UnliMited-Students
Are you a student with a disability (like visual impairment), a chronic illness (like diabetes), or neurodivergence (like ADHD)? Then UnliMited Students is for you!
UnliMited Students is a supportive, student-led network at Maastricht University. We're a space for students with visible and invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, psychological conditions or neurodivergence to connect, find community and feel understood. No need to explain yourself here. We see you and wholeheartedly accept you. Just as you are.
Join our UnliMited community
Fill in our online membership form to join! You'll receive regular updates about upcoming events and get access to our Whatsap community. No membership fees.
More ways to get in touch:
- Follow us to learn more about our activities: Instagram @unlimited_students
- Sign up for events on Linktr.ee @unlimited_students or
- Email us at unlimited-students@maastrichtuniversity.nl
We hope to see you soon!
What we do
We focus on connection, support and advocacy. Together, we:
- foster a community of students who support each other
- offer an active WhatsApp group to keep our community connected
- host regular gatherings like movie screenings, book clubs, hikes, and cosy corner meetups
- provide peer-to-peer support through our buddy programme
- act as advocates during the development of UM policies, ensuring our voices are heard
We are also here to increase visibility and speak up for the 10% of UM students living with disabilities or chronic conditions — many of which are invisible.
Activities @ UnliMited-Students
Cosy corners
Connect with like-minded people in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Spend the afternoon chatting while enjoying cosy activity and a warm drink. Drop in at any time you like—no need to register.
Talking circles
Meet other students to explore topics around disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence. Sharing our experiences helps us learn from each other, find support and see things from new perspectives.
Book club
Meet with fellow book lovers in our community. Join our WhatsApp chat to help choose the next read, share your thoughts and join casual meetups to chat about the books—both online and in person.
Our advocacy work: Nothing about us without us
When it comes to our advocacy work, UnliMited Students is guided by one principle:
Nothing about us without us.
This means that students with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence are included and consulted when decisions are made about us. It also means that students are consulted before problems have arisen, for example, during the implementation of new policies.
Who we are: our stories
One of the ways we raise awareness about studying and working with a disability, is by celebrating the voices and contributions of our community members with disabilities.
Learn more about us and our stories
We also actively gather stories from UM students about the challenges they face when studying with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence.
We discuss these stories, anonymously if requested, with the Disability Support Office. They reach out to the departments involved to make improvements. Our advocacy work and activities are also supported by the Diversity & Inclusivity Office.
Watch the video to understand some of the challenges we face.
Awareness campaign #YouDoNotHaveToExplainToUs
In our campaign #YouDoNotHaveToExplainToUs, UnliMited members share some common misunderstandings we experience and what it means to us that within the UnliMited-Students network, we don’t have to explain why we do things the way we do (or don’t 😉).
Check out the slideshow to read some of the stories.
For more updates and news about upcoming initiatives, follow us on our Instagram:
@unlimited_students
Meet our student employees
Estella and Amélie help UnliMited by:
organising events and community-building activities
- sharing ideas and feedback on accessibility
- managing our Instagram and Linktree accounts
- providing information to community members
- coordinating with our volunteers
Got ideas or questions? Email us at unlimited-students@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Want to volunteer?
We’d love your help at our activities! Send us your details and interests at unlimited-students@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Estella
Estella is currently studying a bachelor's in Psychology. As a neurodivergent student who struggles with chronic illnesses, she knows first-hand how challenging student life can sometimes be. She looks forward to contributing to a community that empowers and supports students with a disability, chronic condition or neurodivergence. She aims to provide a safe space for students to connect to their peers and share their voice.
Amélie
Amélie is currently doing her bachelor's in European Law. She is passionate about disability awareness and creating a safe space for others. Being a neurodivergent student herself, she recognises what UnliMited members can go through. At the same time, she is committed to listening to her peers and learning about their unique experiences. Amélie used to be a volunteer at UnliMited-Students before she was hired.
A Dialogue on inclusive education with Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibović
What does it mean to be a student with an (in)visible disability, chronic condition, or neurodivergence at the university? And how can this experience be improved?
In 2020, UM signed the declaration of intent of the UN Convention to dedicate itself to improving inclusive education at UM. In June 2023, Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibović, our UM Rector Magnificus, met with students to discuss best practices, achievements and points for improvement regarding inclusive education. The values and future steps of the university were discussed.
ECIO (Expertise Centrum Inclusief Onderwijs) moderated the discussion. Read the ECIO blog about he progress made and what opportunities for improvement still exist.
From left to right: Sigrid Péters from Disability Support, Sjoerd, John, and Carolina from UnliMited-Students, and Prof. Dr. Pamela Habibović, Rector Magnificus.
UM Offices that offer support
UM's Disability Support
For any accommodations during your studies at Maastricht University, please contact Disability Support by emailing them: disability@maastrichtuniversity.nl
You can check out the process of requesting specific accommodations by watching their latest video here.
UM Psychologists
For mental health support, you can contact UM's psychologists to make an appointment or get information about other available resources.
Learn more on the webpage UM Psychological Support
Wellbeing Movement
UM offers a variety of wellbeing initiatives and programmes, such as online and in-person lectures, workshops and training programmes.
Find our more on the Student wellbeing webpage
