Find your way through our student support network

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Feeling stressed about your studies? Struggling to concentrate because of problems at home? Or simply not feeling like yourself for a while? Then the most important thing is knowing where you can turn for support. Fortunately, you don't have to figure out the entire student support network on your own.

"As a student, you don't need to understand how our support system is organised", says Marije Molthoff, Team Leader Student Support for the Central region. "If you're experiencing difficulties, finding support should be as easy as possible. Looking for help shouldn't become another challenge in itself."

Within your programme, you'll always have a first point of contact, such as your personal development coach (pd-coach) or study (career) coach. Behind them is an extensive support network that includes student counsellors, student coaches, the Student Success Centres (SSC), and the International Office for questions related to studying abroad or international matters.

And if you don't immediately reach the right person? No problem, Marije emphasises. "As a team, we make sure students receive a warm referral to the right support, no matter who they contact first."

Everything in one place
Would you rather explore your options yourself? On Iris, you'll find the digital student support network guide, which provides an overview of all support professionals and contact details for each location. It gives you an instant overview of the support available and how to get in touch.

"Our support covers a wide range of situations", explains student coach Saskia Kuling. "We support students who are stressed, feeling overwhelmed, or simply not feeling well. We can also help when things at home are affecting your studies. During one-on-one conversations, we explore what's going on together. This allows us to connect with your specific situation and help you regain a sense of control."

Sometimes, additional practical or formal support may be needed. For example, student counsellor Kasper Brouwers can help arrange academic adjustments and support facilities. This may be relevant if you have dyslexia, AD(H)D, a chronic illness, or a physical disability and need additional support to study successfully. Student counsellors can also help if personal circumstances put you at risk of study delay. And where one type of support ends and another begins? That's not something you need to worry about. "We know exactly how to find each other when needed", says Saskia.

Studentondersteuning Ballenbak Foto Sabine_van_Nistelrooij

A warm welcome
Don't wait until a small concern becomes a major problem. "Student life is simply a challenging phase", Saskia explains. "A lot is expected of you, and often you expect a lot of yourself as well. On top of that, there are plenty of distractions. Needing support is completely normal." The good news? It's also a time when you can develop valuable skills. "The things you learn about yourself now, and the strategies you develop for dealing with challenges, are things you'll carry with you for the rest of your life."

Especially when you're just starting, a lot of new information comes your way. It helps when you feel welcome and can gradually find your place within Inholland." From day one, we want students to feel: we're happy you're here. This is your school”, says Marije.
That's why extra attention is given to the support network during the first 100 days of study. Student support professionals visit first-year classes and introduce students to the student support network guide and the SSC Events Calendar. Throughout the year, the calendar features workshops and activities on topics ranging from academic writing and studying at a university of applied sciences to planning, mindset, stress management, and dealing with overstimulation. The programme is tailored to questions many new students encounter, but senior students are welcome too.

How do you juggle it all?
You don't have to solve everything on your own. During Student Wellbeing Week, this message becomes even more visible. From 5 to 9 October, all Inholland locations will host activities and workshops focused on mental wellbeing. Students can also get to know the student support team in an informal and accessible way.

A key attraction is Debadderen – How do you keep all the balls in the air? Student support professionals and students meet in a giant ball pit and use personal conversation prompts to start meaningful discussions. A facilitator helps get the conversation going, and in Haarlem, student coach Saskia will even be joining the ball pit herself.

In addition, students can participate in several online workshops during the week. Saskia, for example, will host the session Stress and Breathing. "When we're stressed, we often try to solve everything with our minds, while our breathing can send a signal to the body to relax. The great thing is that your breath is always with you." You can register via the events page on Iris.

So, are you dealing with something? Have questions or doubts? Talk to someone or drop by your local SSC. We do it together.