Connecting with people similar to you feels natural, and VU students have plenty of opportunities to do so. It’s comfortable to settle into the campus community by meeting peers from your degree during the introduction week and at lectures, making friends through shared interests in a student association, and coming across others from your home country.
But there are plenty of people beyond these realms who you might not get to know without aiming to do so. Meeting students of different backgrounds, passions, career choices, and beliefs is one of the most valuable learning experiences VU has to offer. Coming across such people often involves leaving your comfort zone and going places you wouldn’t usually go – it requires conscious effort. And there are plenty of ways you can do this.
Try something new
A go-to place for connecting with people from across VU is 3D. This cosy, welcoming space located right in the centre of the campus offers all kinds of activities meant to bring students together and is a perfect place to relax after class and have a chat with whoever shows up. Here you can join a variety of evening events, ranging from board game nights to ceramics workshops. You will most likely find a session that’s right up your alley, but don’t hesitate to try something new – worst case, you’ll walk away knowing how to crochet.
The other part of 3D focuses on dialogue sessions, where you can take part in a moderated discussion on various topics like divisive issues and recent global events. Meetings can take various forms such as table talk, safe space conversation, or debate. The events offer a rare opportunity to talk to people who might hold different views from your own, in a truly safe and respectful environment. These sessions are a prime example of how VU allows you to meet people from across divides, and attending them is a great way to step outside your bubble.
Break a sweat
Another spot for meeting people at the VU campus is the courtyard with exercise spaces. A lot of students hang out around them throughout the day, and if you ever see someone playing volleyball or basketball, don’t be afraid to come up and ask to join the game. The university also offers ‘VU in Motion’ sessions three times a week during lunch breaks, which you can join in regular clothes to get active after class. There is badminton, spikeball, and pickleball, or even a calisthenics coach who can give you some advice on exercising. If you ever show up to one of these, you are guaranteed to make connections with plenty of students you wouldn’t meet in class.
Lend a hand
Another great way to meet new people is by volunteering, for example at the Green Office. VU is considered one of the most sustainable universities in the Netherlands, and this student-led platform has done a lot to achieve this by pushing for a climate-friendly and socially just campus. You can sign up to become one of its volunteers and join the core team, or get involved in short-term projects, such as helping out at urban community gardens.
Get out the door
Sometimes you don’t need to look far to meet people from outside your social circle – they might live right next door. Meeting your neighbours might feel awkward at first, especially if your accommodation lacks social events to bring residents together. Still, breaking the initial barrier by simply showing up at your neighbour’s door and introducing yourself is always worth the effort. Not only do you get a chance to meet a new person whom you probably wouldn’t have come across otherwise, but it will also help you feel safer and more comfortable knowing who lives beside you. Regardless of whether you’ll end up as friends who hang out regularly, or just limit yourself to saying hi when you see each other, knowing your neighbours will help your accommodation feel like home.
A lot of VU students live at the Uilenstede campus, just a short tram ride down the road from the university. This is a very social place where a lot of people share their living spaces and often come together to hang out and party. If you found housing at the campus, you’ll have no trouble meeting plenty of students. But even if you don’t live there, you have probably already met someone who does – pay them a visit and meet the residents through them. Or you can always grab a drink and make connections at the on-campus Il Caffè, where a lot of students show up in the evening.