Orientation Programme – Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School
As a new VUB student, you will start the academic year during the Orientation Days. You will get to know the campus, your programme and your fellow students, and receive all the information you need for a successful start.
Who is this for?
The Orientation Days are intended for students who are new to VUB. Are you already a VUB student? Then you do not need to participate.
What is on the programme?
The programme differs depending on your degree programme. Always consult your course schedule for the exact times and locations of your orientation activities. For most students, the programme starts around 10.00 and ends around 18.00. We expect you to participate in all activities so that you do not miss any important information.
Not sure how to consult your course schedule? Further down this page, we explain step by step how to find your orientation programme.
Orientation session
During the orientation session, you will get to know your programme, professors and fellow students. You will receive practical information about your curriculum, your course schedule and the support services available throughout your studies.
Campus tour
During the campus tour, you will discover where to attend classes, study, eat, exercise and where to go if you have questions.
Ready, Set, Go!
During Ready, Set, Go!, you will discover in smaller groups what to expect as a student at VUB. You will learn which skills are important for a successful start, which challenges you may encounter during your studies and how to deal with them. You will also receive tips on how to get back on track if things become difficult.
Welcome Drinks
We end the day with the Welcome Drinks. A great opportunity to meet fellow students, ask any remaining questions and celebrate the start of your VUB journey.
View the course schedules to find the details of your orientation programme.
International student (degree-seeking student)
Are you an international student enrolled in a full bachelor's or master's programme at VUB? Then you will participate in the orientation programme of your degree programme.
In addition, we expect you to participate in the activities organised specifically for international students on Thursday 17 September in auditorium QA:
- 13.30 – 15.30: Info Session for all International Students (Exchange and Degree-Seeking Students)
- 15.30 – 17.00: Babel Game Show (social activity)
International students participate in both the orientation programme of their degree programme and the activities organised specifically for international students.
Check your course schedule for the exact times and locations of your orientation activities.
International student (exchange student)
Are you an exchange student taking individual courses at VUB? We expect you to join a faculty orientation session on Wednesday 16 September from 11.00 to 12.00 in classroom P2.0.03. Afterwards, you can join the afternoon programme of your host faculty, including the Campus Tour, Ready, Set, Go!, and the Welcome Drinks.
In addition, we expect you to participate in the activities organised specifically for international students on Thursday 17 September in auditorium QA:
- 10.00 – 12.00: Info Session for Exchange Students
- 13.30 – 15.30: Info Session for all International Students (Exchange and Degree-Seeking Students)
- 15.30 – 17.00: Babel Game Show (social activity)
Exchange students participate in both the faculty orientation on 16 September and the activities organised for international students on 17 September.
Students in an evening programme
Are you enrolled in the Master of Science in Management or its preparatory programme? On Thursday 17 September, we organise a dedicated orientation programme for students enrolled in an evening programme.
- 18.00 – 19.30 Programme-specific orientation session for Management (preparatory programme and master's programme) (auditorium D.0.03)
- 19.30 – 20.30 Networking event in the Nelson Mandela Hall. An opportunity to get answers to your remaining questions and meet fellow students. We will provide drinks and refreshments!
Students in a day programme
Are you enrolled in a daytime programme? Then you will participate in the standard orientation programme of your degree programme. This applies to bachelor's, bridging, preparatory and master's students.
Check your course schedule for the exact times and locations.
Where can I find my orientation programme?
The exact times and locations of your orientation activities can be found in the course schedule. Are you an exchange student? The instructions below do not apply to you. Please refer to the 'International student (exchange student)' section on this page.
Follow these steps:
- Select Social Sciences & Solvay Business School (ES) as your faculty.
- Select your education level (bachelor's, master's, bridging ("schakelprogramma") or preparatory programme ("voorbereidingsprogramma")).
- Drag your programme to My criteria.
- Click Show schedule.
- Make sure Week 1 is selected at the top of the page.
- Look for activities that start with "Orientation:".
This will show you exactly where and when your orientation activities take place.
Not sure whether your programme belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences & Solvay Business School? Consult the overview of our programmes.
Contact
Do you have any questions about the Orientation Days or your degree programme? Feel free to contact the faculty. You can find our contact details below.
Where and when?
Consult your course schedule for the exact times and locations of your orientation activities.
What should I bring?
You do not need to bring anything specific. If you have already received your student card, feel free to bring it along.