Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• Movie Night: It was Just an Accident – 26 February 

  Wanna know more about what is going on in Iran? And to engage in conversation with other students? Join our movie night!

  The situation in Iran is changing every day. Social media and news channels are brimming with information about the protests and the ensuing violent crack-down. Since many of our community are affected, together with AnthroCine, we are organising a movie showing of an Iranian movie: It was Just an Accident (2025). 

  There will be pizza (for free), drinks, and good conversations. Prof. Halleh Ghorashi will engage with us in conversation about the movie after watching it together. Join us for a night of good company, interesting conversation and solidarity. 

  Information about the movie 

  It was Just an Accident (2025) is an Iranian movie about a man who bumps into someone who he believes is his former torturer. It faces questions of revenge, resistance and redemption. Be aware: this film engages with heavy themes. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us at newconnective@vu.nl. 

  Who is NEWConnective? 

  NEWConnective is the VU platform for life's bigger questions. We organise events for students, in which the themes range from anything from grief and friendship to belonging on campus and spirituality.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 26 February 2026 18:30 - 21:00
  • Location: 3D room
  • Organised by NEWConnective
  • Please sign up here
  • Watch the trailer here.

• Interreligious Iftar – 3 March (fully booked!)

  Have you always wanted to join an iftar, or are you looking for a place to break your fast with company? Join this lovely event of conversation and food.

  These are times of unrest and turmoil in the world – if you're looking for a place for some rest and connection, our iftar is the place to be! 

  Ramadan is the month of contemplation and introspection. Just like the previous two years, Ramadan coincides with the Christian time of Lent. This period is traditionally a time that Christians fast and focus on spiritual life. This Ramadan, NEWConnective joins forces with the Westerkerk and the Fatih Mosque to organise an interreligious iftar. 

  What is this event? 

  An iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims break their fast. The dialogue part of this event will take place in the Westerkerk. We will discuss some questions together, like the meaning of fasting and your sources of spirituality or meaning-making. Join us and share your thoughts! 

  After the dialogue, we will move to the Fatih Mosque (only a 10 minute walk away) and break the fast together. We'll share some delicious food – and each other's company. After eating together, you can also join the evening prayer in the mosque – and there's room for questions as well! Around 9, we will round off the evening – and return home enriched. 

  Who is NEWConnective? 

  NEWConnective is the VU platform for life's bigger questions. We organise events for students, in which the themes range from anything from grief and friendship to belonging on campus and spirituality. If you have any questions about this event or about us, don't hesitate to send us an email on newconnective@vu.nl. 

  Organisation partners 

  We organise this event in cooperation with the Fatih Mosque and the Westerkerk. Thrive Amsterdam is also an organising partner. Thrive Amsterdam Mental health is a programme of the GGD Amsterdam (Amsterdam health organisation) that connects professionals, organisations and other initiatives in the city to strengthen the mental health of everyone living in Amsterdam. Prevention and increasing resilience are central to this programme.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Tuesday, 3 March 2026 16:45 - 21:00
  • Location: Westerkerk and Fatihmoskee
  • Organised by: NEWConnective
  • This event is fully booked, sign-up has therefore been closed.

• WO&MEN@VU: International Women's day Beyond Gender Inequalities – 9 March

  Join us on 9 March for International Women’s Day at VU, exploring intersectional safety, inclusive education, and academic success.

  This day is open to everyone, regardless of gender, and we welcome you to bring your fellow students and colleagues to this substantive celebration. The program starts at 13:00 and continues until 17:00.

  The afternoon begins with a keynote on intersectionality, gender inequalities, and why these issues matter in academia.

  Session 1: Student safety and inclusive education (13:00 – 15:00)
  Women in STEM and FAM will join us for a roundtable discussion on social safety for students. You’ll also hear presentations from the Beyond Gender Inequalities course, covering topics such as social safety, gender-inclusive education, and toxic environments at the university, along with their e-zines. The session includes a talk on inclusive education by experts from the VU Center for Teaching and Learning.

  Session 2: Academic success and safety (15:30 – 17:00)
  This session explores what success in academia means beyond gender statistics, using an intersectional perspective. A roundtable discussion will highlight policies that can be implemented at VU, achievements in gender equality, and experiences of women of colour in academia. The event concludes with reflections on how VU can make its policies and practices more intersectional.

  You can join us for the full program or participate in a single part of the afternoon!

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 9 March 2026 13:00 – 17:00
  • Location: Atrium, MF Building
  • Audience: VU students and staff
  • Language: English
  • The event is free, open to all, but registration is required through this online form.
  • The network can be contacted by sending an e-mail to women@vu.nl

• Community Iftar – 12 March

  Join us while we break our fast with good company!

  Looking for a place to break your fast, to connect, and to 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! 

  On March 12, NEWConnective organises an iftar in collaboration with the Wereldhuis. Together we create space to meet over a delicious plate of food, curated by the in-house chefs of Wereldhuis. Everyone is welcome, regardless of what you do or don’t believe in. 

  Programme

  Walk-in starts at 6 pm. Both NEWConnective and the Wereldhuis will share a bit about our work. Next, at the prescribed time, we will break the fast together with some dates. (There will be room to pray for those that want to). The chefs from the Wereldhuis will have prepared a wonderful dinner for us! The rest of evening will be very laid-back; we will have chit-chats and enjoy each other’s company. Around 9 pm the evening ends and we return home with a full heart and belly!

  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. 

  Who is NEWConnective? 

  NEWConnective is the VU platform for life's bigger questions. We organise events for students, in which the themes range from anything from grief and friendship to belonging on campus and spirituality. If you have any questions about this event or about us, don't hesitate to send us an email on newconnective@vu.nl!

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 12 March 2026 18:00 - 21:00
  • Location: De Kas, Nieuwe Herengracht 18 (ring the doorbell at de Diaconie)
  • Please sign up here
  • Organised by NEWConnective

• Against the tide? Conservatism on campus – 16 March

  For years, the world seemed to increasingly embrace progressive ideals, but looking at the results of many big elections over the last decade, one can’t help but think this momentum has all but disappeared.

  The conservative narrative is back from never having been fully gone, and has secured electoral victories with slogans that seem primarily to want to restore some good old time. Meanwhile, the university and its population get a scolding. We are too elitist and too woke. We are out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. And while we preach inclusion, conservative views are in actuality not tolerated. At least, that is the indictment. 

  On 16 March 16:00 (that’s 4 PM for Americans), 3D will venture outside of the ivory tower. In a dialogue with prominent conservative and Theologist of the Netherlands, prof. dr. Arnold Huijgen, we will discuss this interesting movement, which is so rarely heard on campus. Is our society indeed turning more conservative? Is there really so little space on university campuses for the conservative viewpoint? And, not unimportant, to what extent is that new and successful, populist reactionary conservative sound áctual conservatism? Together with all present, we will seek to answer these questions, and more. 

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 16 March 2026 4:00 – 5:30 pm
  • Location: debate centre 3D, in the W&N building across the volleyball fields
  • Audience: VU students and staff
  • Language: English
  • Free event
  • Please sign up here
  • For questions you can send an email to 3D.

• Open stage – 16 April

  You can once again join 3D for Open Stage evenings organized by students from the Bachelor's in Creative Writing and Master's in Literary Studies.

  An evening to enjoy each other's readings. And an opportunity to present something yourself, such as a short story, poetry, a column, or a song. It all comes down to your own creativity. You have complete freedom to try something out, alone or with others.

  Would you like to present something? Send a message to Naomi at n.a.bak@student.vu.nl or +3163092 9237. Please keep your presentation to a maximum of ten minutes. And of course, you must show up. But even if you don't want to present anything and just want to listen, you're more than welcome.

  The evening starts at 7:00 p.m. There's an opportunity to eat together beforehand in the VU canteen (around 6:00 p.m). You can grab something there, or bring your own food and heat it up.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 16 April & 26 June 2026 19:00 – 21:00 
  • Location: debate centre 3D, in the W&N building across the volleyball fields
  • Audience: VU students and staff
  • Language: Mainly Dutch
  • Free event
  • No need to sign up, only let us now if you want to present something by sending an email 
  • For questions you can send an email to Naomi.

Sports & wellbeing

• Pickleball Amstelveen Open – 22 March

  On Sunday 22 March 2026, we will be organising the Pickleball Amstelveen Open 2026!

  Since November 2025, pickleball has been played enthusiastically at Sportcentrum VU, so it's time for the very first edition of this tournament.

  The tournament is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced players. We therefore have different categories.

  Categories

  • Men's doubles: 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0+
  • Women's doubles: 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0+

  No partner? No problem! Just sign up. Once you have found a partner, you can send a message to the tournament organiser.
  Please note: each player must register separately and pay the registration fee.

  Matches
  Each player will play at least four matches.

  Practical information

  • Date: Sunday,  22 March 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Sportcentrum VU, Uilenstede
  • Registration fee: €15 per person. To register for the tournament, please complete this registration form. You can pay the registration fee here.
  • You can see the registered participants on the Tournify page, where you can also find the standings and results on the day itself.
  • For your information: parking is free at Uilenstede on Sundays, but parking spaces will be scarce.

  Organisation

  This tournament is organised by Pim Huberts.

• HYROX VU Simulation:  2nd edition – 29 March

  After a successful first edition, we kept hearing one question over and over again: “When is the next one?”. Good news: the second HYROX VU Simulation is scheduled for March 29!Experience again (or for the first time) what it's like to complete a full HYROX race.

  Preparing for HYROX?
  Follow our HYROX Training Club group lessons and use this simulation as the ultimate test towards a real HYROX race.

  Dates & Tickets
  Sunday, March 29, 2026

  Singles
  Check-in: 10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
  Opening & explanation: 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  Start simulation: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  Tickets: €10 student | €20 regular

  Buy your singles ticket here

  Doubles (per team)
  Check-in: 2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
  Opening & Explanation: 2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  Start simulation: 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Tickets: €20 student | €40 regular

  Buy your doubles ticket here

  Please note: If you want to buy a ticket at the student price, make sure you are registered as a student in our system before purchasing a ticket. Please come to the desk and show your registration.

  More information

• Mourning Group – 12 May to 30 June

  NEWConnective organizes a Mourning Group for students who are mourning someone who has passed away.

  There is no manual for mourning. Everyone grieves in their own unique way.

  Death is part of life, but that does not lessen the impact it has on your life. The sadness can be so overwhelming that it may feel like your whole world has collapsed and seems like life has lost all its luster. Your concentration can drop, which in turn can affect your study results. You may feel empty and aimless, angry, withdrawn, or confused still. At first, people are caring and concerned, but after a while, it can seem like no one has room for your grief anymore. The sadness is something that stays and that is normal. There is no manual for mourning. Everyone grieves in their own unique way. A grief group of students who have experienced something similar can offer you support. 

  What is the mourning group? The group consists of a 1 on 1 intake moment with Lenneke the facilitator of the group. And six group sessions, in which you can share your experiences with loss. Lenneke occasionally provides background information on aspects of grief. 

  The purpose of the mourning group is to share stories and find recognition in the emotions and experiences of others, within a free and safe space for every participant. 

  Is this the place for me? The group is open to every student in Amsterdam, regardless of background or belief. The only condition is that the loss you wish to discuss is not very recent. If you have any doubts about this, please email us and we will discuss it together. Prior to participation, there will be an intake interview in which you will meet Lenneke and discuss your needs.

  Practical information

  There is space for six students in the group. You can register by sending an email to newconnective@vu.nl.  

  Dates of the intake interviews:

  • Intake interviews 1: Tuesday, 5 May, between 16.00 and 19.00.
  • Intake intervieuws 2: Wednesday, 6 May, between 16.00 and 19.00.

  Dates of the mourning group:

  • Session 1: Tuesday, 12 May, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 2: Tuesday,  19 May, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 3: Tuesday, 26 May, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 4: Tuesday, 2 June, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 5: Tuesday, 9 June, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 6: Tuesday, 16 June, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 7: Tuesday, 23 June, 17.00 - 19.00.
  • Session 8: Tuesday, 30 June, 17.00 - 19.00.

  The location is yet to be announced.

• 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

• Work on your fear of failure – 2, 16 & 30 March, 13 April, 11 May

  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:

  • 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.

• Efficient study techniques – 4 & 11 March (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:

  • 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 – 12 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. 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 

  • 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.  

• Three ways to improve your study Module 2: Balance and relaxation – 19 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. 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

  • 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. 

• Three ways to improve your study Module 3: Take action – 2 April 

  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

  • 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.

• Improve your concentration – 8 & 15 April (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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