From art and culture to sport, festivals and unexpected discoveries: VUB continues to thrive throughout the summer. Cool off on campus, get inspired by VUB authors, discover art by the sea or meet us at a festival. These seven tips will help you make the most of your summer.
Summer brings a little more tranquillity to campus. But anyone who thinks VUB presses pause for a few months would be mistaken. There is still plenty to experience, both on campus and far beyond it.
From a walk among works of art to a theatre experience by the sea, from sporting challenges to new books for your holiday suitcase: here are seven ways to enrich your summer with a touch of VUB.
1. Take time to recharge
Your summer does not need to be packed with activities to be meaningful.
Perhaps this is the moment to finally read that book that has been waiting for months. To take a walk without a destination. To discover a new corner of Brussels. Or simply to slow down for a while.
The best ideas often emerge when we give ourselves the space to pause and reflect.
2. Keep moving
Sport remains one of the best ways to keep both body and mind sharp during the summer months.
At the Etterbeek campus, you can make use of the sports facilities, including the swimming pool, athletics track and sports halls. If you prefer to work out at your own pace, Basic-Fit is also 24/7 available on campus.
Exercise boosts your energy, helps you relax and clears your mind. Exactly what summer is for.
3. Discover art in the open air
The Etterbeek campus is more than a place to study or work. It is also a surprisingly rich cultural environment.
This summer, take a walk through the Humanist Sculpture Park, where fourteen artworks are spread throughout the campus greenery. It is a place where art, science and free inquiry come together.
One of the highlights is Enkidu by artist Paul Van Gysegem. Inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh, the sculpture symbolises friendship, strength and the energy of youth.
4. Take a VUB book on holiday
No summer is complete without a good book. Both books are available in Dutch.
For architecture enthusiasts, Willy Van Der Meeren – VUB: From Static to Dynamic offers a fresh perspective on one of Belgium’s most influential modernist architects and his impact on the VUB campus.
Prefer to travel from your beach chair? Then The Highlands of Ethiopia – A Journey Through Time in 21 Cycling Stages by Jan Nyssen is an excellent choice. It is a captivating story of landscapes, history, culture and research in Ethiopia.
5. Find VUB by the sea, in museums and at festivals
This summer, VUB will once again be present at a range of cultural events.
From 20 June, the Yper Museum will host wONDERLAND, a collaboration between VUB, KU Leuven and Ghent University. The exhibition reveals how scientific research uncovers hidden stories from Ypres’ medieval past.
On 27 June, Ingrid Brackx and Luc Mangodt will open an exhibition in Ostend dedicated to the work of Paul Van Gysegem. The introduction will be given by Emeritus Professor Willem Elias.
From 3 to 8 August, VUB will bring the theatre production Aha to Theatre by the Sea (Theater Aan Zee), where art, science and social reflection meet.
VUB will also return to Maanrock in Mechelen. From 27 to 30 August, visitors can drop by the VUB pop-up café, a meeting place for students, staff, alumni and fellow festival-goers.
6. Enjoy a VUB-inspired summer
Whether you are heading to the beach, a festival or a city park, the VUB webshop has everything you need for sunny days.
Think of the popular “Free Thinking” cap, VUB sunglasses or even a VUB deckchair. Practical, stylish and a fun way to take a little piece of VUB with you on holiday.
7. Start looking ahead to September
Before you know it, summer will be drawing to a close.
On Sunday 30 August, VUB will once again open its doors for Open Day. It is the perfect opportunity to introduce future students, family members, friends or acquaintances to the university, its programmes and its campuses.
Looking for more VUB activities?
There is plenty to discover after the summer as well. Through the VUB public programme, you can enjoy lectures, exhibitions, debates, theatre performances, book launches and many other activities throughout the year, all centred around science, culture and critical thinking.