Having sufficient rest, eating healthy, and practicing sports are just some of the many things we can do as students to take care of our physical and mental health. Additionally, we can seek professional support on psychological complexities like addiction or to address stress. Below you will find a variety of information aimed at providing you with the resources you might need when it comes to maintaining your health here at University College Roosevelt.
Student counselling services Jessie Hillebrand and Nelleke Barkmeijer are on-campus student counsellors capable of providing professional assistance. Below is an overview of what they can do for you and what you should do to make an appointment. Getting in touch Appointments can be made by contacting [email protected]. Email is checked once a day and the counsellors will make sure to get back to you as soon as possible. You can ensure that an appointment is made quickly by providing your availability when emailing the counsellors. Jessie and Nelleke can also be visited in academic building Anne 1.28 and Anne 1.27 respectively. Why contact? If you run into issues of a more personal nature, that you would like to share with a professional in confidence, the Counseling Team is here for you as part of the on-campus support. If you are struggling with a decision you need to make, feeling down, stressed, or overwhelmed, while at UCR then you are welcome to make contact.
Who are they? Jessie Hillebrand has a background in social-emotional learning and behavioural support and has previously worked as a teacher, coach, and counsellor. She believes that well-being is fundamental for personal growth and academic achievement. With students, she aims to explore what is on their minds and look at how to use personal strengths to achieve goals. Nelleke Barkmeijer has a background in social work and has worked extensively with young adults as a coach and counsellor. Her experiences have also led her to come in contact with people of diverse backgrounds, giving her a better idea about different cultures and the mental effects of living with people from various backgrounds. Her goal is to help you better understand yourself and assist you as you navigate through an overwhelming and intense part of your life.
What to expect at your first appointment? Generally, the appointment takes anywhere between 30 to 90 minutes depending on how much time is needed. This is the counsellors’ opportunity to get a better understanding of how they can be of help. In the beginning, they often ask people to consider what would make the experience of coming to see a counsellor, say to themselves: “That was helpful!” Counsellors mostly meet with students once to a few times. On some occasions, they have met for longer periods, providing support while someone is waiting to be linked with other help professionals or in situations where ongoing support is of benefit. You can prepare for these meetings by following the advice given here. Information shared during these meetings is confidential. Well-Being Team The Well-Being Team is a faculty and staff team combining different perspectives and areas of expertise. The Well-Being Team raises awareness and organizes workshops and activities in support of student health and well-being. This includes coordinating with the student community. Activities range from providing lunchtime meditation sessions to organizing get-away beach walks, awareness campaigns such as on ‘consent’, or ensuring that information is readily available for students so that they know where to go for what help. The Well-Being Team can be contacted at [email protected].
General Practitioner (office hours) We encourage you to find a local General Practitioner (GP) (huisarts in Dutch) in Middelburg who can be approached in the event of health-related issues. We recommend three GP in Middelburg:
Dr. Angkotta is a GP located close to University College Roosevelt. Please note that appointments can be made by calling 0118-820970 between 8:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:000 on working days. In case of emergencies, the following emergency number (spoedlijn) must be used: 0118-820978.
De Dolfijn doctor’s practice. Appointments can be made by calling 0118 626 659 (press 1 for an emergency when presented with options).
De getijdenmolen has four practising GPs and two professional social psychiatric nurses. Appointments can be made by calling 0118-628234.
For a complete list of GPs in Middelburg, refer to this link.
In general you choose one GP which you go to for your full stay. You can switch GP at any moment. We suggest you choose a GP around which you feel comfortable and with which you have the feeling you can comfortably talk to. Every GP had many years of study, there is no difference in their skill. There is a difference in their personality.
International students may be expected to pay directly for service and then claim their costs back from their health insurance company.
Psychologists
Those who would like to come into contact with a psychologist can follow this link: Psychologist in Middelburg | Psyned. This website tries to connect individuals to practicing psychologists all throughout the Netherlands. Don’t forget to check with your insurance company to make sure if any and to what extent costs might be covered!
Additional information can be explored through your local General Practitioner.
1Nul1 – Substance Use Local government-supported organization 1Nul1, or 1Zero1, is an organization dedicating its efforts towards addressing substance usage; from gaming to gambling and social media to drugs and alcohol. This team of individuals is readily available and always there to help. Want to set up your first chat? To contact just follow the link below where you can find either their phone number or the option to send them a direct message. Don’t forget to include your e-mail in the message, this way they can get back to you as soon as possible. Want to know more? - 1ZERO1 (1nul1.nl)
General medicine and drug stores What does the drug store sell and when should you visit a drug store? General medicine, such as pain killers, nose spray, cures for throat aches and such are available ‘over the counter’, meaning that you do not have to go to your doctor to get them. Stores such as Etos, Kruidvat, and DA, as well as supermarkets sell these types of medication. Non-supermarket stores also have an ‘apothecary’ who can advise you. For anything more than a cold or a sore through you should visit your GP.
Names for Dutch brands for general medicine:
Paracetamol: against headaches and most general pains.
Ibuprofen: for more serious pains (e.g. toothaches or really bad stomachache).
Advil: a type of Ibuprofen (the pil contains a liquid form of ibuprofen).
Bactroban: an ointment used against infections; Only on prescription from the doctor.
Betadine: a disinfectant; brown liquid that you can use on open wounds to disinfect.
Bisolvon: for when you suffer from a cold or cough.
This text was written by the Red Cross Studentdesk Zeeland in collaboration with Studentdesk Volunteers.