Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
1 March 2025
Magazine
Nederlands

Student Life & Society

Society 2 June 2022

‘Young people should be the last group to target with restrictions’

The number of people with mental issues has increased considerably in the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, VU research shows. ‘But too few people have access to the help they need.’
Students 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.
Society 12 May 2022

From Kyiv to Amsterdam: ‘My brain is working overtime’

LONGREAD – They fled Kyiv in order to finish their study programmes in peace. But is that even possible while the safety of your family and the future of your home country is uncertain? How are the Ukrainian students that…
Students 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.
Society 9 May 2022

For the first time more women than men get PhD

In the past academic year more women than men got a PhD at Dutch universities. That has never happened before. There were also a record number of PhDs awarded, after a dip during the coronavirus crisis. The difference may be…
Students 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.
Other universities 11 April 2022

Ukrainian researchers: ‘We don’t want to abandon our students’

They are all three still in Ukraine. Because they were not allowed to leave, or because they felt that Kyiv was still safe enough. Three Ukrainian researchers who fear for their universities, but continue nevertheless to work on next year’s…
Housing 7 April 2022

‘It’s definitely a puzzle’

LONGREAD – The Ukrainian students that VU lecturer Kilian Wawoe is bringing to VU Amsterdam need permanent housing as they finish their studies. Two of his Psychology students are now coordinating the search.
Politics 6 April 2022

VU Amsterdam and other universities ask for financial support to help refugees

Many schools in the Netherlands have already welcomed young Ukrainian refugees to their classes. Higher education would also like to admit newcomers, but this is easier said than done. Nearly a month ago, the refugee student foundation UAF – with…
Students 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.