In a heart-to-heart conversation, you can talk to professional student life coaches Marloes Harkema and Evelien Meijs. They are experienced in grief counselling. Go to Student Life Coaches.

The WUR student psychologists also offer short-term counselling - free of charge - for psychological problems. Are you unsure whether you need to see a student psychologist or a life coach? You can make an appointment for a walk-in session, and they will help you make a decision. Go to the Student Psychologists page.

Our new activity, 'Space to Grieve', will replace the monthly 'Grief & Writing' sessions. The idea is to provide a monthly opportunity to engage with your grief in various ways, such as through writing, sharing, creative expression, meditation, enjoying a shared meal or going for a walk in nature. Click here to find out more and sign up for the next session.

With this workshop - once every study period - we hope to offer insights into the experience of grief. Together, we’ll explore common physical and emotional symptoms of grief, helping you understand what’s normal and what might feel unique to your situation.

Organised by and for students who have lost a parent or parental figure, this group meets monthly to offer support and share experiences. 

If you wish to take a break from your studies or temporarily need to take fewer ECTS, contact your study advisor or the student dean.

Spectrum Student Platform and Chaplaincy also organises weekly meditations, and other meaningful activities where you can make space for grief and recovery Go to Spectrums' website.

“My best friend’s death left me feeling isolated, like there was a glass wall separating me from other students. I would join in and laugh, but it lacked sincerity. I discovered that engaging in meaningful conversations about my grief brings a better sense of balance.”

“A fellow student in our organisation struggled with severe depression. Despite knowing he wasn’t well, his suicide came as a shocking blow. Recently, we held a memorial to mark a year since his passing. It made me feel sad and powerless again. It really helped me to talk to someone!”

"With my father chronically ill, I struggle to find a balance between being there for my parents and enjoying my student life. When I’m here, I often feel guilty, and it casts a shadow over my day. But when I’m there, I’m confronted with the reality and worries, and sometimes I just want to escape."

"After my girlfriend and I broke up, it became hard to focus on my courses. Our mutual group of friends no longer felt like the fun and safe space it used to be, and I found myself struggling with my friendships."