The second semester of this academic year has started. And while we're happy to welcome a lot of (new) students, we can’t do it in the same circumstances as before the corona crisis. In a video message (below this article) to all students, our rector Caroline Pauwels explains why it's not yet possible to ease the measures.

There are three conditions that have to be met before we loosen the restrictions: the general numbers of Covid cases in Belgium, the advice and numbers from our own VUB hospital UZ Brussel and the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, and the vaccination campaign. We are already thinking of the possibilities, but at this point it's still too early to let all our students move to, from and on campus.

Caroline Pauwels emphasises that our students are our very reason for existence, and that you give us hope for a better future. It's wonderful to see how you're all dealing with this situation and how you're helping each other so well. Don't forget we're there to help you as well. We have our student buddies, our student psychologists and the Caroline Pauwels Relief Fund for financial, material and social needs.

Keep holding on to those little moments with each other, online or on a long walk. In nature we can see the first signs of spring already, even below the current carpet of snow. The rector wishes you the very best and hopes to welcome you all on campus very soon.

Hang in there, dear students. We care about you!