How Vuk won a spot at TU Delft computer science

Vuk started thinking about universities in October. By April he knew where he was going: Computer Science and Engineering at TU Delft.

He came through a highly competitive high school while winning national medals in math and rowing. He wanted a forward-thinking environment, a strong IT program, and some adventure. He had a general interest in the Netherlands. Planning and research turned it into a choice.

Student snapshot

• Origin: Serbia
• Target: Computer Science & Engineering
• Spike: National medals in math and rowing
• Outcome: Admission at TU Delft (Netherlands)

Equedu: Medals in math and in rowing. How did that mix prepare you?

Vuk: It definitely gave me a strong foundation, but maybe not in the way people expect. Aside from the medals, I actually think my biggest success was managing to live a pretty relaxed, carefree life while going to a very rigorous high school.

That environment gave me a great base in math and English, so the entrance exams weren't a shock. But the real lesson was learning how to balance work and life. I didn't let the academic pressure consume me, and I tried to keep that same calm mindset when I started my university applications.

Equedu: At first you were unsure about the country and the major. How did you choose TU Delft?

Vuk: Honestly, at the start, I had a lot of question marks. I knew I wanted a top-tier university, and I had this gut feeling that I liked the Netherlands, but I didn't really have the facts to back it up.

That is where Equedu made the difference. It wasn't just about picking a random school from a list; they helped me make an actual, informed decision. We sat down and looked at the reality: the Netherlands is a major tech hub in Europe, and many of the world's biggest IT companies started there.

They helped me see that TU Delft wasn't just a "good school," but the perfect launchpad for the career I wanted. They turned my intuition into a solid strategy, so I wasn't just guessing anymore. I was choosing with confidence.

The Dutch application window is one of the earliest in Europe, and the Studielink portal opens in October. Applicants who start the dossier in October arrive in May with time to refine. Applicants who start in March arrive at the deadline with what they have. Vuk started in October.

Equedu: Many students find the paperwork frightening. How was it for you?

Vuk: To be honest? I barely felt it. If it weren't for Equedu, I probably wouldn't have even applied on time. The most important thing was that you guys pushed us to start thinking about universities way back in October. I’m someone who likes to do things on time, so being months ahead of every deadline felt great.

Whether it was organizing the documents or helping me handle the formal communication with the university, having that support meant the process went from "scary" to completely painless.

Equedu: How did the acceptance feel?

Vuk: It’s hard to describe. In a split second, you fast-forward time. You start visualizing what life will look like when classes start, and you also get a little hit of nostalgia for everything you’re leaving behind.

But mostly, it was just pride and a huge sense of relief. Standing at a crossroads in life is stressful, but knowing exactly where you are going as early as April is a luxury. It gave me the peace of mind I really needed.

"I view studying at a prestigious modern university... as one big field trip. There is a lot to learn, sure, but who doesn't love a field trip?"

Equedu: What are you looking forward to in the Netherlands?

Vuk: Living on my own in a new country sounds incredibly exciting right now. I can’t wait to meet people from different cultures and find other students who are into the same things I am.

I look at studying at a modern university and working on futuristic projects as one big "field trip." Sure, there is a lot to learn, but come on. Who doesn't love a field trip?

Equedu: What would you tell younger students?

Vuk: First, choose a faculty that fits you, one you can actually picture yourself finishing. Second, always have a Plan B. For me, a university in Sweden was the backup if the Netherlands didn't work out. Apply to a second option so you aren't left hanging.

And finally: Listen to your mentors. I knew almost nothing when I started, and it all sounded complicated. But with the right guidance, it turned out to be much simpler than I expected.