Wellbeing Calendar

Feel the warmth of the VU community this winter!

• A Christmas Potluck – 19 December

  Fancy a fun holiday evening with some new friends, free food and fun games? Join us for this Christmas Potluck and chill with us!

  It's the season for some light and community! Join us for an evening of nice wintery food, fun and games, and some reflection on the holiday season. Together with 3D and the International Office, we're organising a Christmas Potluck to celebrate the holidays and to hang out together.

  What to bring?

  You're invited to bring a little contribution to the potluck table – it doesn't need to be much (we know, it's also the exam week). You're also welcome without bringing food!

  What's the plan?

  We're starting at 6 PM in 3D. We'll be having food, and meanwhile we will share a short reflection about the holiday season. When we've finished our delicious food, we'll play a little gift-giving game and afterwards, we have an open space with different activities – board games, card writing, Friendshipping, or just chilling on the couches with some nice snacks. Around 9:30, the evening is over and we all go home feeling all warm and fuzzy. Sounds like a plan? Sign up and join us!

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 19 December  6 PM till 9:30 PM
  • Location: 3D, the VU stage for dialogue
  • Please sign up here.

• SSA Futsal tournament – 21 December

  Around New Year, the SSA (Stichting Studentensport Amsterdam) organises an annual Futsal tournament, a pro competition and a casual competition, including oliebollen.

  Traditionally, it takes place at the turn of the year at USC Universum (Science Park 306) Amsterdam, and oliebollen are handed out throughout the day. This year, the tournament will take place on 21 December. The tournament will consist of a casual league and a pro league. Tickets for both competitions can be bought separately, so please pay attention to this when buying tickets.  Until two weeks before the tournament, tickets will only be available for student teams, after this, tickets will also be available for non-student teams. 

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Sunday 21 December 2024 10:00 - 19:00
  • Location: USC Sportcentrum Universum - Science Park 306, 1012 WX Amsterdam (directions)
  • Please buy tickets here.

• Board game night – 30 December

  Want to have a cozy night in your Christmas break? Join the Life is Better in 3D board game night for some nostalgic board games with friends and snacks!

  Check out our impressive game closet in the 3D room! Warning: if you can't handle losing, you better win! 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, 30 December 2024 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.

• Reading Club: Poetry Afternoon №1 – 6 January

  Would you like to be introduced to poetry? Or do you want to share your keen poetry reading eye and sharp insights? Join our cozy afternoons!

  There’s no better way to start off the year than with the beauty of poems. This Poetry Afternoon we’ll read three poems from the collection These Hard and Shining Things. There’s no need to prepare and no need to be ‘into poetry’ – although poetry fans are more than welcome too, of course. There’s no preparation needed, whatsoever: we'll gather the specific poems we're reading this session on a handout for you, and we'll read them together on the spot.

  Who are we reading?
  These Hard and Shining Things collects the voices of poets Rowan Evans, Sir Geoffrey Hill and Toby Martinez de las Rivas. They're are all English, male poets, both younger, older and passed away; renowned and lesser-known. Here’s more information on Evans, Hill and Martinez de Las Rivas:

  • Rowan Evans (1991) is a poet, sound artist and composer born in 1991. He studied at Cambridge and Bristol universities. His debut collection is A Method, A Path (2023).
  • Sir Geoffrey Hill (1932 – 2016) was a professor of English language and religion at the University of Oxford and has been called the greatest living poet in the English language. He has been awarded numerous prizes, and wrote multiple poetic works.
  • Toby Martinez de las Rivas (1978) grew up in Somerset and went on studying history and archaeology. He has published, among other work, three bundles that have been shortlisted for several prizes.

  What to expect?
  The session will start at 4:00 PM with some coffee and tea and some time to settle in together. There is no need to prepare anything; we'll have the readings with us! We have selected three poems, one by each writer, which we will read together. Then, there is some time to reread in silence, after which we will discuss what we think and feel about the poems. All input, from poetry newbie to literature student, is most welcome.

  Summarized, join us for some chill poetry reading time. We’re looking forward to seeing you! Don’t forget to sign up for one or more of the sessions (the others take place on January 13th and 20th).

  Reading Club: Poetry Afternoons are organized by NEWConnective, VU’s Platform for Life’s Big Questions. Do you want to stay up to date? Follow us on Instagram (@newconnective) or join our community on WhatsApp.

  Programme

  • Date & time: Monday, 6 January from 4:00 till 5:30 PM
  • Location: Stage for Dialogue, 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Reading Club: Poetry Afternoon №2 – 13 January

  Would you like to be introduced to poetry? Or do you want to share your keen poetry reading eye and sharp insights? Join our cozy afternoons!

  There’s no better way to start off the year than with the beauty of poems. This Poetry Afternoon we’ll read three poems from the collection These Hard and Shining Things. There’s no need to prepare and no need to be ‘into poetry’ – although poetry fans are more than welcome too, of course. There’s no preparation needed, whatsoever: we'll gather the specific poems we're reading this session on a handout for you, and we'll read them together on the spot.

  Who are we reading?
  These Hard and Shining Things collects the voices of poets Rowan Evans, Sir Geoffrey Hill and Toby Martinez de las Rivas. They're are all English, male poets, both younger, older and passed away; renowned and lesser-known. Here’s more information on Evans, Hill and Martinez de Las Rivas:

  • Rowan Evans (1991) is a poet, sound artist and composer born in 1991. He studied at Cambridge and Bristol universities. His debut collection is A Method, A Path (2023).
  • Sir Geoffrey Hill (1932 – 2016) was a professor of English language and religion at the University of Oxford and has been called the greatest living poet in the English language. He has been awarded numerous prizes, and wrote multiple poetic works.
  • Toby Martinez de las Rivas (1978) grew up in Somerset and went on studying history and archaeology. He has published, among other work, three bundles that have been shortlisted for several prizes.

  What to expect?
  The session will start at 4:00 PM with some coffee and tea and some time to settle in together. There is no need to prepare anything; we'll have the readings with us! We have selected three poems, one by each writer, which we will read together. Then, there is some time to reread in silence, after which we will discuss what we think and feel about the poems. All input, from poetry newbie to literature student, is most welcome.

  Summarized, join us for some chill poetry reading time. We’re looking forward to seeing you! Don’t forget to sign up for one or more of the sessions (the others take place on January 13th and 20th).

  Reading Club: Poetry Afternoons are organized by NEWConnective, VU’s Platform for Life’s Big Questions. Do you want to stay up to date? Follow us on Instagram (@newconnective) or join our community on WhatsApp.

  Programme

  • Date & time: Monday, 13 January from 4:00 till 5:30 PM
  • Location: Stage for Dialogue, 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Reading Club: Poetry Afternoon №2 – 20 January

  Would you like to be introduced to poetry? Or do you want to share your keen poetry reading eye and sharp insights? Join our cozy afternoons!

  There’s no better way to start off the year than with the beauty of poems. This Poetry Afternoon we’ll read three poems from the collection These Hard and Shining Things. There’s no need to prepare and no need to be ‘into poetry’ – although poetry fans are more than welcome too, of course. There’s no preparation needed, whatsoever: we'll gather the specific poems we're reading this session on a handout for you, and we'll read them together on the spot.

  Who are we reading?
  These Hard and Shining Things collects the voices of poets Rowan Evans, Sir Geoffrey Hill and Toby Martinez de las Rivas. They're are all English, male poets, both younger, older and passed away; renowned and lesser-known. Here’s more information on Evans, Hill and Martinez de Las Rivas:

  • Rowan Evans (1991) is a poet, sound artist and composer born in 1991. He studied at Cambridge and Bristol universities. His debut collection is A Method, A Path (2023).
  • Sir Geoffrey Hill (1932 – 2016) was a professor of English language and religion at the University of Oxford and has been called the greatest living poet in the English language. He has been awarded numerous prizes, and wrote multiple poetic works.
  • Toby Martinez de las Rivas (1978) grew up in Somerset and went on studying history and archaeology. He has published, among other work, three bundles that have been shortlisted for several prizes.

  What to expect?
  The session will start at 4:00 PM with some coffee and tea and some time to settle in together. There is no need to prepare anything; we'll have the readings with us! We have selected three poems, one by each writer, which we will read together. Then, there is some time to reread in silence, after which we will discuss what we think and feel about the poems. All input, from poetry newbie to literature student, is most welcome.

  Summarized, join us for some chill poetry reading time. We’re looking forward to seeing you! Don’t forget to sign up for one or more of the sessions (the others take place on January 13th and 20th).

  Reading Club: Poetry Afternoons are organized by NEWConnective, VU’s Platform for Life’s Big Questions. Do you want to stay up to date? Follow us on Instagram (@newconnective) or join our community on WhatsApp.

  Programme

  • Date & time: Monday, 20 January from 4:00 till 5:30 PM
  • Location: Stage for Dialogue, 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Meeting students and staff with a disability or chronic condition – 23 January

  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.

  During these meetings, students and employees with disabilities or chronic conditions can discuss with each other. There is plenty of room to ask questions and share tips and experiences.

  The meeting is approachable, accessible and informal.

  What to expect?

  • In this accessible get-together you meet up with other people having disabilities or chronic illnesses at the VU in a safe and confidential environment. 
  • You are not alone. Other people with comparable experiences better understand how your personal situation influences you job or study.
  • The meeting will be guided by a VU student with a disability / chronic illness and the coordinator of VU debate center 3D. 
  • During this informal meeting experiences are exchanged and support is offered. 
  • There is plenty of room to share experiences, ask questions and share suggestions.
  • It’s a great place to meet new people.

  Practical information 

  • Who: employees and students with a disability, chronic illness or other affinity in broad sense
  • When: monthly, January 23rd, February 19th
  • Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
  • Where: Global Room space HG-1A36, Main building, first floor
  • Number of participants: maximum 20
  • Interested? And want to find out about the next meeting? 
  • Please send a message 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.

Wellbeing

• Winter’s Grief Café – 23 January

  Are you mourning the loss of someone dear to you? Join this open space for grief. You’re welcome to share your experience, as well as listen to others’ experiences.

  Our Grief Cafés are a low-key way to share about your mourning experience. It’s an open space, in which everyone is invited to speak about their process and feelings. 

  A bit scared to join? No worries: we have built in ways to communicate the degree in which you want to share; so you can also join the Grief Café if you are unsure about how much you want to open up.  

  What to expect? 

  After a short walk-in, we'll introduce the Grief Café and open up the space with a small reading of poetry and lighting a candle. We have brought questions with us, that we will discuss taking turns. This way, everyone can share about their experiences and listen to those of others. After we have discussed the questions, we will have a little wind down with coffee and tea. You're welcome to join, whether it's your first time talking about your experience or it's something you speak about regularly. 

  Programme

  • 4:00: Walk-in with coffee and tea 
  • 4:10: Short introduction 
  • 4:15: Guided conversation 
  • 5:00: Summary and round-off 
  • 5:10: Coffee and tea to wind down 
  • 5:30: End

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 23 January 4:00 till 5:30 PM 
  • Location: Stage for dialogue, 3D 
  • Sign up is not necessary! 

• 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 is going indoors again!

  As of Tuesday, 5 November, Tai Chi, Salsa and Standing yoga will take place indoors again instead of on campus square.

  Join us on the ground floor in the OZW building in front of the Sportscentre VU.

  A reminder of the schedule: 

  • Tai Chi on Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30.  
  • Salsa on on Tuesday & Thursday at 13:00. 
  • Standing Yoga on Wednesday at 12:15.

  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.

Workshops & training sessions

• Three ways to improve your study Module 1: The negative spiral – 16 January 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 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:

  • Friday, 7 March 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00
  • 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.

• Work on your fear of failure – 17 January, 7 & 21 Feburary, 7 & 21 March 2025

  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:

  • Monday, 3, 17 & 31 March, 14 April, 12 May from 13:00 to 15:00
  • 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 2: Balance and relaxation – 23 January 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 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:

  • Friday, 14 March 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00
  • 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.

• Improve your concentration – 3 & 10 February 2025

  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.

  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.

• Three ways to improve your study Module 3: Take action – 6 February 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 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:

  • Friday, 21 March 2025 from 11:00 to 12:00
  • 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. 

• How to feel more confident during presentations – 3, 10 & 17 March 2025

  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.

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