Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
28 February 2025
Magazine
Nederlands

Student Life & Society

Society 31 May 2024

Ethics committees investigate ties to Israel

Various universities are setting up committees to investigate the ties to Israel. What do they do? And who’s on them? “The committee itself shouldn’t become a battlefield”, says Ruard Ganzevoort, intended chair of the Rotterdam committee.
Students 27 May 2024

Discrimination by DUO even worse than thought

Could we have a quick look to see if a student actually lives here? Even in case of low risk of fraud involving the basic student grant, students of non-European descent received more frequent visits by Education Executive Agency (DUO)…
Opinion 27 May 2024

Think more carefully about supporting Gaza

At the university we learn how to evaluate a situation based on arguments and underlying evidence. We also learn that an evaluation is never final, but only holds until proven otherwise, finds Jan Bouwens.
Students 21 March 2024

Why especially gifted students sometimes hit a wall

Gifted students often get stuck in their studies. Yet, in higher education, there are hardly any provisions for this group. VU is in the process of setting up a coaching program.
Other universities 8 March 2024

AUC students complain their board abuses power

The student council of the Amsterdam University College (AUC) has initiated a petition against the manner in which six students were summoned for their involvement in a pro-Palestine protest in early February.
Students 21 February 2024

Waiting times student rooms longer than course duration

The waiting lists for social student housing remain long. Occasionally, students have almost completed their studies before they are offered a room, new figures show.
Money 20 February 2024

Right-wing parties end extra 164 euro grant payment

Students living away from home will receive a lower basic grant from September, the House of Representatives decided yesterday. Their monthly payment will drop to 302 euros per month. That is 164 euros less than they receive at present.
Students 13 February 2024

Room prices increase sharply, especially in Amsterdam

The cost of renting a room in student cities rose by 11 percent in 2023 to an average of 543 euros per month, according to room rental platform Kamernet. Rents skyrocketed even more in several cities, with Amsterdam leading the…
Society 1 February 2024

Law students file complaint against gas company  

VU students from the Climate Change and Sustainability Law Clinic have filed a complaint against One-Dyas, a company that aims to drill gas in the North Sea. “One-Dyas is violating requirements of responsible business conduct.”  
Society 1 February 2024

Fewer people with migration background than expected attend university

Fewer young people with a migrant background go to university than you might expect. For the first time in years, universities are starting to obtain a clearer view of their academic opportunities.