Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• DnD night – 22 December 

  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: Monday, 22 December 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.

• Board game night – 23 December 

  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: Tuesday, December 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.

• DnD night – 29 December 

  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: Monday, 29 December 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: Skin Folk | session #1 – 8 January 

  The Library Book Club is everybody’s book club. Fancy a refreshing read and change of scenery? Come and read ‘Skin Folk’ with us: the award winning 2001 short stories by Grand Master in science-fiction and fantasy, Nalo Hopkinson. So, enjoy your winter break with a surprising and diverse read; and have something to look forward to for the new year!

  About Skin Folk 
  Skin Folk is a wildly diverse collection of short stories, spanning genres of folklore, science-fiction, horror and romance. Written by Caribbean-Canadian author Nalo Hopkinson and published in 2001, it was received remarkably well — for example, winning the World Fantasy Award.  

  Acclaim for Nalo Hopkinson’s work didn’t end with her third book Skin Folk: in addition to numerous awards for other books, in 2020 she received the distinction of ‘Damon Knight Grand Master’ by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, recognising her role in the genre as author, editor and teacher. 

  Practicalities 

  • Ensure you obtain a (digital) copy of the book. It’s not the easiest book to acquire, but the VU Boekhandel will have some in stock. For those who are unable to get a copy due to circumstances, we will have two spare copies on hold. 
  • Halfway December we’ll update this page to include the exact chapters to read per session. For sure, the first session will cover two out of the first five chapters of the book. 
  • This season of the book club consists of three weekly sessions (8, 15 and 22 January). Sessions start at 6:15 p.m., but you’re welcome to already join the table starting 5:30 p.m. to bridge a gap in your schedule, for example.  
  • Sessions take place in the Library Lounge at the entrance of the University Library in the Main Building (HG-01A01). 
  • There’s no need to sign up. If you’d like to receive updates and also to vote for books in the future, you can join the group chat (WhatsApp). 

  About (this season of) the Library Book Club 
  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. If you’d like to engage with this group more often, the easiest way to get involved is through the group chat (WhatsApp). You can find the event pages for the other two sessions here: 

  • 15 January, session 2 
  • 22 January, session 3 

  This season of the Library Book Club, we will be reading short stories. First of all, it fits the time of year, considering January can be rather demanding (with the four-week study period and all). The reading load is low, with two stories (about 30 pages) to read each session. Secondly, short stories are often amazing discussion material: brevity allows authors to put forward ideas sharply and concisely without the load of overly extensive world building. This allows our book club to delve into the material a bit more in depth: to analyse, interpret and speculate.  

  Schedule 

  • 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 

  • Chapter: t.b.a. 
  • Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 
  • Start: 6:15 p.m. 
  • End: 7:45 p.m. 
  • Language: English 
  • Location: Library Lounge (HG-1A) 

• The power of your story! A Workshop on your identity – 15 January 

  Everyone has a story. If you feel like sharing your story and listening to the ones of others, please join this workshop!

  Who are you at the VU? Are you the same person you are at home? Which story do you bring with you, and which one do you leave behind? If a fellow student sees you at a festival or on the sports field, will she recognize you? Every student brings unique experiences with them. These experiences say something about who you are and what is important to you. In this workshop, we will use the Diversity Game to search for stories that express something important. Every story is unique. If you feel like sharing your story and listening to the ones of others, please join!

  Lorna Minkman is a project lead at the VU in which she explores how the VU can be a place where students feel at home. In this regard, student experiences are essential. In her previous job at Fontys University, she coached a lot of students and learned that education should listen to students more closely. For that reason, she is researching meaningful experiences of students at the VU, as they may contain valuable information for improving education at VU Amsterdam.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 15 January 15:30-17:30
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • No costs
  • Registration is not necessary.

• In Conversation: dialogue session VU community #2 – 10 February 

  What if we created more space at VU for real conversations about war, peace, academic freedom and our wellbeing as a community? Join the second university-wide dialogue on 10 February 2026: 'In Conversation'.

  Why this series?
  In Conversation is a year-long dialogue series that creates space for open and respectful conversations within the VU community. Together, we explore how we deal with social tensions, differences of opinion and the search for connection. 

  This series is part of an broader national initiative by Dutch universities to strengthen dialogue on academic freedom. At VU, we give it our own meaning by talking, listening and learning together.

  What to expect
  An open and safe gathering where everyone at VU is welcome: students, lecturers, researchers and support staff. You, as a participant, decide which themes we will discuss. You do not need to prepare anything. Together, we will discover what matters to us and where the conversation leads.

  You can expect:

  • Space to talk about what truly concerns you
  • Small dialogue groups guided by trained facilitators
  • Encounters between students and staff from different faculties and backgrounds
  • A collective reflection without names or judgments

  Possible conversation themes include:

  • The role of the university in times of war and peace
  • Freedom of speech and academic freedom
  • Wellbeing, safety and connection on campus
  • Living together in a diverse community

  Join us 
  Every voice matters. Whether you are a student, researcher, lecturer or staff member, your participation helps bring different perspectives to the table. Together we make VU a place where genuine dialogue can grow. 

  Practical information

  • Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 
  • Time: 15:00 - 17:00. 
  • Location: t.b.d.
  • Language: English 
  • Organised by: CTL, 3D and the Network Science in Dialogue

Sport & wellbeing

• Oliebollen futsal tournament – 20 December

  Every year, the SSA organizes a futsal tournament at the USC Universum (Science Park 306) in Amsterdam. Traditionally, this takes place around New Year's Eve, and oliebollen are handed out throughout the day. This year, the tournament will take place on Saturday, 20 December.

  The tournament will consist of a casual competition and a pro competition. Separate tickets are available for both competitions, so please keep this in mind when purchasing tickets.  Until two weeks before the tournament, tickets will only be available for student teams. After that, tickets will also be available for non-student teams. 

  More information (in Dutch)

• Half marathon rowing – 7 January

  The Sportcentrum VU and Okeanos are jointly organizing the half marathon rowing event.

  Test your strength, endurance, and team spirit during the half rowing marathon (25 km) organized by Sportcentrum VU and rowing club Okeanos.

  What can you expect?
  The chance to see how far you and your team can go on the ergometers. In teams of up to 5 participants, you will row 25 km together. Take turns, decide on your own strategy, and keep up the pace until the very last meters!

  Under the guidance of an experienced Okeanos coach, you will receive tips on technique, pace, and strategy—perfect for improving your indoor rowing performance. Whether you are training for your next challenge or just looking for a sporting team experience, this event is all about strength, endurance, and cooperation in an energetic, motivating setting.

  Prizes
  There are great prizes to be won for the fastest teams:

  • 1st place: a month of free sports at the Sportcentrum VU
  • 2nd place: free team ticket for the next indoor Rowing Event
  • 3rd place: a round of drinks

  The best student team will also receive a prize: a free introductory membership at Okeanos.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Wednesday, 7 January from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: ground floor of the OZW building on the VU Campus
  • Number of teams: maximum of 20 teams (can be mixed) of up to 5 people
  • Both students and non-students can participate in this rowing event.
  • Tickets: students €35 / non-students €70. You can purchase one ticket per team via the Sportcentrum VU customer portal. Registration is required to purchase a ticket, but if you already have an account with the Sportcentrum VU, this is not necessary. If you are a student but do not see the student price, please come to the front desk of the Sports Center and show your student ID.
  • More information & registration

• 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 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. 

• Three ways to improve your study Module 3: Take action – 4 February 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 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

  • 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.

• 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.

• Efficient study techniques – 4 & 11 March 2026 (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.

• 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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