participant’s fee.

The Study Program Introduction will introduce you to all the practical matters of your study at Tilburg University and is at the same time an introduction activity with your classmates. Participation in this program is expected from you and thus mandatory, as you will learn how to find your way around campus by e.g. learning how to register for courses and exams. 

The School to which your study program belongs will organize this introduction. You will receive an invitation for the Introduction from the faculty at Tilburg University where you will be studying or the International Office (Exchange Students). The Program Introduction will include an official welcome, a campus tour, and IT facilities introduction.

TOP Week is a voluntary program, so not every activity is mandatory. However, taking part in all activities will show you Tilburg in the best way possible!

Our alcohol policy is fully in line with Dutch law. This means that alcohol will not be sold to anyone under 18.

In addition, Stichting TOP has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. If you are caught using, carrying, or selling drugs, you will be banned from all our events and the police will be notified. In cases of suspected drug use, security staff are authorized to search you and may refuse you entry to an event.

In the event of serious medical problems caused by drug use, you should always call the Dutch emergency number 112. You will not be arrested, as drug use is not illegal in the Netherlands.

If you experience any inappropriate or harassing behavior during TOP Week or elsewhere, there are organizations you can turn to for support. In case of sexual violence, you can contact:

The police (112 for emergencies / 0900-8844 for non-emergencies)

Center for Sexual Violence: 0800-0188

All phone numbers are available 24/7. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.

In the TOP application, a confidential contact person (CCP) is available for confidential conversations.