Onboarding international Bachelor's students

After you have been admitted, there are a number of things you will have to do to complete your admission and successfully prepare yourself for your life in Amsterdam. 

Your admissions email

Please refer to your official admissions decision email for the conditions of your admission and any applicable deadlines. Make sure to read all information carefully and make a concrete plan and timeline for yourself on how to meet the remaining conditions.

Step-by-step

On this page you can find a list of steps which will guide you through the process of completing your enrolment and arrangement of practical matters (e.g. registration with the municipality, a General Practitioner or insurance).

Getting Started Guide

It doesn’t matter what your question is, the answer can probably be found in the Getting Started guide! 

• Getting Started Guide 2023-2024

Page for pre-students

On this webpage for pre-students, you will find an overview of all important (practical) information about the start of your new studies as well as some administrative procedures that you must go through before the first day of your studies. 

Accommodation

On this accommodation webpage you can find more information about what accommodation we offer, the application process and current situation of Amsterdam housing market. 

Visa and/or residence permit

 Here you can find all the information you need about how and when to apply for a visa and/or residence permit.

Join the pre-departure sessions for (conditionally) admitted international students to prepare yourself for your start at VU Amsterdam.

Information on all our online events for admitted international students will be shared with you through email after you have received conditional admission.

The transition to your new home university can be a challenge in many different aspects. On a practical level, but definitely also on an academic level. 

Fortunately, there are many (free) online courses available that can help you prepare for university.  

Below we have listed some of our favourite (free) courses, which are relevant for all students starting at VU Amsterdam.

For more background information on how to improve your English language ability, please read this page which covers the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) as well as vocabulary and grammar.

Free courses about academic English 

You may be asking yourself: why would I still need to improve my English ability if I have already met the minimum English entry requirements? The answer is simple: because you’ll be more likely to perform better in your degree. Studies have shown that a level of English higher than the minimum requirement correlates with higher grades (see for example Kirby, 2018; Trenkic & Warmington, 2019).

1. Speaking Skills for University Success | Coursera is a course offered by the University of California. As a student in an English-speaking university, you’ll need to speak in many situations, both formal and informal, planned and spontaneous. In this course, you’ll get advice for speaking in discussions, group projects, during small talk, for presentations, but also how to give an unplannend, improptu speech. 
2. Academic English: Writing Specialization by University of California on Coursera. This very detailed syllabus will take you on a deep-dive through the world of writing academic English. This includes courses on grammar, punctuation, essay writing, and advanced academic English writing. All you have to do is navigate to the specific course page within this specialization, and chose the 'audit' option. This grants you access to a large portion of the course material, completely free of charge.
3. Essential English for University Success by University of California on Coursera. This specialization provides an extensive and in-depth look at the types of English-language skills you will need to hone in order to succeed in the university environment. This covers speaking, writing, and study skills; the combination of all three will springboard any student onto the path to success. All you have to do is navigate to the specific course page within this specialization, and chose the 'audit' option. This allows you to access most of the materials for free.
4. English Pronunciation in a Global World by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. By the time you finish this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of some of the rules of English pronunciation and how they can differ. As well as looking at elements such as vowels, consonants and other features, you’ll also examine different English accents.

Free courses about general academic success 

1. Critical Thinking Skills for University Success by University of Sydney on Coursera. This course has a short syllabus, but it is packed with valuable content. Being able to critically evaluate media in any context is beneficial, and in your university journey this skillset could be essential to academic success. You can access this brilliant resource for free by using the audit feature that Coursera offers, which will give you access to all the videos from this course but not the certificate or grading of your work.
2. Study Skills for University Success by the University of California on Coursera. A great way to pick up some useful tips and tricks before you begin your university journey. Some of the content is aimed at students in the US, but there are still several worthwhile videos on note taking, academic vocabulary, time management, and some test-taking tips 'n tricks! And best of all: you can access it all for free by using the 'audit' function on Coursera.
3. Guide to University Life - Online Skills Course - FutureLearn is a course by the University of Reading. You probably have many questions about what to expect when you make the transition to university. This course will help you prepare for the best possible start, wherever you go. You’ll hear practical advice on how to navigate university life from current students and staff as they give you an insight into the expectations vs reality, what support will be available, and common questions about what’s ahead.
4. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects | Coursera is a course from Deep Teaching Solutions which gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. You'll learn about how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates (“chunks”) information. You’ll also cover illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in helping you master tough subjects.

Free courses/videos about cultural differences

1. Culture Shock: how to deal with cultural and academic differences in the Netherlands by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This video will give you a little more insight about the cultural and academic differences you may encounter in the Netherlands and how to deal with them. The different phases of culture shock will be explained, and current students will share their personal experience with this subject. 
2. What about - The Dutch teaching style is an informative video part of a range of videos produced by the Dutch 'Study in Holland' website. This video will give you a little more insight into the Dutch teaching style and culture. 
3. What about - Social life in the Netherlands is an informative video part of a range of videos produced by the Dutch 'Study in Holland' website. This video will give you a little more insight about how international students develop a new social life after arriving in the Netherlands by them selves

Curious about student life at VU Amsterdam? How easy is it to find a room, what are classes like, and how did other international students settle in when they moved to a new country? Our International Student Ambassadors are here to help!

Live Chat

Here you can live chat with all our international student ambassadors, or international alumni ambassadors. You can filter on country and on programme!

Go to the live chat

International student blog

Curious about the personal stories from international students? The Amsterdam Students blog is a collection of experiences, ideas, adventures, tips and stories about living and studying in Amsterdam as an international student!

Go to the stories

To quickly feel at home at VU Amsterdam, you can participate in the VU Bachelor Introduction Days. In five days you will become acquainted with the university, your fellow students, and the city of Amsterdam.

You will embark on this adventure with around 4000 other first-year Bachelor students. You will be divided into a group with approximately fifteen fellow students and two experienced mentors—senior students who already know their way around the VU campus and Amsterdam

For more information go to this page

It's the end of August, you have just arrived in Amsterdam. Everything is new, the country, the university, the language and the culture. Do you have questions, concerns, or are you just interested in a talk? The Student Wellbeing Point is the place to be! 

At the Student Wellbeing Point (trained) students offer their fellow students a listening ear, a pleasant conversation or advice in the field of student welfare. These so-called point peers are also in close contact with existing VU services such as the student psychologists to whom they can easily refer if necessary.

Location: Main building, next to the student desk. 

Opening times: Mo - Fri, 10:00 - 16:00

More information can be found on this page. 

Are you looking for some extra academic support? And to get the opportunity to connect with fellow students? Then the VU Jumpstart programme is designed for you!

For many of you, the decision to study abroad and travel to Amsterdam might already have been a huge step. You may face not only a culture shock but also a bit of an academic culture shock. 

The Jumpstart programme has been specifically designed to help all new international students with bridging this academic gap. 

Through the Jumpstart programme, we aim to: 

• Help you bridge the academic gap 
• Smoothe your transition to VU Amsterdam 
• And enable you to connect with your fellow students.  

Academic boost 
Jumpstart offers opportunities to improve your academic skills through tailor-made workshops such as academic writing in English; academic literature search and plagiarism; and an interactive session focused on the Dutch higher education system and its culture. 

Socializing 
Every academic workshop will be followed by a social or cultural activity to get to know more of the VU, your fellow students and Dutch culture. Think of a Taco Tuesday, a ‘gezellige’ Dutch evening with pancakes and of course drinks with bitterballen (the best Dutch snack)!  

Check out the Jumpstart webpage

Customize your own Jumpstart experience

Why sign up? 
Do you not have much prior experience with academic writing? Would you like a little reminder on how to use academic sources. Know more about Dutch grading and teaching culture? Or… would you like to do it all? This is possible. 

When? 
Jumpstart will take place in the last week of September and first week of October 2024.  
We’ve made sure to spread out the session over these two weeks, so the programme is not too intense. Each workshop will start at 17:30.

Choose your Jumpstart adventure 
You can decide if you want sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 workshops, based on your needs, interest and timetable.
Please make sure to sign up for those sessions relevant to your level: i.e. Bachelor or Master student level.   
During all sessions coffee, tea, water, fruits and snacks will be offered to keep you energised. 

For more information, please go to the Jumpstart webpage

Practical Matters and Schedule

Registration
Registration opens around the 3^rd week of September 2024. You will receive an invitation by email in September.  

When you apply to the Jumpstart programme, you will be asked to sign up for the specific workshop(s) that you plan to attend.  
For more detailed information about the programme and how to register, please keep an eye on the Jumpstart webpage which will be updated over summer.

We work on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure to book your spot as soon as registration opens! 
We encourage you to sign up together with your fellow students. 

Costs per workshop
To be announced.

Who should join
All new international students who are starting their degree in September 2024 are welcome to join!  

We specifically encourage you to sign up if you could use some extra academic help and are experiencing a bit of an academic culture shock.

Schedule
To be announced.

On the Wellbeing webpage we offer you a clear overview of all supportive programmes that VU Amsterdam and its community are offering to benefit your wellbeing and safety.

During your time at VU Amsterdam you might need some extra support, on an academic or personal level. VU Amsterdam offers several student counselling services. In this video we will tell you more about some of the services offered. Please never hesitate to reach out to us and note that all conversations with academic advisors, student psychological counsellors and student general counsellors are strictly confidential.

It doesn’t matter what your question is, the answer can probably be found in the International Onboarding Guide! The International Onboarding Guide includes all information you can think of that is relevant for your life at VU Amsterdam. You name it, and you can find it in this document.

You can find the guide here.

Among many other things, the following subjects are covered:

• University facts & figures
• Practicalities to arrange before and after your arrival (e.g., bank affairs, municipality registration, insurance, working while studying, health matters)
• Student finances and cost of living
• Accommodation and immigration
• Study facilities on campus
• Student wellbeing
• Good-to-know information about studying at VU Amsterdam
• Student and study associations
• Getting around in Amsterdam
• Dutch language courses with a discount
• Art and culture, VU Sports Centre
• Academic calendar
• Campus map

VU Pride aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community on our campus. We aspire to have an university full of diversity in which everyone shares understanding and tolerance for each other. We achieve this by organising events and projects for people within the LGBTQIA+ community and for all those interested. Check out the website for initiatives, upcoming events and other activities. 

You obviously want to get everything out of your time as a student. Studying in Amsterdam means you can choose from a wide range of study and student associations. There are social, sports and cultural associations. Join one! For fun, relaxation and social contact, or for study-related activities. In addition to meeting a lot of new people, you can also gain valuable experience by sitting on the board of a student organisation for a year or participating in a committee. Make friends for life and establish connections that could result in big post-graduation opportunities.

Find more information about which study or student organisations are there for you on this page.

While during the application process you were most likely in contact with the International Office on a regular basis, after you start your studies in September the International Office will not be your first point of contact anymore.

Below you can find the most important contact points during your studies, and an explanation of where to go or whom to contact for specific matters.

Student Desk

For questions regarding enrolment, registration and tuition fees you can contact the Student Desk. You will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the Student Desk webpage. On the webpage you will also find useful links and documents, as well as their contact details.

Academic Advisor

Questions related to your studies, for example:

• Delays in academic progress
• Personal circumstances
• Honours Programme
• Combining your studies
• Quitting your studies

*Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

More information here

Student Counsellor

Questions not directly related to your studies, for example:

• Urgent emergency housing
• Financial matters
• Giving advice about submitting complaints or appeal procedures

*Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

More information here

Student Psychological Counsellor

The student psychological counsellors support students who experience study-related problems, such as (but not limited to) fear of failure, procrastination, concentration issues, lack of discipline, lack of motivation, fear of exams, presentation anxiety, study stress, negative ideas about yourself, study or graduation problems and more.

*Consultations are confidential and free of charge.

More information here

After you have been admitted you will most likely have a lot of questions.  Below you will find all relevant webpages to make sure you don't forget a thing. 

Checklist

On this page you can find a list of steps which will guide you through the process of completing your enrolment and arrangement of practical matters (e.g. registration with the municipality, a General Practitioner or insurance).

Getting started

It doesn’t matter what your question is, the answer can probably be found in the Getting Started guide! 

You can find the Getting Started guide here. 

Page for pre-students

On our webpage for pre-students, you will find an overview of all important (practical) information about the start of your new studies as well as some administrative procedures that you must go through before the first day of your studies. 

Accommodation

On our accommodation webpage you can find more information about what accommodation we offer, the application process and current situation of Amsterdam housing market.