Maastricht Student Union

One Year of the Relay Strike with Us! 🎉

It’s almost one year since the relay strike took place at UM. Thanks to your dedication and involvement, this success was possible – we are incredibly grateful for your contribution!

We would love to celebrate this milestone with you, reflect on what we have achieved, and look ahead to the future. Where do we stand now, and how do we move forward?

📅 Date: April 13, 2026
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 13:00
📍 Location: Paul Henri Spaaklaan 1 (FSE), Room C3015

Lunch will, of course, be provided! 🥪
During this event, we will share experiences, reflect on the past year, and engage in discussions about the future and next steps.

Everyone who is involved or feels connected is welcome – including colleagues who are not FNV members. Feel free to forward this invitation to your classmates or colleagues!

Note: For catering purposes, please register as soon as possible by sending an email to: [email protected].

🟥 Yesterday, we stood united with 8,000 others at the Dam in Amsterdam, sending a clear message to those in power: we will not stand idly by as cuts are made to higher education. The future of our education system is on the table, and it’s not something we’re willing to sacrifice for short-term political gain.

Our participation in today’s demonstration was a firm stand against the hollow promises of politicians who try to dress up budget cuts as ‘investments.’ We reject this attempt to mislead the public, and we demand that real, meaningful resources be allocated to ensure the future of higher education is secure.

♥️ As MSU, we are committed to holding politicians accountable for their actions and ensuring that the voices of students are heard loud and clear. Together with thousands of others, we’ve shown that we will not allow these cuts to go unnoticed or unchallenged. This marks just one step in our ongoing fight for an education system that serves all.

The program for the higher education strike on December 9 is set. We have *packed stage program, followed by a march through Amsterdam.

📢 Reality check
- Programs and students share how budget cuts are already hitting.
- Discussion: the right to demonstrate in higher education under pressure.

✊ Looking ahead
Organize the RUG, TU Delft secretariats, and Earth Sciences at VU explain:
- Why local organizing matters.
- What you can achieve together.

🟥 Political debate
- Politicians from D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, and SP take the stage.
- We challenge them to take a stand: how will they reverse the cuts?

Join us at December 9 at Dam Square!
🚄 Free train ticket for FNV members → claim via https://fnv.nl/ho
Register before December 8, 12:00 pm

🚆 We'll meet at 8.45 at Maastricht station to take the 8.59 train. We will arrive in Amsterdam around 11.30 and will then walk to the Dam.

🟥 We'll bring solidarity with colleagues and students across NL.

🪧 we let The Hague know why the cuts must go. We bring placards or banners for the protest or make a placard on the Dam.

🙏 Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Rain? 🌧 No worries. We’ve got you covered with a tent! Stay dry during tonight’s Higher Education Election Action.

📢 Will you join us? Here’s the program:

17:30 Walk-in with vegan sandwiches and warm drinks
17:45 Kick-off by WOinActie, AOb, FNV and candidate MPs Jan Paternotte (D66), Luc Stultiens (GroenLinks-PvdA) and Maurits Hondmann (SP)
18:15 Livestream of the national leaders’ debate by EenVandaag
19:05 Aftertalk with experts Viola Bex-Reimert, Joost Berkhout, Sander van Lanen and Simon Otjes. We’ll discuss how education is essential for themes like migration, the rule of law, housing and democracy.
19:45 Closing

For more info: https://tinyurl.com/5yn86hx4

Your voice matters, choose education. See you tonight! 🫶

🏆 Zuyd University Ranked Best Large University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
We’re excited to share that Zuyd University of Applied Sciences has been named the best large university of applied sciences in the Netherlands in the 2025 rankings! 🎉

This achievement is based on the Keuzegids HBO 2026 (Higher Professional Education Guide 2026) published today, which evaluates factors like student satisfaction, teaching quality, and the relevance of study programs. Zuyd stood out for its commitment to high-quality education, personalized learning, and a focus on practical, real-world skills.

🌍 According to the report, Zuyd also received top marks for the student-teacher ratio and study facilities, with students praising the university’s supportive environment and innovative teaching methods.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work of all the staff, students, and faculty who continue to make Zuyd a place for excellence in education. 🎓

As the board of MSU, we are proud to be the sole student representatives working with the municipality regarding student housing matters.

🏡 Student Housing in Maastricht – AY 2025/26 Update

The last few years of our fight for accessible housing has culminated in real progress in Maastricht's student housing supply. In the months of April, May, and June 2025, the supply of private student rooms in Maastricht increased by approximately 25% compared to the same period in 2024 after years of stagnation. This is a positive development amidst the national trend of a 1.9% decrease in private room availability. This achievement reflects the hard work of your student representatives and continued pressure from our union at the municipal level. Every new room creates more opportunities for our growing, diverse community to thrive in comfort and security 💪

📉 Rent Price Trends:
Despite the increase in supply, average rents in Maastricht have risen slightly. Compared to last year, the average rent per month increased by approximately 2.5%, bringing the typical rent to around €700/month. As your student union, we will continue to demand fair, affordable rents and transparent pricing from landlords and policymakers.

Stick around for more great news ❤️

🌟 Welcome (back) to Maastricht! We’re excited to kick off the academic year our Explore Maastricht series, where we’ll periodically spotlight local gems and exciting events around the city!

First up: Stadspark! 🌳 Nestled in the heart of Maastricht, it’s the perfect spot for group study picnics, study dates, or simply enjoying the last days of summer. With spacious lawns, winding paths, and peaceful ponds, Stadspark is an ideal place to unwind or get some work done with friends.

Fun fact: Did you know Stadspark is home to the Maastricht Watermill, one of the city's oldest and most charming landmarks? 🏞

Stay tuned for must-see spots and hidden treasures! 💫