Better Prepared 2024

What does the programme Better Prepared consist of?

• Feel at home at VU Amsterdam

  In order to feel comfortable at VU Amsterdam it’s important to know where all the facilities are, especially those that are important to you, for instance the Islamic prayer room or the sport facilities. The programme will take place at different locations at the VU Amsterdam campus, such as the roof terrace. There will be a fun exploration called ‘Discover VU’, where you’ll see different campus highlights. 

  The programme includes information about relevant VU services, such as the Honours Programme, the Diversity Office, Studentwellbeing, and studying abroad. Information about student organisations will also be provided, for instance about F.A.M., a student community especially for firstgeneration students. You’ll also get the opportunity to extend your network with VU-alumni. This way, you’ll already know where the relevant facilities are and what VU Amsterdam has to offer before you start your studies!

• Personal development

  Knowing yourself is another important element to experience success during your studies. When you know what drives you, you’ll probably also be able to get through the classes and subjects you’re less interested in, because you know why you’re studying in the first place!

  The theme of Better Prepared is ‘setting your own course’, which is also the core of your academic essay. You will start with a mood board about the journey which led you to the VU and the journey ahead. You probably have dreams or goals what you would like to achieve with your studies! Of course you can also dive into events or happenings that are not related to your studies but shaped who you are now. You will be part of a smaller group in which you’ll discuss the mood boards: an excellent way to already get to know each other! Throughout the programme, there will be different speakers to tell you about their journey and what they learnt from them.

  Another important element of the programme is the Socratic method, which you will apply and really dive into the theme. Another element is the ‘note to self’, which is a letter you will write to your future self. A couple of months into your studies, this note will be sent to you be post and you will read back on your thoughts during Better Prepared. For instance, participants have told us that they feel more secure after Better Prepared: they are also competent to study at university, despite that they were nervous before starting. This way you will be looking back at the personal growth you accomplished and hopefully continue to do so during your studies and beyond!

• Academic skills

  The programme includes different workshops aimed at developing academic skills. Why? Because every student needs them in order to start their studies prepared!

  During the first day we’ll go through the assignment and explain the academic essay. For your essay, you will develop a research question and find the right research methods to answer your question. Throughout the programme, different tools are provided that are needed to carry out the research and finish the assignment.

  The deadline for the academic essay is the fourth day, after the weekend. The next step is to practice presenting. Don’t worry, you won’t present for the whole group! It will be in the small group with students you got to know the last couple of days. The last day, parents, family and/or friends are invited to join and see how hard you’ve worked during the presentations. At the end of the day, the best academic essays will be rewarded with great prizes.

• Dates and costs

  Better Prepared is a multi-day programme that takes place on the VU campus on 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20 augustus 2024. 

  Participation costs are €20, which include drinks and lunch.

  When you participate in all the workshops and hand in your academic essay on time, you'll receive a certificate.

  PLEASE BE AWARE ONLY 100 APPLICANTS ARE ACCEPTED, SO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.