Student wellbeing

• Student counsellors and student psychological counsellors

  The student counsellors provide support and give advice or information about (legal) regulations or provisions. They are here to help you with problems such as (de)registration issues, urgent housing, and assistance with applying for financial provisions. Discussions with a student counsellor are always confidential.

  Student counsellors can also advise you on submitting complaints and on objection and appeal procedures. In addition, they organise activities for different groups of students such as students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another disability, studying parents, top-level athletes and other talents, students from the Caribbean, informal carers and students looking for an extra challenge. 

  Alternatively, you may wish to contact a student psychological counsellor.

  What can you expect from the student psychological counsellors?
  The student psychological counsellor offers their services to registered students at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. They offer short-term, solution-oriented services for students who experience study-related and/or personal problems.

  The student psychological counsellors offer several types of services:

  • Workshops, trainings and group sessions
  • Online consultations
  • Referral to self-help programs
  • Individual sessions

  Please note that student psychological counsellors do not perform psychological diagnostic assessments. They do not offer specialized or long-term treatments for psychological or psychiatric problems. If you require a diagnostic assessment or long-term care, the first step is to contact your general practitioner.

• Student wellbeing platform

  VU Amsterdam has set up a Student Wellbeing platform to help students find mental health resources and support each other during difficult times. Via this platform, you will find links to mental health resources, financial support, physical and mental healthcare for international students, academic assistance, and more.

  Do you need to talk to somebody?

  You can also contact the Student Wellbeing Point for a listening ear from a fellow student.

• Student associations

  For students struggling to meet other students, we encourage you to join one of the many non-faculty student associations and the international student association, ESN. 

• Guidance and support in case of crises

  As part of our diverse VU community, we understand that you might have deep concerns or emotions about world events and that this might negatively affect your studies or work. Following current developments on natural disasters, international conflict, or political developments around the world could negatively impact the mental wellbeing of yourself, your family and friends. On this page, you will find the various support services we offer to students in case of crises.

• Healthcare for international students

  The Dutch health care system and how to get access to health care services might be different than what you’re used to. A General Practitioner (GP) is your first point of contact for health care in the Netherlands, as they provide referrals to all specialists and, if necessary, to a hospital. Registering with a local practice is one of the first things you need to do.
  
  As an international student at VU Amsterdam, you can register at the University General Practice. In this video we will explain how you can register. More information can also be found in this document. 

  The Dutch College of GP's and H4i (Healthcare for internationals) recently introduced a new online service GPinfo.nl. GPinfo provides online information in English, such as information about the most common health complaints, tips on what you can do yourself if you feel unwell, what to expect from your GP and how to prepare for your GP visit, how the Dutch healthcare system works and what to do if you need other medical expertise.

  You can find more information here.

Study Support

• Back on Track study group

  Do you put off studying and working on assignments? Do you often wait for that 'perfect' timing? Do you struggle with completing a task? If so, you might benefit from attending the Back on Track study group!  

  Once a week, in a group of 5-10 students, you will get feedback on your weekly planning and anti-procrastination tips for better concentration, motivation, and discipline. You will also learn various skills to help you manage your habit of procrastination. Activities include individual planning, group discussions, mindfulness activities, and practical exercises. 

• Study skills

  Is your planning, productivity or concentration lacking? Do you often run out of time during the preparation for an exam? Do you study for hours without really making any progress?

  Perhaps you are studying the wrong way and could use some help with your study skills.

• Trainings

  There is a lot to consider when studying. How do you make sure you use your time well? How do you deal with the stress you may be experiencing? How can you concentrate better? What do you do with procrastination? Professional training sessions are organised to help you. Studying efficiently to dealing with fear of failure, from presenting with confidence to strengthening your focus and more. 

  VU Amsterdam offers special trainings to get the most out of your studies.

• Tips for studying at home

  Many of your courses may require several hours of self-study each week. Therefore, it is important to make the most out of your study time at home. There are many steps you can take to support your self-study at home such as: create a healthy working enviornment, maintain your regular study rhythm, exercise and take breaks, and maintain a good work/study-life balance. 

  Here you will find our best tips for studying at home.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us!

Please note that Semester in Amsterdam is a separate programme from the Exchange programme at VU Amsterdam.

The fastest and easiest way to reach us is via our contact form. Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions.

Are you a student with a question? Schedule a 15-minute appointment on Wednesdays between 13:00 and 14:00 (CEST) via our online booking tool.

If you have been nominated by your home university for (Erasmus) Exchange, please contact the incoming Exchange team.

Are you currently a student of another Dutch university wishing to register for a minor? Please contact the Student Desk.

Contact

• Rachel Bornstein
• International Officer

• Eva Luberti
• International Officer