Dealing with Grief as a Student

In a heart-to-heart conversation, you can talk to professional student life coaches Marloes Harkema and Evelien Meijs. They are experienced in grief counselling. Go to Student Life Coaches.

The WUR student psychologists also offer short-term counselling - free of charge - for psychological problems. Are you unsure whether you need to see a student psychologist or a life coach? You can make an appointment for a walk-in session and they will help you make a decision. Go to the Student Psychologists page.

By using small creative writing exercises, you can express your grief, give voice to sadness or pen down warm memories of loved ones. This can be healing on its own.

You can then share your experiences and advice with others, as well as learn from them. As everyone deals with grief differently, this can lead to new ideas.

Organised by and for students who have lost a parent or parental figure, this group meets monthly to offer support and share experiences.

Whether the loss is recent or has happened some time ago, the group provides a space for students to find recognition, discuss ways of integrating grief into their busy lives, learn how to talk about it with others and explore methods of recovery and well-being.

An English-speaking group is currently being set up. Please let us know if you are interested in joining.

• “When I moved into a new student house it was hard. Nobody knew my mum had died and I didn’t know how to talk about it. Now I have photos of her in my room, which helps me tell my story.”

• “My best friend’s death left me feeling isolated like there was a glass wall separating me from other students. I would join in and laugh, but it lacked sincerity. I discovered that engaging in meaningful conversations about my grief brings a better sense of balance.”
• “A fellow student in our organisation struggled with severe depression. Despite knowing he wasn’t well, his suicide came as a shocking blow. Recently, we held a memorial to mark a year since his passing. It made me feel sad and powerless again. It really helped me to talk to someone!”
• "With my father chronically ill, I struggle to find a balance between being there for my parents and enjoying my student life. When I’m here, I often feel guilty, and it casts a shadow over my day. But when I’m there, I’m confronted with the reality and worries, and sometimes I just want to escape."
• "After my girlfriend and I broke up, it became hard to focus on my courses. Our mutual group of friends no longer felt like the fun and safe space it used to be, and I found myself struggling with my friendships."