Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• Book exchange – 4 March

  Read more books this year and talk about them with new friends at our Life is Better in 3D Book Exchange!

  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 e-mail at 3D@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Tuesday, 4 March 2025 from 18:30 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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.

• Stitch'n'bitch session – 4 March

  A relaxed crafting meetup open to all! Learn the basics of crochet or knitting, or bring your own project to work on while chatting in good company.

  Some materials are available, so just bring yourself or your ongoing creations. Enjoy tea, coffee, and biscuits as you stitch and unwind! 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, 4 March 2025 from 18:30 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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 – 6 March

  Do you love playing chess and a challenge? Join the Life is Better in 3D Chess tournament to find out who is the best!

  You don't have to be a skilled chess player, the tournament is open for everyone! 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: Thursday, 6 March 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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.

• Board game night – 7 March

  Want to have a cozy and nostalgic board game with friends? Join 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: Friday, 7 March 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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.

• International Women's Day 2025 at VU Amsterdam – 10 March

  Each year, International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done. WO&MEN@VU, Women in STEM, 3D and FAM have joined forces and are inviting you to celebration with interesting conversations, entertainment, workshop and lunch/drinks.

  “Hope & Accelerate Action”
  “Reasons for Hope” is 2025/2026 theme of the VU. As was mentioned at the opening of the Academic year: “VU Amsterdam is not just a small-scale society; it is also a place where hope comes alive”. Let’s embrace change by working together and listening to different viewpoints. Sometimes you learn more from listening than from speaking. Collaborate and reach out to others. Let your principle guide you and be ready to make compromises, to obtain influence and be part of the change. In other words:  “Is the world changing you or are you changing the world?”

  “Accelerate Action” is theme of International Women’s Day 2025 and is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation. Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere. Gloria Steinem, world’s renowned feminist, journalist and activist reportedly once explained;” The story of women’s struggle belongs to no single woman nor to any organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights”

  This day is open to everyone, regardless of gender, and we welcome you to bring your fellow students and colleagues.

  Programme

  • 12:00 Lunch 
  • 12:35 Introduction of the day and participating groups
  • 12:45 Interacting talk/discussion with contributions from
    - Margrethe Jonkman - Chair of the VU board
    - Alette Kraneveld – Dean of the Science Faculty
    - Gregor Halff – Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences
    - Renée Andrée Koornstra - Director of HRM VU.
    We will hear their perspectives on the current situation regarding achievement of women at the VU in light of steering the organisation towards gender equality. The participants will reflect and discuss with the audience about “Men’s  Stronghold “ at the VU and what this means for students and employees.
  • 13:45 Entertainment 
  • 14:15 Workshop/Training “Bystander intervention” - How do you make sure that you can intervene when you see harassment happening?
  • 15:45 Conclusion & Drinks
  • 16:30 End

  Come and join the celebration, discussions, entertainment, and /or the workshop by sending an email to: women@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 10 March 2025, 12:00 – 16:30
  • Location: Debate Centre 3D
  • Language: English
  • Please sign up by sending an email to women@vu.nl.

• Iftar NEWConnective x Wereldhuis: Seeking Refuge – 10 March

  Join a meal with people from Amsterdam and break the fast with us!

  Are you looking for a place to break your fast, connect, and share a deliciously cooked meal together? Join us for this evening of good food and even better company, and contemplate with us for a bit!  

  March 10, NEWConnective organises an iftar in cooperation with the Wereldhuis. Together, we create space to meet over a delicious plate of food, curated by the cooks from the Wereldhuis. Everyone is welcome, whether you are religious, non-religious or a follower of any other tradition. 

  Programme

  Walk-in starts at 6 PM. Both NEWConnective and the Wereldhuis will share a bit about our work. Then, at the set time, we will break the fast together with some dates. The cooks from the Wereldhuis will have prepared a wonderful dinner for us! The rest of the evening will be very low-key; we will have conversations with each other and enjoy our time together. Around 9 PM the evening ends and we return home with a full belly and heart. 

  About the Wereldhuis 

  The Wereldhuis is a space in Amsterdam that works with and for undocumented migrants. They offer space for the individual needs of people who live in Amsterdam, whether it is Dutch lessons, a plate of food or friendship. 

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 10 March. Walk-in at 17:45, start 18:00.
  • Location: De Kas, Nieuwe Herengracht 18 (ring the bell of Diaconie) 
  • Please sign up here.

• Art Session – 10 March

  Come unwind after a long busy uni day and create a masterpiece at our Life is Better in 3D Art Session!

  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, 10 March 2025 from 18:00 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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.

• Open stage – 11 March

  It's time for an Open Stae again! On Tuesday evening, March 11, all literary enthusiasts can gather in 3D to listen to each other's readings, but also to recite something themselves, such as a short story, poetry, but also a column or a song.

  The evening starts at 19:30 (walk-in from 19:00) and will last until approximately 21:00. Do you want to recite something? Let us know or send a message to t.c.l.lindhout@student.vu.nl or 06 83458898. Try to limit your reading to a maximum of eight minutes. Of course, you are also more than welcome if you don't want to recite anything! See you then!

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 19:30 - 21:00
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students and staff
  • Language: Dutch
  • No need to sign up!
  • Free event

• Woman - man inequality in healthcare symposium 2025 – 27 March

  Gender bias in health care is a deep-seated problem that has a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of women. Medical research and practice have historically been based primarily on the male body, which means that care is not always best suited to the specific needs of women.

  This can lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and mental health problems.

  During this symposium, we will explore the structural causes of gender inequality in healthcare and discuss how to address them. In doing so, we will work together to raise awareness and share knowledge about more inclusive healthcare.

  What to expect?

  The program offers a mix of substantive lectures, interactive sessions and a panel discussion with experts from science, practice and patient advocacy.

  Main topics

  • The impact of gender bias in health care
  • How blind spots in research and treatment lead to inequities
  • The importance of systems change and policy adjustments
  • Practical tools for change in the medical profession.

  For whom?

  This symposium is intended for anyone who cares about gender equity in health care. Healthcare professionals, students, researchers, policy makers, patients, stakeholders: whether you work in the medical field or are simply interested in this topic, you are welcome!

  Speakers

  A list of speakers can be found here (on the bottom of the page).

  Programme

  • 15.00 - walk-in with coffee & tea
  • 15.30 - Start of program by Miranda van Holland with Carmen Cabo
    - Minicollege: Blind spots by Lieke Asma
    - Interactive session: Past with a bias by Mieneke te Hennepe
    - Intermezzo
    - Roundtable discussion Petra Verdonk, Merel de Heer, Mirjam Kaijer
    - Intermezzo & end of programme
  • 17.00 - Drinks

  Presentation and discussion leader: Miranda van Holland.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 10 March 2025, 12:00 - 16:30
  • Location: Debate centre 3D 
  • Please sign up here.

• VU International Spring Celebration: Music, Dance, Food! – 28 March

  International Spring Celebration @ Auditorium

  🌸 Join Us for a Vibrant Spring Celebration at VU! ✨

  Experience the richness of diverse cultures through captivating music and dance performances, interactive activities, and authentic cultural experiences. From traditional music and dance to delicious international cuisine, this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, foster inclusivity, and share the joy of spring.

  🌍 Around the world, the arrival of spring marks an important new beginning. During this celebration, we will explore different cultural traditions that welcome spring with joy and festivity.

  🎤 Opening Speech
  The event will begin with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Sharda Nandram, Chief Diversity Officer at the VU Diversity Office.

  💃 Cultural Performances
  Enjoy a variety of entertaining performances, from Latin-America, China and India! 

  🍽 International Dinner Buffet
  After the performances, join us in the foyer for a delicious buffet dinner, where you can taste flavors from different corners of the world!

  🎟 Get Your Tickets Now – It's FREE!
  Tickets are available in three batches:
  📅 March 3rd–10th
  📅 March 11th–17th
  📅 March 18th–28th

  🔗 Secure your spot before they sell out!
  https://eventix.shop/ygeuc5kq

  This is a unique opportunity to celebrate the arrival of spring in a joyful and energetic way. We look forward to celebrating with you.

  Programme

  • 16:00 - 18:00 Cultural Performances
    - Chinese Musical Instruments Performance – Michael Yang, VU
    - Rumba and Percussion from Cuba – La Esquina Cubana
    - Cueca Dance from Chile – Grupo Al Sur Del Cielo
    - Chinese Traditional Han-style Clothing Showcase – Han Association
    - Bharatanatyam South Indian Classical Dance – Sanjanaa Sriram, VU
    - Indian Traditional Dance – Aishwarya Bhattacharjee, VU
  • 18:30 - 21:30 Buffet Dinner

Wellbeing

• Yoga class – 5 March

  Release some stress in-between classes with our Life is Better in 3D yoga class!

  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, 5 March 2025 from 13:30 (you can come later if you want and you decide when you want to leave :-)
  • Location: 3D
  • 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.

• The Impact of Secondary Trauma – 13 March

  Many of us experience a persistent exposure to the graphic horrors taking place in conflict-riddled areas, such as Gaza, through social media channels.

  This increases risk of secondary traumatization, as individuals indirectly experience the pain and horror of others which can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness, hence deeply affecting mental health. Recognizing and addressing these impacts is essential, as open conversations and access to mental health care can help students to process their emotions and find support within the face of ongoing global violence.

  During this gathering Marije Luitjens will talk about the importance of secondary and vicarious trauma-awareness raising, using her own ethnographic research experience. The second speaker of the gathering is Maartje Weerdesteijn, she is assistant professor at the Department of Criminology. After this, there is room to discuss personal experiences in small groups guided by professional spiritual care givers. 

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 13 March 2025 16:00-17:30. Walkin with coffee and tea from 15:30 
  • Location: 3D
  • Audience: VU students and staff
  • Language: English 
  • Free event
  • Sign up by sending email to 3d@vu.nl.

• Meditation sessions – every Monday & Wednesday

  Need a break? join us for meditation in the silence room (HG-1A53).

  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 joins us for weekly meditations, in a silent meditation group, a traditional Buddhist and/or a Christian meditation.

  Meditation Group, every Monday 12:55-1:15 PM in the Silence Room (HG-1A53). Join us in silence to meditate in whatever way you prefer. We share our experiences afterwards.

  Buddhist Meditation, every Wednesday 12:45–1:15 PM in the Silence Room (HG-1A53). Join a guided Buddhist meditation, and share a silent practice with each other.

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

• VU in Motion – every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

  VU in Motion: are you in?

  VU in Motion offers low-threshold activities during your work/study day for a good reset of your body and mind, just get out of your head and into your body. Just in your work clothes, so easy!

  • Tuesday 12.30-12.45 p.m.: Qi Gong* | location: Hall NU building
  • Tuesday 13.00-13.15 p.m.: Salsa (also for beginners) | location: Hall NU building
  • Wednesday 12.15-12.30 p.m.: Standing Yoga | location: hall OZW building
  • Thursday 12.30-12.45 p.m.: Qi Gong* | location: Main Building, in front of the entrance to the VU Bookstore.
  • Thursday 13.00-13.15 p.m.: Salsa (also for beginners) | location: Main Building, in front of the entrance to the VU Bookstore.

  All exercise breaks are 15 minutes. Everyone is welcome for a short, tasty exercise break in your work or study day!  

  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.

  * VU in Motion chooses to substitute Tai Chi for the more approachable Qi Gong. Qi Gong, like Tai Chi, focuses on movement and breathing exercises for health and well-being, but without the complex movement forms of Tai Chi.

  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, 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

• How to feel more confident during presentations – 3, 10 & 17 March

  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 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: 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.

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

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

• Efficient study techniques – 5 & 12 March

  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, offering the latest insights in the functioning of the brain, you will be able to adequately influence your learning process.

  Do you want to learn quicker and more efficiently?

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

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

• The Braive Talk – 6 March

  Do you notice your peers feeling stressed or insecure and wonder how to support them?

  Join The Braive Talk, an interactive training session that equips you with practical tools to recognize signals, ask the right questions, and provide real, meaningful support.  

  What you'll gain:

  • Hands-on techniques to help those who may be struggling  
  • Insights on offering effective emotional support  
  • A chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.  

  This event is organized by Enactus VU, a student-led organization at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam that empowers students to create social impact through entrepreneurial projects, in collaboration with Braive, a non-profit dedicated to the personal growth of youth and young adults.  

  Let’s support each other! 

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 6 March 2025 15:15-17:00
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students 
  • Language: English
  • Free event.
  • For questions, you can send an email to contact@enactusvu.eu.

• Three ways to improve your study Module 1: The negative spiral – 7 March

  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, we will focus 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. 

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

  This module will also take place on:

  • Monday, 12 May 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00.

  Other modules in this series:

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

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

• Three ways to improve your study Module 2: Balance and relaxation – 14 March

  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, we will focus 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. 

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

  This module will also take place on:

  • Monday, 19 May 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00.

  Other modules in the series:

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

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

• Work on your fear of failure – 17 & 31 March, 14 April, 12 May, 2 June

  In this 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.

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

  This training course will also take place on the following series of days:

  • Wednesday, 7 & 21 May, 4 & 18 June, 2 July from 13:00 to 15:00.

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

• Three ways to improve your study Module 3: Take action – 21 March

  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, we will focus 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. 

  Please go this page to find more information and to register.

  This module will also take place on:

  • Monday, 2 June 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00.

  Other modules in this series:

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

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

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