ROOM: Erasmus University’s new app to help reduce stress

Students can now start using ROOM, an app designed by Erasmus University to support personal development and mental health. The app allows users to test themselves, engage in exercises, and reduce stress.

“In a time when students are under pressure due to performance-based grants and penalties for studying too long, a bit of mental support is far from a luxury”, says Mayra Kapteijn, ROOM’s implementation manager.

The launch on Monday 2 September marks the culmination of a four-and-a-half-year development phase. After a year of testing by hundreds of students, everyone can now use the app to improve their mental health. Initial results indicate that users experience reduced stress and better emotional management within just three weeks, according to Kapteijn.

TikTok

Many young people already use self-care apps and TikTok videos, but these are often designed primarily to keep your attention as long as possible. “We really want to help you”, says colleague Bente van den Akker. ROOM is non-commercial and entirely evidence-based. There are no vague tips here; everything is grounded in scientific insights.

Yet, ROOM also has the trendy look and feel of commercial apps. Animations, a sleek interface, and audio clips ensure that the app remains engaging. Through various short tests, you can discover more about yourself. The app also checks in daily on how you’re feeling, and offers breathing exercises. As you use the app over time, the virtual ‘student room’ on the main screen fills up with tests and exercises that suit you. If the app detects that you’re struggling, it will refer you to student psychologists or other services.

Seasoning your dish

Van den Akker’s favourite feature in the app is the explanation of the therapeutic approaches used. “For example, the app explains what cognitive behavioural therapy or positive psychology actually is. This is a university, after all, so it’s nice that you can also learn about that.”

Kapteijn is particularly enthusiastic about the value mapping exercise. “Something rather abstract becomes very concrete, namely how you can apply your core values in daily life. The app calls this ‘the seasoning you add to your dishes’. It might refer to how you talk to your partner or your breakfast routine.” She learned from it too: thanks to the exercise, she and her partner agreed to stop watching the news during breakfast and to chat calmly instead.

Toddlers and broccoli

The app is available for download in the Apple and Google app stores. Kapteijn is hopeful that students will use the app. “Getting people to work on their mental health is a bit like getting toddlers to eat broccoli. You need a lot of patience. But many young people already use self-help apps, so I’m optimistic.” In the coming years, Van den Akker and Kapteijn expect that the app will become available to more people, including students from other Dutch universities.

Anonymous

To use the app, you must log in with your university account. This is only to verify that you are indeed connected to EUR, says Kapteijn. All information you share with the app remains anonymous, she assures. The anonymous data is mainly used to monitor the app’s usage and to further improve ROOM.

EUR staff members can also try the app, although it’s not yet fully tailored to them: when logging in for the first time, you have to choose whether you’re a bachelor’s or master’s student. It’s unclear if this will change in the future.