Wellbeing Calendar

Social activities

• Poetry Afternoons Reading Club 3 – 19 January 

  Feeling like reading some poetry together? Join us for the first session of our Poetry Afternoons and read some of Len Pennie's ''poyums''!

  January can be a dark month; come join us and light it up with some poetry reading! What better month to do some introspection and getting-together? This is the first of three sessions of our Poetry Afternoons. No need to prepare anything; we'll select some poems from Len Pennie's collection called ''poyums,'' and we'll read and discuss together!

  What are we reading? 

  For these Poetry Afternoons, we're reading Len Pennie's book ''poyums.'' The Schottish writer engages with themes like marginalization, abuse, mental health, feelings of loss and loneliness and women's rights. With ''poyums,'' she won the 2024 Scots Book of the Year – and a big part of the poems are written in Scottish as well. Her poetry is very readable, so it's perfect if you're new to reading poetry – but also if you're a poetry afficionado. 

  What is the event? 

  This first session, we will read some poems together from the first half of Len Pennie's poetry collection. Don't worry; you don't need to prepare anything! We select some poems and bring them with us. At 4 PM, there is a short walk-in with coffee and tea (and cookies!). When we've settled in, we'll start with a brief introduction of the poet, poetry and the theme. Then, we'll dive in and read and discuss the poems; what strikes you? What do you like or don't you like? We'll share, exchange thoughts – and around 5:30 PM, we will close the session. 

  Where is 3D? 

  You can find the entrance to 3D on the campus square, next to the Spar supermarket. It has 3D in lights in the window, and a big gnome on the steps that lead to the door. 

  Who is NEWConnective? 

  This event is organised by NEWConnective. NEWConnective organises events around life's bigger questions. We engage with themes like grief, spirituality, and much more. Find out more on our website (vu.nl/newconnective) or on our socials (@newconnective). If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out via email to newconnective@vu.nl.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 19 January 5:30 PM 
  • Location: 3D room
  • Please sign up here.

• Gen-Z and Social Change: Worldwide Gen-Z protests Kick-off event – 22 January 

  Gen-Z is a true protest generation. What is driving this generation? What, is driving you?

  The current generation of students is a protest generation. A whopping 44% of the current generation of students in the Netherlands has participated in political action in the past five years, far exceeding the previous generations. And who can blame them? Students today inherit a world fraught with issues. From rising temperatures and ocean levels, to rising income and wealth inequalities. From the loom of war in our lands, to the horrible realities of wars around the world. 

  It can get, all in all, a bit overwhelming. What to do? Where to start? In this event series, 3D aims to address precisely these questions. Providing a safe and open dialogue on the issues pressing down on students today, and aiming to provide you with preliminary tools to find constructive ways in which to deal with the pressures of coming of age today. 

  In later events we will talk with experience-experts when it comes to realising social change, both through protest and through social entrepreneurship. In this first, kick-off event, however, we want to start with a broad gaze, before turning inwards. 

  For more than a year now, the world has seen young people taking to the streets. Starting off in the Global South, Gen-Z has taken the lead in demonstrations aiming to affect broad social change. What is driving these protests? How are they connected? And how are these movements faring now? 

  Even though the Netherlands, and Western Europe in general, seems relatively peaceful, here too students are feeling discontent about the current state of the world. What are the issues that this generation is facing? How do they cope? And, how does one channel one’s discontent? 

  We hope to welcome you on the 22nd of January to discuss these very issues and questions. 

  Practicalinformation

  • Date & time: Thursday, 22 January 16:30-18:00
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Registration is not needed

• Book Club: Skin Folk | session #3 – 22 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). 

  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: "A Habit of Waste," "Precious" en "Riding the Red" (28 pp.)
  • Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 
  • Start: 6:15 p.m. 
  • End: 7:45 p.m. 
  • Language: English 
  • Location: Library Lounge (HG-1A) 

• Discussion about the VU Centre for Defense and Resilient Society – 28 January 

  Our university is getting a Defense and Resilient Society Center next month. And that raises quite a few questions.

  Like other universities, VU Amsterdam is also exploring the possibilities of collaborating with the Ministry of Defense. VU Amsterdam boasts diverse expertise and conducts extensive interdisciplinary research in medicine, law, psychology, history, philosophy, physiology, political science, engineering, and business administration. This knowledge can be combined and applied to foster a resilient and safe society in times of geopolitical tension, societal division, and instability. The Dutch Ministry of Defense is thus becoming more visible on our campus, and this raises quite a few questions. Questions such as: 

  • "Does our university contribute to the militarization of society?"
  • And what would such a collaboration look like?
  • What will students notice?
  • What exactly will VU Amsterdam further develop or offer?
  • And how does this development relate to our university's ambition to be a Peace University?"

  It's high time for clarification and to ask all your questions. Join us on January 28th for this discussion about the Centre for Defense and Resilient Society at VU Amsterdam, organized by SRVU and 3D, with VU staff members involved in this project.

  Speakers:

  • Wolfgang Wagner, Professor of International Security
  • Marie-Anne Reijen, Program Manager Secure & Inclusive Society
  • Yarin Eski, Associate Professor of Public Administration

  Moderator: Miranda van Holland

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Wednesday, 28 January 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
  • Please sign up here
  • Free event
  • For questions you can send an email to 3D.

• The Cost of Growth: Documentary Screening & Conversation – 29 January 

  Who pays the price for eternal economic growth? How are they resisting?

  Join the upcoming screening of and dialogue on the Cost of Growth documentary, a feature length documentary that connects local struggles against extractivism in Serbia, Italy and Sapmi with broader debates on justice, democracy, and war.

  From January 26th to February 1st, Oxfam Novib is organising the worldwide ‘Reclaim the Economy Week’. Universities, other educational institutions, advocacy groups, activists, associations, and individuals across the globe are invited to organise a screening of the documentary ‘The Cost of Growth’, and to engage in this question; how can we reclaim our economy?

  At Vrije Universiteit, 3D is proud to present this screening and subsequent dialogue. 

  The Cost of Growth documentary shows us how endless economic growth, major corporations, and the depletion of resources lead to increasing income and wealth inequalities, and damages to the environment. It addresses how people across Europe are not only resisting false solutions, but also building alternatives - from grassroots organizing to new forms of cooperation and solidarity. It was co-produced by human rights activist Anuna de Wever, filmmaker Thomas Maddens, and scriptwriter and researcher Brototi Roy.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 29 January 15:30-18:00
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English and Dutch
  • Please sign up here.

• Syria: One year after the fall, part #2 – 2 February 

  What has changed in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime? And how is Syria rebuilding itself? In three sessions, we will discuss Syria's future in 3D. During this second session, we aim to discuss the rights of minorities in the new Syria, a topic of great significance in the current period of transition and reconstruction.

  Syria is a country of rich diversity, with many different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. However, the question remains whether every community within a new Syria—including minorities—will receive full rights and protection, and whether democracy, inclusivity, and diversity can form the foundation for a future in which peace and stability become possible.

  In this conversation, we aim to jointly consider questions such as:

  • How can a future Syria safeguard the rights of minorities in a sustainable and effective way?
  • What forms of governance and legal structures can contribute to an inclusive Syria?
  • What can we learn from other post-conflict contexts? 
  • What role can Syrian youth in the diaspora and organizations like Studu Roj play in shaping a new future?

  This meeting is intended as an open and safe space where everyone is heard. Together, we aim to have a conversation that not only offers insights but also hope and direction.

  This meeting is organized in collaboration with Studu Roj.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Monday, 2 February 2026 16:00 - 17:30
  • Location: debate centre 3D, in the W&N building across the volleyball fields
  • Audience: All are welcome, but this will be of specific interest to academics and researchers in the field of Middle Eastern Studies, Political Science, and International Relations. Activists and especially members of the Syrian diaspora.
  • Language: English
  • No need to sign up
  • For questions you can send an email to 3D.

• Discover your talent! A workshop in 3D with Lorna Minkman – 4 February 

  Would you like to discover your talent and help others in their search as well? Then be sure to sign up!

  Are you a leader, a loyal friend or a source of good ideas? People are happy when they can use such talents. Many things then happen automatically. It's not about being better than others, but about discovering what makes you unique. When using your talent, you are of great value, both to yourself and to others. 

  Would you like to discover your talent together with others? Working with short assignments, you will discover what you are good at. When you use your talent, time flies. You even recharge your batteries.
  Would you like to discover your talent and help others in their search as well? Then be sure to sign up!

  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.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 16:00-17:30
  • Location: 3D room
  • Audience: VU students
  • Language: English 
  • No need to sign up!

• A Palestinian Struggle for Justice: Tent of Nations – 6 February 

  On February 6th, Daoud Nassar from Tent of Nations will be visiting 3D and the Vrije Universiteit to tell us about the hardship he and his family experienced living on the Westbank in Palestine. Tent of Nations became known for their relentless search for peace and continuous refusal to be enemies. 

  The Palestinian Christian Nassar family in Bethlehem runs the Tent of Nations farm near Bethlehem. They purchased their land in 1916, have the ownership documents, but have since 1991 been engaged in an exhausting legal battle with the Israeli authorities who claim that their land belongs to the state of Israel. Meanwhile, settlers intimidate the family, build roads on their land, and have established a new outpost right behind the fence surrounding the Nassar property. International volunteers provide a basic form of “protective presence” around the farm that has become a symbol of resilience. 

  Speaker
  Daoud Nassar, a Palestinian farmer and human rights activist. He runs the Tent of Nations farm in Bethlehem. Despite the extreme difficult circumstances, the Nassar family is committed to nonviolent resistance. 

  Moderator
  Janneke Stegeman is a theologian who earned her PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with a dissertation on conflict and power in religious traditions, titled Decolonizing Jeremiah. Her work is rooted in liberation theology, postcolonial theology, and Indecent Theology, a radical, embodied approach to theology. 

  This event is co-organized with Vrienden van Tent of Nations Nederland.

  Programme

  • Date & time: Friday, 6 February 2026 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., doors open at 2:30 p.m.
  • Location: debate centre 3D, in the WN building across the volleyball fields 
  • Audience: All are welcome
  • Language: English
  • Free event
  • Please sign up here.
  • For questions you can send an email to 3D.

• 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

• Grieving Peace – 12, 19, 26 February & 5 March

  Grief is an important part of any process of loss, so why don't we mourn the loss of our peace? 

  In this programme we will focus on the feelings of grief and sadness that people experience when peace feels lost. Peace is not just the opposite of war. The loss of peace is for many of us the loss of feelings of safety. It is the loss of light heartedness, no longer being able to pass through life without a certain level of fear. 

  Grieving peace is about seeking community so that the grief felt by the individual will be alleviated by being together. Through a discussion group, similar to NEWConnective’s other grief groups, we will explore important topics such as grief, trauma, and peace using art and literature. Together with the group, we will determine which loss of peace we will mourn and how the group can find common ground thanks to and despite their unique experiences.  

  During this event, we will explore the nature of mourning in relation to peace, we will look at the importance of art in relation to trauma, and we will look at possible ways to give space to mourning the loss of peace. This series of meetings consists of four sessions, in which you as a participant are expected to take part in all four; in other words, we hope to take these steps in processing together. In the last session we will explore how we can implement the experiences from this group in our day-to-day life.  

  This program is for all people who mourn peace, not only those who have experienced war first-hand but also those who have experienced it through their phone screens, or who, for other reasons, no longer feel they can live “in peace” within today's society.

  Practical information

  • Date & time: Thursday, 12, 19, 26 February & 5 March 16:00-17:30 
  • Location: 3D room
  • Please sign up here.

• 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 2: Balance and relaxation – 21 January

  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

  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

  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.

• 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.  

• 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.

More wellbeing