Diepenbeek (Eurotoday) – Student life in Diepenbeek is once again buzzing with excitement as the third consecutive election week unfolds, driven by rising student enthusiasm. The Renikéa student association is in the process of selecting a new board, with voters casting their ballots under sunny skies while enjoying refreshing beverages.
For five straight weeks, student associations across Limburg organize an “election week,” featuring daily events such as beer pong tournaments, traditional cantus gatherings, themed bars, and Thursday’s signature TD (Technische Dienst) parties.
Stijn de Geest, this year’s praesidium candidate for the Renikéa association, is overseeing the smooth execution of all festivities. These elections attract widespread student participation, thanks in part to affordable drink offerings—beer and soft drinks for just one euro, and cocktails for two—made possible through partnerships with companies like AB InBev.
“You have five weeks where associations organize their own election weeks. Every day brings something unique: beer pong, cantus, fakbars, and TDs on Thursdays,” de Geest explains.
“This week, my job is to make sure everything runs like clockwork. I bear the final responsibility,” he adds. “While associations have deals with companies like AB InBev to keep prices low, we handle extras—like our Aperol stand—on our own.”
UHasselt (Hasselt University) fronts the costs of the event logistics, which are later reimbursed by the participating student associations.
“The profits we generate help fund events throughout the academic year,” says de Geest.
Today’s schedule includes a beer pong tournament, which is expected to involve a fair amount of alcohol.
“You choose when to come and participate. The sun is shining, and it’s tempting to relax here. That often goes hand-in-hand with enjoying a beer or cocktail,” de Geest notes.
Safety remains a top priority for the organisers.
“We have security at the entrance every night to stop intoxicated individuals from entering. Party leaders also patrol the area to prevent accidents around the canal and ensure everyone gets home safely,” de Geest explains.
With temperatures expected to hit 27 degrees Celsius in Diepenbeek this week, student associations are embracing the warm weather.
“The meadow will be packed—not just with students, but locals too. That makes it even more enjoyable,” he adds.
But organizers are conscious of the risks that come with combining heat and alcohol.
“We’ve provided popsicles and received sponsorship for sunscreen. Parasols have also been arranged to offer plenty of shade,” says de Geest.
“If needed, we’ll move activities indoors,” he concludes.
What Past Incidents Have Shaped Current Safety Protocols?
Over the years, past incidents during Limburg’s student election weeks have led to stricter safety protocols. One particularly alarming case involved a student being hospitalized due to excessive alcohol intake during a beer pong competition. This prompted associations to implement drink limitations and enhance on-site security.
In the same year, multiple incidents of intoxicated individuals falling into nearby canals were reported, leading to the introduction of patrolling party leaders to monitor high-risk areas.
University medical personnel, working alongside local law enforcement, have previously intervened due to reports of disturbances during election events. In one instance, a cantus had to be temporarily shut down by public officials due to overcrowding and noise complaints.
As a result, all student associations must now secure permits that include crowd limits and designated end times. The requirement for ID checks at entry points was also introduced after damage was caused by non-students during a 2022 event.
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