First-year student Gema Profili Rossotto
lives on the University College Venlo campus
Studenthouses are more than just places to live. They form the backdrop to friendships, personal growth and memories that last a lifetime. In this series, members of the UM community share stories about special student houses. Their experiences show what makes 50 years of student life in Maastricht and beyond so unique.
“If I wanted to, I could roll out of bed and into the lecture hall within 15 minutes”
Even when she was still in secondary school, Gema Profili Rossotto (20) already knew she wanted to study abroad. She looked forward to literally pushing her boundaries and gaining new experiences. In August 2025, the moment arrived. She swapped South Africa for South Limburg and is now studying at University College Venlo. What makes it even more special is that she lives above the lecture hall.
What immediately appealed to Gema about the academic programme at University College Venlo (UCV) was the freedom to choose your own courses. “That way, you discover which field of study suits you best,” she explains. “My focus is on health, nutrition, sustainability and behaviour. Topics I find very interesting. I’m also super enthusiastic about problem-based learning. In small groups, you work under the guidance of a tutor, applying course material to real-life cases with plenty of room to ask questions. This way of learning really suits me because I enjoy interaction. I can’t imagine only attending lectures. Because we work closely within our tutor group, we get to know each other well. It feels a bit like a small community.”
Gema Profili Rossoto
Gema Profili Rossotto (20) was born in Spain and moved to Cape Town at the age of 5 because of her father’s work. After finishing secondary school, she chose to study at University College Venlo, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. She focuses on health, nutrition, sustainability, and behaviour, and is also active as a student ambassador for University College Venlo.
Private studio
Gema has her own studio above the lecture hall – right in the centre of Venlo, opposite the cinema and within walking distance of cosy cafés and restaurants. The building she lives in has 28 fully furnished studios, especially for first-year students. “My studio is about 16 m² and has a private bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink. I also have a kitchenette where I can cook. Recently, I invited some friends over for dinner. We had to squeeze in a little because the space is so small, but nobody minded.”
According to Gema, living in the university building is very convenient. “If I wanted to, I could roll out of bed and into the classroom within 15 minutes,” she says. “Some students actually do that, but I prefer taking my time to wake up and prepare for the day. I do notice that it’s harder to separate my studies from my private life because I’m always on campus. In September I’ll unfortunately have to move out of my studio, since I won’t be a first-year student anymore. So I’ll need to find other accommodation. Hopefully I can find a nice and affordable room quickly.”
Walking along the river
By now, Gema knows Venlo like the back of her hand and knows exactly where the hotspots are. “At first glance, it may seem like there isn’t much to do in Venlo. But that’s really not the case. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants, and you can also go to the cinema or a club. I like going for picnics in the park or walks along the river. I also regularly join activities organised especially for students. For me, it’s the perfect way to meet new people. That’s how I’ve built up a nice circle of friends.”
The biggest difference between Venlo and Cape Town, according to Gema, is how close everything is “The city centre is very compact. I can get everywhere by bike or on foot. In Cape Town, you always need to take a car or bus. Venlo is also a safe city. In Cape Town, as a woman, you shouldn’t go out alone in the city centre. But here, you can. That’s a big advantage for me.”
As for what she will do after finishing her studies at UCV, Gema is still unsure. “I might do a master’s, but I’m not sure yet in which field or at which university. My parents will soon be moving from South Africa to Spain, so there’s a good chance I’ll stay in Europe. For now, I’m keeping all my options open.”
Text: Martina Langeveld
Photography: Harry Heuts
