When you’re new in Leiden or The Hague, it is a good idea to register for one of the introduction weeks. They are open to all new students. Experience everything the cities have to offer, participate in fun activities and meet lots of new people at the OWL or HOP weeks. If you are studying at Leiden University College The Hague, you will have your very own introweek with all the other new students for that programme. At all introduction weeks you will learn more about your programme and practical matters, and feel at home before the start of the academic year. While the orientation weeks aren’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to participate to start the year in the best way possible.

• Join a buddy programme or support networks.
• Join a student association or club. Some are affiliated with a particular study programme, while others are open to all students for debates, symposia, field trips, and social events.
• Become a member of one of the international student networks, or find the community that suits you best. There are many options to choose from.
• Become a member of the Leiden University Sports Centre, to stay fit at Plexus and USC in Leiden or the Buzz in The Hague.
• Follow one of the creative courses at Leiden University. LAK offers courses on dance, drama, photography, visual arts, etc.
• Attend lectures and debates on a wide range of academic topics at Studium Generale in Leiden and The Hague. They are free of charge and open to everyone.

The well-being and success of our students is very important to at Leiden University.

• Connect with dedicated counselors for academic or non-academic matters.
• Attend workshops and build your study-related and well-being skills, such as academic writing, stress or time management, or thesis writing.
• Participate in Well-being Weeks and Healthy University initiatives to engage with other students and staff.
• Find support for learning and physical disabilities at the Fenestra Disability Center.

For assistance related to your application, paying tuition, registration and other administrative help, you can find the Student Affairs Front Office in the Plexus student centre in Leiden, and the Beehive student centre in The Hague.

To help you prepare for the job market, Leiden University offers you dedicated support in mapping out a path that prepares you for your first job. Your transition to the labour market begins in various ways, including: network skills training, developing competencies like leadership and entrepreneurship, exploring the job market, gaining practical experience, and connecting with alumni and employers. We help shape you into an academic who is ready for the job market of the future.

Leiden University Career Zone

Questions about your study plan or the job market, vacancies, finding a job that suits you, creating your CV or job-application procedures? Make an appointment at the Career Zone, join a Coach Café, or participate in one of the many useful workshops they run to prepare you for your next steps.

Advice from alumni through the Mentor Network

A key part of career support is the Alumni Mentor Network. More than 650 former students are happy to share their knowledge and experience to help you prepare for your post-graduation career.

Leiden University alumni fare very well on the job market. No less than 74% of our alumni are (extremely) satisfied with their first job and three-quarters of them found a job in less
than three months.