Guidance and support in case of crises

Student Wellbeing Point

You may also like to drop by at the Student Wellbeing Point. This is a student-led initiative for students by students and is located in the main VU building, next to the Student Desk. You can drop by (without an appointment) or use the live chat functionality on their website. studentwellbeingpoint@vu.nl 

Check out the full Student Wellbeing Programme.

3D

3D is the place where the VU community can come together in case of need. During moments of crisis, often student led initiatives and meetings are held at 3D, offering a space for those who want to meet and share their thoughts. You will find 3D on our campus square, on the right corner from Spar supermarket. 3D@vu.nl

NEWConnective

NEWConnective organises events on personal development, and questions on life, meaning and personal beliefs. The events includes activities around activism, grief, or social anxiety. Throughout the year they organise meditations in the VU’s Silence Room (HG-1A57) and they can get you in contact with a spiritual counsellor if needed. newconnective@vu.nl

Financial support is available for students who are worried about their financial situation. Think of problems paying tuition fees or rent, or if you do not have access to your bank account. In this case, contact the Student Counsellors for help and advice. Financial problems that cause you to be unable to pay tuition fees can also be discussed at the Tuition fee consultation hour.

Students who find themselves in acute financial difficulty due to a crisis situation can apply to the VU Emergency Fund. There are a number of conditions attached to eligibility.

If you encounter socially unsafe behaviour, such as bullying, discrimination, racism, (sexual) harassment, or behaviour of concern, you can turn to the confidential counsellor for students. The Confidential Counsellor Students welcomes you, advises on the various avenues open for you to resolve the problem, guides you if you wish to seek mediation or file a complaint, and ensures that you receive aftercare if necessary.

If you face acutely dangerous situations, such as (online) threats, physical aggression, stalking, sexual violence, or other forms of violence where safety may be at stake, you can contact the social safety coordinators. The social safety coordinators make a risk assessment and can support you with solutions to restore safety. You can also come here if you are in doubt about urgency, or if you are worried about someone else.

Alternatively if you would like to talk to someone anonymously, you can contact the so called ‘Luisterlijn’, available 24/7 via deluisterlijn.nl or 088 0767 000 (also in English).