Sarah Evink, chair of the Interstedelijk Studentenoverleg (ISO), worries about accidents if students venture out anyway. “I’m hearing from many students today that, despite the weather and the remote-work advisory from Rijkswaterstaat, they are still expected to attend class or take exams,” she says.

The National Student Union (LSVb) has received similar reports. “Some institutions say they only cancel exams if a red weather code is issued,” says chair Maaike Krom. At the moment, the KNMI has issued an orange warning, due to a “high likelihood of dangerous weather, with major potential for damage, injuries, or disruption.”

No trains or buses

But it’s not just the weather itself—its consequences are making it difficult for students to get to campus. The railway system, like in the past few days, is largely shut down. Many local transport operators are also struggling to run buses and trams, according to travel planner 9292ov.

“How are students supposed to get to campus with this massive train disruption?” Krom asks. “Many students live far away. When they see that their exams are still scheduled to go ahead, they don’t know what to do.”

A quick check shows that some universities only cancel exams in the event of a red weather code. Windesheim, the HAN University of Applied Sciences, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences told their students this in official messages.

TU Delft and VU Amsterdam are also continuing classes and exams, they informed their students Wednesday. In some cases, alternative arrangements can be discussed.

At TU/e, the Executive Board informed students and staff Tuesday evening that they may stay home today. It is up to the instructors whether they hold their courses on campus.

“Arrange your own transport”

Radboud University advised students this morning to make their own arrangements. “If you live far from Nijmegen and have a lecture, exam, or appointment on campus, we advise you to arrange alternative transport.”

That guidance has sparked frustration at ISO, says Evink. “It’s ridiculous. How many students even have a car? This really gets under my skin.”

Radboud University also stated that students who cannot make it will be offered a “suitable solution, in line with the education and examination regulations.” But students are still left uncertain, Evink says. “Will there be an extra exam opportunity or not? It’s still unclear. Because of that uncertainty, some students may go to the exam anyway to avoid falling behind in their studies, with all the associated risks.”

Flexibility

The LSVb also notes that some programs are asking students who cannot attend to contact their exam committees about an extra exam opportunity. “I just hope the exam committees will be flexible,” says Krom. “We have to stand up for the safety of students and staff.”

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