Introduction activities for Semester in Amsterdam students

Semester in Amsterdam Introduction programme

• Tuesday 18 August - How to make it at VU

  Registration: Free of charge. Registration required.

  Location: Aula, VU Main Building (De Boelelaan 1105)
  
  Studying at a new university in a foreign country can be quite a transition. During How to Make it at VU, you will have the chance to join various sessions that will help you adapt to a new culture and academic environment. You will gain insights into Dutch culture and history, pick up some basic Dutch language skills, learn how to cycle in Amsterdam, and get practical tips and experiences from current students.

  There is both a morning and an afternoon programme, with a 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.

• Wednesday 19 August - Practical Matters Day (PMD)

  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 such as registering with the municipality (Uilenstede only), arranging health/liability insurance, or opening a bank account. You can also pick up your student card on this day.

  The following organisations will be present at Practical Matters day:

  • Municipality of Amstelveen (Uilenstede only) - Please see the Practical Matters page and the information under "Register with the Municipality" for more information.
  • 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

• Thursday 20 August - Campus Day

  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. 

• Thursday 20 August Evening programme: Ping, Pong, and Party

  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.

• Friday 21 August - City Day

  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

  Take a boat tour 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.

• Monday 24 August - Fit and Fun Day

  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.

• Monday 24 August - Semester in Amsterdam Introduction Presentation

  Monday, 24 August: 11:00 - 12:00

  *This presentation is mandatory for all Semester in Amsterdam students. 

  To help you prepare for your semester and adjust to the local academic culture, we have planned an introduction presentation just for Semester in Amsterdam students. 

  During this presentation, we will give you more information about our overnight introduction trip to Texel, the social activities planned throughout the semester, academic and support services available at VU, tips on how to navigate Dutch academic culture, how to understand the grading scale and re-sits, and practical matters you need to complete after arrival (such as registering with the municipality).

• Tuesday 25 August - closing party

  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. 

• Thursday 27 August to Friday 28 August - Overnight Introduction Trip to Texel

  [Registration required, free of charge]

  We invite you to join our special Overnight Introduction Trip to the beautiful island of Texel! This trip is the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow Semester in Amsterdam students before the semester starts. This trip is free of charge and organized just for Semester in Amsterdam students.

  Texel (pronounced ‘Tessel’) is the largest and most populated island of the Wadden islands, located in the north of the Netherlands. Texel is famous for its sandy dunes, unique mudflats, nature reserves, and the Eierland lighthouse located at the northern tip of the island, which offers sweeping views of Texel and the North Sea. Next to the amazing nature, Texel has several villages with cafés, restaurants, and shops, a famous brewery, and several museums where you can learn more about the history of the island.

  We have organized various activities during the trip, including a visit to a local sheep farm, a trip to the top of the famous lighthouse, an interactive challenge on the beach, and a visit to the seal sanctuary and museum, Ecomare. All students will also receive a bike for the duration of the stay. 

  You have recently received a sign-up form for this event via email. If you wish to join, please submit your sign-up form as soon as possible. We hope to see you there!