Erasmus University Rotterdam campus completely smoke-free from August 2020

Smoking and passive smoking are the main sources of deteriorating health in the Netherlands. Research has shown that the earlier young people are exposed to smoking, the greater the chance that they will become addicted to it. Many young people start smoking when they begin their studies. Erasmus University Rotterdam is taking responsibility now and is creating a smoke-free campus with a transition year from September 2019 through July 2020, during which five smoking zones will be retained on campus.

Smoking zones as of September 2019

From 1 September 2019 until July 2020, smoking will only be permitted in a number of designated smoking zones on the campus grounds. The five smoking zones will be put into use immediately at the start of the 2019–2020 academic year and will be located a considerable distance from building entrances. There will no longer be any facilities for extinguishing and disposing of cigarette butts outside the smoking zones. From August 2020, the entire campus (including the grounds of Erasmus University College and the International Institute of Social Studies) will be smoke-free for all students, employees, residents, parents, visitors and suppliers, without exception. The smoking ban applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers all smoking and tobacco products.

With the slogan Change is in the air, the university is drawing attention to the changing smoking policy, appealing to both smokers and non-smokers. The slogan expresses involvement and the willingness to change with regard to society, sustainability and health/vitality.

General Administrative Order

The Ministry of Health is preparing a General Administrative Order concerning smoke-free school grounds, and this measure will come into force on 1 August 2020. This means that all school grounds (from primary schools through universities of applied sciences and universities) must be completely smoke-free. The aim is to encourage Dutch people to make healthier choices, so that they become less ill, need less healthcare and set a good example for their children, so that they are less likely to start smoking or stop smoking altogether. That is why the measures focus on raising children in a smoke- and tobacco-free environment, preventing young people from taking up smoking and limiting unwanted exposure to second-hand smoke.

Frequently asked questions and information

Why a smoke-free campus?

By making the campus smoke-free, the university is also preparing for the General Administrative Order concerning smoke-free school grounds, which is currently being drafted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). This General Administrative Order for smoke-free school grounds will come into force on 1 August 2020. This means that all school grounds (from primary schools through universities of applied sciences and universities) must be completely smoke-free.

Why are we starting at EUR as early as September 2019?

EUR is taking responsibility now and is creating a smoke-free campus with a transition year from September 2019 through July 2020, during which four smoking zones will be retained on campus. From August 2020, the campus will be completely smoke-free. From then on, smoking will only be permitted outside the campus grounds. This addresses the concerns of people who are already experiencing inconvenience from smoking, while accommodating smokers by offering them smoking zones where they can smoke a cigarette.

Is this a nationwide initiative?

By making the campus smoke-free, the university is preparing for the General Administrative Order concerning smoke-free school grounds, which is currently being drafted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). This General Administrative Order for smoke-free school grounds will come into force on 1 August 2020. This means that all school grounds (from primary schools through universities of applied sciences and universities) must be completely smoke-free.

How can I recognize the smoking zones?

The smoking zones are clearly identifiable and marked on the ground. Arrows also point to the five zones. Can’t you find the smoking zones yet? Then look at the campus map.

Where can I find the five smoking zones?

The five smoking zones are spread across the campus and are indicated on the campus map.

What can I do if I want to quit smoking?

If you want to quit, that is of course your own choice. On the website ikstopnu.nl, you will find a great deal of information and tips about quitting smoking. You can also obtain advice from your general practitioner and, if necessary, a referral to a “Quit Smoking” course or program. Please note! From January 2020, this will be fully reimbursed by (most) health insurers. You may want to take this into account when choosing your health insurer.

I now have to walk farther to the smoking zones. What do I do about my working hours?

Because you now have to walk farther to smoke, this may cause conflicts with your working hours. Discuss this with your supervisor.

Where can I dispose of my cigarette butt?

You can dispose of cigarette butts in the special bins in the smoking zones. Outside the campus, there will be tiles in which you can stub out and dispose of your cigarette.

May I smoke in the parking garage, in my own car?

Smoking is not permitted in the parking garage due to the risk of fire. Therefore, if your car is parked in one of the parking garages, you may not smoke there.

From when will I no longer be allowed to smoke anywhere on campus?

From 1 August 2020, Woudestein campus will be completely smoke-free. From 1 September 2019 until July 2020, smoking will only be permitted in four smoking zones on the grounds.