For Neurodivergent Students

Yes, the university has a photo album of multiple classrooms. If you want to check out a classroom you have not been before, you can look up the room in this album.

The university offers classroom and examination arrangements or accommodations.

• Some options are:
  • Extra time on exams
  • Taking exams in a non-massive space
  • Extensions on assignments
  • Right to over-limit absences
• Larger text size on digital tests is automatically provided, for paper tests this needs to be requested. You can e-mail, call, or visit your tutors or faculty’s study advisors if you want to discuss which text accommodations might be fitting for you.
• For in-class arrangements such as wearing noise-cancelling headphones or being able to leave in case of a panic attack, you can speak to your teacher in class or send an e-mail ahead of time (see “How to request accommodations”).

• Advising and Counselling: On this UU webpage, you can find out who to contact about the specific issue that you are dealing with. This could be a study advisor, a student psychologist, a student counsellor, the STIP (study information point) services, or your tutor.
• When unsure of what you need or where to go for support à e-mail the student counsellors at disability@uu.nl, or if you are a student at the University College Utrecht, the Disability Services Coordinator.
• If you require in-class adjustments, you can discuss it with your teacher individually (see “How to request accommodations”).

Accommodations can be arranged by a study advisor or by submitting a request via OSIRIS student (Cases -> adjustments or accommodations).

A study advisor can recommend classroom and exam accommodations to your teachers. However, it is your teachers’ (and sometimes a course coordinator’s or examiner’s) final decision whether to allow for these accommodations.

For information about the in-class adjustments your teacher can make for you, you can ask your teacher personally in class or via e-mail (e-mail addresses of teachers are usually included on the staff section of the blackboard page of the course).

• If you clearly state what you need and how that helps you, it shows teachers that you value what they teach and that you want to be able to participate.
• You don’t have to disclose your diagnosis to the teacher or reveal details of your conditions.
• Example of what you can say to your teacher: 'I would like to wear my headphones during the lecture because they filter out background noise which allows me to follow the lecture better. Is that okay?'

For an e-mail, you can use the following example as a guideline:

Dear [teacher's name]

My name is [your name], and I am following [course you are asking about] this year. I am e-mailing to ask if I can wear my noise-cancelling headphones during the lectures for this course. It is my experience that I struggle to focus on the course material during lectures due to background noise in the room. My headphones filter out this background noise, which will help me focus on the lecture better.

Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to the course.

Kind regards,

[your name and student number]

There are student groups for students with ASD (autism) and AD(H)D (only in Dutch)

• Seven weekly meetings (starting whenever there are enough signups) during which you’ll discuss study-related topics and issues, look for solutions and work on exercises with the group and the organizers, and share experiences.
• The ADHD group uses a workbook, which costs about 25 euros. This workbook provides some structure to the sessions. The ASD group works with topic-specific exercises brought in by the organizers.
• Participation requires a diagnosis of AD(H)D or ASD (if you were diagnosed with Asperger’s or another ASD, this includes you).
• To enter, you must first arrange a consultation with the student psychologist, so they can help you decide if this group will provide the support you need. This consultation costs 25 euros.
• In addition, the Skills Lab offers various workshops, activities, and personal coaching to provide help with writing and language skills, presenting, study strategies, time management, and research and statistics. Some workshops cost money (about 15 euros); coaching is free.
• There is a student group for gifted students

• If you are struggling with your mental health, UU has student psychologists who can help you Student Psychologist.
  • Student psychologists at UU are equipped to help you deal with stress- and mood-related issues, issues related to ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, giftedness, and other personal circumstances. If the issues you are facing falloutside of that range, it is advised to contact your General Practitioner, who can connect you to a more specialised therapist.
  • When in doubt, you can use a short online consultation to discuss what care suits you best. You can sign up for this using the agenda tool at the bottom of their webpage.
• Student Well-being on this page you can find an overview of other mental health resources UU offers, including workshops, events, a conversation with a coach, or mental health tools to use at home.
  • Join a workshop - these workshops can help with, for example, boosting your positive self-image or dealing with fear of failure. In addition to workshops from the student psychologists, workshops from Mood Lift are included on this page. These workshops are completely online and require an account, but are free for UU students.
  • Let's Talk - UU offers various options to speak with someone who can provide guidance and support, including one-on-one conversations with a coach at UU or peers in a group setting.
  • Get Started Yourself - here you can find various tools and resources to help you strengthen your own mental health, including e-modules, apps, podcasts and more.
  • Offered by your study programme - any additional support services that may be offered by your study programme can be found here.

“I think being compassionate to yourself is the most important.” - Isabelle

• Studying without limitations à a peer support group by and for students with disabilities who can assist you in all aspects of student life. You can also sign up for their Buddy programme to be paired up with an experienced student with whom you can chat about university life and its obstacles.
• Other UU buddy programmes à get matched with a Dutch student, a refugee or asylum seeker from the Incluusion Community, or a local mentor to help you with your transition to living in the Netherlands if you are an international student.
• ASD Student Group à though this student group is largely aimed at resolving any academic problems for students on the autism spectrum, it also serves as a way to connect with peers who might experience similar issues to you.
• AD(H)D Student Group à though this student group is largely aimed at resolving any academic problems for students with ADHD, it also serves as a way to connect with peers who might experience similar issues to you.
• Gifted Student Group à the gifted student group, also referred to as the community, is aimed at helping gifted students develop study skills and connect with peers, among other things.  

• Cultural centre Parnassos à Parnassos offers workshops in music, musical theatre, photography, and more, serving as a great opportunity to meet peers with similar interests to you.
• Conscious connections à a UU peer support group dedicated to exploring mental health-related topics.
• Workshops à an overview of the workshops that UU currently offers.
• Student organizations à student organizations organize a wide variety of activities. These range from activities that are aimed primarily at socializing to activities that are aimed at developing new academic or creative skills. On this webpage you can filter to find a student organization that suits your interests and goals.
• Olympos à Olympos is the university’s sport centre, where you can participate in a wide range of sports-related activities. They also offer group lessons and activities; a great opportunity for you to meet new people while staying active!

Tip: The university frequently hosts many different (social) events, from yoga classes during the wellbeing weeks to workshops and lectures on a variety of topics. These events can serve as opportunities to meet like-minded individuals or individuals with whom you share the same interests. You can find out more about upcoming events here.

UU offers several support initiatives when it comes to tackling everyday challenges. The links below may be helpful, depending on the type of support you are looking for.

• Study advisors & other guidance à It is always advised to speak with a study advisor. They may be able to provide you with support or otherwise redirect you to an individual or an institution that will be able to help.
• Student psychologist à If you struggle with mental health-related issues that are making day-to-day life more challenging, such as depression or anxiety, you may benefit from speaking to a student psychologist.
• ASD Student Group à the ASD student group can help you to balance your academic life and your personal life as a student on the autism spectrum.
• AD(H)D Student Group à the AD(H)D student group can help you balance your academic life and your personal life as a student with AD(H)D.
• Gifted Student Group à the gifted student group can help you balance your academic life and your personal life as a gifted student.

There are a few institutions in Utrecht which offer ambulatory care, in other words, which provide support with a wide range of everyday issues you may be experiencing. Some of these initiatives are specifically catered to neurodivergent individuals. If you feel that you could benefit from one-on-one guidance and support in your everyday life, take a look at the links below.

• Jados: studying with autism à Jados provides both assisted living opportunities in Utrecht and ambulatory care, specifically for students on the autism spectrum.
• Lister: Autism support à Lister provides both assisted living opportunities in Utrecht and ambulatory care, specifically for students on the autism spectrum.
• Plushome: ADHD support à Plushome provides support and potential treatment for all individuals with AD(H)D.
• Ambulant Centrum Utrecht à Ambulant Centrum Utrecht provides ambulatory care for all individuals experiencing psychological problems.

• Time blocking: Try allocating time slots to the specific tasks that you need to get done. If you have to write an essay, for example, it can sometimes be more beneficial to work on it for an hour at a time, and schedule a few sessions scattered across the day. Even tasks like cleaning your room or cooking a meal may benefit from having a dedicated slot. This can help maintain a manageable school-life balance, too.
• Communication: Communicating everyday issues to somebody close to you, or even a roommate, can be beneficial. They may be able to help you out on days when tasks like cooking and cleaning feel like a challenge.
• Digital tools: Some neurodivergent individuals are easily distracted. Installing an app like Forest, which blocks you from being able to access certain apps on your phone for a dedicated amount of time, can eliminate distractions while you focus on a task. This specific app also has a Chrome extension that you can install on your laptop or PC, blocking you from accessing distracting websites.
• Separate workspace: Some students find it helpful to do school tasks somewhere other than where they rest. This can mean having a desk separate from your hangout spot in your room, or making use of the library, university spaces, or outdoor areas to do homework. This way, you have a space dedicated to focusing on your tasks, and after you leave you can leave behind the stress of the tasks, too.
• Body doubling/buddy system: For many neurodivergent students, it helps to have a buddy to do routine tasks with, such as studying. You can meet up with a friend or classmate to study together or get on a (video)call with somebody as you both study or do household chores. This way, you can hold each other accountable to stay on task and you can walk each other through any roadblocks or challenges you may face.

• Student housing in Utrecht: UU webpage à this page on the UU website provides a plethora of links to housing providers, agencies, and platforms. Here you can find places to book a room, studio, or apartment, for varying lengths of time.
• SSH: Wonen op maat à assisted living opportunities for several groups of disabled students, including students on the spectrum.
• Lister: Autism support à assisted living opportunities for students on the autism spectrum.
• Jados: Assisted livingà assisted living opportunities for students on the autism spectrum.
• Other neurodivergent conditions: We recognize that students with AD(H)D, Tourette’s syndrome, and other neurodivergent conditions may struggle with (the idea of) independent living, too. If this is the case for you, our advice is to seek out assistance, whether from somebody close to you or from a professional, such as a therapist or professional who works in ambulatory care. They will be able to help you navigate the challenges that come with living on your own (or with roommates).

• Study advisor à Click here to figure out which study advisor you can contact based on your program.
• Financial provisions: UU webpage à on this webpage you can find out what financial aid you may be eligible for as a neurodivergent (/disabled) student and when you are eligible.

• Take a test à UU Career Services offer self-tests you can use to explore your interests and values and how you can apply those to possible careers.
• Workshop overview Career Services à in the Career Services workshops Master Choice Orientation, Self-analysis for Job Market Orientation, or Exploring the Job Market and Networking, you can explore what career or further education options you want to pursue. These workshops are:
  • Free of charge
  • One 1.5-4 hour meeting
  • Available in English and Dutch
  • Usually on-location
• Book an appointment with a Career Officer à a one-time appointment to discuss your career options. To make an appointment, fill out your current degree program, and then click the date and time at which you want to meet. That way you can be matched with someone who has knowledge of the field you are studying in, and thus can give you more specific advice. Online options are available.

• Get started à Career Services at UU offers various step-by-step breakdowns of what the application process looks like, including explanation videos and online courses to help you get started.
• Workshop overview Career Services à in the workshops about cv and motivation letter writing, interview skills, networking skills, and various other job application skills, you can learn about the best ways to improve your application skills through practice exercises. You will also have to opportunity to speak with an experienced job coach and ask them your questions. These workshops are:
  • Free of charge
  • One 1.5 to 4-hour meeting
  • Available in English and Dutch
  • Usually on location
• You can also follow some of these courses, attend some presentations about the workforce, or get a professional LinkedIn picture taken at a UU Career Day.  
• Book an appointment with a Career Officer à a one-time appointment to discuss your cv and motivation letter, practice an interview or ask general questions to a specific job coach. To make an appointment, fill out your current degree program and then click the date and time at which you want to meet. That way you can be matched with someone who has knowledge of the field you are studying in, and thus can give you more specific advice. Online options are available.
• Stichting Studeren En Werken Op Maat (SWOM) à SWOM is an organisation that helps people who struggle to (re)enter the workforce build on their strengths and find a job that suits them. You can sign up using their online form, after which they will call you to see if they can provide you with the help you need.
  • Helps with disability-specific issues, such as whether and how to inform a workplace of your disability.
  • Eight-month trajectory (monthly check-in meetings and optional courses).
  • Coaching at work or with job applications, trainings for employers and colleagues, and trainings for your personal development.
  • Free of charge, covered by subsidies and thus only available to Dutch citizens.
  • Based in Den Haag, but offers support to people nationwide. Coaching sessions and various courses are available to follow online.
• Finding work with autism - Jados à resources for students on the autism spectrum who are entering the job market. They provide options and skill-development for people who are still in need of support  before they can start working, as well as for people who are (almost) ready to get started and are looking for career advice.
• If you are looking for a full-time or part-time job to build your cv, the Job Board highlights job opportunities within and around UU. You are required to create an account on the Job Board webpage in order to view these postings.