Leiden University has a package of services available to meet your academic or personal needs. It all starts with insightful and fun introduction weeks in both Leiden and The Hague.
Coming to a new country to live and study is certainly exciting, but it can be daunting as well.
When you’re new in Leiden or The Hague it is a good idea to register for one of the international introduction weeks at the start of the academic year. These weeks are not only functional, but they can serve as a foundation for your social and professional network at Leiden University as well. You will learn about your faculty and other practical matters while getting to know your new city and lots of new people. So don't miss out! You can attend:
OWL (Orientation Week Leiden): Experience everything the city has to offer, participate in fun activities and meet lots of new people. You will get to learn more about university life and organise some practical things such as getting a bike!
HOP Week (The Hague Orientation Programme): Feel the pulse of the bustling city of The Hague! Get started with lots of fun, information on the city and university life, as well getting to know your fellow students.
Join the Erasmus Student Netwerk (ESN) in Leiden or The Hague which organises trips, clubs, cultural events, social events and dinners, but which also helps with academic and practical questions.
Become a member of one of the other international student clubs in Leiden or The Hague, such as Leiden United, the Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe (AEGEE), or the United Nations Students Association (SIB-Leiden).
Become a member of the Leiden University Sports Centre, and use our facilities at the USC in Leiden or the Buzz at the Beehive Student Center 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.
Download the app Uni-life to meet other students and stay up to date on the latest events.
The Student Centres are home to many services that you may need to utilise during your study at Leiden University. For example, if you have any questions about enrollment, tuition fees, scholarships, exchange programmes, study delays or other study-related issues, the Student Affairs Front Office can help. You can call or walk in during office hours* to get assistance.
Leiden
Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00-16:00
Tuesday: 11:00-17:30
The Hague
Beehive Student Centre
Turfmarkt 104
Tuesday and Thursday: 11:00-16:00
*office hours are subject to change
The well-being and success of our students is very important to us at Leiden University. We offer students all kind of skills packages to improve study-related skills and their own wellbeing. Topics covered include time or stress management and thesis writing. This offer is varied and consists, among other things, of workshops to individual counselling. We have a number of specialised student counsellors and psychologists available. Not only can they help resolve study and personal problems, they can also advice you on legal, financial and other non-academic matters. 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 center in Leiden, and the Beehive student center in the Hague.
Each department has its own study advisers/coordinators who can answer questions about matters that are related to the study programme of your choice. You can consult the study adviser/coordinator on issues such as timetables, exam grades, choice of subjects and application for graduation. You can find your study adviser/coordinator on the website of your study programme.
Leiden University supports students with a disability or a learning disorder so they are able to follow their chosen study programme. The Fenestra Disability Centre can assist these students with practical support and relevant information.
Leiden University welcomes a diversity of staff and students and is committed to providing an open and welcoming community which enables everyone to develop their talents. The Diversity and Inclusion Expertise Office raises awareness, shapes policies and supports the university community to achieve this goal. There are also a number of networks for students and staff committed to offering a community, a safe space and events to engage in questions related to diversity: The Afro Student Association, Space to Talk About Race, the Middle East and North Africa Students Association, the LGBT+ network, the Leiden University Diversity and Equality Network, devoted to inclusive education and issues of race, and the Access and Support Network of students and staff with a disability.
