VU (pre-)Master’s introduction for new international students

[Registration needed, free of charge]

Location: VU main building (De Boelelaan 1105) - room 'Aula'

10:30 – 11:30 Word of Welcome

Relax, sit back and get welcomed by Jeroen Geurts, the rector magnificus of your university. Alumni speakers and Amsterdam Partners will share their insights about the city that is about to become your new home.

11:30 – 15:30 Workshops (several options and slots available)

Follow a workshop from the Green Office, VU Entrepreneurship, A Broader Mind, Art & Science Gallery; play a game of DnD in 3D and/or get a tour through the University Library.

How to become an entrepreneur at the VU - Demonstrator Lab 

VU Entrepreneurship will guide you through the Vrije Universiteit’s main entrepreneurship initiatives. You will hear directly from a startup about how its entrepreneurial journey at the university took shape. Only 1 slot available. 

Library tours 

Join one of our Library Tours to learn everything the VU Library has to offer during your time in Amsterdam. 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! 

A Broader Mind

When you study at VU Amsterdam, you will develop A Broader Mind. Whatever study programme you have chosen, you will be challenged to look beyond the boundaries of your studies, to look at society and at yourself. A Broader Mind will offer a workshop during the introduction days to help you get acquainted. More information will follow soon.

Dungeons & Dragons game - 3D Living Room

Step into the world of fantasy and adventure during a round of Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) in our cosy 3D Living Room. Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, join one of three exciting sessions to meet fellow students, unleash your imagination, and embark on an unforgettable quest together.

Art & Science Gallery

The VU ART SCIENCE gallery focuses on the interaction between art and science. VU Amsterdam initiated the gallery, as it encourages the exchange of multidisciplinary knowledge. One of the artists of the gallery will offer a workshop. More information will follow soon.

11:30 – 15:30 VU Campus tours (several slots available)

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

11:30 – 15:30 Information market

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

The following organisations will be present at the info market:

• University Library
• VU Entrepreneurship (for all students with a creative idea: the opportunity to practice entrepreneurship through a wide range of entrepreneurship education and support)
• VU Dream Teams (programme to make social impact and develop your personal and professional and entrepreneurial skills)
• Student Wellbeing Point
• VU Jumpstart (programme to improve academic skills and socialize)
• VU Pride
• Green Office VU
• Particolarte (Student association focused on art and culture)
• Info point Studying with a disability
• VU Behaviour lab (consisting of several laboratories from different disciplines, facilitating behavioural experimental research)
• Family of Academic Minds/FAM (Student association connecting students from different backgrounds in academia, e.g. different cultural backgrounds, religion, gender, study, college year and so forth)
• Gyrinus Natans (Science Faculty Study Association)
• QBDBD (Law Faculty Study Association)
• Aureus (School of Business & Economics Study Association)
• VU-NT2 (Dutch courses for all levels at VU Amsterdam)
• AIESEC (a global platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential)
• ESN (ESN VU Amsterdam is the student association for all international and exchange students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

[Registration needed, free of charge]

Location: VU main building (De Boelelaan 1105) - room 'Aula'

Studying at another university can be quite a transition. At How 2 Make it at the VU you can follow various sessions that will equip you with the knowledge to swiftly adapt to a new cultural and educational environment.

10:30 – 12:00 Intercultural Competences and differences in academic environment

When planning to study in a different country, most students expect to experience culture shock in a social setting. Differences in the academic environment are seldomly considered, however, this can be an issue when starting your studies in the Netherlands. Factors like a different grading system, a high level of independence and interaction with both lecturers and students can play a role in how well you function in and adapt to the new learning environment. In this session, one of our estimated colleagues from the VU Centre of Teaching and Learning (CTL) will provide valuable insights into how to navigate a different learning environment. The session will be concluded with a student panel.

13:00 – 13:15 Erasmus Student Network

The board members of ESN VU Amsterdam will introduce themselves and will share how they can help make your international student experience even more enriching and fun.

ESN VU Amsterdam is the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) section at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), founded in 1991. It is the go-to student organisation for building connections, exploring Dutch and international cultures, and enhancing student life. ESN VU offers a vibrant community, exciting events, and personalised support designed specifically for international and exchange students at VU.

13:15 – 13:35 Social Safety and Wellbeing

The Social Safety Team and the Wellbeing Team play important roles in ensuring a supportive and safe environment. You will be provided  with a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to them, as well as how the Social Safety and Wellbeing Teams operate in creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere on campus.

13:40 – 14:30 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 needed, free of charge]

Location: Jan van Galenstraat 315, 1056CB Amsterdam

19:30 - 23:00

PONG, the coziest ping pong bar in Amsterdam

Join for an exciting night lined up at PONG, one of Amsterdam’s hotspots! Get ready for a lively evening filled with ping pong matches, dart games and a selection of classic board games. If you're in the mood to sing, head over to the karaoke room. Plus, with great music playing throughout the night, you can hit the dance floor and dance the night away with new friends.

[No registration needed, free of charge]

Location: VU Sports Centre, Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen. 

Free 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.

If you want to register with the Municipality of Amstelveen: time slots can be booked from the beginning of August.

The following organisations will be present at Practical Matters day:

• Municipality of Amstelveen
• Bank: ABN Amro
• Aon Insurance
• 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 needed, free of charge]

Location: VU Sports Centre, Uilenstede 100, Amstelveen.

13:00 - ca. 17:00

Various sports and workshops are offered by the VU Sports Centre. You don’t need to sign up for a specific sport/workshop - everything is available on a free walk-in basis. On the day itself you’ll find a schedule listing all the activities, so you can join any class you like. You can expect sports such as kickboxing, boxing, yoga, pole dance, Zumba, soccer, fencing, and more.

In addition, there will be outdoor games (think Jenga and Twister XXL), 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.

[Registration needed, free of charge]

From 9:30 (depending on your slot) 

During the city day, you and your group will participate in one or two activities: a visit to a museum and/or a scavenger hunt and to conclude we meet-up to end the day together. You can sign up per activity, based on this groups will be made.

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 and location will be emailed to you in the second half of August. 

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 and location will be emailed to you in the second half of August.  

Meet up 

You've had a long day filled with activities, and now it's time to treat yourself! What better way to end the day than by having a drink or a bite together with your group? We selected two locations in the city center that we think you will love - Belushi's and Coco's. Here you will be able to meet 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 in the second half of August. Drinks and food are at your own expense.

[Registration needed, 7.5 euro excl. service fees]

Location: Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam

22:00 - 4:00

The international introduction week will be closed off in style with an amazing party at Melkweg, located in the city centre of Amsterdam (Leidseplein).

Please note: the tickets are registered in your name and non-transferable. You must collect your entrance bracelet on Monday 25 August or Tuesday 26 August at the entrance of VU Amsterdam between 11:30 -14:30. Please bring the QR code you received when purchasing the ticket, along with your ID.

[Registration needed, free of charge]

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 who will start their degree programme in the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026 and who have completed their previous education abroad will receive a newsletter with registration links via mail around 29 July. The registration via the links in this email will open on 1 August 14:00 (CEST).  

Did you not receive the newsletter?   

1. This could be because you have not yet completed your VU application procedure far enough. So do this as soon as possible! Is your registration at VU Amsterdam fully completed and do you think you belong to this category, but have not yet received an invitation? Then send an email to internationalintroduction@vu.nl  
2. Your study might not participate in the VU (pre-)Master introduction. Please double-check if this introduction programme is for you by checking the second question of the FAQ (general section): Who is this introduction meant for? You can check Find your VU introduction programme if there is another introduction programme for you. 

Please note that for most activities there are limited spots available. So do not wait too long to register (first come, first served).   

Is it mandatory to participate in the VU Master's introduction?

No it is not mandatory, but highly recommended! For new international students, this introduction is a fun way to get to know your way around VU Amsterdam and the city better, and to make your first contacts with fellow students. 

I registered but want to cancel an activity. How do I arrange this?

Please do cancel your registration if you are no longer interested in an activity, so your spot becomes available for another student. In this case please cancel by sending an email to internationalintroduction@vu.nl.

There are no more spots avaiIable for the activity I wanted to attend, what can I do? 

This is very unfortunate, but we work with limited spots. We do advise you to check the registration links every once in a while as others might cancel and a new spot might become available. Moreover, you can still go to the introduction of your study programme. For more information, see the study programme introduction page. 

What is the VU Master's introduction?

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction is an introduction aimed at getting you familiar with the VU campus, the city of Amsterdam and your fellow students. By participating, you will already know a lot of people before your first lecture (not necessarily from your own programme)!    

Who is the VU Master's introduction meant for?

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction is organised for international Master's and pre-Master's students who will start their degree programme in the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026 and who have completed their previous education abroad. 

Note: During some activities, you may be grouped with other international exchange or semester students in addition to your fellow international (pre-)Master's students. 

When will the VU Master's introduction 2025 take place?

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction is scheduled on 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 26 August. This includes the Practical Matters Day on Wednesday 20 August. On Tuesday 19 August there will be an evening programme in addition to a daytime programme. On Tuesday 26 August there will only be a night programme (closing party).  

How is this VU Master's introduction different from the study programme introduction?

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction aims to introduce you to VU Amsterdam and get you acquainted with the city. In this introduction you are mixed with fellow international students from all programmes.  

During your study programme introduction, you will get more information about your study and faculty, and get to know students from your programme. The date of the programme introduction differs per faculty/programme. For more information, see the study programme introduction page.

I am from Amsterdam/I will not live in Amsterdam during my studies: is this introduction relevant to me?

The VU (pre-)Master's introduction focuses mainly on getting to know your fellow students and the VU Campus, so is definitely relevant (and fun) even if you are not going to live in Amsterdam (or have lived there for a long time).    

What are the costs?

The programme/activities are free of charge. Only the tickets for the closing party will cost 7.5 euro (excl. service fees).  

What additional costs can I expect? 

You have to take care of food/drinks yourself. Also do not forget about travel costs/expenses to get to campus or to travel in Amsterdam.

Do I have to attend the whole programme? What if I have other appointments?

Participation is not mandatory. Moreover, you can sign up per activity. However, we do advise students to fully participate so they can have the best experience in the beginning of their studies. 

Is there somewhere I can stay overnight?

We do not arrange sleeping places, but we always make sure the programme ends in time to still be able to take public transport. With exception of the Closing party: when registering, please keep in mind that the closing party starts later, which might affect your travel times if you live outside of Amsterdam.

How will I get to know the Dutch culture?

Successful integration into Dutch culture and making our international students feel at home and connected are key values of VU Amsterdam.  In this regard, the VU (pre-)Master's introduction is designed to get you off to a good start. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you participate in the entire programme! 

Moving to Amsterdam to continue your academic career at a university abroad is both an exhilarating and perhaps slightly scary experience. After all, you will be alone in an unfamiliar place. We know it can be difficult to know where to go, what to do, how to organise, and what to prioritise. The VU (pre-)Master's introduction offered by VU Amsterdam plays a role in offering you a soft landing and preparing you for your new life in Amsterdam.

Religion and the VU Master's introduction

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 (pre-)Master's introduction.

I have an allergy, illness or disability; can I participate?

We will do our best to make this introduction accessible to students with disabilities and/or (chronic) illnesses as well. If you want to be sure, please send an email to internationalintroduction@vu.nl and indicate what we need to take into account or what you need help with. We will be happy to help!

What are the house rules on the VU campus and during the introduction?

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

Furthermore, certain house rules apply during the international (pre-)Master's introduction. Make sure you read the house rules carefully in advance, because if you do not adhere to them, you will be denied access to the activities during the introduction week. 

What is the privacy policy of the VU Master's introduction?

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