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 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 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 from the previous board of 2019-2020
Amna says: "As a student of Leiden University, living in the Hague, I would definitely recommend visiting Bleyenberg. It is located in the center of The Hague and is the perfect place to catch up with your friends or to get a coffee while studying. The inside really has a great interior, which gives a relaxed vibe. Besides this, it also has a rooftop bar, with a great view over The Hague! They serve delicious cocktails and great wines. So, it is definitely worth the while to visit!"
Anna says: "My recommendations for Leiden are the two restaurants 'Bregje' and 'Sijgje'. Not only do they serve good food, but they are also very student wallet friendly. So, whenever there is a girls/boys night out, a date, or a celebration of the end of the exam period coming up you should have a feast there."
Elena says: "A great way to shop in an environmentally friendly way is to buy second-hand clothes and Leiden has some amazing vintage stores. At “Vintage Island” for example, you can find incredibly unique and eccentric pieces for affordable prices! It’s located right in the city center close to “Einstein”, so be sure to stop by and browse through the wide selection of clothes and shoes. Another shop to check out is “Hartendief”, situated on Breestraat. It is a bit more on the expensive side, but they have lovely dresses, bags, sunglasses and little knick-knacks! One of my favorite places to look for second-hand clothes is “VNTG”. Even though the store itself is very small, they have an assorted collection of clothes and accessories. Their staff is always super friendly and helpful as well, so definitely check this one out!"
Eva says: "Is having coffee with a friend your favorite pastime? Then I have some good tips for you! Near the central station, Lavendi and Café Abel are my favorite places to go for a good cappuccino or latte. Furthermore, I can highly recommend Chummy Coffee at the Breestraat with its special coffees and its wide range of cakes. In the city centre, you should definitely check out Bakker van Maanen and Anne & Max. Perhaps you could bring your new Leiden United friends to one of these places?"
Jade says: "One of my favorite things to do in Leiden is to chill in a park, whether it’s alone or with friends! If you go on a sunny day, you’ll see many people enjoying themselves by the water. My personal favorites are the park next to Molen de Valk, and the parts next to the water at Hortus Botanicus. Tip - bring your LU card, access is free for students of Leiden University. :)"
Steven says: "Hey there fellow food enthusiasts! There are so many places in Leiden where you can eat with your friends. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a more complete meal, this vibrant city has it all. I have always absolutely loved dinner places such as VIP or Aperitivo, but until recently, I was fairly ignorant of the options for a good lunch that Leiden provides. That is, until I entered a small alley next to Leiden’s city hall in the Breestraat and discovered Happy Tosti. Not only do they have some of the best tostis I have ever tasted, but most of their drinks are homemade and flavorful. Their menu also includes Paninis, soups, breakfasts and yoghurts. In short, if you want a nice and refreshing breakfast or lunch, look no further!"
