For the third time, thousands of students were surveyed about their mental health and their use of alcohol and drugs. A considerable share is still struggling with psychological issues, according to the Trimbos Institute, RIVM and GGD GHOR Netherlands.

Mental health has improved especially compared to the first measurement in 2021, when students were still dealing with the COVID-19 lockdowns. The difference between 2023 and 2025 is much smaller.

Students are once again somewhat more satisfied with life: the average score rose from a 6 during the pandemic to 6.7 in 2023. It has now inched up to 6.8.

A smaller group also reports feeling lonely: this percentage dropped from 79 percent in 2021 to 62 percent in 2023, and now to 60 percent. Students also feel less performance pressure: from 54 percent to 44 percent to 41 percent.

But the problems are far from over. More than 80 percent of students experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression in the past month, and about a quarter say they sometimes feel exhausted by life. Over half report high levels of stress, mainly due to their studies, but also because of personal issues or financial concerns.

Substance use

Alcohol and cannabis remain the most commonly used substances among students. One in four is a heavy or excessive drinker. Nearly half have tried cannabis, and 5 percent use it weekly.

XTC also remains popular: one in five students has tried it, and 11 percent used it in the past year. For cocaine, the numbers are 10 percent and 5 percent. In addition, 15 percent have tried a psychedelic substance such as truffles or LSD.

Students living in shared student housing tend to use more substances than those still living with their parents. Students experiencing high stress and/or sleep problems also use alcohol or drugs more frequently.

Students are less likely to seek help for substance-use problems (22 percent) than for psychological issues (66 percent). Many say they do not feel the need for help.

Response

A total of 27,000 students from thirteen universities of applied sciences and eleven research universities completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of just under 6 percent. But who fills out such a survey? There may be a bias, with students who face more problems being more likely to respond.

The authors of the report acknowledge this. They emphasize that the figures are not exact but do provide an overall picture of student mental health and substance use.

The Dutch Student Union (LSVb) expressed deep concern about the results: “A generation is drowning while politicians look on.” The union is calling for a higher basic grant, lower interest rates on student loans, and more student housing.

The Intercity Student Consultation (ISO) praises the “major steps” taken by educational institutions but argues for a mandatory duty of care toward students. The education system as a whole should also generate less stress, they say.

Outgoing Minister of Education Gouke Moes sees the report as confirmation that current policies are working. “Feeling well is a basic condition for being able to study well.” He wants the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to continue supporting the national student-wellbeing programme (STIJN) and to encourage local cooperation between education providers, municipalities and healthcare services.

Universities are pleased with the improvements, according to umbrella organisation UNL. Student wellbeing will, however, remain a priority. “It is important that we continue to work with other organisations. The study shows that many factors outside higher education also influence student wellbeing.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.