'Ingewikkeled' means 'complicated': and I'm pretty sure it's the favorite word of any bureaucrat and/or administrator here in Belgium (is there a difference?).
There was a rough and pothole strewn road for applying to university here, however, in hindesight it's looking like freshly paved asphalt in comparison to actually getting registered for and into any classes.
I suppose the problems started with being mis-enrolled: they didn't put me into a sub-category in the Master of Physics. So, my Flemish speaking shield (Philippe) came with me to the registrar's office. Four or so hours later, I'm re-enrolled as part time in my correct subfield. The registrar almost sent me back to the International Office for papers saying that my visa is longer than the time to do a degree on part time, thus I can do part time. But thanks to the power of tears (or near tears) and Philippe fast talking in Dutch, my registrar called my International Office worker and Lenny made things happen. I really like Lenny.
I didn't cry, didn't have to curse afterwards AND everything got fixed. By far, the best registrar's office visit of my entire life. We went and got a drink in the sunshine to celebrate the momentous occasion.
After that I had to wait 48 hours so that the courses in the Masters of Physics open for selection (because you can take some remedial courses, thus, you have to wait for a longer time?). This isn't a 'just me' requirement, it's for all students taking masters programs. WEIRD. Before you can submit your class selections (ISP) you must choose your exam times. This examination selection portion doesn't open until the 4th of October. These things are DUE by the 12th of October. It's... ingewikkeled. I don't understand how every registrar's office can make such a simple thing as choosing classes so complicated. It should be a judged art form.
My selection of classes and examinations have been in since the 6th, but I've no idea how to tell if it's been approved. I'm hoping it'll all work out and I won't have to go through the 'you didn't submit your ISP on time' paperwork. It sounded unpleasant. I'll try and hope harder.
Finding the classes has been relatively easy, except that class that's in the classroom in the middle of 'children's radiology' in the giant hospital just outside the ring of the city. Yeah... that was a doozy to find. My class schedule said 'Audiotorium Baerts (kinderradiologie gasthuisberg)' and the online class directory had no helpful information. So, I figured that the classroom would be with other classrooms in the giant complex that is the Gasthusiberg hospital. WRONG. After searching until my class supposedly started, I got desperate and asked the librarians if they had a map or knew of the location. They looked it up and tried to give me directions to the front desk who could help me actual find it. 20 minutes of following a student that took pity on me I end up at the front desk having passed people with oxygen tanks and gauze over any body part imaginable. It's a real hospital. And the front desk's directions led me to... a real classroom next door to the waiting room for children to get x-rayed. Accepting this as my classroom is okay, but I'm still left with the question: why is it even THERE in the hospital at all? Mystery!
Textbooks are another story, and I'll tell it once I've found the ending.
