Study Hall makes graduation achievable

Text: Loes Vader
Photo: Kim Frijters

Nick (31) started his law studies in 2016. Due to difficult family circumstances and Covid-19, he fell behind in his studies. His thesis supervisor tipped him off about the Study Hall. Since April, he has been one of the students receiving guidance in completing their studies.

You're not alone

Jeroen (30) has been studying Social Legal Services since 2018. "I'm here in the study hall because I've had setbacks due to personal circumstances and I've lost my motivation. I am also hard of hearing, so it takes a lot of energy for me to take everything in. In the second half of the previous school year, Jeroen started working on his graduation thesis. "I wasn't feeling well and when the first deadline loomed, my study coach drew my attention to the existence of the Study Hall. It works because you're with others, we’re all in the same boat. Together, we make sure that we each regain our motivation."

"You think you're the only one," Nick adds. "I felt like a bit of a failure." In the Study Hall, Nick found out that there were many more students struggling with the same problem. " I can give students only one piece of advice: don't be afraid to ask for help. There is a good atmosphere in the study hall, there are teachers you can turn to with questions or to share your story. They are very understanding. I'm only there on Thursdays because I have a side job. It helps me tremendously with my motivation and concentration."

Not without obligation

You can visit the Study Hall one day a week. "On Wednesday and Thursday, the study hall is open for Dutch-speaking students, and on Tuesday and Friday for internationals," explains Jeroen. It is not without obligation, however. Jeroen: It is not without obligation, however. "You have to be there at 9:30. If you can't, you'll need to opt out. If you're not there, you're not only selling yourself short, but there are also always other students who are keen to participate."

Good atmosphere

The students work in sessions according to the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focus and then a five-minute break. After four Pomodoros in a row, you can take a longer break. "You're not supposed to be on your phone or look for any other distractions. You are very concentrated on your work for 25 minutes," Jeroen reflects. "In those five-minute breaks, you can have a chat or get a cup of coffee."

Student debt

Jeroen agrees that the size of his student debt is also a motivation to go for it. "If I didn't have such a high debt already, I doubt whether I would have continued." Nick, too, has already borrowed more than the average student. "But when I get my degree, about 75 percent will be waived.

Nick and Jeroen both expect to hand in their theses in January. "I plan to hand in my thesis on January 10 and hope to have it ready as soon as possible," Jeroen concludes.

Students of the participating schools who would like to take part, can contact [email protected]

Faster graduation

The Study Hall is a guidance method to support study retarders and long-term students on their way to a diploma. In September 2023, the ‘StudieHuisKamer’ was officially launched, also for students of the International Business School (IBS) and the Institute for Communication, Media & IT (SCMI). The Study Hall is based on Study Happiness, founded in 2017 by psychologist and lecturer Chris de Bruin.

Graduation fine

At Hanze, we are committed to the academic success of every student. With our Personal Study Advice, we are guiding students to get the best out of their study period. And when circumstances cause delays, the Study Hall offers the extra support needed to graduate with a diploma. We are therefore opposed to the long-term fine, because it not only hinders access to higher education, but also increases inequality. Education should be attainable and equitable for all, regardless of their circumstances.