VU Master’s and pre-Master's Introduction Days for new international students

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required.

Location: Aula, VU Main Building (De Boelelaan 1105)

Studying at a new university in a different country can be quite a transition. During How to Make it at VU you can attend a variety of sessions that will help you to swiftly adapt to a new cultural and academic environment. Gain insights into Dutch culture and history, learn some Dutch basics, discover how to stay safe while cycling in Amsterdam, and hear practical tips and experiences from current students.

The sessions are divided into a morning and an afternoon programme, with approximately an one-hour lunch break in between. Doors open from 10:00 onward. 

Morning Progamme: 10:30 to 12:00 

The Story of the NL: Amsterdam

Learn everything there is to know about Amsterdam and Dutch culture. In this educational show with jokes, comedian and city guide Luuk van der Vaart uses history to explain the rules of your new home. Starting with, who has the right of way?

Student Panel 

Meet our student panel and get an honest insight into student life at VU Amsterdam. Current students will share their experiences, tips, and advice, and are happy to answer your questions.

Bike Safety 

Learn the essentials of cycling safely in Amsterdam during our bike safety presentation, covering local traffic rules and practical tips for getting around the city.

Afternoon Programme: 13:00 to 14:30

Erasmus Student Network

The board members of ESN will introduce themselves and will share how ESN can help you make the most of your international student experience at VU Amsterdam. 

ESN VU Amsterdam is part of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), one of Europe's largest student organizations aiming to support international students. Throughout the year, ESN organises a wide range of activities, from social events, to cultural programmes and trips.

Social Safety and Wellbeing

At VU Amsterdam, creating a supportive and safe environment for international students is our priority. In this session, you will learn about the available support services and how our Social Safety and Wellbeing Teams work on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere on campus.

Crash course Dutch by Koentact

With endless energy and a big dose of humor, this crash course Dutch will leave you with a smile on your face. After attending the crash course, you'll master some Dutch essentials, like nailing the infamous 'ggg' sound, ordering a drink, and faking your way through a Dutch conversation.

Registration: Free of charge. No registration required, except for municipal registration. 

If you need to register with the municipality of Amstelveen (students living on Uilenstede), please book a timeslot via the registration link you will receive in newsletter #2 (registrations open from 31 July 2026). Timeslots start at 09:00, one hour before the walk-in starts.  

Location: Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen (VU Sports Centre)

Walk-in between 10:00 and 16:00

The Practical Matters Days offer you the perfect opportunity to easily arrange practical matters in a short period of time: registering with the municipality (Amstelveen only), arranging health/liability insurance, opening a bank account, or ask your questions to someone from the International Office. You can also pick up your student card here.

The following organisations will be present at Practical Matters day:

• Municipality of Amstelveen - check the information under 'registration'
• Bank: ABN Amro
• Aon Insurance
• Inscape.Health
• GVB
• Trade Bikes & Fietsersbond: Buy a second-hand bike on the spot and practise your cycling skills on a practice parcours set up by volunteers from the Fietsersbond.
• VU NT-2 Dutch courses for students
• VU Student card pick-up
• VU Student Desk
• VU General Practitioner
• VU Immigration department
• VU Housing department
• VU International Student Advisors
• VU Exchange team

For more information about your arrival as a degree student you can check this page. 

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required for some activities.

Location: Aula & Foyer, VU Main Building (De Boelelaan 1105) 

10:00 – 11:00 Word of Welcome

The day will begin with a warm welcome from Jeroen Geurts, Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam. This will be followed by a talk from Erik Scherder, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, known for his research on the importance of movement, particularly in relation to education and daily life.

After the opening session, you will have the opportunity to explore VU Amsterdam and meet fellow students through a variety of activities.

11:00 – 16:00 Get to know the campus

During the day, you can take part in different activities across campus, visit the information market, join a guided tour, or participate in a social activity.  

More details and specific times about the programme of this day will be announced soon. 

Information market

Pass by our information market where you can find several student associations and organisations and other services VU has to offer.

VU Library tours

Sign up for one of our Library Tours to learn everything the VU Library has to offer during your time in Amsterdam. Several slots available. 

After this tour, you know: 

• How to find and access the books and articles you need for your studies; 
• Where the best study places are; 
• Which inspiring and fun social activities are offered throughout the year in the Library Lounge. A great way of meeting new friends! 

VU Campus tours 

Sign up for a guided tour around campus where you will discover the campus in groups. Several slots available  

Social programme

More details about the afternoon programme will be announced soon. 

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required.

Location:  PONG Bar, Jan van Galenstraat 315 Amsterdam

19:30 - 23:30

Come join us for a night at PONG, Amsterdam's coziest ping pong bar. Play a few rounds of ping pong matches, throw some darts or head over to the karaoke room if you dare to sing. There will be a live DJ playing some great music throughout the night, so you might even end up on the dance floor with new people and great vibes. Beverages are at your own expense. 

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required.

Location:  Various locations across the city of Amsterdam

From 11:00 onward - depending on your slot

During the city day, you can take part in a scavenger hunt around the city and pair it with either a visit to the Rijksmuseum or a Canal Cruise in Amsterdam - you will have to choose between one of them, both Rijksmuseum and Canal Cruise is not possible. At the end of the day, we will all come together for a relaxed meet-up. You sign up for each activity individually, and groups will be formed based on the selected activities.

Scavenger hunt 

Explore Amsterdam like never before! Get ready for an exhilarating quest through the enchanting canals, charming streets, and hidden gems of this vibrant city. Unleash your inner detective and embark on a thrilling journey as you solve riddles, follow clues, and uncover the city's best-kept secrets!

Sharpen your mind and gather your team for a brain-teasing adventure. By deciphering cryptic clues, you will have to find your next destination. Reveal Amsterdam's rich history and culture as you explore its world-famous landmarks.

The scavenger hunt lasts a max. of 2 hours (you will walk a max. of 2,5 km) and has several starting points. Your starting time, group and starting location will be emailed to you.  

Canal Cruise

With a boat you will guide through the iconic canals of Amsterdam. Get a fresh perspective of the city from the water and uncover its rich history in the most scenic way possible.

Rijksmuseum (national museum)

Step back in time and experience the captivating stories of ancient civilisations and majestic artworks in the Rijksmuseum. Wander through stunning galleries that house centuries-old masterpieces, and get inspired by renowned artists.

The Rijksmuseum visit lasts a max. of 2 hours. Your starting time, group and exact meeting location will be emailed to you. 

Meet up 

After a full day of exploring the city of Amsterdam, it's time relax and enjoy the rest of the afternoon or even the evening if you like! We selected two locations in the city center that we think will be the perfect place for having a drink or some food together with your group: Belushi's and Hannekes Boom. Here you will be reunited with the students from other groups as well.

Together with your group of the day, you can go to the meet-up location assigned to your group. This location will be emailed to you. Drinks and food are at your own expense.

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required. 

Location: Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen (VU Sports Centre)

Walk-in between 13:00 - 17:00

During the Fit & Fun Day you can participate in a variety of activities, from sports to improvisation sessions and more. You need to sign up for the day, but you do not need to sign up for a specific sport or session, everything is available on a walk-in basis. On the day itself you’ll find a schedule listing all the activities, so you can join any class or session you like. 

You can expect sports such as kickboxing, boxing, yoga, pole dance, Zumba, soccer, fencing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, martial arts and more.

In addition, there will be outdoor games, music, salsa workshops, beach chairs, improvisation sessions, barbecue and other food options so you can make the day as sporty or relaxing as you wish. Food and drinks are at your own expense.

Registration: Costs are 8 euro excl. service fees. Registration required. 

Location: Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234A, Amsterdam

22:00 - 05:00

The international introduction week will be closed off in style with a party at Melkweg, located in the city centre of Amsterdam (Leidseplein). In one of the newsletters you will find the link for purchasing your ticket. 

After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a QR code via e-mail. To enter the party, you must pick up your wristband on either:

• Monday 24 August during the Fit & Fun day between 13:00 - 17:00 OR
• Tuesday 25 August at the entrance of VU Amsterdam between 11:30 -14:30 

Important information: For picking up your wristband you need to bring your QR code and ID. Without this wristband you cannot enter the Closing Party. Tickets are registered on your name and non-transferable, meaning they cannot be resold. 

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction is not intended to introduce you to your study programme and faculty - that is what the specific study programme introductions are for. This introduction is free of charge, and more information is available via your study programme or faculty.

International master’s and pre-master’s students starting their degree programme in the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year, and who have completed their previous education abroad, will automatically receive our newsletters. These newsletters will provide important updates, including the link for registration for activities.

Registration for the VU Master’s and Pre-Master’s Introduction Days 2026 open on 31 July 2026. 

After registration

Once you register for an activity, you will receive a confirmation email from Eventix containing a QR code. Please keep this QR code available, as staff may ask to see it during the activities. You will also receive a separate email for each activity with additional details, such as your assigned group, starting time and any other practical information

Haven’t received the newsletter?

There may be several reasons

1. Your application was not yet completed when the first newsletter was sent.
   If you missed the first newsletter, don't worry, you will receive the relevant information in the second newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact internationalintroduction@vu.nl.  
2. Your programme does not participate in the VU Master's and Pre-Master's Introduction Days.
   Please check whether this introduction programme applies to you by reviewing the FAQ section "Who is this introduction meant for?" You can also consult Find your VU introduction programme to see whether an alternative introduction programme is available for your programme

Please note that most activities have limited availability. We recommend registering as early as possible, as spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if an activity is fully booked?

If the activity you would like to attend is fully booked, we understand this may be disappointing. As places can become available due to cancellations, we recommend checking the registration page regularly for updates. Please also note that some activities do not require advance registration. Visit this website to see which activities you can still attend without signing up beforehand.

In addition, you are welcome to attend the study programme's introduction activities. For more information, please visit the study programme introduction page. 

Is participation mandatory?

Participation in the VU Master’s and Pre-Master’s Introduction Days is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. The programme offers new international students a great opportunity to get to know VU Amsterdam, the city of Amsterdam and make your first connections with fellow students.

You are free to choose which activities you would like to attend. If there are activities that do not appeal to you or that you do not feel comfortable participating in, then you don't have to participate. 

Can I cancel my registration for an activity?

Yes. If you cannot make it to an activity, please cancel your registration so that your spot can be offered to another student. 

To cancel a registration, please send an email to internationalintroduction@vu.nl.

Most activities are free of charge, except for the closing party. 

Please note that you are responsible for your own food and drinks. It is also recommended to consider travel costs for getting to campus and for travelling within Amsterdam.

Who is the VU Master’s and Pre-Master's Introduction Days meant for?

The VU Master's and Pre-Master's Introduction Days are organised for international Master’s and Pre-Master’s students who will start their degree programme in the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year and who have completed their previous education abroad.

Please note that, during some activities, you may also be grouped with other international students, including Exchange or Semester in Amsterdam students, in addition to fellow Master’s and Pre-Master's students.

How are the VU Master’s and Pre-Master's Introduction Days different from the study programme introduction?

The VU Master’s and Pre-Master's Introduction Days are designed to help you get familiar with the VU campus, the city of Amsterdam, and your fellow students. You will have the opportunity to meet other international students from different programmes, so you may already know people before your first lecture. 

During your study programme introduction, you will receive more information about your programme and faculty, and meet both international and Dutch students from your programme. The date of the introduction varies by faculty and programme. For more information, please visit the study programme introduction page.

What do I need to prepare or bring for the VU Master’s and Pre-Master’s Introduction Days? 

We recommend that you bring a bottle of water and, if you like, some snacks. There will also be plenty of opportunities to buy food and drinks during the programme. Please also check the weather forecast before you arrive. If rain is expected, an umbrella or raincoat can be very useful. 

We also recommend planning your travel in advance. Cycling is a convenient option in Amsterdam, but public transport is also a good alternative. If you are not used to cycling in busy traffic, you may prefer to use public transport instead.

Before attending, make sure to carefully check the information you receive in advance, such as starting times, the group you have been assigned to and the QR code for the activity. Our staff may ask you to show it during the activities.

Also, don't forget to pack sports wear and a towel for the Fit & Fun day on Monday 24 August!

I am from Amsterdam / I will not be living in Amsterdam during my studies: are the VU Master’s and Pre-Master’s Introduction Days relevant to me?

Absolutely! The VU Master’s and Pre-Master’s Introduction Days are not just for getting to know Amsterdam, they are especially meant for getting to know student life and your fellow students. You will also discover all the sports, study and student associations and it is a fun way to make friends and get to know fellow students before your studies start!

Do I have to be there every day? What if I arrive later? What if I have other appointments?

It would be great if you can join all activities, but if you arrive later or are only able to attend part of the programme, that is absolutely fine. You can simply register for the activities you are able to attend and would like to participate in. If you have registered for an activity but can no longer attend, please remember to cancel your registration so your place can be offered to another student.

Is there somewhere I can stay overnight?

We do not arrange sleeping places for participants and therefore we ensure that the activities almost always ends before 11:00 PM. Only the closing party on Tuesday, August 25, can last well into the night and it is therefore useful if you arrange a place to sleep, for example in a hostel. 

I have an allergy, illness or functional impairment

We do our best to make he VU Master’s and Pre-Master's Introduction Days accessible for students with a disability and/or (chronic) illnesses. If you want to be sure of an an ejoyable time, please send us a message via internationalintroduction@vu.nl and indicate what we need to take into account or what you need help with. We will be happy to help!

Religion and the VU Master’s and Pre-Master's Introduction Days

VU Amsterdam has traditionally been a university where students from diverse cultures feel at home. We take all religions into account, also during the VU Master's and Pre-Masters introduction.

The VU Campus is smoke-free and we have some rules when it comes to dealing with alcohol on campus.

During the VU Master’s and pre-Master's Introduction Days, there are additional agreements to ensure a nice and safe introduction. This agreements are about substance use, safety and how we treat each other. For example, you may not consume alcohol before 4:00 PM and no other drugs may be used during the introduction. Make sure you read the agreements carefully in advance, because if you do not adhere to them, your access to the activities during introduction may be denied.

The privacy policy (for both the Bachelor's and Master's introduction) can be found here.