UnliMited-Students

Are you a student with a disability (such as a visual impairment), a chronic illness (such as diabetes), or neurodivergence (such as ADHD)? Or are you in any other way connected with these groups? 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

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 also work to increase visibility and speak up for the 10% of UM students living with disabilities, chronic illnesses or neurodivergent conditions—many of which are not immediately visible.

Buddy programme

The UnliMited buddy programme connects UM students with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence for informal, one-to-one peer support. You'll build a connection, share experiences and support each other through university life. Sign up for a buddy by 5 October 2025!

Find out more and sign up for the buddy programme

Regular 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

The guiding principle in our advocacy work is: Nothing about us without us. This means that students with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence are involved in decision-making that affects us. We believe in consultation not only when problems arise, but also proactively, such as during the creation and rollout of new policies.

We also actively gather experiences from UM students about the challenges they face when studying with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence. We discuss these, 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.

We aim to leave a legacy of greater inclusion and accessibility for the students who come after us.

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.

Watch the video to hear first-hand about some of the challenges we face. Members of UnliMited-Students and staff read the stories of students with a disability, chronic illness or neurodivergence, sharing their experiences of university life.

Learn more about our stories and how you can share yours

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

UnliMited-Students #YouDoNotHaveToExplainToUs why you behave the way you do

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.

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 Maastricht 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, points for improvement regarding and next steps for UM regarding inclusive education.

ECIO (Expertise Centrum Inclusief Onderwijs) moderated the discussion. Read the ECIO blog about the progress made and what opportunities for improvement still exist.

Photo (left to right:) Sigrid Péters from Disability Support, Sjoerd, John and Carolina from UnliMited-Students, and Rector Magnificus Prof. Pamela Habibović.