Situated at what has traditionally been an important junction where waterways and roads intersect, stands a city that will enchant you: Leiden. The city is famous not only for its university, but for its almshouses, museums and glorious history. Rembrandt was born here, and the city inspired many other influential painters. Over the centuries, Leiden continued to attract scientists, and artists. The canals, the historical buildings, the charming narrow lanes, the treasuries of knowledge, culture and science: Leiden has them all for you to explore.
Leiden University has contributed to the city’s unique atmosphere for almost 450 years. This historical city became home to the first Dutch university in 1575, and many of the university buildings are still located in the picturesque city centre. The medieval centre of Leiden is full of students, student accommodation and university buildings. Enjoy the myriad of lovely restaurants and cafés, the venues for theatre, music and film, or the first-class museums. If you want some time off after your academic efforts, you could also take a boat trip on the canals, or spend some time in one of the city’s parks. And don’t forget the many trendy festivals and other cultural events that are organised in Leiden from January through December, such as the Relief of Leiden on 3 October. It’s the biggest event of the year!
Leiden is a winning combination of small and fun, yet big in character as a student city. Thanks to its compact layout it’s never more than a short bike ride from your accommodation to your faculty, and you’re more or less guaranteed to meet someone you know along the way. What’s more, it’s also centrally located between the Netherlands’ main cities. With a little effort, you can cycle to the beach in 30 minutes, while Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht can all be reached within 45 minutes by train. Our second location in The Hague is only a 10-minute train ride away as well!
Leiden University has contributed to the city’s unique atmosphere for 450 years. The historical centre of Leiden is full of student unions and associations, student accommodation and university buildings. It is truly a student city.
Leiden University has contributed to the city’s unique atmosphere for 450 years. The historical centre of Leiden is full of student unions and associations, student accommodation and university buildings. It is truly a student city.
In the video series Feels like home, students talk to each other about their favourite spots in the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Student Michiel takes Veronique to the Hortus Botanicus, a place where Leiden University and a piece of history come together. Veronique tells how the movie Interstellar sparked her interest in Astronomy and after a look through the telescope in the Old Observatory she knew for sure: these are worth the more than necessary study hours (and discipline).
Because I am very social, extravert and interested in other people I looked for a study that fitted my competences. That is why I pursued a bachelor's programme in Psychology. I was always interested in Adolescent Psychology, but the University in Indonesia were I followed my bachelor's programme didn’t offer a master’s programme in that field. That's when I began looking for master's programmes in Europe, with a preference for the Netherlands. My older sister studied Law at Leiden University and during her graduation, I visited Leiden for the first time. I instantly fell in love with the city and its diverse, international student community. I could easily see myself studying there.
Through the Indonesian network and student association, I found housing in Leiden. I currently share an apartment with an Indonesian PhD student. We have similar habits, like taking off our shoes when we get home and we enjoy the same dishes. One delightful surprise was discovering that both Dutch and Indonesian people enjoy 'poffertjes'—little pancakes with sugar on top. Making and eating them here always reminds me of my grandmother. Having never lived outside my hometown, moving to the other side of the world was a huge step. The support from my international friends and the Indonesian student association has been invaluable, making me feel more at home.
Humaira Wardana
Child and Adolescent Psychology
