Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• Anime movie night – 24 April

  Thursday night = Movie night! Join Life is Better in 3D for an anime movie with snacks!

  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, 24 April 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 – 25 April

  Want to have a fun Friday and meet new people? Join our 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, 25 April 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.

• Attention! – 7 & 14 May

  Attention! We all ask for it and may give it undividedly, but why do we want it? And who do we choose to give it to?

  During three sessions we will delve into the topic of attention. What is it? Why do we need it? And what does the commodification of attention mean to us?  

  During the first session of this series, we will focus on the works of Sarah Jaquette Ray and Ezra Klein. We will try to understand what we give attention to and what needs attention most. We'll think about what it means when attention is commodified and how this impacts our lives and communities. In their works, these writers advocate for a shift in what we give attention to. Wondering what role attention plays in connection to community forming and building? Join our first session! 

  During the second session we will have a dialogue with an expert on what attention does with us and how we relate to it.  

  In our last session we will reflect on our own relationship with attention-getting and -giving through a creative work-form. 

  Interested in attention and its effects? Come join us! 

  Practical information

  • Dates & time: Wednesday, 7 & 14 May (3rd date T.B.A.) from 4:00 till 5:30 PM
  • Location: Stage for Dialogue, 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Global Crisis and the Everyday – 12 May

  Global events form the background for our lives. But what if such global crises take up more space, feeding anxiety and uncertainty in our daily life?

  Many of us find ourselves worried about grand scale problems, whether that's pandemics, economic failures, wars, ecological collapses, something else entirely or an eerie cocktail of 'all of the above.' These can leave us enraged, anxious, alone or paralyzed, but perhaps also encouraged, engaged or compassionate; forming the background or even the foreground of how we spend our days.

  For some of us this volatile interplay of global crises and daily life is a familiar thing, bothersome but part of life; for others it might be a newer, hazy presence. It's in this context that we (NEWConnective) ask you to join us in conversation about the interaction of global crisis and the everyday. We strongly feel we can be of help to each other, with experiences to share and kinship to be found.

  During this programme we create space for you to share your experiences with the back and forth of global events and your daily life. We hope to build on our collective understanding of the many ways in which big developments can hit the people with whom we share a campus. For example, how effects of a pandemic can linger on; how engagement with political topics can alienate you from your peers; and how a sunny day in early spring can foster feelings of loss, instead of joy. We join in a dialogical conversation based on statements about the topic and close considering ways to shape your everyday relation to global crises.

  Detailed programme

  3:15 p.m.: doors open
  3:30 p.m.: round of introductions
  3:40 p.m.: sharing experiences
  4:00 p.m.: discussing statements
  4:15 p.m.: space for open conversation
  4:35 p.m.: break
  4:45 p.m.: subgroup conversations
  5:15 p.m.: sharing group findings
  5:25 p.m.: rounding up
  5:30 p.m.: the end

  The programme will be moderated by Thirza Snoek and Marc Lamain, both programme makers at NEWConnective. NEWConnective is VU's platform for Life's Big Questions. This programme is part of our thematic dialogues. The programme takes place in English and is aimed at the academic community of VU. Nevertheless, we explicitly open this space for other people willing to join us for this conversation, too. If you have any questions, please contact us at newconnective@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 12 May 3:30 till 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Stage for Dialogue, 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Life in times of self-optimization – 15 May

  Wonder about the extent to which the pressure to self-optimize impacts your life, and about how to resist it? Want to experience what it's like to embrace your sub-optimality together? Come and experiment with us!

  The problem 
  We will readily admit that achievement at study and work plays a central role in our lives. The freedom and flexibility inherent in studying, too, can make it difficult to 'call it a day'. But even when we do – when we close our books, hand in our papers – we may still feel other kinds of pressures lingering... We have to use our free time 'wisely', we have to keep 'working' on ourselves.  

  If we come to understand our mental and physical wellbeing, our relationships, hobbies, relaxation, even spiritual practice and flourishing as sources of self-improvement - how can we find true rest? How do we make space for another kind of experience?  

  Rest and resistance 
  In recent years books have appeared that attempt to answer these questions: Byung-Chul Han, for example (discussed at the NEWConnective reading club), argues for a revaluation of rituals, and urges us to be lazy, go out more often, get drunk, embrace our hangovers, sleep in… 

  During this gathering we will explore together ways to resist the incentive to self-optimize.  

  Programme

  • 3:45PM – 4:30PM During the first part of the gathering, we will dwell on the incentive itself (e.g. its history) and share experiences.  
  • 4:30PM – 5:15PM During the second part of the program, we will do an experiment in which we can explore – perhaps, just for a moment – other ways of being. It will be a kind of meditation with a 'theatrical' twist (but don't worry; there will be no need to act or perform in front of each other). We will reflect on our experiences until 5:15PM. If you have to leave at 5:15PM, you can! 
  • 5:15PM – 5:45PM This second experiment involves a jam session on instruments we can't play...  

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 15 May  15:30 - 17:15
  • Location: 3D
  • Please sign up here.

• Open stage – 15 May

  It's time for an Open stage again! On Thursday evening, May 15, 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/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: Thursday, 15 May 2025 19:30 - 21:00
  • Location: 3D on campus
  • Audience: VU students and staff 
  • Language: Dutch
  • No need to sign up!
  • Free event.

• Finding Hope in Turbulent Times: special edition of the Martin Luther King lecture – 3 June

  Talk of hope today is pervasive, filled with the energy and promise of change. Yet, in a world of mounting crises, where solutions feel out of reach, and setbacks seem to outpace progress, hope can feel fragile - slipping away just when we need it most. How do we hold on to hope when reality seems to push against it?

  On 3 June, in this special edition of the Martin Luther King lecture, Yale theologian Willie Jennings will explore hope, not just as an aspiration or a feeling, but as a discipline and as work to be done. Hope requires courage, cultivation and deep wells of spirituality to keep from fading in the face of exhaustion and despair.

  Hope, for leaders, is not just something personal; it is also something they must carry for others. Jennings will reflect on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., for whom hope was never a given. It was an ongoing struggle, renewed daily in the face of injustice and disappointment. His spirituality–as a Baptist minister–did not erase doubt or difficulty, but it gave him the resilience to wrestle with the powers, again and again.

  Come and be part of this event, to be encouraged in hope. Admission is free, please register here.

  About the speakers

  Prof. Willie James Jennings
  Willie Jennings is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School. He specialises in the areas of Christian thought, race theory, liberation theology and decolonial and environmental studies. He is the author of two books that received worldwide attention and praise, The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race, and After Whiteness: An Education in Belonging. Jennings is an ordained Baptist minister and has served as interim pastor for several North Carolina churches. A Calvin College graduate, Jennings received his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and his PhD in religion and ethics from Duke University.

  Prof. Azza Karam
  Azza Karam is the President and CEO of Lead Integrity, a global network of women of faith professionals in governance, sustainability, and leadership. An Egyptian professor and author, she has been a leading voice in integrating religion and sustainable development at the UN. She has held the Religion and Sustainable Development Chair at VU Amsterdam and serves on the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism.

  Prof. Dion Forster (host of the evening)
  Dion Forster is professor of Public Theology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research focuses on the intersection of faith and public life, particularly in areas such as social justice, human rights, and the politics of forgiveness. An ordained minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Forster has also served as the Director of the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology at Stellenbosch University (South Africa).

  About the Martin Luther King Lecture
  Martin Luther King's non-violent commitment to equality continues to be a source of inspiration today. Through his speeches and actions, he continues to inspire many to build bridges and overcome resistance. VU Amsterdam’s Martin Luther King Lecture commemorates his work and serves as a source of inspiration.

  This extra edition marks the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s honorary doctorate from VU Amsterdam (1965), with a focus on the university’s annual theme of ‘hope’.

  The event is organized by the newly founded VU School of Religion and Theology, in collaboration with the Believers Church Conference (1-4 June), an academic gathering of Baptists and Mennonites - two traditions closely linked to King’s legacy. This extra lecture is supported by the Martin Luther King Lecture Foundation. The regular VU MLK Lecture will take place in October.

  Programme

  The programme will begin with a brief welcome by VU Rector Magnificus Prof. Jeroen Geurts and host Dion Forster. This will be followed by the lecture from Willie Jennings, with responses from one or two respondents, including Azza Karam, who will offer a Muslim perspective. The evening will conclude with a conversation on the theme. Throughout the event, the gospel choir G-Roots will provide musical accompaniment.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Tuesday, 3 June 2025 19:30 - 21:30
  • Location: Aula
  • Admission is free, please register here.

Wellbeing

• 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 will go outside on campus from 15 April onwards!

  From 15 April, the range of short, accessible exercise sessions offered by VU in Motion will change slightly.

  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.

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

  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, 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

• Ready to Confront Racism? Join a Workshop on Being a Better Ally! – 6 & 8 May

  Do you want to gain skills to engage in difficult conversations and challenge racism? And also want to contribute to a safer and more inclusive VU community? Join the workshop 'Shifting Perspectives: Racial Privilege and Allyship!'

  At VU, we value inclusivity and diversity! However, conversations with our racial minority students have revealed that many still feel excluded or “different” before others even get to know them. Some have shared experiences of being subtly—or even directly—told where they do or don’t belong. These moments can affect their confidence, well-being, and access to opportunities. While these experiences may not always be visible to those who don’t face them, they are a daily reality for many, influenced by broader social and systemic factors.

  This interactive workshop is a supportive space for VU students to reflect, learn, and grow together—because creating a more inclusive and safe campus is our shared responsibility! Through guided discussions and practical exercises, we’ll work together to build awareness, develop skills to address racism, and foster a stronger, more inclusive community at VU. 

  What you’ll gain:

  ✅ Personal growth through self-reflection and deeper awareness of privilege
  ✅ Practical skills to engage in difficult conversations and challenge racism
  ✅ A sense of solidarity by learning and reflecting as a group
  ✅ A stronger ability to contribute to a safer, more inclusive VU community

  Many of your peers are already engaging in these conversations—join them and explore what allyship means to you and how you can make a positive difference within your university community!

  📢 Certificate upon completion + free pizza!

  Register now!

  Practical information

  📅 Date & Time: 

  • 1st day: Tuesday, 6 May: 15:00 - 17:00, incl. half hour ending with pizza
    📍 Location: HG-0G28 (Filosofenhof)
  • 2nd day: Thursday, 8 May: 15:00 - 17:00, incl. half hour ending with pizza
    📍 Location: HG-1G11 (Filosofenhof)

• Work on your fear of failure – 7 & 21 May, 4 & 18 June, 2 July

  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.

  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 1: The negative spiral – 12 May

  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.

  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 – 19 May

  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.

  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.

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

  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.

  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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