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)? 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.
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.
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.
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.
UM Offices that offer support
UM's Disability Support
You can request various forms of support during your studies at UM, including:
extra exam time or smaller exam rooms
- assistive technology
accessible housing
The Disability Support Office is here to help you with this.
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 webpage
Student wellbeing
