Deeply Involved in Student Life
Aneschka Berchtold and Chiara Wooldridge: “There’s something for everybody.”
“We are Aneschka and Chiara, both 22 years old, both Bachelor’s students – and both deeply involved in student life at the University of Zurich (UZH). We work at the Impulsfabrik, the center for student engagement. That means we help students who want to build their own projects or organizations. When people approach us with an idea, we assist in its implementation, giving advice and helping with concrete practical matters such as booking rooms or raising funds. We aim to be an approachable contact point where students can simply come and ask questions.
One of our key projects is the Activity Fair. Twice a year, we turn the Lichthof into a big platform where student organizations can present their work to other students. Stands, conversations, chance encounters – this is where the things we want to promote happen. It’s all about people coming together, making connections and maybe trying something new.
Another event we coordinate is the annual FV/StudOrg Day. This is when we invite members of student organizations and associations to exchange ideas and learn something new. After all, student associations are an important part of campus life.
A little bit of everything
The best part of our work is the people we interact with. Every week, we get to meet students who are truly passionate about something. There are associations for all sorts of things, including coding clubs, cultural organizations hosting events showcasing their home countries’ heritage, and groups focusing on specific interests – whether that’s aviation, crochet or dance.
Student organizations are places for community – and often, friendship. At the same time, there is so much to learn: how to organize, communicate, take responsibility.
Getting to see this variety and the vibrant culture on campus is highly motivating. When someone approaches us and says, “Thanks to your advice, we were able to make this event happen,” or “We found new members,” we’re pleased to see how our support makes a difference.
Study, work, volunteer
It isn’t always easy, of course. We’re balancing our own studies, our part-time jobs at the Impulsfabrik and our involvement in various volunteer projects within and beyond UZH. That requires good time management and flexibility. Luckily, we make a good team, not least because of our different fields of study: Chiara is a student of informatics, and Aneschka studies geography and political science. Our exam periods typically don’t overlap, so that means we can share the load when one of us has more on their plate.
Why do we care so much about student engagement? We believe that it is crucial to have a space besides your studies where you can try new things, unwind and connect with others. Student organizations are places for community – and often, friendship. At the same time, there is so much to learn: how to organize, communicate, take responsibility. And it all happens voluntarily, motivated by interests and passions – not grades or exams. You don’t necessarily have to form your own association or launch a major project; sometimes, investing a little bit of time is enough. There’s something for everybody to do beyond studying, and UZH has so much to offer.”