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 over the morning & afternoon programme with a lunch break in-between. The 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 VU Amsterdam will introduce themselves. They will share more about the social events, international parties, cultural activities and trips they organise throughout the year. ESN VU Amsterdam, part of the Erasmus Student Network, is one of Europe's largest student organisations dedicated to supporting international students. 

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. Registration not required

However, if you are going to live in Amstelveen (Uilenstede Campus), you do need to book a time slot in advance to register with the municipality of Amstelveen. You can find the link to register for your time slot in newsletter #2. 

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. Participation is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend attending, as you'll otherwise need to handle these practicalities on your own.

The following organisations will be present at Practical Matters day:

• Municipality of Amstelveen - check the information above under 'registration'. Time slots are available from 09:00 onwards. 
• Bank: ABN Amro
• Aon Insurance
• Inscape.Health
• GVB: Public transport company in Amsterdam
• Bike sale via Trade Bikes (limited availability): 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: you must register with the GP online, but the GP will be present to answer your questions on the spot.  
• VU Immigration department
• VU Housing department
• VU International Student Advisors

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

Registration: Free of charge. Each activity requires a separate registration (except for the information market)

10:00 – 11:00 Word of Welcome 

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

The doors open from 09:15 onward.  

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 - 15:30 Explore the VU Campus 

Information market

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

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

Workshops

In collaboration with Griffioen, VU’s cultural centre on campus for film, theatre and creative courses, we've put together a range of creative and active workshops for you.

You can find all available time slots in the registration link in the newsletter. Participants may register for only one workshop or (tour) activity per time slot. Please choose your activities carefully. If you book overlapping activities, only one registration will remain valid and the others will be cancelled. 

Available time slots:

• Round 1:   11:15 - 12:30
• Round 2:   12:45 - 14:00 
• Round 3:   14:15 - 15:30 

Yoga 

Location: Fenikszaal, 6th floor of OZW building (De Boelelaan 1109, Amsterdam)

• Round 1: Yoga 
• Round 2: Yin Yoga
• Round 3: Hatha Yoga 

For more information about Griffioen's 10-week Body & Mind courses on campus, click here.     

Dance

Location: Sfinxzaal, 6th floor of OZW building (De Boelelaan 1109, Amsterdam)

Get moving with the dance workshops by Rebecca. No prior experience is needed. 

• Round 1: Hip-Hop
• Round 2: Urban Fusion (Commercial)
• Round 3: Urban Fusion (House)

For more information about Griffioen's 10- and 15-week dance courses, click here. 

Botanical Drawing

Location: Botanical Garden Zuidas (Van der Boechorststraat 8, Amsterdam)

Relax in the Botanical Garden of the VU and learn to draw flowers and plants under the guidance of art teacher Colette Curfs. This workshop is available in round 1, round 2 and round 3. 

For more information about Griffioen's 10-week art courses on campus, click here. 

Bachata

Location: Centaurzaal, 6th floor of OZW building (De Boelelaan 1109, Amsterdam)

Discover the joy of this popular Latin dance together with teacher Carla. During the workshop you will learn the basic steps, so no experience or dance partner is needed. This workshop is available in round 1, round 2 and round 3. 

For more information about Griffioen's 10-week Salsa, Bachata or Latin Mix courses, click here. 

PubQuiz

Location: Bar Boele, New University (NU) building (De Boelelaan 1111, Amsterdam)

Join the VU Amsterdam & Griffioen PubQuiz, hosted by our amazing quizmaster. Test your knowledge and get a change to win some great prizes. The PubQuiz is available in round 1, round 2 and round 3. 

VU Campus tours 

Meeting location: Front entrance VU Main Building or Campus Square VU Main Building (De Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam) 

Sign up for a guided tour around campus where you will discover the campus in groups. The Campus tours are available in round 1, round 2 and round 3. 

VU Library tours

Meeting location: Library (next to Foyer), VU Main Building (De Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam) 

Sign up for one of our University Library tours to learn what they can do for you during your time in Amsterdam. Several time slots available. 

The VU University Library is a meeting place for people and knowledge, a repository of learning materials, a hub of information for impact in science and society, and much more. 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.

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 time 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 1.5 hours (you will walk a max. of 2.5 km) and has several starting points. Your starting time and starting location will be mentioned on your Weeztix ticket. 

Together with your group, you will continue to either a canal cruise or a visit to the Rijksmuseum. The canal cruise lasts approximately 1 hour, the Rijksmuseum visit takes up to 2 hours. Your Weeztix ticket includes the timeslot for your follow-up activity, as well as the exact location.

Option 1: Canal Cruise

Take a boat tour through the iconic canals of Amsterdam together with Lovers Canal Cruises. Get a fresh perspective of the city from the water and uncover its rich history in the most scenic way possible.

Option 2: 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.

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 mentioned on your Weeztix ticket. Drinks and food are at your own expense. 

Registration: Free of charge. Registration required. 

Location: Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen (VU Sports Centre)

Walk-in between 12:45 - 17:00

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.  

An overview of all activities is provided below. On the day itself, you'll also find signs with the activity schedule and directions at the event.

Activity schedule 

VU Sportcentre (indoors) 
Kickboxing, MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pole Dancing, Yoga, Zumba, HYROX, Basketball, Volleyball, Futsal, and Fencing (sessions start every 30 minutes from 13:00). 

Fitness freely available to use between 13:00 and 17:00. 

Upper East (indoors) 
Comedy Improvisation Workshops (starting at 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00). 

Upper East (outdoors, on the grass) 
Salsa (starting at 15:00 and 16:00). 

Il Caffè (indoors) 

Starting at 13:00: pool tables, jeu de boules, table tennis  

Student Sport Associations

Several student sports associations will be present throughout this day between 13:00 and 17:00. The following associations will be there: Skøll (rowing), SVU Volleyball , NUTS (frisbee) and Thor (ice hockey).

In addition, there will be outdoor games, music, beach chairs, 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. 

Important: Please arrive 5 min. before the start of each class, as late arrivals may not be able to join once a session has started. 

The first sports sessions at the VU Sportcentre begin at 13:00. Walk in starts from 12:45, so we strongly recommend arriving between 12:45 and 13:00 if you want to participate in the first round of activities. 

Depending on the activities you'd like to join, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a towel (mandatory for the fitness) and a water bottle. 

Registration: Tickets cost 8 euro excl. service fees. 

Location: Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234A, Amsterdam

22:00 - 04:00 (No entry after 1:00 AM)

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. Registration for the Closing Party opens on 31 July 2026. 

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 (Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen)
• Tuesday 25 August at the entrance of VU Mainbuilding between 11:30 -14:30 (Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam)

Important 

Without this wristband you cannot enter the Closing Party. For picking up your wristband you need to bring your QR code and ID. Tickets are registered on your name and are non-refundable 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(s) for registration for activities.

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

After registration

After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email from Weeztix containing your ticket(s). Each ticket includes a unique QR code and details of your booked activity. Please have your QR code ready before the start of each activity, as it will be scanned upon entry.

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

Spots for activities are limited, and registration is required for most events. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, it is recommended to register early.  

What if an activity is fully booked?

If tickets are no longer available for your activity, it means it is fully booked. We understand this may be disappointing. If places have become available due to cancellations, we will inform you about this in the last newsletter. 

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, drinks and travel costs for getting around 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 the 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 enjoyable 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 house rules and additional agreements to ensure a nice and safe introduction. The additional agreements are about substance use, safety and how we treat each other. 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.