Jolijn: “During the day I study medicine. In the evening, I am on stage singing and dancing”

12 November 2025

During the opening of the academic year, Jolijn van Vugt was singing and dancing on stage at Theater aan het Vrijthof. As a performer, to be precise. The 21-year-old medical student manages to combine her studies with singing and dancing at an advanced level. She dances at the Oxygen dance school in Maastricht and sings in the student band Tinnitus, which regularly performs at UM events. How does she manage to do it all?

From classical to pop, soul and Jazz

Jolijn has been dancing and singing for as long as she can remember. “I started with classical ballet when I was four and joined a children’s classical choir when I was eight,” she says. “That eventually led to performances all over the country. When I moved to Maastricht for my studies, I could no longer stay with my choir and ballet group in The Hague. That seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new.”

At the Oxygen Academy of Dance, Jolijn found her new dance family. “I take classes and compete in hip-hop and contemporary dance. It is quite different from classical ballet, but I really enjoy this style as well,” she laughs.

Jolijn also sings, together with other medical students, in the student band Tinnitus. “We mainly play pop, soul and soft rock, but sometimes also jazz or blues,” she says proudly. “At receptions we go for more relaxed songs, while at student parties we play something a bit livelier.”

Busy weeks

A typical week for Jolijn is a full one. “I have lectures or tutorials four days a week, and on top of that I spend at least ten hours a week dancing and singing. I have dance classes or rehearsals four evenings a week, and we also perform regularly. I also teach dance classes to children every week,” she says.

How does Jolijn manage to combine it all? “I have mainly just become really good at planning,” she laughs. “I try to do as much of my study work as possible during the day at university, so that in the evenings I can fully focus on rehearsing or performing.”

The text continues below the photo.

Jolijn van Vugt (21) is a fourth-year medical student at UM. She has been singing and dancing from a young age. In her former hometown of The Hague, she was a member of the National Mixed Youth Choir. When she moved to Maastricht for her studies, she joined the band Tinnitus, where she performs alongside fellow medical students. She also dances at an advanced level at the Oxygen Academy of Dance in Maastricht, with whom she takes part in dance competitions.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Jolijn van Vugt danst en zingt naast haar studie

No top-level sports status

Still, combining everything is not always easy. “Because of my busy performance schedule, I ran into problems with my planning last year,” Jolijn explains. “I was not eligible for a summer resit, which made things difficult. Fortunately, my study advisor was very understanding and helped me find a solution. This year I am finishing a few resits from my bachelor’s degree.”

Jolijn finds it a pity that, as a singer and dancer, she is not eligible for a top-level sports status. “I think it would be great if there were more understanding and support for students with artistic talents, just like there is for top athletes.”

Students at Maastricht University do more than just study. UM encourages its students to make time for their passions, hobbies, and other special activities alongside their degree programmes. In this series of stories, UM students share how they combine their studies with inspiring side projects. Ranging from art and sports to entrepreneurship and social engagement.

Appearing on the TV programme Jinek

By now, Jolijn has built up an impressive list of performances. She has sung at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, performed in theatres with her dance group, and won the major competition Masters of Dance in Mallorca with her competition team. She has also appeared in various television programmes, including Jinek. “The TV appearance was very last-minute, but that made it an even more special experience.”

Another memorable moment for Jolijn was the opening of the academic year. “I sang Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and performed a dance with the competition team. That was extra special because it brought together my three worlds - medicine, singing and dancing.”

Text: Romy Veul
Photography: Joris Hilterman

Lees meer studentenverhalen