MMMS 2025: student mental health shows slight improvement

Student mental health has shown a modest improvement since 2021. This is evident from the Monitor Mental Health and Substance Use among Higher Education Students (MMMS), conducted by the Trimbos Institute on behalf of the RIVM. The most significant progress occurred between 2021 and 2023, in the period following the end of the COVID-19 crisis.

At the same time, a substantial group of students continues to struggle with mental health problems such as anxiety, low mood, stress and performance pressure. Substance use among students has remained largely stable: risky alcohol consumption remains common and cannabis continues to be the most frequently used drug. Most students with psychological complaints now receive advice or support, but when it comes to problems related to substance use, this group is smaller — although there has been a slight increase compared to 2023.

Situation at the University of Twente

Based on the nearly one thousand questionnaires completed by UT students, the Trimbos Institute analysed the results specifically for the university. These insights help the UT to develop targeted policies to support student well-being.

The results among UT students largely align with the national picture. Students who participated in the study rated their overall life satisfaction at 6.7 on a scale from 0 to 10 (compared to 6.9 nationally). Notably, heavy alcohol use and the risk of an alcohol use disorder have decreased sharply since 2023, both at UT and nationwide.

Of the UT students with psychological complaints, 65% received advice or support: 37% from a UT staff member and 51% from someone outside the university — such as a healthcare professional or someone within their personal network. Internal support at UT (37%) is therefore higher than the average across all universities (28%). Of the students who received help through the UT, 71% were (very) satisfied; 6% indicated they were (very) dissatisfied.

Support for students

The University of Twente places great importance on student well-being and provides an extensive support network. Students can turn to study advisers, student psychologists, student counsellors and confidential advisers when issues such as motivation problems, stress, anxiety, performance pressure, financial concerns or personal circumstances affect their studies. The UT also collaborates with external healthcare professionals on specific topics such as autism, concentration problems/ADHD and addiction. In addition, various workshops on well-being topics are regularly offered.

More information about the support available can be found on the Student Guidance & Well-being website. The Student Well-being Improvement Programme (SWIP) website also provides an overview of initiatives aimed at improving student well-being at UT.

About the study

More than 27,000 students from 23 educational institutions (12 universities of applied sciences and 11 research universities), including the University of Twente, participated in the study in April and May 2025. They completed a digital questionnaire. The full report is available on the Trimbos Institute website.