Introduction activities for Semester in Amsterdam students

Semester in Amsterdam Introduction programme

• Monday 18 August - Campus day

  [Registration required, 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

  Imagine stepping into a classroom where students from every faculty, science, arts, business, and more, come together. Instead of a traditional teacher, the course is guided by a VU student. Together, you’ll explore the big questions that shape our society. In this classroom, there are no right or wrong answers, only stories, ideas, and perspectives that challenge how we see the world.

  In this workshop, you’ll experience one of our meetups and explore themes such as Success & Failure, Digital World and Health & Happiness. Learn more about Broader Mind Course: vu.nl/broadermindcourse

  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 invites you to join a workshop on botanical drawing led by artist Suzette Bousema (NL, 1995). In her practice, Bousema often collaborates with scientists and other artists on projects that bring to light the impacts of climate change and pollution. Bousema’s project, Dead Zones,  is currently on display in the gallery as part of the exhibition Water Views, in which she explores our perceptions and experiences of water. For this project, Bousema researched the dead zones -oxygen-deprived areas in bodies of water- in the Dutch Grevelingenmeer by diving there herself.”

  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)

• Tuesday 19 August - How to make it at the VU: Day programme

  [Registration required, 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.

• Tuesday 19 August - Ping, Pong, & Party: Evening programme

  [Registration required, 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.

• Wednesday 20 August - Practical Matters day

  [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.

  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

• Thursday 21 August - Fit and Fun day

  [Registration required, 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.

• Friday 22 August - City day

  [Registration required, 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.

• Tuesday 26 August at 10:00: Semester in Amsterdam Introduction Presentation

  [Mandatory for Semester in Amsterdam students]

  During this presentation, we will give you valuable information about how to navigate academics at VU, important information about required practical matters, and more details about our overnight introduction trip to the island of Texel and the social programme events planned throughout the semester.

  This event is free and mandatory for Semester in Amsterdam students. It is not necessary to register.

• Tuesday 26 August - closing party

  [Registration required, 7.50 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.

• Friday 29 August - Saturday 30 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 takes place from 29 to 30 August and 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 scavenger hunt by bike, 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 let us know by submitting your sign-up form as soon as possible. We hope to see you there!