What is an initiation?
Not every student organisation holds initiations, and thatâs perfectly fine. Those that do have their own unique approach. Regional organisations tend to enjoy a bit of mud and mess, similar to youth movements. Interest-based organisations have their own, sometimes absurd rituals, like live action role-playing games. And faculty organisations? They turn it into a true rebirth in secular thinking, with a nod to how we enter the world: naked and blue!
What do they all have in common? The symbolism of rebirth. An initiation is not humiliation but a transition: you leave your prejudices behind and learn to look at the world with a fresh, critical eye. Itâs also about connection. During the initiation and related activities, new members really get to know each other, forming friendships that often last a lifetime.
VUB initiations are always voluntary and strictly regulated to ensure everyoneâs safety. New members and board members must remain sober, sexually charged tasks are prohibited, and the initiation activitiesâincluding the initiation itselfâare overseen by an independent control body. You can find all the agreements in the official initiation framework.
Still have questions? Check our FAQ or talk to someone in your organisation. Theyâll be happy to help you.
Smartly initiated: your FAQ about VUB initiations
There are many stories circulating about student initiations, which sometimes raise questions or cause misunderstandings. To clarify matters, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions in a handy FAQ. This way, you will know immediately what you can (and cannot) expect.
Do I have to be initiated to join a student organisation?
No, you can become a member of a student organisation without being initiated â most organisations don't initiate their members â and many activities are also open to non-members.
Do all VUB student organisations initiate?
No, only a limited number of recognised student organisations at the VUB organise initiation ceremonies. And even then, each organisation does so in its own way.
Below is an overview of the organisations that organise initiation ceremonies:
- Student organisations per faculty: GK, FK, KEPS, LWK, PERSKring, Mesacosa, PPK, VRG, Solvay Kring and PK
- Regional student organisations: Antverpia, Hesbania, Kinneke Baba, KBS, Limburgia, VSKM and WUK
- Student organisations per interest: Bierkultuur, SWAMP and Boves Luci Bruxellensis
Who or what is a pledge?
A pledge is a student who has joined a student organisation with the intention of becoming a full member (= commilito), but who has not yet completed the entire pledge programme.
Are pledge activities and initiations at the VUB safe?
All initiation societies are required to adhere to the VUB initiation framework, which they sign at the start of each academic year. This framework has been drawn up to prevent undesirable behaviour during initiation activities and to guarantee a safe environment for all participants. For example, both pledgers and board members must remain sober during a faculty initiation, sexually suggestive tasks are prohibited, and the activities are monitored by an independent body that ensures that the organisations comply with the initiation framework. The initiation framework is a living document that is regularly reviewed in consultation with the student organisations to ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the values of the university.
Can I be initiated if I don't drink alcohol?
Absolutely! Alcohol consumption during student activities at the VUB is strictly regulated. Organisations are required to actively offer low-alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives. And don't worry: no one will look at you strangely if you choose not to drink. There are many students who enjoy their student life completely sober. Curious? Read their stories here and find out how they experience it.
Do I have to attend all pledge activities?
That depends on the student organisation, but usually you are expected to participate in at least a few activities before your initiation. If you are unable to attend due to classes or other commitments, be sure to let your society know. They will be happy to work with you to ensure that you can still participate in the initiation.
What if I feel uncomfortable with a task during a pledge activity?
Every pledge has the right to refuse a task during a pledge activity. In that case, the organisation will always provide an alternative. In addition, a trusted person is present during every activity whom you can approach if you feel uncomfortable about something or have any questions.
What if I have a disability or am unable to do certain things due to my health condition?
If you have a disability or are unable to do certain things for health reasons, we will always look for an alternative that is feasible for you. It is important that you inform the student organisation of this in advance so that they can take this into account. Your well-being is our priority!
Why do you suddenly see students wearing blue lab coats and with blue hair walking around campus at the end of October?
Blue lab coats, smurf hairstyles and blue slime on campus mean only one thing: the faculty initiation period has begun. The striking blue colour comes from methylene blue, a dye used to give the so-called clash â a mixture of beet pulp and flour, among other things â a recognisable colour. This is used to symbolically âbaptiseâ the pledges during their initiation.
When will the initiations take place?
Most of the organisations hold their initiations between mid-October and mid-November, in the following order: first the regional organisations, then the faculty organisations. Organisations per interest fall somewhere in between, although some choose to hold their initiations in the second semester.
Can I be initiated by more than one student organisation?
Sure! You can get initiated by multiple student organisations and the order in which you do so is irrelevant. Some students choose to be initiated into a faculty organisation first and then into a regional or interest-based one, while others do the opposite. The choice is entirely yours. Please do what feels right and suits you best.
Can I get initiated after my first year?
Definitely! You can also be initiated into a student organisation after your first year. There is no fixed deadline for initiation. Whether you are in your second, third or even final year, you are always welcome!
Are photographs allowed during the pledge activities and the initiation?
This is allowed, but only with the explicit and prior consent of the participants involved. Without this consent, images may not be taken or distributed. An even stricter policy applies to faculty initiations, where taking photographs and videos is completely prohibited. This is strictly monitored by the student organisations, the public and the supervisory body.
As someone who is not initiated, may I attend an initiation, for example a faculty initation?
No, faculty initiations are only open to students who have been baptised themselves. You can only enter after an access check and wearing a cap ('klak') and lab coat. The same applies to other initiations: only those who have been baptised may attend.
Can I decide to stop during an initiation?
Of course! If at any point you think, âThis isn't for me,â you can simply stop. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no one will push you to continue. Your comfort and boundaries always come first.
