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
Irina says: "No matter if you live in Leiden or in the Hague or somewhere else, check out the local market! You can get fresh and cheap vegetables and fruit, try local cheeses and get some super fresh fish. There is always something new and interesting to be found at the market. Just grab a friend and explore."
Linde says: "One of the things I like most is to go out for brunch. I have a few favourite places to go to. The first is Barista, in the city centre. It has a beautiful garden in the back where you can chill, drink some nice coffees, and have awesome brunches. Another place is Happy Tosti. It has the best tostis I’ve ever tasted and they even have swings to sit on. I usually take my buddy from Leiden United to this place. Last, but not least, is the Waag. The Waag is a pretty place which also has really nice food. Maybe I will meet you at one of these places soon!"
Eric says: "For those of us who enjoy a nice, long bike ride at the end of a stress week, or perhaps a short sprint to start the day energized, South Holland (where Leiden and The Hauge are located) has plenty to offer! The Dutch LF network connects the entire country with bike paths. Starting from Leiden or The Hauge, you can take LF 1 up and down the North Sea coast to take in occean views, or the Roman Limes Route inland to soak up on ancient history. While these bike routes tend not to be challenging given how flat the landscape is, they are sure to reward you with wonderful natural and cultural sights at every turn of the road!"
Lena says: "If you have a craving to nature, you should check out the many parks Leiden is rich of. I really enjoy a walk in Hortus Botanicus. It is in the middle of the city centre but you still have a feeling of being in the nature. It is also opposite the university library, so in your studybreak you can visit the nature and with you LU card your entrance is free! Leiden has also “het Plantsoen” which is nearby a canal from which you can enjoy the view of boats passing by. Last but not least park polderpark Cronesteyn. This one is a bit outside the city centre but it is the biggest of them which even has animals to make the nature complete. "
