Wellbeing

Peer Advising Program Under the PAP, every first-year VinUnian is grouped with a Peer Advisor (upper-class student mentor) and a Faculty Advisor, forming an “Advisory Group” that lasts through the first year
This is a key component of VinUni’s OASIS orientation course and first-year experience. Peer Advisors undergo training to develop mentoring skills, and many serve as Week of Welcome (WOW) team leaders during orientation week. They lead ice-breakers, campus tours, and skill sessions, helping freshmen acclimate both socially and academically
Throughout the year, Peer Advisors host meet-ups and one-on-one check-ins to share tips on study strategies, time management, and well-being. Faculty Advisors, meanwhile, provide academic and professional guidance. The impact of this program is evident in student feedback. “The advisory program, especially the Peer and Faculty Advising Group, has brought incredibly valuable support to new students like me,” shares Phạm Minh Phương, a Cohort 5 Nursing student Initially anxious in an unfamiliar environment, Phương found empathy and steady encouragement from her peer mentor and faculty advisor. They helped her shape an Individual Development Plan (IDP), setting honest short- and long-term goals – something she had never done before

– “My Peer Advisor’s stories offered a new perspective on life, helping me grow in confidence… The advisory program gave us a precious chance to reflect, understand ourselves better, and break down barriers when meeting new friends,” Phương notes, adding that it laid a foundation for her and fellow freshmen to unlock their potential

– Quantitatively, the Peer Advising Program ensures every freshman (100% of Cohort) gets personalized mentorship. In 2024, over 200 first-year students (Cohort 5) attended a PAP orientation session to meet their advisors and learn about the support available

– Dozens of dedicated Peer Advisors (sophomores and juniors selected via application) earn leadership experience while giving back to the community. Many go above and beyond – e.g. organizing bonding events, study groups, or city tours for their advisees. VinUni’s PAP thus builds a supportive student-to-student network. By fostering a “students helping students” culture, it eases freshmen integration, boosts retention, and nurtures leadership in the mentors. This peer mentoring model is a cornerstone of VinUni’s holistic education approach.

Mental Health Counseling Student well-being is a top priority at VinUni. The university provides extensive, confidential mental health counseling and medical services on campus
The Health & Well-Being Center, located in Building I, includes a Counseling Service staffed by professional counselors. Students can book free counseling appointments (Room I118) via the online portal or email, or even walk in during designated hours. There’s also a 24/7 hotline and a dedicated email (bewell@vinuni.edu.vn) so that help is always within reach

What the Counseling Service offers: a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about anything on a student’s mind – academic stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, sleep problems, or any personal struggles. Common student concerns like exam pressure or homesickness are addressed, but counselors are equally equipped to handle more serious mental health challenges. All sessions are private and free of charge. In late 2024, VinUni welcomed a new full-time counselor, Ms. Dzung “Daphne” Ngo, expanding capacity

A November 2024 “Get to Know Your Counsellor” event invited students to drop by the counseling center for a meet-and-greet with Ms. Daphne – dozens came by for a chat (and candy treats) to build approachability and awareness

This proactive outreach reflects VinUni’s effort to destigmatize seeking help. In addition to professional counseling, VinUni has a trained Peer Support Network. Since 2021, a Peer Support Group (PSG) of selected students works alongside the counselors

These peer supporters undergo training by licensed psychologists and are supervised in providing “near-peer” listening and guidance. If a student is hesitant to talk to a counselor at first, they can book a session with a peer supporter (via a dedicated booking site) for casual, empathetic support from a fellow student

Often, this helps normalize mental health conversations and can serve as a bridge to professional help if needed. Notably, at least one peer supporter is an LGBTQ+ student, ensuring representation and understanding for sexual minority students seeking support

VinUni also embeds mental wellness into campus life through events and campaigns. Every year the university holds a Mental Health Week, filled with workshops, seminars, and interactive activities focused on mental well-being

This initiative raises awareness of issues like stress, burnout, or imposter syndrome and teaches coping strategies (mindfulness sessions, art therapy, etc.). Furthermore, during final exams each semester, the Student Affairs team distributes “Exam Care” packages – little bags with snacks, motivational notes, and study supplies – to all students

It’s a thoughtful way to remind students that the university cares about their wellness and success during stressful times. These efforts, combined with counseling services, create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to seek help and prioritize their mental health. It contributes to VinUni’s reputation for outstanding student support, as reflected in its 5-Star QS rating for student inclusiveness and support services

Physical and Mental Wellbeing workshops: Manage stress, safe sex, skincare, etc.
Beyond one-on-one services, VinUni emphasizes community well-being education through regular workshops and health initiatives that address both physical and mental health topics. These programs equip students with knowledge and life skills for a healthy lifestyle. Key examples include:

Wellbeing Boost Workshop Series: Throughout the academic year, the Health & Well-Being Center runs a series of mini-workshops known as the Wellbeing Boost series

Each session (often during lunch or evening) tackles a specific area of wellness – such as mindfulness meditation, stress management techniques, time management, nutrition and healthy eating, sleep hygiene, physical fitness routines, and even creative outlets for mental health. The workshops are interactive and led by either experts (doctors, counselors, fitness trainers) or trained student facilitators. They deliver practical tips that students can apply in daily life to enhance their overall well-being. Attendance is open to all, and students often report adopting new positive habits (like regular exercise or journaling) thanks to these boosts.

“Consent & Safe Sex” Education: In February 2025, VinUni introduced an innovative way to educate about sexual health and consent – a “Consent Booth” at the annual campus health check-up fair. For three days, this booth (manned by Student Affairs and medical staff) provided a comfortable space to discuss topics like sexual consent, contraception, and healthy relationships. Student could ask anonymous questions (displayed and answered on a live screen), participate in Q&A with health experts, and pick up free protective items (condoms, etc.) and informative brochures. The booth drew many curious students and succeeded in breaking myths and reducing stigma around sexual health. By openly addressing safe sex and boundaries, VinUni fosters a respectful, informed campus culture. The Consent Booth will likely become a regular feature at health events going forward, given its positive reception.

Women’s Health & Wellness: In March 2025, as part of the Healthy Lifestyle course and Well-being program, VinUni hosted an “Embracing the Women Cycle” workshop for female students. Led by counselor Ms. Daphne Ngo, this session created a safe, intimate environment for young women to talk about their bodies and emotions – covering topics like menstrual health, hormonal changes, mood management, and self-care. The discussions were warm and relatable, with students sharing personal experiences and questions in a supportive circle. The workshop celebrated women’s natural cycles and strengths, encouraging self-love, body positivity, and peer support among the participants. Such targeted workshops (including others on skincare, as indicated by a student-run skincare session for VinUnians addressing aspects of personal well-being that students might otherwise shy away from discussing.

Physical Wellness & Recreation: To promote fitness and stress relief, VinUni organizes events like the annual Green Sports Day – a day of outdoor sports and games emphasizing both physical health and environmental awareness. During Green Sports Day, a special Wellbeing Booth was set up offering fun activities: students checked their “D.O.S.E.” (an acronym for Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins – the natural happiness chemicals) by stamping colorful handprints on a board, hugged friends at a “Hugging Spot”, and potted plants at a “Creative Green Corner”This playful approach intertwined exercise with mental well-being and sustainability. By day’s end, hundreds of students had broken a sweat playing sports, as well as shared “warm embraces” and moments of joy at the booths.

– VinUni also offers ongoing recreational classes (yoga, dance, etc.) through clubs and has modern sports facilities accessible to all students, making it easy to stay active for health.
Overall, these workshops and initiatives exemplify VinUni’s proactive stance on student health education. They not only impart valuable knowledge (e.g. how to manage exam stress or practice safe sex) but also create a supportive community dialogue around personal well-being. The diverse range of topics – from mental resilience to physical fitness to intimate health – ensures students are well-informed and cared for in a 360-degree way, aligning with VinUni’s 7-dimensional well-being framework (covering mental, relational, physical, cultural, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness) inspired by Cornell University. Students who attend these programs are better equipped to thrive both during their university years and beyond as balanced, healthy individuals.

VinUniversity is dedicated to support students facing financial challenges with tuition, living expenses, healthcare, and emergencies, ensuring financial barriers don’t hinder their education. We offer students with one-on-one financial planning sessions and literacy workshops. By the 2023–2024 academic year, over 882 billion VND has been awarded to students from Vietnam and over 20 countries, empowering them to focus on their studies and personal growth.

Diversity & inclusion for students and staff VinUniversity is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone – regardless of background – feels supported. This commitment extends to both students and staff, earning VinUni a QS 5-Star rating in Inclusiveness and Social Responsibility

Key initiatives include:
1. Support Center for Minority Groups (SAM): Established to enhance the experience of students from underrepresented backgrounds, the Support Center for Minority Group @ VinUni – often referred to as SAM – offers tailored support services SAM’s mandate covers ethnic minorities, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ students, and others who might face unique challenges. It provides academic mentoring and personal counseling specific to minority students’ needs, organizes informative workshops (e.g. on embracing cultural identity, navigating bias), and even arranges field trips to overlooked rural areas so that students can engage with and learn from different communities SAM also ensures campus facilities accommodate religious practices (prayer rooms, dietary options) and cultural events. By coordinating with various university departments, SAM helps minority students “successfully navigate their university life” and feel a sense of belonging in the VinUni family.

2. PRISM – LGBTQ+ and Allies Community: Under SAM’s umbrella is VinUni PRISM, a student-led community group named for “People Respecting Individuality, Sexuality, and Multi-perspectives”. PRISM provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to connect, learn, and advocate. They host regular meetups – from casual game and movie nights to book discussions – all centered on topics of gender identity, sexual orientation, and inclusion. PRISM also curates sex education resources and awareness campaigns on campus, helping to educate the broader student body about LGBTQ+ issues and rights in a supportive manner. This community has been instrumental in breaking down stigma and ensuring that LGBTQ+ VinUnians have visible support.

3. Educational Workshops & Research: VinUni actively educates its community on diversity and inclusion topics. As part of the official Well-being program, Gender and Sexual Health Education workshops are offered for all students (with an emphasis on including LGBTQ+ youth). These workshops feature guest speakers – healthcare providers, educators, social workers – who share knowledge on topics like sexual health, consent, and overcoming discrimination. One of the program advisors is Ms. Lien Trinh, a mental health counselor and faculty member, who lends her expertise to ensure the workshops are informative and sensitive.

4. Research: Additionally, VinUni has partnered with the University of East Anglia (UK) on a groundbreaking research project on LGBTQ+ student experiences in higher education in Vietnam. Titled “Lived Experiences of Gender and Sexual Minorities in Higher Education in Vietnam,” this study (funded by a British Council gender equality grant) is the first of its kind and underscores VinUni’s thought leadership in inclusion research. Insights from the research will inform better support policies at VinUni and beyond.
Peer Support and Representation: As noted, the Peer Support Group (PSG) initiated in 2021 includes diverse student “peer supporters”, one of whom openly identifies as LGBTQ+. This deliberate inclusion ensures that LGBTQ+ students seeking peer counseling can speak to someone with shared experiences. More broadly, VinUni’s student demographics are increasingly diverse: the university’s ~800 undergraduates (as of 2024) come from 16 different countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas

5. The International Students Association (VISA) organizes cultural exchange events and buddy programs to celebrate this diversity. On the staff side, VinUni hires talent globally – its faculty and leadership represent many nationalities and cultures, fostering an international campus atmosphere. Regular intercultural events (food festivals, global days) and the promotion of English as the lingua franca ensure inclusive engagement for all students and staff.

VinUni’s diversity and inclusion efforts create a campus where differences are celebrated. Students from minority groups have access to dedicated resources and communities, while majority students gain exposure to new perspectives – preparing all to become culturally competent leaders. The supportive policies (from non-discrimination codes to gender-neutral facilities in dorms) and active student groups like PRISM demonstrate that inclusivity is not just an ideal but a daily practice at VinUniversity. This comprehensive approach – combining support services, education, community-building, and research – makes VinUni a model for diversity and inclusion in the region

VinUniversity offers numerous programs to foster students’ personal development and career readiness, ensuring that by graduation they are well-rounded professionals and compassionate individuals. Key initiatives include:

1. Career Services and Industry Engagement: VinUni’s Office of Alumni, Industry & Development (AID) delivers a full spectrum of career services to students. In October 2024, over 200 freshman students attended a Career Services info session to learn about the resources available. At this session, the Head of AID introduced tools like “Big Interview” – an AI-powered platform where students can practice interview questions and get instant feedback on their answers, as well as build standout CVs using smart templates. Students also met Career Counselors from each of the 4 Colleges, who help students map out academic plans aligned with future career paths (e.g. choosing electives or internships that fit one’s goals). The AID office provides individualized career coaching, CV/cover letter clinics, and runs programs like the Mentoring Future Leaders Program, which pairs students with industry mentors. One VinUni alumnus (Cao Gia Bao, Class of 2023) shared during the session how participating in CV checks, Career Day, and one-on-one career counseling from AID helped him land a great job after graduation – a testament to the office’s impact. For quick queries, students can also drop by the new

2. Student Services & Information Center (SSIC), which often handles career-related inquiries and referrals.

3. VinUni Career Day: To connect students with employers, VinUni hosts an annual Career Day on campus. The 2024 Career Day (theme: “Conquer New Horizons”) was especially significant as it coincided with VinUni’s inaugural graduating class . Dozens of companies (local and international, including Vingroup subsidiaries and multinational partners) set up recruitment booths at VinUni’s Central Square. Students of all years attended to explore internships and job openings – companies conducted on-site interviews for intern and fresh graduate positions. Employers also used the event to boost their brand visibility among VinUni’s talented pool. Networking sessions allowed students to meet industry leaders and alumni, planting seeds for future collaborations. Uniquely, mentors and mentees of the Mentoring Future Leaders Program gathered at Career Day for a meet-and-greet, strengthening that community. VinUni also unveiled a special Career Development White Paper and Guidebook for employers and students at the event, sharing insights on the strengths of VinUni’s “fresh young talents” and guidance on nurturing their careers. Career Day not only helps students secure opportunities, it also cements VinUni’s relationships with industry and showcases the caliber of its graduates to the world.

4. Personal Growth and Leadership Training: Outside the classroom, VinUni provides structures for personal growth. The residential college system and OASIS first-year seminar focus on character development, ethics, and the VinUni EXCEL values (Empathy, eXceptional capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial mindset, Leadership). Students can earn EXCEL Awards for outstanding demonstration of these values (e.g. an Empathy award for community service). The VinUni Leadership Program invites selected students to workshops on team leadership, project management, and public speaking, often led by corporate trainers or global partner universities. For instance, student leaders (club presidents, resident assistants, etc.) undergo retreats where they hone skills to effectively lead their peer teams. Moreover, writing for the VinUnian’s Blog “Sincerely, VinUnians” is encouraged as a reflection exercise – students share personal growth stories and lessons learned, inspiring others. All these experiences contribute to self-discovery and improved soft skills like communication, resilience, and cultural competence.

5. Global Exposure and Exchange: Personal and professional growth is also accelerated through global experiences. VinUni has an expanding study abroad and exchange program – by 2024 it had partnered with 20+ universities worldwide. Dozens of VinUni students have spent a semester abroad (from the U.S. to Europe to Asia) and vice versa, bringing back broadened perspectives. Programs like the Global Exchange Info Day inform students of scholarships and financial aid to make these experiences accessible. Additionally, VinUni facilitates international research internships (e.g. at Cornell or VinAI) for top students, and sends students to global competitions and conferences, grooming them as world citizens.

6. Entrepreneurial Mindset & Research: As mentioned in the student activities section, VinUni’s E-Lab and research opportunities also feed into professional growth. Students are encouraged (and funded) to pursue undergraduate research or start venture projects. For example, through the OUR (Office of Undergraduate Research) program, students can receive micro-grants to conduct independent research under faculty mentorship. Many VinUnians publish papers or present at conferences before graduation. Likewise, those with startup ideas can join the incubator – even if their idea doesn’t turn into a company, the process teaches business planning, pitching, and resilience, which are invaluable career skills.

In summary, VinUniversity’s personal and professional growth initiatives are yielding quantifiable results – high internship and job placement rates for graduates, successful student startups, prestigious scholarship wins, etc. – but more importantly, they fulfill VinUni’s mission of developing well-rounded leaders and changemakers. Through career development programs, leadership training, global exposure, and a supportive mentorship network, VinUni ensures its students have every opportunity to realize their potential and confidently step into the world as the next generation of innovators and community leaders.