Just started the (bio)chemistry program? Are you a bit overwhelmed by how quickly professors go through their PowerPoint presentations? Want to find out how student life in a dorm works? Would you like to know the best way to approach your courses? Then you’ve come to the right place! The first-year committee of Chemika (EJW) ensures that all first-year (bio)chemistry students get off to a great start in their student life. Activities such as How-To-University, a city game through Leuven, a picnic, and much more are specially organized for you. Be sure to check out our page as well! Future Students where more information is available about our first-year midweek, which takes place for all incoming (bio)chemistry students.
This year, there are seven of us enthusiastic people who want to guide you through your first two semesters. You can always come to us with questions, whether they are study-related or not!

Aylin Moran
Studies: 3rd year of the Bachelor’s program in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Hobbies: talking and laughing with friends
Favorite first-year course: Math I
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: chill night
Favorite spot on campus: Chemikalokaal / Alma qdv
What scared you the most as a freshman: mixing the wrong things during lab
Favorite EJW activity: Freshman Weekend, EJW campfire, or Alma3date (followed by volleyball, of course)
Arne Billast
Studies: 2nd-year Bachelor’s in Chemistry
Hobbies: Assistant referee (soccer)
Favorite freshman course: Math 1
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: chill night
Favorite spot on campus: Chemistry lab
What did you find most intimidating as a freshman: That almost everyone lived in student housing and I didn’t
Favorite EJW activity: Freshman Weekend, How-to-unief, bonfire night
Jolien Van den Dries
Studies: 2nd year of the Bachelor’s in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Hobbies: dancing
Favorite freshman course: Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: chill night
Favorite spot on campus: Alma Quadrivium
What scared you the most as a freshman: being late for a lecture, breaking something in the lab, and not being able to keep up with the course material
Favorite Freshman Week activity: Freshman Weekend and bonfire night
Ilani Janssen
Studies: 2nd year of the Bachelor’s in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Hobbies: drawing
Favorite freshman course: Fundamentals of Chemistry
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: Cantus
Favorite spot on campus: Alma qdv
What did you find most intimidating as a freshman: the first exam period, making a mistake in the lab
Favorite EJW activity: bonfire night, Christmas market
Jens Peeters
Studies: 3rd year of the Bachelor’s program in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
Hobbies: guitar
Favorite freshman course: bio-organic chemistry
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: chill night
Favorite spot on campus: Alma qdv
What scared you the most as a freshman: getting to know new people
Favorite EJW activity: bonfire night
Warre Michiels
Studies: 2nd-year bachelor’s in chemistry
Hobbies: kickboxing
Favorite freshman course: geology
Cantus, quiz, or chill night: chill night
Favorite spot on campus: Alma qdv
What did you find most intimidating as a freshman: first exam
Favorite EJW activity: freshman weekend