How can I develop my skills?

Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? University of Groningen students can use the NewHealth online platform anonymously and free of charge. There is a variety of topics to choose from, such as:

• At the Student Service Centre (SSC), you can participate in workshops, training courses, that are free (or almost free) of charge. You will receive many of practical tips that you can apply immediately. There are many different topics covering stress management, personal development, and self-discipline.

• Prepare for a successful career with Career Services. They offer workshops and training courses, but also mock interviews and individual coaching. Career Services is completely free for UG students and recent alumni. Take a look at the central services offered by Career Services, or the services available to your faculty via the career officers.

• Take the free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) Improving your study techniques, designed by the trainers at the Student Service Centre (SSC) on.

  In this four-week course, you will learn how to study according to the proven 3-step model of previewing, studying and revising. You will also learn how to manage your time, create realistic study plans and discover ways to tackle stress and procrastination, so that you remain motivated to study in an effective and pleasant way.

• Visit the Academic Language portal of the University of Groningen Language Centre, where you will find comprehensive information (in Dutch) on the academic skills you will need during your studies. For example, how do you structure your text, how do you cite your sources correctly, and how do you present a research proposal?

• At the Student Service Centre (SSC), you can participate in workshops, training courses, that are free (or almost free) of charge. You will receive many of practical tips that you can apply immediately. There are many different topics on study skills, such as Effective Studying, Studying with Dyslexia or Presenting with Confidence.

• Are you struggling with writing academic texts? At the UG Writing Centre, you can receive free writing coaching. Another option would be to take an Academic writing skills course in Dutch or English at the UG Language Centre.

• Looking for study or thesis buddies? One option could be to join a study or thesis-support group. Check out the free (or almost free) options at the UG Student Services Centre.

• Another option could be to participate in Writing days organized by the UG Writing Centre. These days are designed to allow you to make real progress on your thesis, with a little extra motivation, a quiet working environment with a small group, and free personal guidance.

Your study advisor is your first point of contact within your programme for personal guidance and advice on study planning, study choice, BSA standards, special circumstances, and study delays. In some cases, the study advisor will refer you to a student counsellor. 

The student counsellor is not affiliated with any particular programme or faculty and is therefore the point of contact for all University of Groningen students seeking advice and support in relation to personal circumstances, disabilities, or other study-related issues that you are unable or unwilling to resolve within your programme. You can discuss your personal situation with the student counsellor and find out about available financial (and other) arrangements, facilities, and resources.

Are you having to cope with ongoing stress symptoms, gloomy or negative thoughts, or fear (including fear of failure)? If so, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.