Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• Wellbeing Week – 10 to 14 November 

  Curious about boosting your resilience and personal growth? Join the Wellbeing Week from 10-14 November! This year's theme: "Pause. Breathe. Connect."

  Everyone experiences periods of stress or tension from time to time, and this is completely normal. These moments are part of life and can even motivate you to grow and develop yourself further. In this, resilience plays an essential role. By strengthening your resilience, you are better able to overcome life's challenges and come out even stronger!

  During Wellbeing Week from 10 to 14 November a varied programme is waiting for you with activities and workshops focusing on working on your wellbeing and resilience. The full programme will be released in October!

  All activities are free, only for students and will take place at VU Campus.

  You can find more information here.

• Jamming session – 14 November

  Join our Jamming Session and enjoy (or perform!) music, poetry, stand-up, dance, karaoke, and more!

  You can find all information and the registration form on our Insta or join our Whatsapp group! If you don't have Insta, you can sign up here. For other questions, you can send us an email at 3D@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Friday, 14 November 2025 from 19:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Insta
  • WhatsApp group
  • Sign up here if you don't have Insta
  • For further questions, you can send an email to 3D@vu.nl.

• Meeting students and staff with a disability or chronic condition – 17 November

  Students and staff with a disability and/or chronic condition often face different and usually more challenges than other students. To discuss these and other matters and to help each other along the way, there is a monthly meeting and exchange meeting in VU The Global Room.

  The Vrije Universiteit (VU) offers students and staff with disabilities and chronic conditions and support through dedicated communities like Disability RendezVU for students and the Participation Service Point for employees. VU also offers a monthly social meeting for both students and staff to meet each other and talk about their needs as a person with a disability and/or a chronic condition at our university. These are accessible, social gatherings that take place in the Global Room, first floor main building VU that last for about an hour. (Though you are free to stay and hang out longer if you feel like doing so.) 

  Drinks and snacks are provided, you bring you and your stories.  

  Practical information 

  • Who: employees and students with a disability, chronic illness or other affinity in broad sense
  • When: monthly, first session on Wednesday, 29 October, second on Monday, 17 November
  • Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
  • Where: Main building, first floor, Global Room (HG-1A36)
  • Number of participants: maximum 20 
  • Sign up would be helpful but is not compulsory, please send an email to 3d@vu.nl.

  Accessibility 

  • Door passage accessible for larger wheelchairs
  • Sensory stimuli are limited
  • Elevator and stairs nearby 
  • Quiet area available
  • Short break in between
  • Joining for shorter time is possible. 

  Tip: You can join later or participate for a shorter time!

  Have any questions? Email to 3D@vu.nl. 

• Board games – 17 November

  Do you want to meet new people and play a lot of different board games with snacks? Come to the Life is Better in 3D Board Game Night!

  You can find all information and the registration form on our Insta or join our Whatsapp group! If you don't have Insta, you can sign up here. For other questions, you can send us an email at 3D@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 17 November 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Insta
  • WhatsApp group
  • Sign up here if you don't have Insta
  • For further questions, you can send an email to 3D@vu.nl.

• Chess tournament – 18 November 

  Do you like playing chess and are you ready for a challenge? Join our chess tournament!

  You can find all information and the registration form on our Insta or join our Whatsapp group! If you don't have Insta, you can sign up here. For other questions, you can send us an email at 3D@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Tuesday, 18 November 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Insta
  • WhatsApp group
  • Sign up here if you don't have Insta
  • For further questions, you can send an email to 3D@vu.nl.

• Book Club: Catch-22 session #2 – 18 November 

  The Library Book Club is everybody’s book club. Fancy a refreshing read, a change of scenery and a conversation? Come and read ‘Catch-22’ with us: Joseph Heller’s 1961 renowned, satirical novel about militaristic culture. We discuss the book in three sessions every other week.  

  About the book 
  Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a satirical commentary on military culture, taking place in the Second World War. Some consider it one of the most pivotal books of the twentieth century, with paradox, the matter of evil and the military-industrial complex as overarching topics. 

  For this first session, make sure you’ve read up until chapter 14 (that’s page 166 of our edition). For the second session we’re reading chapters 15 till 24 (page 364); and for the third session chapters 25 till 42 (page 519). 

  We do expect everyone to bring their own book. The exact edition of Catch-22 that we’re reading is published by Vintage in 2023 (ISBN 9780099470465). As far as we’ve seen, that is the most affordable one. But of course, you can read a different edition; page numbers will simply differ slightly. Just in case, we ourselves will be buy two extra copies for who hasn’t been able to acquire one. 

  About the club 
  Again, the Library Book Club is for anyone roaming VU’s campus. We read a few books each year, and try to throw something new into the mix each time; passing fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose, short stories and longer ones along the way. Our librarians select three candidates for a season and you get to vote. 

  This season has three sessions, taking place every other week on Tuesdays: November 4th, November 18th and December 2nd, all from 6:15 till 7:45 p.m.. They take place in the Library Lounge, which is at the entrance of the University Library, in the VU’s Main Building (room code HG-01A01). 

  If you’re schedule doesn’t align comfortably and you need to bridge time, know that you’re always welcome to join earlier. We’ll make sure to prep our space 45 minutes before (at 5:30 p.m.) for anyone who wants to come in early – perhaps to have an early dinner (or very late lunch – to each their rhythm). 

  Afterwards you’re welcome to stick around: the library doesn’t close until late in the evening. 

  Programme

  • 5:30 p.m. walk-in: you’re welcome to come in early, to bridge time or to bring and have dinner. 
  • 6:15 p.m. opening: we kick off with a round of introductions, and a brief introduction to the book. 
  • 6:25 p.m. group discussion: we share our experience and findings reading the book so far. 
  • 7:25 p.m. summarising: we look ahead to the next session, and summarise today’s session. 
  • 7:45 p.m. end or socialising: we end the session, although you’re welcome to stick around until the building closes. 

  Practical information

  • Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025 
  • Start: 6:15 p.m. 
  • End: 7:45 p.m. 
  • Language: English 
  • Chapters: 15 to 24
  • Location: Library Lounge (HG-01A01).

• The Art of Listening workshop – 19 November

  What does it mean to really listen? This workshop with the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with NEWConnective, explores listening as a skill and an art. 

  Through storytelling, reflection, video prompts, and interactive exercises, you’ll uncover how fear, bias, and filter bubbles shape what you hear — and discover practical tools to build more authentic connections.

  This workshop is given by Miranda van Holland the coordinator and program maker at 3D. As team lead, she oversees the interfaith program team NEWConnective, which offers programs for students exploring meaning, life's questions, and coping with loss.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 16:00-17:30
  • Location: 3D room, VU dialogue centre in W&N building
  • Audience: VU students
  • Free event
  • Registration via this link, limited places available. 
  • If you registered but won’t be able to join, please let us know at 3D@vu.nl.
  • Drinks & snacks afterwards.
  • For further questions, you can send an email to 3D@vu.nl.

• DnD night – 19 November

  Adventure is out there! Join our DnD session for an evening filled with dragons and quests!

  You can find all information and the registration form on our Insta or join our Whatsapp group! If you don't have Insta, you can sign up here. For other questions, you can send us an email at 3D@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Insta
  • WhatsApp group
  • Sign up here if you don't have Insta
  • For further questions, you can send an email to 3D@vu.nl.

• Science Hoops: a theatre dialogue on our research culture – 24 November 

  How can we create a positive research culture - together? That’s the central question explored in the interactive theatre dialogue Science Hoops.

  How do we navigate the many demands and expectations tied to academic careers? Where does the pressure in the system really come from? What influence do researchers actually have? And what do we need from one another to move forward?

  Science Hoops invites you to step into these questions—literally. This is not your typical theatre performance. It’s an engaging mix of storytelling, reflection, and experimentation. Actors bring to life real, often confronting, situations from the academic world—scenes that will challenge you to think about what truly matters in science.

  And then, the real work begins. Your thoughts, questions, and concerns take centre stage. Together, we explore the dilemmas and possibilities of academic life. You don’t just watch -you participate. The audience helps shape the direction of the story. Through dialogue, shared experiences, and scenario play, we imagine new ways forward.

  PLEASE NOTE: This event is ONLY for researchers, research staff, early career researchers, and students at Vrije Universiteit and Amsterdam UMC.

  Science Hoops is created by theatremakers Mens in de Maak and the department of Ethics, Law and Medical Humanities Amsterdam UMC; this performance is made possible with the support of RIOS (Centre for Research Integrity and Open Science at the VU Amsterdam) and the VU-department Institutional Affairs.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 24 November 2025 15:00 - 17:00
  • Location: NU-building, Theatre 2
  • Language: English
  • Please sign up here.
  • Organised by: RIOS, VU & Amsterdam UMC.

• Syria: The Next Chapter, one year after the fall – 1 December 

  What has changed in Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime? And how is Syria rebuilding itself? One year after the fall is the first in a series of three talks on Syria. 

  This project merges education, art, and political dialogue. It aims to:

  • Foster critical discussions among Syrian, Dutch and international students.
  • Encourage reflection on post-conflict governance and social justice.
  • Use technology and storytelling to bring political ideas to life.

  Through three staged dialogues, participants are invited to reflect on how a new Syrian society can be built on justice, diversity, and democracy:

  • Dialogue 1: One Year After the Fall – December 1^st.
  • Dialogue 2: Minority Rights in the New Syria – Date to follow
  • Dialogue 3: Federalism or Centralism? Which governance system better fits Syria’s social and ethnic diversity - date to follow

  Join us for this immersive dialogue exploring the political, cultural, and social transformation of Syria after the collapse of the Assad regime.

  This dialogue is an initiative by Zerdesht Muhammad, a student at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, organized through his foundation Stichting StuduRoj in collaboration with 3D – the VU Dialogue Centre.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 1 December 2025 16:00 - 17:30
  • Location: debate centre 3D, in the W&N building across the volleyball fields
  • Audience: All are welcome. But this will be of specific interest to academics and researchers in the field of Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, and International Relations. Activists and especially members of the Syrian diaspora.
  • Language: English
  • Free event, there is no need to sign up
  • For questions you can send an email to 3D.

• Book Club: Catch-22 session #3 – 2 December 

  The Library Book Club is everybody’s book club. Fancy a refreshing read, a change of scenery and a conversation? Come and read ‘Catch-22’ with us: Joseph Heller’s 1961 renowned, satirical novel about militaristic culture. We discuss the book in three sessions every other week.  

  About the book 
  Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a satirical commentary on military culture, taking place in the Second World War. Some consider it one of the most pivotal books of the twentieth century, with paradox, the matter of evil and the military-industrial complex as overarching topics. 

  For this first session, make sure you’ve read up until chapter 14 (that’s page 166 of our edition). For the second session we’re reading chapters 15 till 24 (page 364); and for the third session chapters 25 till 42 (page 519). 

  We do expect everyone to bring their own book. The exact edition of Catch-22 that we’re reading is published by Vintage in 2023 (ISBN 9780099470465). As far as we’ve seen, that is the most affordable one. But of course, you can read a different edition; page numbers will simply differ slightly. Just in case, we ourselves will be buy two extra copies for who hasn’t been able to acquire one. 

  About the club 
  Again, the Library Book Club is for anyone roaming VU’s campus. We read a few books each year, and try to throw something new into the mix each time; passing fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose, short stories and longer ones along the way. Our librarians select three candidates for a season and you get to vote. 

  This season has three sessions, taking place every other week on Tuesdays: November 4th, November 18th and December 2nd, all from 6:15 till 7:45 p.m.. They take place in the Library Lounge, which is at the entrance of the University Library, in the VU’s Main Building (room code HG-01A01). 

  If you’re schedule doesn’t align comfortably and you need to bridge time, know that you’re always welcome to join earlier. We’ll make sure to prep our space 45 minutes before (at 5:30 p.m.) for anyone who wants to come in early – perhaps to have an early dinner (or very late lunch – to each their rhythm). 

  Afterwards you’re welcome to stick around: the library doesn’t close until late in the evening. 

  Programme

  • 5:30 p.m. walk-in: you’re welcome to come in early, to bridge time or to bring and have dinner. 
  • 6:15 p.m. opening: we kick off with a round of introductions, and a brief introduction to the book. 
  • 6:25 p.m. group discussion: we share our experience and findings reading the book so far. 
  • 7:25 p.m. summarising: we look ahead to the next session, and summarise today’s session. 
  • 7:45 p.m. end or socialising: we end the session, although you’re welcome to stick around until the building closes. 

  Practical information

  • Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025 
  • Start: 6:15 p.m. 
  • End: 7:45 p.m. 
  • Language: English 
  • Chapters: 25 to 42
  • Location: Library Lounge (HG-01A01).

• Festival of Lights – 9 December 

  Every year NEWConnective and 3D celebrate the Festival of Lights on campus. A small gathering celebrating our community, looking back at the year that’s almost finished and looking forward to what’s to come in the next.

  As an academic community, we are involved in science on a daily basis. During the Celebration of Lights, we want to shift the focus to what connects us as a community. And we do so by creating our own celebration of lights, inspired by old stories and wisdom traditions such as Hanukkah, Diwali, and Christmas. We light our candles, enjoy music, poetry and good food and especially each other’s company.

  Therefor we’re hoping you will join us this year for the NEWConnective & 3D Festival of Lights in the 3D room, December 9th. Doors open at 5 pm.

  The whole celebration will take an hour, but you are free to spend the rest of your evening in the 3D room if you want to.

  Practical information

  • Date: Tuesday, 9 December
  • Time: doors open at 5 pm, start at 5:30-6:30 pm
  • Audience: Students and staff of VU
  • Language: English
  • Food: Yes!!
  • Sign up: it would be great to let us know if you’re coming so we know how much food we need to get.
  • The event is free!

• Study Session: Place to study! – 10 December 

  Are you looking for a place where you can study quietly and undisturbed? During Study Sessions, we arrange the study space, coffee & tea, and a free lunch!

  While studying, it can sometimes be nice to get some extra guidance. Register for Study Sessions and get a study place for the whole day including free coffee, tea and lunch.

  We divide the day into 1-hour study blocks, 15-minute breaks and a lunch break. Throughout the day, someone will be in the room to make sure everyone is working quietly and calmly, staying seated as much as possible. No worries! No phones will be taken, that is your own responsibility. Study Sessions are not suitable for group work, but you have the opportunity to quietly study for yourself for your exams, or work on an essay. That doesn't mean you can't sign up with your friends, so please come and study together.

  Schedule

  09.00 - 09.15	Welcome
  09.15 - 10.15	Study
  10.15 - 10.30	Coffee break
  10.30 - 11.30	Study
  11.30 - 11.45	Break
  11.45 - 12.45	Study
  12.45 - 13.30	Lunchbreak including free lunch!
  13.30 - 14.30	Study
  14.30 - 14.45	Break
  14.45 - 15.45	Study
  15.45 - 16.00	Break
  16.00 - 17.00	Study

  Practical information

  • Want to secure your study spot? Sign up quickly!
  • Date & time: Wednesday, 10 December, 09:00 - 17:00
  • Location:  NU 6A-52 (NU building)
  • Since we are arranging lunch for you, we expect you to actually attend after you register. Are you suddenly prepared enough for your exams anyway? Then sign out for the day by emailing studentwellbeing@vu.nl before Tuesday, 9 December, 9:00.

Wellbeing

• Practicing Zen: A Course – 30 October, 6, 13, 20, 27 November & 4 December

  In the span of six weeks, you'll learn about the three basic areas of Zen: the body, breath and mind. Join us and get Zen!

  During this six-weeks free course, you'll learn the basics of practicing Zen. Every two weeks, you'll dive into one of the three pillars of Zen-meditation: body, breath and mind. Our guide, Ronald Carpentier, will introduce us to the tradition itself, and show us how to integrate it into our daily life. Are you ready to get Zen? 

  Every session will start with a brief introduction by Ronald into the material of that week. Then, we'll dive right into practicing for about 15 minutes. A short break creates some space for questions and sharing experiences. After the break, we'll get into another round of practicing for about 15 minutes. To close, we share experiences while enjoying a cup of tea together. Every week there is also room to share what you took with you from the last session, and what came up when you practiced on your own. So: much room for sharing with fellow students! 

  The sessions will be on October 30th, November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and December 4th. We know student life can get very busy, so you can also just show up halfway in. Please sign up here. No need to bring anything; we'll provide everyone with meditation cushions and yoga mats. The course is completely free and accessible for anyone who is interested.

  • Thursday, 30 October 17:00-18:00 Body 1
  • Thursday, 6 November 17:00-18:00 Body 2
  • Thursday, 13 November 17:00-18:00 Breath 1
  • Thursday, 20 November 17:00-18:00 Breath 2
  • Thursday, 27 November 17:00-18:00 Mind 1
  • Thursday, 4 December 17:00-18:00 Mind 2

  About our Zen-guide

  Ronald Carpentier is 52 years old and lives close to the VU. He has been a practitioner of Zen for almost 15 years, under guidance of Zen master Jeff Shore. You can learn more about Being Without Self, the international group of Zen practitioners that Ronald is a part of. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to newconnective@vu.nl.

  Programme

  • Dates & time: 30 October 30th, 6, 13, 20 & 27 November, and 4 December from 5 to 6 PM
  • Location: The Mindful Libary, 12th floor of the library 

• Meditation sessions – every Tuesday & Thursday

  Need a break? Come and join our meditation sessions in the VU Stilteruimte (HG 1A-53) and in the Mindful Library (HG 12B-02) - we offer sessions two times a week.

  More and more people meditate, they do so because of mental health, and longing for rest, focus or balance. Some meditate because of the stress-reducing effects or because of their religious or ideological beliefs. Whatever your reason may be for meditating, it is often easier to do so in communities, where you can make friends and share experiences. So, join us for weekly meditation sessions.

  In 20 to 30-minutes sessions, guided meditations will be offered. These meditations will be on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM. You can find more (and up to date) information on this page.

  It doesn’t matter if you have a load of meditation experience, or if you are just a beginner. No need to bring anything; mats, cushions, and stools are provided. Just wear something that will sit comfortably on your body for 20 to 30 minutes. 

  You are very welcome to use the Silence Room (HG-1A53) for whatever ideological or religious silence practice when no activities take place. 

  If you want to stay up to date, join our Whatsapp chat for any last-minute updates and changes in the schedule. Here, you can also connect with others who are interested in meditation and mindfulness! 

• VU in Motion – every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

  You are welcome to join us for a short, fun exercise break during your work or study day! Just wear your regular clothes!

  Programme
  On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30, we will offer 15 minutes of Qi Gong, which will be held outside on the campus square again until October, close to the new Calisthenics park.

  Following on from Qi Gong, there will be free walk-in Calisthenics on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 13:15. This means that there will be an instructor present who can offer you some help and inspiration with the equipment at the Calisthenics park, no strings attached!

  On Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. it is time for Standing Yoga, which starts in the hall of the OZW.

  VU in Motion   
  VU in Motion aims to get employees and students to move a little more on and around the VU Campus. It has been scientifically proven that (more) movement leads to (more) physical and mental health. VU is also part of the sitting culture that has almost replaced natural movement worldwide. And we want to change that! Each week we will provide a tip or a fun fact to encourage you to meet one of the three movement guidelines. These guidelines for adults and seniors are as follows:   

  • Movement is good; more movement is better. Do at least 150 (preferably 210) minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, spread over several days.   
  • Do 2-3x/week an intensive(er) workout of 30-60 min, focusing on strength and conditioning, for the elderly additionally combined with balance exercises.   
  • And avoid sitting still! In other words, half an hour of movement/sports a day cannot compensate for the damage of further prolonged sitting still. 2 minutes of moderate-intensity movement every 20 minutes has very positive effects.

  Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese movement form that not only strengthens your body, but balances your whole being (body, mind and spirit) by activating the vital life energy, or Qi. This life energy flows through your body via meridians (energy pathways that run through your body and connect all organs). By practising Qi Gong, these meridians can be activated and balanced, leading to greater vitality and inner peace. It improves flexibility and mobility, strengthens the immune system, increases energy, reduces stress, improves focus and concentration, and increases emotional balance and breathing. A short 15-minute Qi Gong session already gives great results, so perfect for an invigorating break activity!

Workshops & training sessions

• Three ways to improve your study Module 3: Take action  – 24 November 2025

  Psychologists reveal: THREE WAYS to improve your study (and personal) life!!!

  You are ready to change (the way you study), but are not sure how to get started. 

  This module is part of three modules offered by the VU student psychological counsellor. The focus is on themes that students regularly tell us they struggle with: procrastination, stress and feeling stuck in a negative spiral. 

  The aim of each module is to give you insights into your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours - and a set of practical tools that you can use when you hit the books. 

  A series consists of three modules that you can follow consecutively or separately. It is not obligatory to do all three; you sign up for a single module. This makes it more easily accessible and demand driven. The modules may also be a nice refresher for students who previously met with a student psychological counsellor or completed a training or workshop! 

  In this module we work on behaviour. Sometimes you want to change, but where do you start? We spend time on helping you gain an overview, of both your short- and long-term plans. This is about taking action and getting a grip on your day. Useful for everyone: whether you procrastinate, like to socialise, or cannot see the wood for the trees. 

  Other modules in the series:

  • Working on... understanding your negative spiral
  • Working on... finding your personal balance

  Dates

  • Monday, 24 November 2025, 10:00-11:00 (VU campus)
  • Wednesday, 4 February 2026, 11:00-12:00 (VU campus)
  • Thursday, 2 April 2026, 13:00-14:00 (VU campus)
  • Wednesday, 20 May 2026, 10:00-11:00 (VU campus).

  This module is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.

• Efficient study techniques – 25 November & 2 December 2025 (online)

  Studying faster, efficient and with more fun?

  Discover a more efficient way of studying. Practice with reading, learning and memory strategies and become a faster and more efficient student. Using this training course, offering the latest insights in the functioning of the brain, you will be able to adequately influence your learning process.

  The training course includes 2 sessions and will take place on:

  • Tuesday, 25 November & 2 December 2025, 18:30 - 21:30 (online)
  • Wednesday, 4 & 11 March 2026, 18:30 - 21:30 (online)

  This training course is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.

• Three ways to improve your study Module 1: The negative spiral – 14 January 2026

  Psychologists reveal: THREE WAYS to improve your study (and personal) life!!!

  You are ready to change (the way you study), but are not sure how to get started. 

  This module is part of three short modules offered by the VU student psychological counsellors. The focus is on themes that students regularly tell us they struggle with: procrastination, stress and feeling stuck in a negative spiral. 

  The aim of each module is to give you insights into your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours - and a set of practical tools that you can use when you hit the books. 

  A series consists of three modules that you can follow consecutively or separately. It is not obligatory to do all three; you sign up for a single module. This makes it more easily accessible and demand driven. The modules may also be a nice refresher for students who previously met with a student psychological counsellor or completed a training or workshop! 

  In this module we take a closer look at the negative spiral (also known as a vicious circle) you can get stuck in. This is an exercise from cognitive behavioural therapy which gives insight into the connection between what you think, feel, and do. This approach also gives you tools on how to break the spiral. 

  Other modules in the series:

  • Working on... finding your personal balance
  • Working on… taking action 

  Dates 

  • Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 11:00-12:00 (VU campus)
  • Thursday, 12 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 (VU campus)
  • Wednesday, 6 May 2026, 10:00-11:00 (VU campus).

  This module is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.  

• Work on your fear of failure – 16 January, 6 & 20 February, 6 & 20 March 2026

  In this training course you will learn to understand your own fear of failure and gain insight in your study-related stress. 

  Do you understand the material, but you still fail your exams? Is there so much to do that you can only focus on studying, or that you can do nothing at all? Do you experience so much stress before a deadline that you decide to just leave it? Do you procrastinate, have issues with concentration or motivation because an exam incites so much stress? Or do you put so much of your time and energy into studying that you do not have any fun or rest any more?

  In this training you will learn to understand your own fear of failure and gain insight in your study-related stress. Alongside various exercises and assignments you will learn how to be more in control and break your own vicious circle of anxiety. The goal is to learn to be more relaxed about studying, and about other worries that are in the way of an optimal performance.

  This training course includes 5 sessions and will take place on:

  • Friday, 16 January, 6 & 20 February, 6 & 20 March 2026 (10 April)^*, 10:00-12:00 (VU campus)
  • Monday, 2, 16 & 30 March, 13 April, 11 May 2026 (8 June)^*, 13:00-15:00 (VU campus)
  • Wednesday, 20 May, 3 & 17 June, 1 & 15 July 2026 (22 July)^*, 13:00-15:00 (VU campus).

  ^{* back-up date}

  The training course is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.

• Three ways to improve your study Module 2: Balance and relaxation – 21 January 2026

  Psychologists reveal: THREE WAYS to improve your study (and personal) life!!!

  You are ready to change (the way you study), but are not sure how to get started. 

  This module is part of three modules offered by the VU student psychological counsellors. The focus is on themes that students regularly tell us they struggle with: procrastination, stress and feeling stuck in a negative spiral. 

  The aim of each module is to give you insights into your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours - and a set of practical tools that you can use when you hit the books. 

  A series consists of three modules that you can follow consecutively or separately. It is not obligatory to do all three; you sign up for a single module. This makes it more easily accessible and demand driven. The modules may also be a nice refresher for students who previously met with a student psychological counsellor or completed a training or workshop! 

  In this module it is all about balance. When experiencing problems with procrastination or motivation, but also with stress, it is important to look at how you deal with your own energy distribution. Do you spend too much time on your studies, or too little? How do you recognise the signals your body gives that it is time to pump the brakes? With our help, take the first steps towards achieving a better balance. 

  Other modules in the series:

  • Working on... understanding your negative spiral
  • How to… take action

  Dates

  • Wednesday, 21 January 2026, 11:00-12:00 (VU campus)
  • Thursday, 19 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 (VU campus)
  • Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 10:00-11:00 (VU campus).

  This module is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying. 

• How to feel more confident during presentations – 23 February, 2 & 9 March 2026

  How to give a presentation with more self-confidence and persuasiveness? 

  For all students who are looking forward to presenting and would like to give a presentation with more self-confidence and persuasiveness, participate in a presentation round or other forms of public speaking.

  Do you feel uncomfortable during a presentation or even more than that? Would you like to experience more self-confidence and daring when you get the floor? In this training course you will experiment in a safe environment and play with speaking in front of a group. Motto: making mistakes is allowed! Goal: let your self-confidence and presentation skills grow. 

  After the training course: 

  • You know more about the development of feelings of anxiety during presentation. 
  • You have more knowledge about helping and inhibiting thoughts and what you can do with them. 
  • You have various tools to feel more relaxed while speaking in front of a group. 
  • You know how to give a convincing presentation and have you practiced this.

  This training course includes 3 to 4 sessions and will take place on:

  • Monday, 23 February, 2 & 9 March 2026 (additional session if needed: 30 March), 18:30 - 20:30 (VU campus). 

  The training course is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.

• Improve your concentration – 8 & 15 April 2026 (online)

  Get a grip on your attention again!

  Can you hardly bring yourself to read this text? Do you automatically reach for your smartphone when it's next to you? Does your mind constantly wander when you are at work? Can't close yourself off from the people or sounds around you? Do you often feel rushed and do less than you would like to? Do you lie in bed with a full head?

  It is time for a different approach! In this workshop you get a grip on your attention again. You learn about the ins and outs of attention management and you practise with various concentration techniques. After this course: You know how your brain deals with distractions. You discover how you can better arm yourself against these distractions. You will experience more peace in your head and body.

  This training course includes 2 sessions and will take place on: 

  • Wednesday, 8 & 15 April 2026, 18:30 - 21:30 (online).

  This training course is also offered in Dutch. For more information and registration go to this page.

  Check out the full range of workshops and training courses on the page Courses to optimize studying.

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