Hack your student life with Leiden United
Hello there! Welcome to Leiden!
Whether you’re just settling in or already know Leiden’s crisscrossing streets like the back of your hand, we, the members of the board, have compiled some of our personal tips and tricks for you, to unlock all Leiden has to offer!
Whether you’re just settling in or already know Leiden’s crisscrossing streets like the back of your hand, we, the members of the board, have compiled some of our personal tips and tricks for you, to unlock all Leiden has to offer!
Associations
Besides studying, many Dutch students have a job, do sports and become member of a student association. Associations exist in many different shapes and sizes: There are social associations, sports associations, religious associations and most studies have their own study association as well. Some of the associations have their own restaurant where you can have dinner for a small price. To enter societies, you have to be a member of the association or of Leiden United. We take you to the restaurants of the six biggest associations in town!
Hack your Leiden Life by signing up with Leiden United! Experience all of Leiden student life and make lasting connections with the most amazing people from both across the globe and across the street.
Besides studying, many Dutch students have a job, do sports and become member of a student association. Associations exist in many different shapes and sizes: There are social associations, sports associations, religious associations and most studies have their own study association as well. Some of the associations have their own restaurant where you can have dinner for a small price. To enter societies, you have to be a member of the association or of Leiden United. We take you to the restaurants of the six biggest associations in town!
Hack your Leiden Life by signing up with Leiden United! Experience all of Leiden student life and make lasting connections with the most amazing people from both across the globe and across the street.
Bikes, bikes, bikes
Central to your time in Leiden and to becoming a true Dutchie is, of course, having your very own bicycle. Everything in Leiden in within cycling distance, making a bike your key to discovery. The Dutch really love their bicycles, that much is clear. But, did you know that there are 22.8 million of them in the Netherlands? That is 1.33 bikes per person! Soon you will be one of them!
However, finding and buying the right bike can be difficult and expensive; with theft insurance and repairs hiking the price even more. But don’t worry, LU is here to help! We recommend buying a bike second-hand or opting for a rental bike with a monthly fee.
Central to your time in Leiden and to becoming a true Dutchie is, of course, having your very own bicycle. Everything in Leiden in within cycling distance, making a bike your key to discovery. The Dutch really love their bicycles, that much is clear. But, did you know that there are 22.8 million of them in the Netherlands? That is 1.33 bikes per person! Soon you will be one of them!
However, finding and buying the right bike can be difficult and expensive; with theft insurance and repairs hiking the price even more. But don’t worry, LU is here to help! We recommend buying a bike second-hand or opting for a rental bike with a monthly fee.
Our Personal Tips
Nasmina says: "If you enjoy a bit of calmness, or if there is much wind, go and find a “hofje” nearby! Hofje is a dutch word for a courtyard. I see Hofjes as secret gardens within the city. They are very peaceful, calm and definitely less windy due to buildings that surround them. I have read that there are at least 35 hofjes in Leiden! You can check them out on this website https://www.visitleiden.nl/nl/highlights/leidse-hofjes :)"
Vinutha says: "If you're looking for Housing in the Netherlands, then you are most likely in a tricky situation. As a student, being able to find a place proves to be very difficult. An important point to remember in this regard is to avoid looking for housing in the month of August. The reason being that there will be a huge number of students who will be moving to Leiden to start their studies during the fall semester. The best option to look for housing is through Facebook groups. There are also paid agencies that can aid in finding places. If you're an international student, the best option would be to find housing with the help of Leiden University."
Shanté says: "When coming to Leiden, you should definitely go on a boat tour sometime! Leiden has many beautiful canals on which you can sail with a (rented) boat. Especially in the summertime, when it’s hot outside, a relaxing boat tour with some drinks is all you need. In Leiden there are companies where you can go on a boat tour in bigger groups, but you can also gather your friends and rent a boat for yourselves. Either way, you don’t want to miss out on this activity!"
Dana says: "For the fellow sweet toothed peeps, the life hack I am about to share blew my mind and I hope you will be just as impressed. Drum roll please as I’d like to introduce you to the… STROOPWAFEL. Before arriving in the Netherlands I knew of these caramelised waffle rings glued together with syrup. However, after arriving in the NL I realized this is the snack to have if you are craving something sweet. While you can buy a pack of stroopwafels for the store or the bakery, my favorite place to pop by for a fresh stroopwafel is the street cart where it goes straight from the maker into your hand. There are even a few scattered around Leiden and The Hague so watch out for them. Enjoy and thank me later!"
Sacha says: "In leiden there are so many things to do, but I love all the little cafes you can get a drink or a bite in and just enjoy the view with some nice people. Leiden really has a charm when sitting at a terrace. For me, the favorite is Van der Werff, which is close to the station."
