UM & wellbeing
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, themes like physical and mental wellbeing are perhaps more relevant and important than ever. Maastricht University devotes a great deal of attention to the wellbeing of its students and staff. A healthy and safe environment, personal development and support, and other related topics are key elements of our education, research and our Strategic Programme 2022-2026.
In addition, the university offers a wide range of initiatives and activities related to wellbeing. Read more about these initiatives and activities here, or keep reading for more 'UM & wellbeing' news, stories, press releases, videos and background information.
Read more: Stories & interviews
Know more: News & press releases
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More UM: Wellbeing at UM
UM Theme pages assemble relevant content on one important or topical theme within UM, from stories to news and from videos to background information.

Peace and quiet in The Mindfulnest
Starting 3 May, UM’s Wellbeing Movement will offer you the opportunity to use The Mindfulnest for a month. In this lovingly created, stimulus-free space, you are the main focus.
Every student healthy and well
Maastricht University has initiated the Student Well-being project to make sure that students are more resilient in their (student) life.
Feeling 'different'
It is estimated that 10-15% of all university students are what is referred to as gifted. With the project 'About not being an Einstein', made possible by a grant from the Diversity & Inclusivity Office, she wants to ensure that being gifted is more widely recognised at Maastricht University.
UM Researchers help map how people in cities get a health boost from nature
Your local city park may be improving your health, according to a new paper led by Stanford University researchers in collaboration with Bram Oosterbroek from the Maastricht Sustainability Institute.
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.
Healthiest university building is in Maastricht
Maastricht University meets the WELL Building Standard with its Tapijn location, also known as the former military barracks. It is the first time that a European university building has achieved this high standard.
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What does it take to write a play? Find out with this proposal from Toneelgroep Maastricht
Friday, April 1, 2022On 24 April, you can enjoy A Seagull, an adaptation of the famous play by Anton Chekhov, by Toneelgroep Maastricht (a renowned Dutch theatre company) in Theater aan het Vrijthof. The play is Dutch spoken, but will have English surtitles, which means you can read the English translation on screens above the stage.
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Feeling 'different'
Wednesday, March 2, 2022With the project 'About not being an Einstein', made possible by a grant from the Diversity & Inclusivity Office, Anke Smeenk wants to ensure that being gifted is more widely recognised at Maastricht University.
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Mindfulness: can we have your full attention?
Thursday, November 4, 2021Based on five frequently asked questions, Martin van Boxtel, associate professor at the School for Mental Health and Neuroscience and mindfulness trainer, explains what mindfulness is, how it can contribute to your wellbeing and how you become mindful.
More information?

Wellbeing at UM
Maastricht University considers student welfare a key priority. In addition, sustainable employability of our employees is central to our HR policy, with a strong focus on diversity, inclusivity, leadership and career development. Our Strategic Programme 2022-2026 gives you more information about our vision and ambitions for the next five years, including our ambitions regarding wellbeing.
In line with our vision and ambitions, there are many initiatives, activities and programmes within UM that can contribute to the wellbeing of our students and employees. Here are some examples.
More information for students
More information for employees (via intranet)

The Wellbeing Movement
The Wellbeing Movement (WBM) is an initiative promoting physical and mental wellbeing at Maastricht University (UM). We are here to give you tools towards a healthy and happy student life.
The WBM offers wellbeing information and trainings in many forms, such as relaxation, sports, study skills and other resources. Three of our main events are:
- The Wellbeing Week (yearly): a week full of workshops, talks and other activities centered around your wellbeing
- The Wellbeing Wednesdays (year-round): one Wednesday each month, entirely devoted to your wellbeing
- The UM Community events (year-round): several events a month, social activities by students for students and staff members

@ease
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. You will not be asked for your name, your background, your education or your age; no file will be created. The volunteers you speak to are all thoroughly trained and coached. And there is always a team of mental healthcare professionals present. Advice from @ease: are you worried about something or is something bothering you? You can't talk to friends about it? Don't wait, get in touch with us. You'll see that you're definitely not the only one with your problem or question. Talking helps.

The InnBetween
The InnBetween is 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 the lockdown. ‘We offer students professional counselling with the two chaplains, but also opportunities to mean something to one another. In doing so, we are building a community that students are a part of - and responsible for. Being part of a community and feeling at home somewhere is very important for the mental health of students.’
Other theme pages
We also highlight other themes. Below you will find an overview.