Bonaparte is more than just debating: it’s a student association! This means making new friends – and social activities are the best way to get to know them better. Something is on the programme at least once a month.
Weekends away
Bonaparte goes on weekend trips at least twice a year. At the beginning of the year we host a first year’s weekend – though the name is misleading because many older members also come along. It is great for new members to get to know other newcomers. On the first-year weekend there is often a campfire, we play games and go to the beach. If we’re around a city we also go out.
We also go abroad at the end of the year: a city trip with your friends just you’d expect. We see the city, eat out and go experience the nightlife. Cities we have visited in recent years include Lille, Mechelen, Cologne, Antwerp and Ghent.
If you are lucky there is also weekend in the Netherland, sometimes very similar to the first-years’ weekend, but in the last few years we’ve done other themes such as hosting a Wie-is-de-mol? weekend (your faithful translators have no clue what that, probably a Dutch thing). A weekend full of games, deception and fun!
Gala, Christmas and Sinterklaas
The title says enough! We have special occasions throughout the year which we celebrate together. Each year we host a gala, which means that everyone puts on their fanciest clothes to eat together and party!
The Christmas dinner is perhaps even more fun, where everyone comes together on the last Friday before the Christmas holidays begin. Everyone has to dress as if they’re going to their family dinner. Everyone contributes some food and drinks, and fortunately Bonaparte has many good chefs.
Sinterklaas, a classic Dutch tradition, is also celebrated every year. Everyone brings a few small presents to play games and “roll the dice” to win. Some beautiful gifts and memories have been collected in recent years.
Other activities
Then there are many more small social activities throughout the year. A selection of the memorable moments include:
- Game nights
- Film nights
- Going out
- Running dinner
- Football tournament
- Museum trips
- Girls’ night
- Bowling