A student from down the street for the things that are getting a bit too much.

Groceries, the garden, a walk together or company at an appointment. Buurtstudent wants to connect older people in Amsterdam with students who live nearby and are happy to help for an afternoon. We are starting a small pilot soon.

I'm interested I'm a student and want to help
An older woman and a student laughing together on a bench by a canal in Amsterdam
A
Annie, 81Watergraafsmeer

Since my knee operation I can't manage the garden anymore. Who can help me on Saturday afternoon? The coffee will be ready.

P
Priya, 22Medical student, lives 600 metres away

I'd love to! Back home in Pune I always looked after my grandma's vegetable garden.

Annie likes this

First meeting Thursday 14:00, together with Sanne from Buurtstudent.

How the pilot works

We start small. Only if you get along do you agree on a regular time.

  1. You let us know you are interested

    Tap a few choices and leave your phone number or email. Your son, daughter or neighbour can do it for you. There is no obligation.

  2. We come and meet you

    The student visits together with someone from Buurtstudent. You see who is coming before you agree to anything.

  3. Something small first

    A bit of shopping or a walk. Happy with it? Then you pick a regular day. You can stop at any time.

What a student could help with

A student carries shopping bags and walks with an older man with a walker across a canal bridge
Groceries, back over the bridge together
A student plants flowers in a small city garden while an older woman watches with a coffee
The garden in Watergraafsmeer
An older man and a student look through a photo album at the kitchen table overlooking the canal
Memories over the old photo album
  • Grocery shopping
  • Going for walks
  • Keeping up the garden
  • Light housework
  • Lifting heavy things
  • Coming along to appointments
  • Calling the council or agencies
  • Help with phone or tablet
  • Reading aloud
  • Your life story as a book

What students don't do

  • Giving medication
  • Wound care or injections
  • Personal care

For that, home care or your GP remains your point of contact.

“Just listening and really being there. Moments of company, those are what matter.”
A family carer who looked after her great-aunt for years

Safe, and no small print

Screened students

Every student has a Dutch certificate of conduct (VOG) and has had an interview with us.

Someone from Buurtstudent is there

Your regular contact person from Buurtstudent is always present at the first meeting.

Never your bank card or money

Students never ask for your bank card, PIN or cash. If someone does, call us straight away.

Join in

I'm interested

For yourself or for your father, mother or neighbour. Let us know in two minutes, with no obligation.

Register interest

I'm a student

Earn some money in your own neighbourhood, practise your Dutch and get to know someone who has seen a lot of life.

Create your profile