Each student’s experience in the Master’s in Urban Management and Development at IHS is different. As they navigate through the programme, they encounter new ideas, challenges, and perspectives that help shape their understanding of urban issues. In this student reflection, Vasiliki shares her experiences at IHS so far, reflecting on the Urban Data Analytics 2 and her thoughts on studying in Rotterdam.
Meet Vasiliki
Vasiliki moved to the Netherlands from Athens, Greece, to pursue a Master's in Urban Management and Development. With a background in architecture, she spent two years working at architectural firms before relocating to the Netherlands. Now based in Rotterdam, she's embracing student life again as part of the Urban Housing and Land Justice track at IHS.
Changing perspectives
Before joining IHS, Vasiliki gained experience in design and planning within the architecture field. Over time, her growing interest in the broader aspects of cities and urban development led her to pursue a master’s in Urban Housing & Land Justice. In recent months, she has gained a deeper understanding of how land itself forms the foundation of any housing project. This shift in perspective has transformed the way she thinks about urban development, making her see the invisible forces, such as policies, ownership rights, and accessibility, that shape the built environment long before architects step in.
Vasiliki explains: "The thing I really like about the specialisation is that we're really talking about the land, which is something that we never think about, but it's actually the one prerequisite for having housing."
UDA2 and Housing in Rotterdam
Understanding how cities work involves more than just numbers. Qualitative research allows us to capture the lived experiences and complexities that shape urban life. This process provides a more holistic understanding of cities, offering insights that quantitative data alone cannot fully capture.
At IHS, the Urban Data Analytics 2 (UDA2) course introduces students to these qualitative methods, equipping them with the skills to analyse the social dimensions of urban development. Taught towards the end of the first block, UDA2 focuses on qualitative data collection and analysis, teaching students to design research, conduct interviews, and interpret their findings.
This year, Vasiliki and her classmates tackled a project exploring student housing in Rotterdam. They examined the challenges students face in securing accommodation, as well as the various factors influencing access to these markets by conducting interviews. The findings were then analysed using Atlas.ti, a qualitative data analysis software, which helped students strengthen their coding and analytical skills.
For Vasiliki, UDA2 offered a fresh perspective on qualitative research, particularly on the ethical dimensions of research. Moreover, Dr. Bahar Sakizlioglu’s use of real-world cases to explain the theories presented made the course a valuable experience, one that will be particularly helpful for those using qualitative methods during the thesis period later this year.
Rotterdam by bike
Now living in the western part of Rotterdam, Vasiliki has come to love the city for its "chaotic beauty." She describes how the diverse architectural styles and urban spaces blend unexpectedly yet intriguingly, giving Rotterdam a unique character. True to Dutch culture, cycling has become Vasiliki's preferred way to explore the city. She enjoys discovering Rotterdam at her own pace, often stopping at local cafes for coffee.
Words of advice
Reflecting on her experience, Vasiliki encourages prospective students to approach their studies confidently. She emphasises the importance of confidence, urging students to trust in their existing knowledge. When she first arrived, Vasiliki felt uncertain about her abilities, However, as time passed, she realised she already had a solid foundation and wasn't starting from scratch.
What's very unique about Rotterdam is the fact that it's a new city. It has different urban fabrics touching each other from very different styles and periods. I think this makes it a bit chaotic, but also very special.
Vasiliki Apostolaki
