Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
2 December 2024
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Students

Student Life & Society 24 August 2022

This is how you make new friends

People can tell you to ‘just be yourself’ all they want, but when you’re breaking a cold sweat on a crowded campus square you might want advice that’s a bit more specific. 
Student Life & Society 22 August 2022

Cabinet concerned about drug use among students

Something needs to be done about drug use among students, according to State Secretary of Health Maarten van Ooijen, who says “prevention is very much needed”. But he doesn’t want to rush things. During the pandemic, drug use among students…
Student Life & Society 23 June 2022

‘We have the right to study here’

How does VU Amsterdam treat people with disabilities? We put the University to the test with two students: one blind, the other a wheelchair user.
Student Life & Society 18 May 2022

‘I want to represent minorities in the council’

With her independent party Light Storm, first-year student Valerie Delauney Felipe (19) hopes to take the paralyzing emphasis off of getting good grades and represent the black and female community.
Student Life & Society 12 May 2022

More international students have a right to student financing

Having lost a few court cases, the Education Executive Agency (DUO) is changing its course with regard to European students. They are now more likely to be granted student financing. The government is studying the consequences.
Student Life & Society 14 April 2022

‘VU Amsterdam doesn’t really give minorities the room to be themselves’

Recent graduate and former refugee Mohammed Badran received the Echo Award in recognition of his commitment to a more inclusive society. But as a student at VU Amsterdam, he did not always feel appreciated.
Student Life & Society 6 April 2022

Government: Energy relief is not for students

Students are being hit with skyrocketing energy bills. But the government has not moved to offer targeted assistance. Municipalities are even getting the advice not to give the one-off energy relief subsidy to students. 
Student Life & Society 24 March 2022

Almost half of first-year university students come from abroad

Dutch higher education institutions are becoming increasingly popular with international students. At the universities, as many as 40 percent of this academic year’s first-year students come from outside the Netherlands. In the past 16 years the number of international students…
Student Life & Society 24 February 2022

‘I like to listen’

LONGREAD – Student chaplain Riekje van Osnabrugge is retiring. During the Covid lockdowns, she was forced to do more talking than listening. “To me, that feels like a very outdated way of connecting with students.”
Student Life & Society 31 January 2022

Why is there no affordable food at VU Amsterdam’s canteen?

The price of food at VU Amsterdam’s restaurants and food hubs is pretty stiff. Universities in surrounding countries prove that a decent meal can and should be offered to students for a fair price.