The “Where do you draw the line” symposium in the Grote Kerk in December. Photo WKvV Wageningen student associations and the Wageningen Chamber of Associations (WKvV) have organised an annual Student Wellbeing Week for several years now. During the week, activities focus on topics such as loneliness, social pressure, and alcohol and drug abuse. This year, the associations take a different approach. ‘Activities spread throughout period six instead of a jam-packed week.’
This change is to ensure the activities attract more participants, says WKvV chair Christel Konings. ‘If you pack everything into one week, it gets to be too much for most students. By spreading the activities over period six, we expect the various activities to do better.’
Although the programme is yet to be determined, the various associations are working on different topics related to wellbeing. ‘The activities centre on wellbeing in the broadest sense of the word’, Konings explains. ‘Examples include self-defence and discussing suicidal thoughts. I expect there will also be a focus on loneliness because, even with a busy social life, students feel lonely sometimes. And I hope financial wellbeing will also be addressed. In any event, the focus will be on issues students are struggling with.’
Drugs and alcohol
Student wellbeing is also addressed at other times during the year, Konings states, ‘Each year, the university organises a Surf your Stress-week and WKvV organised a symposium responsible substance use. In addition to the activities organised by the student associations in period six, WKvV will also organise a wellbeing activity in period five.
Stay updated on the developments through WKvV’s Instagram.
Need help?
● If you are having thoughts about suicide, talk about it. There are people available 24/7 through the 113 suicide prevention hotline, phone number 0800-0113, or chat on 113.nl. The site also offers other options for help, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.
● Are you worried about a colleague or fellow student? There are various options to help someone who is considering suicide. Reach out to 113-suicide prevention for help. You will find a list of options on www.113.nl/maak-je-je-zorgen-om-iemand. You can also call 0800-0113.
● WUR also offers help. Students can search for student counselling on wur.nl. Employees may contact the occupational social workers listed on the intranet.
