Let's talk
In the list below you will find several options to talk to someone, both individually and with a group. We also tip some options outside the university.
Would you like to talk to one of the UU counsellors, such as your student advisor, a student psychologist or a confidential advisor? Then click the yellow button below to see who you can contact.
Let's talk with a (peer) coach
In a bright conversation, you can talk to an experienced facilitator about life situations that are currently playing out or that are difficult or challenging for you. These can include (love) relationships, motivation problems, being sick, loss, loneliness, friendship, family, living, making choices, questions about the future. We explore what is going on in you and look for what is beneficial for you in this situation. Sometimes that is just discussing your concerns with someone who is a good listener. Other times it is about giving meaning, giving the experiences a place.
Being outside can calm and relax your mind and give new inspiration. Walking in nature often gives you a different perspective on your thoughts, situations and problems. While walking with a coach, you will explore a topic that’s on your mind. Maybe you have a specific question you want to explore, or maybe you just want to reflect upon how you are doing in your daily life. The coach will invite you to slow down and become more aware of what really matters to you in the present moment.
Do you find it hard to stay productive and motivate yourself in your studies? Do you find it hard to give your opinion in your work? Or do you want to explore your options to experience less stress?Our coaches would love to support you. The OCC is the first online coaching center for everyone who wants to work together with a peer-coach, and pay attention to growth and development.
Click here for more information and booking an appointment.
Let's talk with a (peer) coach in a group setting
The death of a loved one has a big impact on your life. How do you deal with this loss and what does it mean for the rest of your life? In the peer support group 'Good Mourning' you make room for dealing with your loss.
Click here for more information and sign up.
Life as a gifted student can bring extra challenges. To support gifted students, UU has initiated a student support group in which participating students can share and exchange both joyful and challenging experiences. The purpose of the group meetings is to share information and perspectives on a peer-to-peer basis that can help gifted students gain insight into their own situation, and enable them to experience a more effective and pleasant time studying at UU.
Frequency:
The group will meet every two weeks
For whom?
For gifted students of Utrecht University.
Costs:
free of charge
Click here for more information and sign up.
Feeling lonely in a room full of people or in a city full of friends can be very discouraging. But it is also very common. On our search for meaningful connections, we can experience unhappiness even though there are enough people around who care for us. So, we wonder if anything is wrong with us or with our relationships? Ironically, these thoughts - in turn – can impact our existing and even potential interactions.
By bringing together UU students seeking to connect to themselves as well as to others, we want to start an open conversation about mental wellbeing, moving from shared experience to shared growth.
Let's talk and meet with other students
Costs: Free of charge
Length and frequency:
- Every week whenever you want
Brief content:
At UUConnects you can do much more than just walk! Now you can select your interests, exercise together, have a nice dinner or meet up with a group! This way you can easily meet new students in your city.
Provider: Frisse Gedachtes and Utrecht University
Click here for more information and registration.
Costs: Free of charge
Brief content:
Would you like to know what is being organised in Utrecht by student organisations and the university outside of your studies? Download the Uni-Life app, select your interests and never miss a thing.
Provider: Uni-Life app
Click here for more information and to download the app.
Let's talk with diversity networks
The African and Caribbean Heritage Network (ACHN) is a UU student-led Diversity Network centred in Utrecht, celebrating African & Caribbean heritage by means of social and educational activities. It is a thriving community open to all students and staff of African and Caribbean descent and for those interested in learning more about African and Caribbean culture.
Click here for more information.
Studying without Limitations is a peer to peer group for students with a disability. We want to help students with disabilities with tips and information on how they can complete their studies as unhindered as possible!
Click here for more information.
University Pioneers is a UU community designed for students who are among the first in their families to enter higher education. UP distinguishes itself by offering first-generation students a community consisting of UU students and staff, as well as role models from outside that UU, all of whom are or have been first-generation students.
Click here for more information.
The Class-Conscious Academics Network (CCAN) is a community by and for first-generation and working-class students and academics at the Utrecht University, organised under the umbrella of the EDI-Office's Diversity Networks.
Click here for more information.
Let's talk with someone outside of university
The 'Buurtteam' (Neighbourhood Team) is there for all Utrecht residents and for every question. In the East district, which includes the Utrecht Science park, we pay special attention to students. You can go there with questions about money and administration, housing, (mental) health, domestic violence, education, work and participation (again).
Where and when
Bolognalaan 101 at the Utrecht Science Park, in the HU Gezond&Wel Centrum.
- Every afternoon between 12:00 and 16:00.
This is a walk-in, so there is no need to make an appointment in advance. Support can often be started immediately and is free of charge. No doctor's referral is needed. With a fixed team of two Neighbourhood Team members and in collaboration with Social Work students, we will help you. On the spot, we engage in conversation and think along with you. If a follow-up appointment is needed, we will make it afterwards.
Contact
On days when we are not present, we can be reached via the e-mail address: sciencepark@sociaal.buurtteamsutrecht.nl or on the telephone number: 030-7400509.
For whom?
Besides students, other residents or working people of the Sciencepark are also welcome at the walk-in consultation hour of the Neighbourhood Team.
Are you a student struggling with certain aspects of your studies or daily life due to autism? Or do you have questions about autism? Then we would like to draw your attention to the consultation hour of Jados, reachable by phone or WhatsApp. Jados is a national organisation offering guidance to (young) adults with autism in all major student cities in the Netherlands. The counsellors at Jados help you develop skills needed to study successfully and enjoyably and work towards independence.
Here are some examples of situations you might call for:
- You would like to study, but you cannot manage to keep track of the schedule and you miss classes as a result.
- You struggle to connect with your fellow students or get stuck working with them.
- You have the cognitive skills to study, but you don't know what is expected of you.
- Asking your lecturer/study advisor for help is difficult. Getting administrative matters around studying in order does not work.
- You live in a room (or you have the desire to live in a room) and you find it difficult to think about housekeeping, let alone start it.
During the consultation hour, you will be spoken to by a designated Jados counsellor via phone or WhatsApp chat. He or she can work with you on the following: getting an overview, structuring assignments, offering support in communicating with fellow students, discussing who/where you could ask for help and what the possibilities are, and possible referral. In our experience, a little help or answer to a question can go a long way. If more than a consultation is needed, we will also advise you on how and where to get more structural support.
Where and when
- Every Friday afternoon from 12.00 to 13.00 by contacting +31 6 43 29 69 09. You have the option of calling or sending a WhatsApp.
- Sending a WhatsApp is also possible during the rest of the week, but you won't receive a reply until Friday during consultation hours.
- There is room for a call of about 10 minutes. If the number is busy, we will try to call you back later.
- Besides this consultation hour, students can reach Jados via spreekuur.uu@jados.nl
For whom?
All UU students with autism and students (including those without a diagnosis) who have questions about this topic.
Sigrid Dragt, a coach at the Academy for Holistic Coaching, is offering 5 free sessions for students who want to achieve more inner well-being, inner peace and a healthy lifestyle. A 'healthy lifestyle' is achieved through behavioral patterns in which attention is paid to sufficient relaxation and sleep, good nutrition, adequate exercise and reducing stress. As a result complaints such as sleeping badly, neck, back or intestinal problems, feeling lifeless, 'not feeling comfortable in your own skin' are reduced or disappear.
Holistic coaching means that the coach not only looks at the mental or psychological factors behind your behavior, but also acknowledges the physical, energetic and emotional sides of the your life and questions of purpose.
For whom?
All UU students with looking for stress, sleep and relaxation help. This is only offered in Dutch.
Details
- Consists of 5 sessions, the program will run until September
- Beforehand you will have a short introduction with Sigrid (30 min, by phone or face to face)
- For more information, please send an email to: sigriddragt@hotmail.com
Are you not feeling so great? Call or chat with the 'Alles Oké' Support Line, because speaking to someone can help!
You can discuss anything
Are you feeling down? Are you having problems at work, with your studies, or at school? Are you having troubles at home? Are you worried about the future? Are you bothered by something and you just need to get it off your chest? Maybe you have no idea why, but you just feel bad. You can discuss anything. No subject is too strange or weird and no problem is too small or too big.
100% confidential
We don’t know who you are, and you don’t have to tell us. Your phone bill won’t show our calls and we can’t see your phone number or internet address.
For whom?
Support for anyone aged 18-24 if things just aren’t going great.
Click here for more information.
What is the 'WachtVerzachter'?
The 'WachtVerzachter' is a solution for people who are waiting for psychological help. Due to the long waiting lists, psychological help often takes too long, thus increasing the chance that the situation will only worsen. The WachtVerzachter ensures that you can already work on your recovery while waiting.
Not just for people on a waiting list
The 'WachtVerzachter' is not just for people on a waiting list. We would also like to support you after your treatment. You are also very welcome if you regularly feel anxious, suffer from gloomy thoughts and if you notice that this affects your daily life.
For whom?
Are you between the ages of 18 and 25? Please contact the WachtVerzachter via info@wachtverzachter.nu or 088-7878857.
Click here for more information (website only in Dutch, but support is available in English).
How do alcohol and other drugs work? And what are the effects of them on your brain, memory and study performance? How do you get through college without a hangover? Where can you test your drugs? And if you’re worried about your own or your friend’s alcohol or other drug use, where can you go to?
If you have questions or need help related to alcohol, other drugs, gambling or gaming in the Netherlands, you can come to Jellinek Preventie.
Call Jellinek for advice: 088 505 1220.
Click here for more information.