Multiple bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time: Eveline and Wessel show that it can be done

It was not intended

Eveline Koorevaar was not planning to do three bachelor's degrees at the same time. 'I started with two bachelor's degrees: Economics & Business Economics, and Law.' During her law studies, she came into contact with Tax Law. That turned out to be exactly the link she was looking for. 'Taxation plays a major role in both Law and Economics, it often underlies how things are structured. I think it's important to see and understand the whole of that.' Because the first year of Tax Law and Law overlapped, it was accessible to do this study on the side. What started as a deepening grew into three bachelor's degrees in three years.

Looking broadly from the start

With Wessel den Ouden it started earlier. Already in high school he visited open days and orientated himself broadly. 'I've always had an interest in a wide range of fields, including economics, law, and politics.' During the open day at EUR, he discovered the double degree in Economics and Law. Participating in being a "Student for a day" was the deciding factor.

The original plan was clear: two bachelor's and two master's in six years, as prescribed. But things turned out differently. In his first year, in the middle of the corona crisis, he took more courses than prescribed on the advice of his mentor group. 'It was a tough year that didn't go quite as planned, I only got 93 EC. The following year I picked myself up and Fiscal Economics was added.' In the end, he completed three bachelor's degrees in three years. This was followed by four master's degrees. 'Why choose when you can do it all?'

Puzzling and planning

Following several studies requires organisation, they both notice. 'You have to plan a lot, it's a puzzle,' says Eveline. Especially because her studies fell under different faculties. 'The months of December and June are really busy months in which everything comes together, with many exams in 1.5 to 2 weeks. That was really tough.'

She studied in a hybrid form. She followed Law and Tax Law part-time and watched lectures back. 'That gave me the space to spend the rest of the week working on Economics.' The disadvantage was that she had less contact with fellow students, something she is now catching up on in the master's.

Wessel also ran into the problem of coordination. 'Exams around Christmas and around the end of the academic year often fell in the same period. This led to a high study pressure.' Sometimes mandatory moments overlapped, then a solution often turned out to be possible in consultation.

Sleep, sports and social life

Following multiple studies does not automatically mean no life next to it. Eveline: 'I am really a morning person and I love to do a lot in the morning.' During busy periods, the nights were sometimes short, but she continued to work, play hockey and see friends and family. 'My social life has not suffered.'

Wessel stuck to structure. 'I always tried to get 7 hours of sleep a night.' He studied during the day during the week, also worked at the Hubo in Waddinxveen and consciously made time for relaxation. 'Sitting in the University Library (UB) every week, day in and day out or just studying for the idea of getting multiple degrees breaks you down in the long run.' He was also active in study associations and worked as a student ambassador, among other things.

What suits you

Is there a maximum number of studies you can combine? According to Eveline, this cannot be captured in numbers. 'It is especially important that you really like it, then you will get much further.' For Wessel, it depends on motivation and practical coordination. 'From a practical point of view, I think 3 bachelor's or master's degrees at the same time is the maximum.'

Both emphasise that interest is the key. Eveline also points out the importance of support. 'My parents and friends, for example, were very important in this. Something very simple: when I was very busy, my parents brought the food. I was also encouraged by them. You have to realise that this is very valuable. I also really admire people who don't have that.'

She hopes this article inspires others. 'Perhaps there is an image attached to it that you no longer have a social life if you do several studies and that can stop people. But it doesn't have to be that way at all.' Wessel joins in with a clear message: 'I have done what I like and find interesting and recommend it to you too.'