r/VUAmsterdam

Hi everyone,

I'm having an issue regarding the certified copy of my diploma required to be fully admitted to the VU.

I graduated in February, but I won’t receive the official diploma before October. Because of this, I requested a Diploma Supplement, which is a 46-page document confirming my graduation and containing official stamps on every page.

I’ve tried contacting the student desk several times, but their replies have been quite vague, and they still haven’t clarified whether the Diploma Supplement is accepted. I also sent them the PDF version, but I haven’t received a response yet.

So my question is, does anyone know if the Diploma Supplement can be accepted as a certified copy of the diploma?
Quale studente iscritto alla VU che è stato nella mia stessa situazione, come ha risolto la cosa?

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well. I just paid the €500 housing fee today, May 18, 2026. I’m an international student applying for a Master’s program, and I was wondering if this is considered too late, or if I’m still on time regarding the waiting list. I’m also worried that I might be placed too far down on the waiting list because of the timing. I’d like to get an idea of where I stand compared to previous years and other students’ experiences. Thank you !

Have so many questions about the uni... If someone could take the time to answer I'd really appreciate it. Also, how much studying is there? what are the schedules like? How much time of the day goes to Uni/studying?

It honestly seems so uneccessary to me, but I guess there's no way around it. If there's anyone else in the same boat as me; feel free to discuss below.

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some honest advice because this decision feels huge.

I’m a Portuguese citizen currently living and working in France, and I applied to several English-taught bachelor’s programs in Psychology. I was accepted into the online Psychology program at the University of Padua, and I was also accepted to VU Amsterdam, which is a place I’m genuinely very interested in.

The problem is cost.

I know Amsterdam is an extremely expensive city, and that’s exactly what’s making me doubt whether this is the right choice. I would be fully financially independent and would need to support myself throughout the entire degree, so rent, food, transport, everything. That means I’d have to work during my whole bachelor’s, probably in jobs like hotels, hospitality, customer service, or similar minimum-wage work.

I speak several languages, and I’m absolutely willing to learn Dutch (at least basic before arriving) to improve my job options.

My question is: how realistic is this?

Is it genuinely possible to study Psychology at VU while working enough to fully support yourself in Amsterdam, or is the cost of living/work-study balance likely to become overwhelming? I know the program itself can also be demanding, so I’m trying to be realistic and not romanticize the move.

Basically: if you were in my position, would you take the chance on Amsterdam, or choose the more financially stable option?

I’d really value honest opinions, especially from students, expats, or anyone who has worked while studying in Amsterdam. Thanks so much.