Student Counsellor

Studying abroad is about more than attending classes and taking exams. You will probably have some practical questions, encounter some challenges along the way, or may need some additional support on a personal or academic level. At KCB, your well-being is important and our student counsellor and ombuds person are available for you, free of charge.

The EhB Student Support Services (STUVO) is also there to support you with questions about financial assistance, finding student accommodation, wellbeing, and more.

Haven’t been feeling so good lately? The studying isn’t going the way you’d want it to? Or are you just looking for someone to talk to?

Studying abroad creates some specific challenges, such as a temporary loss of your support network of family and friends, an adjustment to a new city and country that takes time, and loads of administrative and practical questions. 

At KCB, you are not alone and you are not on your own. 

You can talk to me in confidence about anything that is having an impact on your personal well-being and/or your study performance. This service is free of charge for students. I speak English, French and Dutch and hold a master in psychology. 

I am also available to offer guidance in case of more practical or administrative questions, as are my colleagues from STUVO and the KCB student administration. And don't forget, each and everyone of our teachers are there to help and support you, too. 

Some examples of what students come to talk about:

• Questions about study planning and study strategies
• Questions about artistic process and artistic vision/identity 
• Strong emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, ... 
• Procrastination and concentration 
• Fear of failure, perfectionism, self-confidence 
• Disturbances or significant changes in eating and sleeping patterns 
• How to cope with stress
• Loss of energy, feeling unmotivated 
• Alcohol and drug use 
• Worrying, racing thoughts 
• Financial difficulties and stressors
• Important life events (loss and grief, pregnancy, relationship break-up, marriage,...) 
• Studying with a disability or learning disorder 
• Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
• Wanting to hurt yourself or actively hurting yourself
• Thoughts or plans about suicide
• Family of origin or relationship issues (partner or friends) 
• … and more. Every story is welcome. 

Booking an appointment is made easy in the online calendar or via studentcounselling.kcb@ehb.be 

I have a weekly permanence both at Kleine Zavel 5 for music students, as at Nijverheidskaai for musical and jazz students. Online appointments are also possible. 

Are you considering studying at KCB, and do you already have questions about well-being or studying at KCB? Are you a student with a disability or in a special situation? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your personal circumstances and ask any questions you may have.

At EhB and KCB, we want to make studying as accessible as possible for everyone. That is why there are a number of inclusive measures that apply to all students. If you need additional accommodations, you can apply for a special status. In addition, you can discuss with our study trajectory counsellor whether an individual study programme would be possible and appropriate in your situation.

At the Support Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, you can find more information about available resources. You can use this questionnaire to help assess your needs and prepare your transition to higher education.  

What is considered a special status? 

Studying with a disability

Studying in exceptional circumstances

Point of contact: student counsellor 

Such as: 

• A death in the family
• A temporary injury or medical condition
• Pregnancy 
• Care for a family member (informal carer)

Studying and top-level sports

Point of contact: trajectory counsellor

Studying and entrepreneurship 

Point of contact: trajectory counsellor

At KCB, we want everyone to feel welcome, safe and respected, in a school where there's no room for transgressive behaviour. When many people study, work and live together, however, there can be some frictions. A misunderstanding, a difficult communication, a conflict with a fellow student or an uncomfortable situation involving a staff member: it can happen to anyone. That is why you can always turn to the ombudsperson and confidential counsellors in complete confidence. They will listen, think things through with you and work with you to find a solution.

Ombuds Service

You can contact the ombuds service in the event of tensions, conflicts or complaints relating to education and examinations. The ombudsperson can also advise and inform you about your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as the school regulations.

Contact: Vera Van Mierlo, ombuds.kcb@ehb.be, +32 (0)2 213 42 43.

Confidential Counsellors

You can contact the confidential counsellors in complete confidence if you experience inappropriate or boundary-crossing behaviour.

Contact: Angelique Roels, angelique.roels@ehb.be