These are difficult times for our social lives. This also applies to our students, who imagined life in another city, or even another country, so differently. In this collection of stories, we want to encourage our students. But what exactly is loneliness, and more importantly, what can we do about it? Suzanne van Bronswijk, psychiatrist at MUMC+ and assistant professor at FPN, can tell us something about it. 

Wellbeing Movement against loneliness

Together with her colleagues, Liesbeth Mouha, Student Wellbeing Project Leader and Wellbeing Movement Coordinator at UM, expected a large influx of students seeking help at the onset of the corona crisis. This didn’t materialise: ‘What we have noticed is that the issues that students had before the pandemic have been amplified.

A listening ear

Are you between 12 and 25 years old and having trouble dealing with something? Heartbreak, problems with school or university, loneliness or depression? Whatever it is, @ease provides free and accessible psychological support. You can speak with young volunteers, completely anonymously, at the @ease location or via chat.

Spirituality and positive impact

Rachelle van Andel is a university chaplain at The InnBetween, a place created for and by students where vulnerability and resilience are practiced. A place where together you eat, study, relax, play, and of course, meet people. An open-minded community that brings people from different backgrounds together, also during COVID-19. 

Project Study 2gether Online: Virtual Library

In order to offer students some support, the University Library has therefore decided to create an attractive, hospitable and easily accessible virtual library location with a library look & feel, where you can study together online: Virtual Library.