Support in specific situations

As a student caregiver, you bear a lot of responsibility, and that is not always visible. In addition to your studies, you care for someone in your environment, such as a parent, grandparent, brother or sister, close friend or neighbour. These caregiving tasks can be intensive and demand a lot of your time, energy and attention. Combining this with your studies can be quite challenging.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of informal care?

• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Informal care? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• Attend a (live) training course or workshop on topics such as Work Life Balance. Check out the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are (almost) free and extremely valuable – you will learn practical tools that you can apply immediately.
• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to informal care and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • At voorwiezorgjij.nl, young and older informal caregivers, employers, and professionals can find information, tips, and support.
    • Humanitas, which offers support to informal carers in Groningen.
    • MantelzorgNL is the national association that advocates for everyone who provides informal care.
    • The WIJ team of the Municipality of Groningen and Team Mantelzorg Amaryllis of the Municipality of Leeuwarden also offer various forms of support.

Significant family circumstances can demand a lot from you. Perhaps you are experiencing something at home that is preoccupying or weighing on you. This could be the illness or death of a loved one, a divorce, a parent's mental health issues, or situations involving addiction. It is entirely understandable that this would affect your studies.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of family circumstances?

• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Grief, Resilience and Relationship problems? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.
  

• Attend a (live) training course or workshop on topics such as Work Life Balance. Check out the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are (almost) free and extremely valuable – you will learn practical tools that you can apply immediately.
• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to family circumstances and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • All Ears, which offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
    • Are you in a situation where a parent has mental problems and/or addiction problems and do you require professional support? If so, take a look at the Kopp-kind website for a summary of available options.

Being pregnant, becoming a parent or thinking about pregnancy while studying can raise many questions and emotions. Perhaps you are trying to combine studying with parenthood, you are faced with the decision of whether or not to continue with your pregnancy, or you are dealing with an abortion. Whatever your situation, it can be life-changing and affect your daily life and studies.

Are you facing challenges, do you have questions, or do you need support?

• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• Attend a (live) training course or workshop on topics such as Work Life Balance. Check out the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are (almost) free and extremely valuable – you will learn practical tools that you can apply immediately.
• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to pregnancy or parenthood and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • All Ears, which offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
    • Studying Mothers is a support centre that provides guidance about studying and motherhood.
    • An online course (MOOC) on health after pregnancy is offered by the University Medical Center Groningen.
    • ECIO has written an informative handout for pregnant students and student parents in higher education.
    • Be sure to organise all kinds of financial matters in good time if you are pregnant. For instance, you can find a Consumers’ Association checklist on this page. Specifically, here we are referring to recommendations on the child-related budget, child benefit, and possibly the single-parent allowance of the Education Executive Agency (DUO). In the case of individuals with limited incomes, there is also the special social assistance benefit and a free layette.
    • Information on parental issues and tax issues for international students.
    • Do you have doubts about your pregnancy, or are you looking for help in coming to terms with an abortion? You can get help from FIOM in a number of ways. Visit the website for information and possibilities.

AD(H)D stands for Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder. If you have AD(H)D, your brain works slightly differently in terms of how you process stimuli or where you focus your attention. You may have difficulty concentrating, be easily distracted or find it difficult to keep track of things. Sometimes your head is full, at other times you are hyper-focused. Everyone experiences AD(H)D differently.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of AD(H)D?

• Request (exam) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. To find out what steps you can take, you can use our information tool. This tool will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear overview of the entire application process, explained step by step.

  Important to know: at the University of Groningen, each application is carefully assessed on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred; we will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Lifestyle? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• Attend a (live) training course or workshop on topics such as Stop Procrastinating or Studying with ADHD. Check out the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are (almost) free and extremely valuable – you will learn practical tools that you can apply immediately.
• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Do you find it difficult to plan and organise everything properly or to find your way around the university? If so, you can make use of the study buddy programme offered by the University of Groningen.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to AD(H)D and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • Jongpit is an organisation that promotes inclusive education. They also offer opportunities to get in touch with other students who are experiencing the same as you.
    • On the website of the national-level Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • Would you like to find out more about AD(H)D and about how you can pursue your studies effectively with this condition? If so, take a look at this comprehensive leaflet or read more about it on this website.
    • Are you unable to earn any additional income due to a medical condition? If so, you can check with your local council to see if you are eligible for an individual study allowance. For the municipality of Groningen, for example, you can find information about this scheme on this website.

ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, a collective term for various forms of autism. Autism manifests itself differently in everyone. What works for one person may be difficult for another. ASD can cause obstacles in terms of stimulus processing, coping with change or working in groups. Social situations can also require extra energy or feel unclear.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of ASD?

• Request (exam) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. To find out what steps you can take, you can use our information tool. This tool will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear overview of the entire application process, explained step by step.

  Important to know: at the University of Groningen, each application is carefully assessed on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred; we will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Join the contact group of the Student Service Centre (SSC) of the University of Groningen for students with autism. These meetings offer an opportunity to share experiences and meet other students who are going through similar situations. Many students find it comforting to know that they are not alone. The meetings are free of charge and take place four times per academic year, on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon. You are welcome to attend all meetings, but this is not compulsory. A psychologist, student counsellor and/or trainer from the SSC is always present to supervise the meeting and provide information when required.

• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Lifestyle? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• Attend a (live) training course or workshop on topics such as Assertiveness and social skills. Check out the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are (almost) free and extremely valuable – you will learn practical tools that you can apply immediately.
• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Do you find it difficult to plan and organise everything properly or to find your way around the university? If so, you can make use of the study buddy programme offered by the University of Groningen.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to ASD and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • Jongpit is an organisation that promotes inclusive education. They also offer opportunities to get in touch with other students who are experiencing the same as you.
    • On the website of the national-level Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • It can be pleasant and inspiring to connect with other people in the same situation. The Dutch Autism Association offers a platform for this, as does the Autism Information Centre Groningen.
    • The Autism Team Noord-Nederland has years of expertise in the field of autism and has a number of teams in the north of the Netherlands.
    • Jados offers guidance for those who have been diagnosed with autism and who could use extra help with studying, working, living independently or finding a way to live a meaningful life. 
    • Connect with other adults with ASD via ietsdrinken.nl.
    • Would you like to find out more about ASD and about how you can pursue your studies effectively with this condition? If so, take a look at this comprehensive leaflet, or the website of non-profit foundation Autism Digital.
    • Are you unable to earn any additional income due to a medical condition? If so, you can check with your local council to see if you are eligible for an individual study allowance. For the municipality of Groningen, for example, you can find information about this scheme on this website.

Illness can affect your studies in various ways. Think of a chronic condition, a temporary physical problem or recurring symptoms. They can cause physical, mental and practical obstacles. Perhaps you are dealing with reduced concentration, fatigue, pain, or you are missing lectures and exams due to medical appointments or rehabilitation.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of (chronic) illness?

• Request (exam) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. To find out what steps you can take, you can use our information tool. This tool will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear overview of the entire application process, explained step by step.

  Important to know: at the University of Groningen, each application is carefully assessed on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred; we will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to illness and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Resilience? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • The University of Groningen offers various options and facilities to students who require support, but for students with a chronic illness with varying symptoms, it can be more challenging to find suitable solutions. Cynthia studies at the University of Groningen and discusses this in this blog.
    • Jongpit is an organisation that promotes inclusive education. They also offer opportunities to get in touch with other students who are experiencing the same as you.
    • Do you have a chronic illness and are you unsure about your choice of study programme, or would you like more information about your study career path? Then the informative brochure from ZieZon can help you with the decision-making process.
    • Are you unable to earn any additional income due to a medical condition? If so, you can check with your local council to see if you are eligible for an individual study allowance. For the municipality of Groningen, for example, you can find information about this scheme on this website.
    • On this UMCG website, you can get in touch with Adolescents and Young Adults, or AYAs, who are dealing with cancer.
    • At www.kanker.nl/jong you can find information on topics that are important when your life is still developing. And as a (former) patient or loved one, you can get in touch with people going through the same thing as you.

Mental health issues such as anxiety and panic, depression or burnout, but also personality disorders, eating disorders or PTSD can pose challenges during your studies. Mental health issues are often invisible, but they do have an impact. You may have difficulty concentrating, planning and organising your work, or staying motivated. Attending lectures or taking exams may also require more energy than you have available at that moment.

Do you experience challenges in your studies as a result of mental health issues?

• Request (exam) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. To find out what steps you can take, you can use our information tool. This tool will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear overview of the entire application process, explained step by step.

  Important to know: at the University of Groningen, each application is carefully assessed on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred; we will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Did you miss or fail exams due to mental health issues and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits, but check out our first aid for study delays.
• Would you like to get started with reliable, free online self-support at home? For example, with a module on Anxiety, Sadness or Worrying? University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• If you are experiencing psychological problems as a result of your situation, you can request an intake interview with one of the psychologists at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre.

• Another possible step is to make an appointment with your general practitioner or the GP practice nurse (POH-GGZ). The general practitioner is your first point of contact in the Dutch healthcare system. 
  • Don’t have a GP yet? Register with one in your area.
  • Are you an international student? Please check www.rug.nl/healthcare.
• If you think you are suffering from mental health issues as a result of an addiction to, for example, drugs, alcohol, sex or gaming, check out our support page for help with addiction problems.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. It sounds cliché, but it really helps to get things off your chest. Think of:
  • A good friend, roommate or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay) and BSA.
  • External organisations/websites you can turn to, for example:
    • All Ears, which offers walk-in consultation hours with student workers at the Harmony Building and at Zernike.
    • In je bol.nl (Dutch website) offers a listening ear by chat and phone, along with reliable information, experiences shared by others, and tips and tools to get started yourself.
    • Frisse Gedachtes is a student movement that aims to improve student well-being. 
    • On the website of Expertisecentrum Begeleid Leren, you will find information about studying with a psychiatric background.

An auditory impairment (such as hearing loss or deafness) can affect various aspects of your studies. The extent to which this is the case varies. What works well for one person may be difficult for another.

Hearing in a lecture hall, participating in group assignments, or having conversations in a busy environment can be tiring. Online education and hybrid meetings can also present additional challenges (for example, if there are no subtitles or if the sound quality is poor).

Are you experiencing challenges in your studies due to an auditory impairment?

• Request exam (or other) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. Our information tool can help you learn what steps you can take. It will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the entire application process

  Important to know: At the University of Groningen, each application is assessed carefully on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred. We will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Have you missed exams because of an auditory impairment, and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits. Read our tips on first aid for study delays.

• Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:
  • (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
  • External organizations/websites, for example:
    • The video Studying with a hearing impairment is about Leonie, a student who is hard of hearing.
    • On the website of the national-level organisation, Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • The Ongehoordongezien (unheard unseen) website offers a variety of relevant referral addresses for people in this situation.
    • The Stichting Hoormij-NVVS provides information about various hearing impairments and offers the opportunity to get in touch with others.
    • SH-Jong provides information about hearing impairments in relation to study, work, daily life, going out, sports, etc. SH-Jong also offers opportunities to get in touch with others.
    • On HOorzaken.nl, you can find information about hearing and aids for auditory problems.
    • On Doof.nl, you can find a broad selection of news and information about hearing loss and hearing problems.

A physical or motor impairment can affect your studies in various ways. The impairment may be due to a congenital condition, an injury, or a chronic illness, or it could be temporary. Such circumstances can create physical, practical and, in some cases, mental obstacles.

You may experience fatigue, pain, or limited mobility, which make it difficult to move around buildings on time or to sit or write for long periods of time. You may also have to miss lectures or exams due to medical appointments, treatments, or rehabilitation.

Are you experiencing challenges in your studies due to a physical impairment?

• Request exam (or other) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. Our information tool can help you learn what steps you can take. It will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the entire application process

  Important to know: At the University of Groningen, each application is assessed carefully on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred. We will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Have you missed exams because of an auditory impairment, and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits. Read our tips on first aid for study delays.
• Get started at home with reliable, free online self-support at home. University of Groningen students can use the online platform NewHealth anonymously and free of charge. There are various topics to choose from.

• Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:
  • (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
  • External organizations/websites, for example:
    • Jongpit is an organisation that promotes inclusive education. They also offer opportunities to get in touch with other students who are experiencing the same as you.
    • On the website of the national-level Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • Wiel & Deal (Wheel and Deal) supports young people with a functional impairment in their degree programme and student life.
    • Fokus offers adapted, single-storey homes in Groningen.
    • Babbage offers solutions for individuals with a visual, motor or reading impairment, such as dyslexia, to effectively compensate for that impairment in domestic, study-related, or work-related settings.
    • Is a medical condition preventing you from earning additional income? If so, you can consult with your local council to see if you are eligible for an individual study allowance. For example, the Municipality of Groningen presents information about this allowance on this website.

A visual impairment can affect your studies in many ways. Whether you are visually impaired, completely blind, or have fluctuating vision, studying can present additional challenges. What comes naturally to others may require more time, energy, or adjustments for you.

Perhaps it takes more effort for you to read study materials, or you might have trouble navigating digital learning environments. Finding your way around campus, participating in group assignments, or working with visual information can also be more difficult without the right support.

Are you experiencing challenges in your studies due to a visual impairment?

• Request exam (or other) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. Our information tool can help you learn what steps you can take. It will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the entire application process

  Important to know: At the University of Groningen, each application is assessed carefully on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred. We will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Have you missed exams because of a visual impairment, and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits. Read our tips on first aid for study delays.

• Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:
  • (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
  • External organizations/websites, for example:
    • Blog from a UG student on studying with a visual impairment.
    • Jongpit is an organisation that promotes inclusive education. They also offer opportunities to get in touch with other students who are experiencing the same as you.
    • On the website of the national-level organisation, Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • Visio is the organisation that conducts research into visual impairments, and offers support to individuals with these conditions.
    • Bartiméus serves all those who are suffering from a loss of vision or who are blind. Here, you will find details of individuals’ experiences.
    • Babbage offers solutions for individuals with a visual, motor or reading impairment, such as dyslexia, to effectively compensate for that impairment in domestic, study-related, or work-related settings.
    • Dedicon supports anyone who has problems reading or using printed texts. Dedicon can be used to convert textbooks into spoken text or to enlarge them to A3 size.
    • The Vereniging Onbeperkt Lezen (Reading without Limits Association) is the national association for reading in an adapted form: in Braille, via audio, with large print and digitally.
    • Is a medical condition preventing you from earning additional income? If so, you can consult with your local council to see if you are eligible for an individual study allowance. For example, the Municipality of Groningen presents information about this allowance on this website.

Dyslexia and dyscalculia can affect your studies in various ways. What seems obvious to others may require additional time and effort for you. Perhaps you need more energy to read, write, or process texts, or it might be hard for you to keep up with the pace at which information is presented. With dyscalculia, mathematical skills (such as interpreting numbers or working with tables and formulas) can create obstacles.

Are you experiencing challenges in your studies due to dyslexia/dyscalculia?

• Request exam (or other) facilities. We will be happy to work with you to explore the possibilities. Our information tool can help you learn what steps you can take. It will help you get started and show you what is required to request facilities. The flyer below also provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the entire application process

  Important to know: At the University of Groningen, each application is assessed carefully on an individual basis. Facilities you have previously received at another educational institution will not automatically be transferred. We will work with you to determine what you need in your current situation.

• Attend a virtual or in-person training course or workshop on relevant topics. Explore the range of courses on offer at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre. The training courses and workshops are free (or almost free) and extremely valuable – you will learn about practical tools that you can apply immediately. Another option could be to join a study or thesis-support group.

• Have you missed exams because of dyslexia/dyscalculia, and are you worried about possible study delays? Don't wait for the resits. Read our tips on first aid for study delays.
• Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:
  • (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
  • Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
  • External organizations/websites, for example:
    • On the website of the national-level organisation, Expert Centre on Inclusive Education, you will find information about various disabilities, study tips, consequences for a degree programme and possible adjustments.
    • Babbage offers solutions for individuals with a visual, motor or reading impairment, such as dyslexia, to effectively compensate for that impairment in domestic, study-related, or work-related settings.
    • Impulsenwoortblind.nl offers a platform for those affected by it.

As a first-generation student, you are not any less qualified or ‘different,’ but you are starting from a different point. If your parents have not studied, you might have less knowledge about how things work at university, where to go for help, or how to study effectively. This may make you feel uncertain.

Are you experiencing challenges as a first-generation university student?

• Join the contact group for first-generation students at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre (SSC). The contact groups are free of charge and supervised by an SSC trainer. You are welcome to attend four times a year, but you are not required to participate in all sessions.

Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:

• (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
• Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.

As an LGBTQIA+ student, you are not different, but you may lack recognition or feel that you are not always safe or fully seen. This can affect how you interact within the study environment and how free you feel to ask questions or seek support.

Are you experiencing any challenges as an LGBTQIA+ university student?

Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:

• (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
• Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
• External organizations/websites, for example:
  • The Ganymedes student association caters to all LGBTQ+ students at Groningen. Non-LGBTQ+ students are, of course, also welcome. Ganymedes works to promote acceptance and equality for everyone within the LGBTQ+ community, combined with a healthy dose of fun.
  • Groningen and Drenthe LGHTBQ+ interest group.
  • If you have questions about your gender identity or require information on this topic, you can contact the transgender network and transvisie.
  • This website is a useful resource for young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or who are not sure about their identity

Studying in a foreign country and a different culture often poses a considerable challenge. You may not always feel safe or understood, or you may be carrying experiences with you that affect your concentration and well-being. It can be difficult to find your place, ask questions, and/or seek help.

Are you experiencing any challenges as a refugee university student?

Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:

• (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
• Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
• External organizations/websites, for example:
  • The UAF works to promote the development of refugee students and professionals, in addition to helping them to integrate into the Dutch labour market. It represents their interests, provides advice, and offers guidance and financial support.
  • It can be pleasant – and inspiring – to engage with others who are in the same situation as you. To this end, Humanitas has set up a buddy system for refugee students.

As a gifted student, you are not necessarily different from others, but you may experience little recognition or acknowledgement, feel misunderstood, or have difficulty connecting with others. This can affect how you interact within the study environment, how free you feel to ask questions, express yourself, or ask for help when needed.

Giftedness is often defined based on IQ scores, with an IQ of 130 or higher being considered gifted. According to several experts, however, intelligence – or an IQ score alone – is not the only aspect of giftedness. Creativity, intensity, sensitivity, and a strong sense of justice can also be characteristic. More information about giftedness is also available here.

Do you recognize characteristics of giftedness in yourself, and are you experiencing challenges at university?

• Join the contact group for gifted students at the University of Groningen Student Service Centre (SSC). The meetings are free of charge, always held as scheduled, and take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Student Service Centre. A student counsellor from the SSC will always be present to facilitate the group and provide information. If you register for the contact group, you will receive a reminder before each meeting. You are always welcome, but please do not feel obligated to attend.

Talk about it with someone you trust. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does help to get things off your chest. Some people you might approach could be:

• (If it applies to you) A good friend, roommate, or family member.
• Your mentor or study advisor. The study advisor can also help you with concerns or questions about study planning, missed exams (study delay), and the BSA.
• External organizations/websites, for example:
  • If you are looking for support, such as a coach or psychologist specialising in giftedness, visit this page. Are you an international student looking for professional support? Visit this page for relevant referral addresses.
  • The Gifted! Foundation connects, informs and researches (parents and caretakers of) gifted people of all ages and backgrounds. They do this through meetings, an online community, writing articles, contact with politics and educational institutions and researching certain aspects of giftedness.
  • In the Netherlands, you could consider joining Mensa, an association for gifted people. There are comparable associations in the UK (National Association for Gifted Children) and in the United States (Mensafoundation).
  • the HB café is held four times a year in Groningen. These events feature informative speakers and an opportunity to exchange information informally and to engage with others.
  • On the website of Hoger onderwijs toegankelijk (Higher Education Accessible), you will find more (and links to other) information about giftedness.

Are you considering combining top-level sport with studying at the University of Groningen? This website provides the information you need, including experiences from students who have gone before you, as well as options for financial support.