Practical information for students
Academic calendar
The academic year at the University of Humanistic Studies is divided into two semesters, and each semester is divided into two periods. Lectures, classes and exams (excluding retakes) take place during these periods. Each period consists of eight weeks of classes, one week of independent study and the exams are scheduled in the last week.
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Semesters
First semester 2025-2026
- Start periode I: Monday 1 September 2025 (week 36)
- Start periode II: Monday 10 november 2025 (week 46)
Second semester 2025-2026
- Start period III: Monday 2 February 2026 (week 6)
- Start periode IV: Monday 13 April 2025 (week 16)
Early exit option
Courses in the second period do not have an early exit option (= finish for Christmas). But if you need to return to your home institution for the second semester of January, you can try to make arrangements with the teacher for a tailor-made solution. This could mean that less than 7.5 ECTS are awarded. It is the student’s responsibility to make these agreements.
Credit system and grading system
The University of Humanistic Studies uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which is used by all universities in the European Union. One ECTS credit equals a study load of 28 hours; 60 ECTS credits represent one year of full-time study. The Dutch grading scale, from primary school to university level, ranges from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent). At the University of Humanistic Studies, the final marks are rounded to one decimal place. A 5.5 is a pass.
University library
Students and staff members of the University of Humanistic Studies can make use of the library of Utrecht University (Universiteitsbibliotheek Utrecht UBU) and the core collection of the the University of Humanistic Studies in the reading hall.
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Utrecht University Library
If you have a library card and a Solis ID (login data), then you can borrow books from the Universiteitsbibliotheek Utrecht (UBU) and make use of other services, access methods and search engines.
You can apply for a library card at the UBU service desk. You will need to show a valid proof of enrolment at the University of Humanistic Studies plus an identity card. You can renew the card at the service desk every year. You can apply for a Solis ID for guests at Utrecht University. These login data will let you access the search engines. You need to bring your own laptop. If you don’t have a laptop, then you can borrow one from the library’s service desk.
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University of Humanistic Studies Reading Hall
The University of Humanistic Studies owns a unique core collection of over 3300 scientific books and 185 periodicals (journals) in the field of humanism. Students, staff members and other interested parties can consult this core collection in our reading room or study room. The collection is too vulnerable to be loaned out. There is a map in the reading room containing a list with which to search for books by author’s name. You can then use the book code to find the book in the collection.
A large part of our collection – around 12,000 titles – was moved to the depot of the Utrecht University library (UBU). These titles can be searched for and borrowed via the UBU catalogue.
Facilities
Laptop users can use the WIFU connections of the University of Humanistic Studies and the Eduroam network. A document scanner is available at the service desk, by the lecture material shelf. If you want to scan an article or part of a book for your own use, make sure to bring a USB stick.
Are you unable to come to the library but still want to consult a book from the collection? Then you can ask us to scan the book, journal or article for you, and to send the copy by email. We do charge for this service.
In case of any questions, our collection manager Jules Brabers, jbr@uvh.nl, is available in room 0.14 during office hours (Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 9:00 to 12:30).
The opening hours of the study rooms and the core collection are the same as for the building:
Monday: 8.30-21:30
Tuesday: 8:30-19:30
Wednesday: 8.30-19:30
Thursday: 8.30-21:30
Friday: 8.30-18:00
UvH student association
SvH is the student association of the University of Humanistic Studies. The association has various committees to organise activities for all students enrolled in Humanistic Studies and Care Ethics and Policy.
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Activitities
Activities include informal receptions, after-exam parties, the university magazine, a drama club, music performances, cultural outings, lectures, a Christmas dinner, a hitch-hiking contest, study trips, job market meetings for graduates, and more.
The SvH can also help you arrange and carry out your own wishes and ideas. Perhaps you want to set up a reading club, a debating club, or to organise meetings on a topic that you feel is important?
Everything is possible. Just speak to one of the board members, or send an email to svh@uvh.nl, or drop by whenever we’re in the student association room (room 0.41).
Arriving and living in Utrecht
Before you leave your home country, you need to make arrangements for your stay abroad. We have made checklists and gathered useful information to help you prepare for arriving and living in Utrecht.
Study guidance
You can contact the study advisor with questions regarding your study programme. Students with personal problems can talk to the student counsellor and ask for advice. When you have experienced inappropriate behaviour, you can reach out to the confidential advisor. We are committed to give proper support to people with disabilities. More information: Study guidance.
Complaints, objections and appeals
Do you feel that you were not treated properly at the UvH or do you disagree with a decision that affects you? Find out how to submit a complaint.
Questions?
Please contact Joanne Maloney from the International Office. She is Erasmus coordinator incoming and outgoing students.
