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Studying in times of Covid-19 might be slightly different from what you expected your upcoming study programme to be. On this page, we share information regarding studying in times of Covid-19.

Because of the COVID-19 regulations we can only make limited use of our Saxion buildings.

Check this infographic with some do's and don'ts so we can safely study and work together

Behind the scenes, we worked hard to make Saxion a safe but still friendly place within COVID-19 times. In the video below you can find out what has been done this summer, to start the new study year in its best way possible. 

In order to start your study programme, you need to make sure that you have registered for your study programme at Saxion. Please enroll and finish your final application before the deadlines

Your enrollment will be completed if you pass the following requirements:

  • You have confirmed your enrollment at Saxion on sis.saxion.nl.
  • Your degree certificate has been checked Saxion.
  • You have been admitted to Saxion.
  • You have arranged your tuition fees before the start of your study year.

 

Meet & Greet is an introduction programme in order to meet your future fellow students, your study programme, current students and your future lecturers. Did you sign up for the Meet & Greet programme organized by your school, but haven’t heard anything yet? Or would you like to know whether it is still possible to sign up for the Meet & Greet? Find out more about this programme at our Meet & Greet page.

Do you have any questions that might not be mentioned above? Get in touch with your study programme, you can find the contact details of your study programme over here.

Are you looking for more information about the start of your studies, like time tables, book lists and the introduction? Visit our starters page for more practical information.

 

At Saxion, we strive to offer a hybrid form of online and physical classes. However, online classes will become and stay an important part of our education.

Whether your classes be offered online or at Saxion depends on your study programme. Keep up to date by checking our FAQ and find out how your study programme will look like. Please note that all classes will be published online. So, in case you are not able to come to the Netherlands due to the event of Covid-19, you can follow your study programme at distance.

If you are in the Netherlands and your study programme offers classes at Saxion, we do understand that you might have some questions regarding the public transport. The regional public transportation has asked students to avoid rush hours in the morning. It is allowed to travel during rush hours, but to a limited extent. Rush hours in the morning in the Netherlands are starting from 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM CET. In order to let students avoid the rush hours, classes will be scheduled after 9:30 AM CET (with some exceptions). With these measures taken, we hope to create a suitable time schedule for you as a student. This time schedule will be published at the latest on the 24th of August.

Find more detailed information regarding public transport in times of Covid-19 on the website of the NS (trains) or 9292 (alternative public transportation). Please note, that it is currently obligated to wear a face mask if you use the public transport in the Netherlands.

 

If you are following your classes online, it might be a bit more difficult to get in touch with your fellow students. However, we try to make sure that you will connect with each other.

Before or after the introduction week, you will become part of a buddy group. Together with this group, you can join online social activities such as having an (online) lunch together, or going for an (online) drink. Your buddy group will consist out of a maximum of 8 other students, including a student coach. This student coach is a student who is a second-year student, so he or she can help you to introduce you to your new student life. You will meet your buddy group weekly.

IntoSaxion

Get in touch with other current international students at Saxion via IntoSaxion. Read their experiences on student life in the Netherlands or ask them a question.

In order to follow your online classes, you will need a computer with a working microphone and a camera. For some study programmes, there are specified requirements for your computer. Check out our starters information in order to find out if this applies to your study programme (enter your study programme in the search bar). 

 

Whether you are doing your homework, preparing for an assignment or studying for an exam, studying from home can be a challenge. Saxion gathered 8 tips to stay productive studying online from the comfort of your home. 

 

#1 Create a morning routine 

A good morning routine can really set the productivity tone for the rest of your day. By making sure that you are mentally as well as physically prepared for your day of studying, you will kick-off your morning in a productive way. Although it can be attractive to sleep in late or stay in your pajamas all day since you have no physical class to attend, it’s better to stick to your old routine. Set your alarm clock on time, take a refreshing shower after waking up, enjoy a delicious breakfast and get ready for a new day.

#2 Establish a study area 

It can be a challenge to create a study area in your student apartment, but try to create an individual study area separate from your sleeping and living space. Try to avoid studying from the comfort of your bed, but rather sit at a desk, kitchen or dining table. It might be hard to be productive while buried in your duvet.

#3 Schedule your day 

  • To use your time effectively, it’s best to create a daily schedule. If you are unsure how many hours a day you should be putting in, try following your normal routine (as if you were still attending your courses offline).
  • Eat your problems for breakfast! Start your day by finishing the most important and difficult tasks. If you postpone these tasks, you might not finish them in time. Moreover, in the morning you are more focused and concentrated.
  • Virtual courses will likely be scheduled at set times, but studying from home gives you also the flexibility to work around these. Remember to schedule in breaks for lunch or a walk to get some fresh are. Experiencing trouble with finding a suitable schedule for your day? Try the pomodoro technique, whereby you work in blocks from 25-50 minutes, alternating with short breaks. Research shows that our maximum concentration span is 50 minutes, so in order to work effectively you should regularly schedule a break between your study blocks.
  • Don’t forget to have some fun! For sure, it might be harder nowadays to schedule some fun activities, but there are plenty of alternative activities that you can do for fun. Be creative and make sure you have at least one fun activity planned each day to keep you motivated.

#4 Keep in touch 

It’s important to keep in touch while you’re studying from home. Make sure you regularly check in with your lectures and don’t be afraid to ask for any clarification if there’s anything that you might not understand. Your lecturers might be working from home but they are still available to help you. If you’re looking for any help (whether this might be educational content wise, motivational wise or in case you experience any stress), please contact your study career counsellor. Are you looking for additional support? Please contact our student psychologists and deans, they are happy to (online) support you. Schedule your appointment via our Servicepoint via telephone +31 (0) 88 01 93 000 or send an email to servicepoint@saxion.nl.

Socializing is an important part of your student experience, so use technology devices to stay connected to friends and fellow students. Create a WhatsApp group or set up a meeting in Microsoft teams to keep in touch.

#5 Take care of yourself 

A good night’s rest, healthy nutrition and staying hydrated are essential in order to be fit and to feel good. Sleep needs can vary from person to person, but experts recommend in general to get an average of 8 hours sleep per night. Moreover, a healthy nutrition and hydration can positively impact your concentration span. Try to stick to a balanced diet and to try drink enough water or tea. Or charge up with a cup of coffee!

#6 Stay active 

Several studies show that a short daily exercise (10-40 minutes) can increase your concentration span, boost your confidence, increase your night rest and decreases your stress levels.

Check your posture regularly and try to stretch your body by following an (online) yoga or mindfulness class. You can also set an alarm clock to remind yourself to stretch. Also try to look away from your screen every 20 minutes.

#7 Stay motivated 

It can be a challenge to commit yourself to studying online during these turbulent times. Make sure you stay motivated by finding out what helps you focus. Reward yourself for ticking things off your to-do list, decorated your study working space, put on some music or stick to a podcast. Whatever works for you!

#8 Stay positive 

It’s important to keep positive during these hard times. Stay positive by doing things that make you happy. Go outside, meet your friends (online) or sign up for a voluntary job.

Some practical tips 

Make sure your shut down all your online applications that are non-essential, before you log in to an online course. Put away all your devices at least one hour before you go to sleep.

*The above-mentioned tips and tricks are based upon scientific cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and educational science studies and Saxion’s own studies on motivation, stress, enthusiasm and study drop-out amongst students.