How can I develop my skills?
Your student years are intense, marked by significant personal development. Suddenly, you have to sort out a lot of things on your own and find yourself in new social settings, all while keeping up with your studies. The University of Groningen offers a wide range of training courses, workshops and online self-help modules to help you do just that, focusing on developing your personal and study skills.
Develop your personal skills
Would you like to cope better with stress, suffer less from fear of failure, or gain more confidence in social settings? Or do you want to prepare yourself properly for the job market? The Student Services Centre and Career Services are here to help you get started!
Free online self-help modules
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:
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Living by your values
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Concentration and procrastination
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Assertiveness
Training courses and workshops
Stucent Service Centre (SSC)
At the 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.
▸View the course offer of the SSC
Career Services
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.
Develop your study skills
Are you curious about how you can improve your study skills, learn to stop procrastinating, improve your academic writing, or study more effectively? The University of Groningen offers a wide range of training courses, workshops, and online self-help modules to all students. Another option could be to join a study or thesis-support group.
Free online support
Free online course Improving your study techniques
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.
Free Academic Language Portal
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?
Training courses and workshops
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Participate in study skills workshops and training courses on topics such as Effective Studying, Studying with Dyslexia or Presenting with Confidence. View the complete offer at the Student Service Centre (SSC),
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Take an Academic writing skills course in Dutch or English at the Language Centre of the University of Groningen.
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Prefer individual coaching? At the UG Writing Centre, you can receive free writing coaching.
Study and thesis buddies
Study or thesis-support groups
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.
Writing Days
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.
Personal advice and support
If you need advice or support regarding personal matters or study-related issues, please contact the study advisors, student counsellors, or psychologists at the University of Groningen.
Study advisor and student counsellor
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.
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Visit this document to learn more about whom you should contact and what the difference is between the study advisor and the student counsellor.
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Psychologist
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.