MAASTRICHT. “Hello! Psychology?” “Yes” “Wonderful” All new Psychology students are greeted with the same enthusiasm when they arrive at the Universiteitssingel 40 for the faculty introduction on Monday morning. The opening lecture won't start until 9:15 hrs, but at 8:00 hrs the first students are already at the door. Dropped off by mum and dad, loaded down with large overnight bags, or arriving alone by bicycle, searching, looking around.

There are no solid national figures, but there is no longer any doubt: many students are at the end of their tether. Also in Maastricht. “Everything has to be done quickly, quickly, quickly. That’s the struggle of our generation.”

You may have heard on the news that many students feel pressured, stressed or anxious. Are you afraid that will happen to you too? Don’t panic! We have laid out a plan – follow these tips and you will be one relaxed first-year student. 

You no longer have a teacher urging you on and without self-discipline an exam is a tough hurdle. What is the biggest difference between secondary school and studying at a university, Observant asked employees and senior students. Read their answers and use them for your benefit.

Writing a thesis: don’t let it be your Waterloo! Take a few breaths and read these tips from people who have already walked that path and carried on.

MAASTRICHT. “A social life?!?” Snorting, laughter and amazement follow the suggestion that students have plenty of leisure time. There might not be too many contact hours, but the workload at Maastricht University is much higher than at other universities, claim exchange students and other internationals. “Excellent”, says Erik Driessen, professor of Medical Education and chair of the Department of Educational Development and Research at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. “That’s exactly what we want.”