What to Do When You're Bored Between Classes

When I first started out at VU, I often found myself with a couple of hours free between classes and honestly, I never knew what to do with that time. And somehow, studying never seemed to be an option for me. 

But seriously, after finishing a lecture and having a two hour gap before your next workgroup, the last thing you want to do is sit down and do even more studying. Sometimes you just need a break, a change of scenery, or a chance to hang out with friends. 

Here are some of my favorite things to do during those hours that are all easily accessible from VU Amsterdam.

#1 Grab Some Snacks and Have a Picnic

Starting off simple, but this is probably one of my favorite ways to spend a break.

My friends and I will jump at almost any opportunity to visit Alert Heijn and grab some snacks. Especially now that the weather is getting nicer, it’s the perfect excuse to pick up some bread, dips, fruit, or whatever you're craving and find a spot outside to relax. There is a gorgeous area right by the Summertime building steps overlooking the De Boelelaan canal, the one with the bright pink and yellow balconies. Sitting on the wooden deck right by the water makes it a really nice place to sit, eat, and chit chat.

If you're looking for something a bit more filling, you can also grab food from places like Salsa Shop, Sushito, or one of the snack carts around campus and then stop by Albert Heijn afterwards for a well-deserved sweet treat. 

De Boelelaan Canal

#2 Visit the Albert Cuyp Market

One of my favorite places in Amsterdam is the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp. The market is full of energetic vibes and has something for everyone. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing, accessories, flowers, souvenirs, and countless food stalls.  The food selection is honestly one of the biggest reasons to visit. On days when your brain feels completely drained after studying, this is the perfect place to treat yourself. Whether you're craving a fresh stroopwafel (my personal favorite), poffertjes, international street food, or something sweet, you’ll definitely find something worth trying. 

Getting there is easy too, it's only a short metro ride from Amsterdam Zuid!

Albert Cuyp Market

#3 Explore Gelderlandplein 

About a 10-15 minute walk from campus, you’ll find Gelderlandplein, which is a shopping centre that's perfect for a casual break between classes. Inside you’ll find stores such as Albert Heijn XL, HEMA, clothing shops, bookstores, and plenty of places to grab food or coffee. Even if you're not planning on buying anything, it’s fun to walk around and do a bit of window shopping. There are also several cafes and lunch spots where you can sit down and get a change of scenery from the campus environment for a little while. One of my personal favorites is Oliver Green if you're looking for a healthy lunch option. 

Gelderlandplein

#4 Visit the Zuidas Market (Thursdays Only)

If you happen to have free time on a Thursday, definitely check out the Zuidas Market at George Gershwinplein. Similar to the Albert Cuyp Market, you can find a variety of things here, such as fresh produce, artisan breads, cheeses, pastries, and flowers. It’s a popular spot for both the students and the professionals working in the Zuidas area. 

The market is only a short walk from the VU, so it’s one of the easiest places to visit during a break between classes. Even if you're not going to buy anything, it's nice to walk around, browse the stalls, and enjoy the atmosphere.

#5 Take a Walk Through the Amsterdamse Bos

If you're feeling overwhelmed by lectures, assignments, or exams, sometimes the best thing you can do is get away from campus for a bit. Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest parks in the city and is located surprisingly close to VU. Whether you're walking with friends, listening to music, or just enjoying some quiet time alone, it's a great way to clear your head before your next class. During the warmer months, you'll find people having picnics, rowing boats, exercising, or simply relaxing in the grass, making it a nice spot to people-watch as well!

Amsterdamse Bos

#6 Find a new Coffee Spot 

Amsterdam is full of great cafes, and your free hours between classes are the perfect excuse to explore them. If you're looking for a place to catch up with friends, read a book, people-watch, or even get a little studying done, there are plenty of cosy cafes around Amsterdam Zuid and De Pijp worth checking out.

So basically....

Having a few hours between classes can sometimes feel like a total drag. And of course you should use that time to study or catch up on assignments when you need to, but it doesn’t always have to be dead time. University is about more than just surviving the library. Sometimes, it’s just as important to head outside, explore the city, hang out with friends, and actually make some memories outside the lecture hall. So the next time you finish your assignments early and find yourself stuck with a long break, resist the urge to just stare at your phone in the same exact spot. Go grab a snack, take a random walk, and discover a new favorite corner of Amsterdam!!