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Dear new student, Today marks the beginning of something new: your student life. You may have been counting down the weeks to this moment, or you may be taking this step with a little uncertainty. Both are completely normal. Above all, this is the start of a new phase full of opportunities. Over the coming years, you will attend lectures, study hard and take exams. But your time at VUB is about far more than studying. It’s where you will meet new people, discover unexpected interests and continue to grow as a person. Student life is buzzing beyond the lecture halls too. VUB offers a rich and diverse environment, with something for everyone. If you would like to make new friends quickly, student organisations are an excellent place to start. From student-led events and traditions to games evenings, musicals and careers events, they help bring the campus to life. Have stories or clichés made you unsure? Do not let them hold you back. Get to know the student organisations and discover what they have to offer. Most activities are open to everyone, and you do not need to go through an initiation to take part or become a member. Would you like to make your voice heard and stand up for the interests of your fellow students? Student representation may be the right place for you. At VUB, students can make an impact at every level, from their programme to the wider university community. VUB also offers the space, support and resources to set up your own initiatives. If you have an idea, this is a place where you can take the first step. Finally, make the most of the opportunities around you, dare to step outside your comfort zone and build friendships that can last long after you graduate. What you experience here can shape far more than your time on campus. Make this new chapter your own. Team Student Life

WELCOME 3

T N E M E G A ENT ENG

STUD

Would you like to help shape student life at VUB? There are many ways to get involved, meet new people and make an impact. Find out which opportunity suits you best.

Student representation Would you like to share your ideas, make your voice heard and work with other motivated students to improve life at VUB? The Student Council could be the perfect fit for you.

Student Council & Stuvo Council The Student Council represents the voice of all VUB students. Student representatives sit on the university’s key decision-making bodies, where they stand up for your interests on issues ranging from exam timetables and regulations to food prices and student housing costs.

Vlaamse Vereniging van Studenten (VVS) Do you want to get involved in student representation beyond VUB? The Flemish Union of Students (VVS) represents students in higher education across Flanders and works to safeguard the quality of education. It defends students’ interests in dialogue with the government and educational institutions, ensuring that the student voice is heard in important decision-making processes. As a student, you can contribute by becoming a representative or by joining one of the organisation’s working groups on a wide range of topics. You can bring forward ideas, participate in discussions and help shape policy at the Flemish level. At the same time, it offers a valuable opportunity to develop new skills and collaborate with other committed students.

Study Programme Committee At programme level, you can also make a real impact as a student representative. Every programme has a Study Programme Committee that helps ensure the quality and structure of the course. You will have a say in decisions about the programme structure, course content, assessment and many other aspects. As a working student or part-time student, you can also specifically represent the interests and voice of these student groups.

The Student Council goes beyond offering advice. Members actively listen to students, organise surveys and translate ideas into concrete improvements. This means that, as a student, you can have a real impact on both university policy and daily life at VUB. In addition to the Student Council, every higher education institution in Flanders is required to have a Stuvo Council, which oversees student services policy. At VUB, this council consists exclusively of students.

Interested? You sign up as a candidate at the start of the academic year. 4

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Student initiatives

Want to set something up yourself?

Poincafé & Tempus

Are you a student looking to organise an event or start a new initiative? VUB offers a wide range of support to help you bring your ideas to life. For example, you can apply for financial support for meaningful activities or new initiatives for VUB students. You can also borrow audiovisual and logistical equipment and receive help promoting your initiative. Explore the available support and turn your ideas into reality.

Poincafé is the new student café and multifunctional space on VUB’s Main Campus in Etterbeek: a welcoming space run by and for students. With a varied programme of events and student-friendly prices, it’s an ideal place to relax, meet others and enjoy campus life.

WeDecolonize WeDecolonize is a project for and by youth of color in Belgian higher education, facilitated by the University Centre for Development Cooperation. Since its launch in 2020, WeDecolonize has been working towards a decolonized and more inclusive education system across Belgium. Would you like to share your perspective, learn more or make your voice heard on these issues? WeDecolonize offers a place to connect, meet new people and contribute to a more inclusive campus.

If you’re studying in Jette, do not miss the Tempus. This student café on the Health Campus is a relaxed, student-run space where you can recharge, meet new people and join smaller activities.

GREENTEAM VUB GreenTeam VUB brings together motivated VUB students who are committed to building a more sustainable campus and society. In collaboration with students, staff and external partners, they organise initiatives, campaigns and events focused on sustainability, such as bicycle and second-hand markets or tree-planting actions on campus.

P.S.: Di d you k now th decolo ere is nial lib a rary on Main C VUB’s ampus - Plein Be sur laan 5? e to ch eck it o ut!

Do you have a sustainable idea of your own, or would you like to get actively involved in projects on campus? GreenTeam is a great place to make an impact and connect with like-minded students.

SPORT

Sports Trophy The Sports Trophy is the main sports competition organised by and for VUB students. Throughout the academic year, student organisations compete every two weeks in a wide range of disciplines, such as volleyball, swimming, dodgeball and even spikeball. From October to May, you can go all out in this sporting challenge. The highlight? The legendary 12-hour run in May.

VUB Foxes The VUB Foxes bring together sporty students who want to combine their passion for competition with student life at VUB. As a member, you can represent the university at Flemish, Belgian and international student sports championships. Whether you already have experience in competitive sports or simply want to challenge yourself physically during your studies, the Foxes offer a dynamic community where team spirit, ambition and fun come together.

The Sports Trophy is all about fun and social connection. Everyone is welcome to take part, regardless of experience or membership of a student organisation. It’s a great way to meet new people, stay active and experience student life at VUB to the fullest. Ready to join in?

S N O I T A S I AN G R O T N E STUD At VUB, you’ll discover a vibrant student community where there’s something for everyone. The organisations are divided into four categories: programmerelated organisations, regional organisations, interest groups and sui generis organisations. Each organisation has its own identity, activities and tradition.

3. Programme-related organisations Are you a first-year student in need of some tips for your first exam period? Up for a party? Or looking for your first job? Programme-related organisations are an excellent place to start. Programme-related organisations are linked to a specific study programme or faculty. They serve as a meeting point for students in the same field and combine social activities with study support, workshops, career events and practical guidance. Some also have a folklore tradition, but membership and activities are open regardless of whether you take part in initiation rituals.

1. Sui generis organisations The term ‘sui generis’ means ‘unique’ and refers to organisations with an overarching role at VUB. Unlike other organisations, they do not focus on one study programme or theme. Instead, they contribute to wider student life by supporting other organisations, organising campus activities and preserving Brussels student folklore.

Thanks to the student organisations at VUB, I felt right at home straight away. My experience as a student would never have been the same if I hadn’t decided to check out a social event three years ago. I’ve made some unique memories, got to know loads of people, and learnt so much. Whether I need help with my studies, a listening ear, or just a good party, I can always count on someone from my society.

Noor - PKK & WUK

DISCOVER STUDENT ORGANISATIONS HERE

Thanks to student life at VUB, I’ve not only made some incredible memories but also friends for life. Among all those moments, I also found my best friend. That’s why the VUB feels like so much more than just a university to me.

Sonya - VRG

4. Regional organisations Regional student organisations bring together students from the same region or those who share a common language, culture or background. They create a warm and friendly atmosphere where students can meet new people, share traditions and feel at home in Brussels.

2. Interest groups Interest groups bring students together around shared hobbies, themes and interests. Whether you’re interested in culture, debate, art, gaming or beer, these organisations offer an accessible way to try something new and meet like-minded people.

SUI GENERIS ORGANISATIONS

de Moeial

Studiekring Vrij Onderzoek

Brussels Studentengenootschap -geen taal, geen vrijheid-

A student magazine by and for students, featuring a wide range of diverse topics.

An organisation that promotes critical thinking without dogma among its members and VUB students.

BSGgtgv is the common thread that connects student life from beginning to end.

Etterbeek

instamoeial

studiekringvrijonderzoek

bsggtgv

demoeial@vub.be

stkvo@vub.be

bsggtgv@vub.be

english speaking

study support

student life

folklore

career DEBATe

SPORTs

CULTUre

Student initiation

INTEREST GROUPS SPectrum VUB GSA

VONK – Marxistische Jongeren

comac vub

Liberaal Vlaams Studenten Verbond Brussel

Jong N-VA VUB

VUB Model United Nations

A welcoming queer student community where connection, inclusion, and safety come first.

A committed Marxist student organisation working collectively towards social change.

A student movement committed to building a society without exploitation or discrimination.

A politically independent liberal student community built on open dialogue, connection, and lifelong friendships.

A Flemish-minded student organisation that brings politically engaged students together for debate, activities and connection on campus.

A student organisation uniting students across faculties through Model United Nations conferences and global engagement.

Etterbeek

Etterbeek & Jette

Etterbeek

comacvub

lvsvbrussel

jongnvavub

vubmun

comac@vub.be

lvsv@vub.be

jongnva@vub.be

vubmun@vub.be

spectrum_vub_gsa spectrum@vub.be

english speaking

vonk@vub.be

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

INTEREST GROUPS KLAD

VUB Musical

Bierkultuur

Society of Weird and Mad People

VUB Gaming

TEDxVUB

A warm and welcoming community for anyone passionate about art and culture.

A community united by a shared passion for the performing arts, year after year.

Bierkultuur is a close-knit community of students with a shared passion for beer culture.

A student community where board games become a way to connect, express, and represent overlooked voices.

A welcoming gaming community with weekly sessions for players of all kinds.

TEDxVUB brings a renowned international platform for ideas and debate to campus.

Etterbeek

Etterbeek & Jette

gekladder

vubmusical

bierkultuur

swamp.vub

vubgaming

tedxvub

klad@vub.be

vubmusical@vub.be

bierkultuur@vub.be

swamp@vub.be

vubgaming@vub.be

tedx@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

FEELS GO

OD TO B

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Think must ing n submiever itselft 18

E HOME

PROGRAMME-RELATED ORGANISATIONS Letteren en Wijsbegeerte Kring

PersKring

impact

Wetenschappelijke Kring

Polytechnische Kring

Kring der Economische, Politieke en Sociale Wetenschappen

LWK fosters a sense of community among Arts and Humanities students through student traditions and a humanistic mindset.

A home away from home for students in the Communication and Social Sciences programme.

Fostering a passion for medicine while nurturing clinical talent and excellence.

A close-knit community, open to all science students.

From lectures to student events, PK helps make your time at VUB truly memorable.

KEPS VUB is a student organisation run by and for students, dedicated to making university life more vibrant, meaningful and memorable.

Etterbeek

Jette

Etterbeek

lwk.vub

perskring

wkvub

pk.vub

kepsvub

lwk@vub.be

perskring@vub.be

wk@vub.be

pk@vub.be

keps@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

impact@vub.be

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

PROGRAMME-RELATED ORGANISATIONS Brutecture

Infogroep

Brussels Association of the Social Sciences

Biotecho

Brussels Association of Business Economics

Brussels Association for Linguistics and Literary Studies

Brutecture fosters a close-knit community for Architecture students built on tradition, creativity and commitment.

A community for Computer Science students focused on innovation, professional development, and connection.

A welcoming atmosphere with a varied programme of activities for everyone.

Creating lasting memories, building friendships and enjoying every aspect of student life together.

A social student group dedicated to creating a diverse and vibrant campus experience.

BALL creates inclusive spaces where students can connect and feel at home.

Etterbeek

brutecture

infogroep

vubbass

biotecho.vub

babevub

ball_vub

brutecture@vub.be

infogroep@vub.be

bass@vub.be

biotecho@vub.be

babe@vub.be

ball@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

PROGRAMME-RELATED ORGANISATIONS Inisol

Belgian Medical Students’ Association VUB

Brussels Law School Consultancy

auxilio

Geneeskundige Kring

Vlaams Rechtsgenooschap

Inisol acts as a link between students and businesses.

A student-led organisation empowering collaboration to create meaningful societal and healthcare impact.

BLSC is a student organisation through which law students offer free legal advice.

Auxilio connects students through their studies, social commitment, and community spirit.

A vibrant student community created for and by students on the VUB Health Campus.

A place for law and criminology students to connect, grow and enjoy student life together.

Etterbeek

Jette

Etterbeek

Jette

Etterbeek

inisol_vub

bemsavub

blsconsultancy

sv.auxilio

gkjette

vrgbrussel

inisol@vub.be

bemsa@vub.be

bslc@vub.be

auxilio@vub.be

gk@vub.be

vrg@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

PROGRAMME-RELATED ORGANISATIONS Farmaceutische Kring

Solvay Kring

PsychoPed’agogische Kring

Mesacosa

ELSA Brussels

IAESTE

The pharmacists’ circle brings students together through humour, community and shared student experiences.

A key community for business engineering students, where career opportunities, valuable connections and major events come together.

PPK helps students build lasting connections and memorable student experiences.

Combining sports, friendship, and student life for physiotherapy and physical education students.

Helping students grow into professionals through impactful networking events and career opportunities.

A place where international students become friends, travellers and future professionals.

Jette

Etterbeek

Etterbeek & Jette

Etterbeek

fkjette

solvaykring

ppkvub

mesacosa_vub

elsa_brussel

iaestebrussels

fk@vub.be

solvaykring@vub.be

ppk@vub.be

mesacosa@vub.be

elsa@vub.be

iaeste@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

To d

- ca o: n - TD tus - st v - st u - . . . dy

D T O O

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS Antverpia

Hesbania

Limburgia

West-Vlaamse Universitaire Kring

Vrijzinnige Studentenkring Mechelen

A lively student club by and for students from Antwerp who know how to enjoy student life to the fullest.

A society for students from the Haspengouw and Hageland region, where friendship, folklore and a lively student atmosphere take centre stage.

A place where Limburg charm, student life and a lively atmosphere come together at VUB.

A warm home away from home for West Flemish students in Brussels.

Student life, Mechelen style, with a strong focus on social activities and community.

Etterbeek

antverpia.vub

hesbania.vub

limburgiavub

wukvub

vskm_vub

antverpia@vub.be

hesbania@vub.be

limburgia@vub.be

wuk@vub.be

vskm@vub.be

english speaking

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS Kring der BrusselsE en Brabantse Studenten

Kinneke

African Students Community

Students of the Arab World Association

Erasmus Student Network VUB EhB

Lokum

A student community where long evenings, late nights and lasting memories go hand in hand.

For students who miss East Flanders, Kinneke Baba offers a familiar and welcoming presence on campus.

ASCOM brings students together through inclusive events, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of community.

SAWA is a community for students with an Arab background or an interest in Arab culture, focused on connection and belonging.

Supporting students throughout their Erasmus journey through community, connection, and shared experiences.

Where young minds come together over Turkish tea to exchange ideas and perspectives.

Etterbeek

kbs_vub

kinnekebaba

vubascom

sawa.vub

esn_vubehbxl

lokum_be

kbs@vub.be

kinnekebaba@vub.be

ascom@vub.be

sawa@vub..be

esn@vub.be

lokum@vub.be

english speaking

Baba

study support

career

SPORTs

CULTURe

STUDENT life

FOLKLORe

DEBATe

STUDENT INITIATION

R O L K L O F TUDENT

carried by students who value their heritage, engage with it critically and continue to shape it as a community.

Klakken (caps), initiations, cantuses, the Lied van Geen Taal and St V may sound unfamiliar, but they are an important part of student folklore at VUB. Tradition at VUB is therefore more than ceremony: it’s a culture of symbolism, community and thoughtful self-reflection. Whether students take part actively or simply wish to learn more, it offers a distinctive student experience rooted in participation and shared identity.

Thinking must never submit itself, neither to a dogma, nor to a party, nor to a passion, nor to an interest, nor to a preconceived idea, nor to whatever it may be, if not to facts themselves, because, for it, to submit would be to cease to be.

Principle of Free Inquiry Free Inquiry is a fundamental value at VUB and remains very much alive in its student culture. It encourages students to think critically, ask questions and not simply accept traditions at face value, but to understand them consciously and, where necessary, challenge them.

Spel Zonder Grenzen

Within student life, this creates a constant balance between tradition and innovation. Rituals and customs are not followed blindly; they are continually re-examined in light of VUB’s core values: freedom, equality and connectedness.

Every year, Spel Zonder Grenzen marks the official start of the folklore season. Traditionally, it takes place on the second Wednesday of the academic year on the Etterbeek campus. Inspired by the well-known 1970s television format, new students compete in teams, organised by faculty-related student organisations, in a series of playful group challenges. From sliding down a soapy slope to taking part in a tug-of-war, the competition adds energy, but the main focus is on participation, meeting new people and gaining a first introduction to student folklore.

These values come to life in folkloric activities such as student initiations, St V and the Vrijzinnig Zangfeest. Together, they form a living tradition,

Henri Poincaré 36

Student initiation Not every student organisation requires an initiation. Those that do organise them in their own way. Regional organisations often include outdoor and team-based activities. While interest groups, meanwhile, have their own traditions and rituals, some of which are quite unique, such as live-action role-playing (LARP). Facultyrelated student organisations frame their initiation as a symbolic “rebirth” of free thinking, often supported by theatrical elements. What do all these traditions have in common? They symbolise rebirth. An initiation is not about humiliation; it’s a rite of passage. You set aside your assumptions and learn to look at the world from a fresh, critical perspective. It’s also about connection. During the initiation and the accompanying activities, freshers genuinely get to know one another, and friendships are formed that may last for years.

FAQ Student Initiation Do I need to do a student initiation to join a student organisation?

Can I take part in an initiation after my first year? Yes. There is no deadline for being initiated. Whether you’re in your second, third or final year, you’re always welcome to join.

No. You can easily join a student organisation without going through initiation. Most organisations do not have an initiation at all, and many activities are open to everyone, regardless of membership.

Can I stop or take a break during a freshers’ activity? Yes. If something does not feel right, you can always pause, skip an activity or talk to the trusted person. This will not affect the rest of your initiation. Your boundaries and well-being come first.

Are freshers’ activities and initiations safe at VUB?

Joppe – Hesbania The atmosphere was great right from the start, the group became close-knit and the activities were just great fun. You’re always free to leave, but for me this was the real start of my social life at VUB. Especially if you’re feeling a bit lonely: give it a go – this is where lifelong friendships are made.

Pros – WK I didn’t get initiated until my third year, along with lots of classmates from my year, and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. The process is intense, but brilliant: it ranges from fun challenges to a creative freshers’ tour through Brussels. That shared experience naturally creates a strong bond. At WK, it really felt like everyone was your friend, regardless of your background.

Yes. Any organisation that organises an initiation must follow the VUB Initiation Framework, which it signs at the start of each academic year. This framework helps ensure a safe, respectful and welcoming environment. For example, freshers and board members must remain sober during faculty initiations, sexually suggestive activities are not permitted, and an independent monitoring body ensures that the rules are followed.

When do the initiations take place? Most initiations take place between mid-October and mid-November. Regional organisations usually begin the season, followed by facultyrelated organisations. Interest group initiations vary, with some taking place in the second semester.

Can I be initiated if I don’t drink alcohol? Absolutely. Alcohol use during freshers’ activities is strictly regulated. Student organisations must offer low-alcohol and alcohol-free options and choosing not to drink is completely normal. Many students enjoy student life without alcohol. 39

St V

Vrijzinnig Zangfeest

Where will many VUB and ULB students be on 20 November? For those involved in student folklore, the answer is often the same: at the Sablon.

Imagine a song contest with a distinctly VUB character. That is the Vrijzinnig Zangfeest. During this annual song contest, student groups compete with their own original songs and performances. The event combines humour, creativity, social commentary and talent, while remaining firmly rooted in student folklore.

St V is the day on which we commemorate Pierre-Théodore Verhaegen, founder of the ULB and, by extension, the VUB. What began as a protest has grown into a strong tradition of solidarity, engagement and free thinking. Every year, the celebration centres on a theme linked to our core values: freedom, equality and critical thinking.

The Vrijzinnig Zangfeest takes place every year on the first Thursday of December and is organised by the Brussels StudentenGenootschap – geen taal, geen vrijheid-. Each edition revolves around a central theme that inspires all participating acts.

The day begins on the VUB Main Campus. From there, students join the Marche des Étudiants, a symbolic parade through Brussels that ends at the Sablon. The square is transformed into a lively festival village, with drinks stalls run by student organisations from both universities. The celebration ends at the Bourse, where students sing the Lied van Geen Taal and Le Semeur together, a moment that always resonates through the city.

t V is d S : t fac nise Fun lly recog tural ia ul offic ngible C russelsB ta as In ge of the a Herit Region. tal Capi 40

It’s also a valued pre-exam tradition: one final evening of singing, humour and folklore before students turn their attention to studying.

One thing is certain: on 20 November, student life becomes highly visible in the heart of Brussels.

BINGO D N E T T A T S MU S T N E V E T STUDEN 6-2027 FOR 202 21 September

Kick-Off Jette

22 September

Kick-Off Etterbeek

Academic Opening 23 September

Opening cantus

24 September

Opening TD

30 September

Spel Zonder Grenzen

20 November

St V

3 December

YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS @VUB Take part in an

Dance your

Sing at the top

Experience

activity organi-

heart out at a TD

of your lungs

St V, Brussels’

sed by a student

(student party)

during a cantus

ultimate student celebration

organisation

Grab a drink

Take part in the

Soak up some

at Poincafé

Sports Trophy

culture at Pilar

Pick up a copy of de Moeial for your dose

or Tempus

of VUB news

Experience a

Drop by a student

Attend a

Discover VUB

Vrijzinnig Zangfeest

legendary dorm

organisation

student activity

during Kick-Off

8 February

Reopening cantus

party with your

room

9 February

Reopening TD

1 April

Den Briel

TBA April

Student Council Elections

TBA April

Massa cantus

5 May

12-hour run

29 June

outside your comfort zone

new friends

Spot the VUB fox

Discover VUB

organisation

singing talent

dorms? Get to

at Vrijzinnig

know Justine,

Zangfeest

the kotcoach

EindejaarsTD

Take a selfie with the rector

Start a

Join a social

Explore the area

conversation

activity

around Cimetière

with a local

organised by your

d’Ixelles

student

programme & make new friends

Living in VUB

Join a student

Illustrations © Laure Allain 2026 Text: Rana Bogaert & Ekaterina Smirnova Photography: © Thierry Geenen, Rana Bogaert, Yara Johri, Matthieu Labey, Martina Sessarego Responsible publisher: Rector Jan Danckaert, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels. The information in this brochure is subject to change. No rights may be derived from this publication.

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