There are several people that can help you if you have any questions about or problems with your study programme. For example, about which courses to choose or what to do if you are falling behind. There are several predetermined meetings with your academic advisors. For more information about these see Blackboard. You can also plan an individual meeting with an advisor or counsellor.
Do you need help making choices with your study programme? Are you running behind with your studies? Or would you like to be challenged more? Your tutor can help you with these sorts of questions. The tutor is a lecturer who will support you, and with whom you will discuss your progress a few times during your first year of study. Participation is a compulsory part of your studies. You can ask your tutor for advice in your second and third year too.
At the start of your programme you may have problems finding your way at university. Student mentors can give you advice on all kinds of practical matters. Therefore, the student mentor will often join your tutor group meetings.
You can contact the study advisor for questions or advice about the curriculum, exam requirements, study regulations and (extra) possibilities during your studies, such as a second bachelor or honours programme, exemption or approval for courses, etc. If you are running into personal problems or if you have an illness, disorder or disability that might hold back your study progress, you can get advice or a referral to someone if necessary. Please contact the study advisor as soon as you expect something like this - or any other matter - is causing a delay in your studies.
Student Affairs Geosciences can help you with your questions that are not answered on this website about your study programme, schedules, student progress review, examinations, exemptions, study abroad, and your graduation.
For questions not answered on this site about exchange programmes, you can seek assistance from the International Office Geosciences.
In some cases you may want to consult someone who is not related to your specific study programme. For example, if you fall behind due to extenuating circumstances or mental health issues, and it is not possible to correct this through an adjustment in your programme. If this is the case, you may use the contacts mentioned below.
We have put together some study tips and useful links and offer a number of workshops which can help you to improve your study skills.
Student services provides information about studying and student life, such as information about admissions, registration, tuition fees, student finance, administrative grants, career orientation, student organisations and studying abroad.
Student psychologists can help you to solve study-related problems and to address personal problems. Read more information here and book an appointment.
Student Counsellors provide advice and support to students who have suffered a serious study delay or are threatening to fall behind. Possible reasons could be a disability or chronic illness, membership of a board of a student organisation or participation in sports at an international level.
The Study Advisor or your Tutor can refer you to a Student Counsellor if you wish to terminate your enrolment due to illness or exceptional family circumstances, if you face financial problems or if you wish to make use of the university schemes offering financial support.
To schedule an appointment, contact Student Services.
Skills Lab - the gateway to your academic development- is an accessible service desk where UU students can get a clear idea of what courses, workshops, individual tutoring, electronic tools, etc. are available to them. Much is available, but this wealth or resources can be hard to find and access for students with specific questions. We can show students where to go to improve any skill, be it writing, presentation, studying, or job-hunting.
You can visit the Career Officer to discuss your options in the labour market. The Career Officer is fully informed about the labour market for university graduates and can also help you decide which career to choose. The Career Officer can also provide a career training and check your application letter and CV. Read more on Career Services.
If you are having second thoughts about the programme you have chosen or if you are trying to decide what Master’s programme to choose, you can contact the Academic Support Advisor Ms. Jacky Limvers (j.f.limvers@uu.nl).
More information about Study choice.
If you feel you have not been treated properly by someone employed by Utrecht University, or if you disagree with a decision that affects you personally, you can respond.
Your complaint may relate to one of the following:
You may opt for an informal approach: You can also approach the person who caused the problem and attempt to reach an amicable solution with them. You can also discuss your complaint with the Study Advisor of your faculty/department or the Student Counsellor.
If you feel your complaint is severe, or if it is difficult to discuss or if the problem was not solved informally, you can file a complaint:
Utrecht University thinks it is important to have a safe social climate for all students and employees. We treat each other with respect. Nevertheless, students or employees might be approached in a way that is inappropriate to them.
Inappropriate behaviour includes, but is not limited to: (sexual) harassment, discrimination, agression, violence or bullying.The result might be that you feel no longer safe at the university or in private."
You can contact a Confidential Counsellor for Inappropriate Behaviour for education, shelter, supervision and mediation. The information provided is always confidential.
Studying without Limitations is a platform for and by students with a disability. Besides involvement in policy decisions and providing information they also offer guidance for students with a disability such as dyslexia, AD(H)D, autism and so on. Do you want more information, or would you like to have a buddy for extra support or guidance regarding your study or themes outside your study such as in living, working and going out? Then perhaps our buddy programme is something for you.