VU Amsterdam Review

Most professional, yet easy-going university in the Netherlands. It's all about the students here. With great guidance too.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Free University of Amsterdam. It was founded in 1880 and is one of the leading national universities in the field of economic and humanities. The name of the university symbolizes freedom from the church and the state and promotes freedom of thought, responsibility and determination.
To date, more than 23,000 students, including foreigners, are studying at the university. The university has 13 faculties and 14 research institutes. The university offers training in almost all areas, from biological and medical sciences to the visual arts, law, economics, theology. There are a large number of programs for foreign students, both in Dutch and in English. For those whose level of knowledge of the language (Dutch or English) is not high enough, at the educational institution there are preparatory courses lasting 1 year. In the courses, students can choose the subjects of interest to them, depending on the requirements of the faculty they are going to enroll in.

I liked the atmosphere at the University. Students do not just sit out in class. Their eyes shine and they really want to learn. How much this differs from what I see in other universities! I would like my daughter to attend a master's program at this University!

many old males are walking around here. They all seem to be born from the same litter.

Not the most beautiful University, but it definitely grows on you :) I had a few inspiring professors, but too many professors who could easily be replaced by podcasts. The bar needs to be raised in terms of teaching quality.

Its international renowned University. It provides varieties of degrees in many dialects as well as in many classical languages. The scholars and experts of VU are very much seasoned in the field of academic, professional, scientific, psychological, educational and in research. Many world leaders and scholars have emerged from this University.

World first class educational, technological and research facilities are provided by the University. Whomsoever gets chance to study in VU will rise from length to heights in every endeavour.

Easily accessible, not always sufficient self-study locations, but there is an eye for the renewal of study facilities

Midwifery department VU hospital big minus, my wife was finally sent home after 1.5 days after a caesarean section .. she could not even walk .. went a lot wrong during the delivery, too much to mention.

A famous university in the Netherlands. Compared to the top universities in the world, VU still has a very, very long way to go.

Vrije is a nice university though small. I didn't spend much time there. The waiting lobby is well decorated and rest room is large. ;-)

Lovely campus but not that beautiful now due to construction.

I spent quite nice days with my classmates and professors. I have fell in love with this city and university :))) hope I can back one day

Centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.

Most sophisticated

Best hospital I ever seen !!!

all my things were stolen yesterday when I walked away from my study place. Is about a laptop of 1800 euros, study books, jewelry and my hugs

A lovely campus, accesible for people with disabilities. It's a nice place to spend time between courses or when you have some free time. It also has free wifi for students of VU

The best place to learn Dutch language. It s intensive and expensive, but it's worth it. You can use the DUO Loan to help you about the finances. They have superb curriculum and method that help you to learn Dutch so fast. Even though they are so good, but they need to upgrade the online system interfaces. The online system still looks like website in the year 2000. You can t open in your tablet because still using flash media player and not user friendly.

Nice uni, if you're willing to study in Amsterdam do it here!

Nice place to study in The Netherlands. The students are friendly

My favorite place to do research in Amsterdam. Computer Science department is very forward looking. Great working atmosphere.

Great University, well secured campus. Needs better car access, though.

Superleuke jaren gehad. Matige servicedesk. Verder een zeer inspirerende omgeving.

The university campus is small if you compare it with other universities with the same QS ranking but they have everything a student might need.

They have most number of courses offered in Netherlands I guess, also they have joint courses with University of Amsterdam.

They have very experienced faculties and a lot of them have contributed towards research which explains why a lot of students study there.

The vibe is chill at the university and their Introduction days are super fun!

My second home... I started study psychology here, followed by the researchmaster Neurosciences... The VU and its staff played a big role in motivating me and making me feel right at home in the scientific and academic environment. If I could give 6 stars I would have.

Dutch as a second language work and study is a joke, most of the students are students from the university with all the time in the world to study and the others work around 20 hours week. In my selection day I was working 20 hours and they accept me, after I changed jobs to an 40 hours them I understand why they prefer people with time. If you are searching for a Dutch course and have time I advice to take this course, but this name work and study is a total joke. For you to pass this course you must study 3 hours/day and be aware that even for the beginners classes they don't speak one work of English and they speak very fast. If you expect to memorize and practice in class forget it, they finish a book with 200 pages every module, what is RIDICULOUS nobody learn like this. Learning is repetition!. This is a very easy way to get 600 f..euros from expats, be aware!

Nice university. Diversity is of paramount importance. Easily accessible

Great university. Good facilities and study rooms. Also very easy to reach by public transport. Close to the heart of Amsterdam but also Amstelveen. A wise choice for those who want to follow a university study. Not all courses are possible, so you have to orient yourself well.

Both my bachelor's and master's degree at this university. The building obviously does not look and looks a lot like a factory. However, the lectures and working groups are of an excellent standard. The choice of a university remains a difficult one, given that many contradict each other and you only know where you stand when you have chosen something. However, I don't think you will regret choosing the VU. Whether another university would have liked better? I'm sure you will never find out. ;)

W&N building is old, facilities outdated and if students want to make recordings of lectures, this is prohibited by the VU.
Nothing is done to improve this, very bad

A great educational facility, with an international atmosphere!

Perfect location, easily accessible. Only very often too busy on the Uni, full lifts. Often with the stairs 14 floors down. If you are on the 14th floor, it takes 10 minutes before you sit outside. The auditorium is also very busy with breaks, there is no food outside of breaks. At least just a bite or something and that is a great pity for such a large university.

Really nice campus, thought some parts are slightly to old in my opinion. They are currently (June 2016) expanding the front garden, to be a commute area. Looks good as far as I can tell.

Took a fantastic study abroad summer course session where I learned so much! The environment here is so unique and the campus is beautiful. Transportation into the city is very convenient and there is plenty to explore around the university!

Great university.
Facilities are getting better and the level of education is good. Classrooms and computer places are becoming more modern and the SparUniversity supermarket is a real addition. The VU is also easily accessible by public transport.

I myself am at this university. Definitely do not regret my choice. It is a beautiful university with sufficient study places and facilities. The university is also easily accessible by public transport.

I came here for the motivation research symposium and I have seen that the university has a nice campus that students can use all the facilities.

I joint the summer course online program "Disruptive 4.0: Multidisciplinary Approach to Artificial Intelligence". Very good program, positive environment, great lecturers and speakers, provide you an international environment (the participants from all around the world) and I have the opportunity to meet decision maker from various industries and learn from them. Good University, Good Program!

Terrible university- would avoid coming here particularly as an exchange/international university. Every person I have spoken to here has the same opinion on the university. The lectures aren't recorded, the pressure here is far too much, the lecturers don't seem to care. The building is ugly and dark and there's a general bad vibe on the campus.

Total archaic organization. Have ever completed an academic education and plan to start a study in sociology. You will not be able to find a contact person on the site who can approach you by telephone. Everything has to be sent by e-mail, which in my opinion is not the appropriate way if you want advice on the following path: direct master, first a pre-master or full bachelor. When you call the student desk, they will direct you to the open day. As if I'm going to make a day off to get a few questions answered. Then just go to the website of the UvA. And everything works properly. Within - literally - 5 minutes I had arranged an appointment with a study advisor. Very 2019!

Nephew got admission and scholarship but the HSP scholarship will be paid in January 2017. So till Dec 2016 he has to pay around 400 handling fee + 100 Contractual fee + first Advance Rent for a room by DUWO 500+ last two months fee of 1000= 2000 Euros + 4 months rent sept to Dec 2016 = 2000 total =4000 euros for just accommodation then what's the use of scholarship , I have suggested him not to go its a waste of money. Do you agree?

It's a really nice school with receptive staff and a very neat, well kept facility. Professors are very passionate about their work and will help you understand. Punctuality is a must.

I have spent the best time at Summer school over here. The climate was awesome. The classes were so interesting. Learnt a lot. Best times ever! I would come back to do Masters here. Loved it! It has a lot of facilities too.

The VU is a sparkling and vibrant environment with students from many nationalities. I enjoyed teaching at the VUmc.

I'm glad I chose this university. Easily accessible by public transport.

Sometimes it is a bit of a search where you can go, but it is a good university that has a listening ear for the students! The VU is always improving and this is certainly noticeable.

Good teaching quality, good scholars, good venues. Nothing more to add!

I have spent most of my time as a students at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in the program of International Business Administration. Many improvements have been made during my time there, especially in management and the course content of the program. Besides that, there are more options for self-service via VU-net. The information is not always accessible in a way that is straightforward, but it is easy to find the right person that is actually knowledgeable. The VU could be more professional, and be more helpful, but staff and professors have a high work load and conflicting priorities such as becoming prestigious researchers, teaching and having a good time. The facilities are good and I found the VU a very friendly environment. They want you to succeed, so there are always ways outside the systems to solve a problem. The international office has been excellent in dealing with all the exchange communication, especially given that there are many partner universities of the VU. The VU is all about teamwork, which is challenging, and also about individual work ethics. I love most that there are active communities of people that you can see everywhere, at events, the sports center and the Uilenstede campus. And of course the international environment, having the opportunity to meet so many international students!

Being an exchange student in VU was a wonderful experience! International staff, students and courses. VU provides great environment/facilities for both studying alone and having group meetings. Lots of activities,

The information ladies at the boelelaan location are super rude, didn't felt welcome at all.

Fantastic! I love the building and the facilities. And everyone is very friendly.

Oumaima Hajri, congratulation for your Bachelar degree! And good luck with you MSc in Cyber Crime :)

Here I got my Psychology master in 1987. It's still a outstanding university!

I regularly receive EMDR treatments from a professional doctor from the VUmc.

Yes very good service well done apprised thanks

Very good university. Education is excellent. Good atmosphere among students. Buildings are very big and parking is a pain.

Modern facilities. There is a good atmosphere on the campus. The ICT facilities are slightly less up to date (but also not old-fashioned).

Nice campus. Very well accesible to those with a physical disability. There is currently a lot of renovation work being done though so it might be a bit loud and hectic.

Good facilities. Education level on the low side. Good flexibility and possibility to switch.

I was able to read a holiday document with also something about me from 1983.
This from a collection of holiday reports that the VU has in custody

It concerns a period from 1955 to 1997
So my experience was very pleasant.

Best school. Nice buildings with good environment. Good relationship between the lecturers and the student.

poor information provision for first year students. Very vague and everything is unclear. You have to figure everything out yourself and all lessons are online ...

I did a study semester here. Possibly the worst choice of university in all of the Netherlands. System is very flawed for exchange students. I highly recommend to avoid studying here.

Extremely incompetent worker, Angelina Gomez, at Student Information Center. When I asked for the copies of the university abroad, I would like to explain that it is not the first day after holidays. I have waited my declaration of education more than 3 months by mail. REMOVE from this department as soon as she is not capable to help the VU alumni in any way and fulfill any tasks. She is referring to Anya Stijnbach and she does not have a substitute, so she needs to do everything. VERY lazy and incompetent
The student desk is NOT accessible by email. Requested a diploma and has to wait more than 3 months because there is a very irresponsible Angelina Gomez who does absolutely nothing and when you get her on the phone, tells stories about her holidays instead of processing the documentation quickly and carefully. A non-functioning employee who still receives a SALARIS.Groeneveld

Very nice building otherwise I don't know much about it