University of Applied Sciences Leiden
trusts
HousingAnywhere
with accommodation for their students since 2015

• Founded in 1984

• Ranks 34/135 in the Netherlands

• 9,000 students

• 5 Faculties

• Offers courses in English

• Has partnered with Housing Anywhere since December 2015

Campus facilities

If you like a small, compact campus, then this is the perfect place for you! There is only one large university building, which conveniently houses everything that you will need to be a successful student at the Hogeschool.

When you’re looking for a place to study, whether alone or with a new group of friends, the library is a great place to seek out. It also offers students use of the computers, along with access to the state-of-the art media center, where you can rent books, magazines and more.

When relaxation calls during or after a long day, the Grand Café offers a quiet respite, complete with comfortable sofas and a variety of drink options. If you crave something a bit more substantial, there’s a restaurant offering sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks. During the summer, there’s also a garden to enjoy!

If you’re looking for other dining options, Leiden has a variety of delicious cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy.

Courses

Offering both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, the Leiden University of Applied Sciences boasts many wide areas of interests for students to choose from.

There are five faculties at the university:

• Faculty of Health

• Faculty of Education

• Faculty of Social Work and Applied Psychology

• Faculty of Technology

• Faculty of Management and Business

These faculties offer numerous programs like commercial economics, bio-informatica, communication, psychology, law and several teaching programs, including primary school, music, dancing and German).

International dimension

Most of the Bachelor’s degrees have courses that are offered in Dutch. But keep in mind that some limited Minors courses are also available to exchange students in the English language. You can opt to take part in The International Profession, Global Awareness, Innovative Molecular Diagnostics, International Health Development or International Business.

There’s actually not a large international student body at the Hogeschool, as that a good portion of those enrolled are of Dutch heritage. With many of the programs also in the Dutch language, this means that most international students can speak the language.

Therefore, the university has developed a "buddy system", where international students can pair up with local students to assist in their integration. This “buddy” will even pick you up from the airport and take you to your housing for the first time, as well as show you around the university’s campus and the city of Leiden. Hopefully, you’ll share similar interests and begin a wonderful friendship!

Of course, when you’re an incoming international student, there are numerous city guides designed to help you become more at home in Leiden much faster. Be sure to check them out!

How to get to the university

From Leiden Central Station, it is quick and simple to reach the university either by bus or on foot.

If you decide to walk from the station, exit at LUMC and cross the Bargelaan. Further down, cross the Albinusdreef, keeping the LUMC (University Medical Center) on the left. Continue via the Hippocratespad. Cross over the water and turn to the right. Once you arrive at the roundabout, cross the Sandifortdreef and walk to the left toward the Zernikedreef. You’ll arrive at the university in just a few minutes.

If you’d rather use the bus system, you can take either the 221 or 43 from Leiden Central station, exiting at the Zernikedreef.

Before long, you’ll be getting around Leiden just like a local. Until then, be sure to check out transportation guide that can help you become better acquainted with the city and its numerous methods of transportation.

Student neighborhoods

Haarlemmerstraat

Students, students everywhere

Obviously, this is a very popular area with students and other young locals. Don’t think about borrowing sugar from your neighbor, but maybe a good hangover cure instead. Plus, when you call this neighborhood home, you’ll be in the center of it all, as well as close to the university and its campus. However, keep in mind that cars are not allowed on the streets here, so be prepared to walk or ride a bike, which are definitely great transportation options in this area!

Stevenshof

A perfect, cheap alternative

Since most students live in the city center, you may be looking for a cheaper, quieter alternative. Be sure to put the Stevenshof district on your list. At merely a 10-minute bike ride to get into the city center, it’s even convenient. While it may not be as colorful and vibrant as the student areas in the city center, it can still put you close to the action when you’re on a budget.

Centrum

Historic and charming

In many of the other Dutch cities, students tend to stay in many different neighborhoods across the city, as well as in surrounding areas. Yet in Leiden, most students tend to congregate closer to the city center. It’s easy to see why, with the largest concentration of activities and events held there, along with several university campuses.

Compared to other areas like Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam, Leiden is relatively small. However, it is bustling and trendy, with plenty of lively young people, bars, restaurants and unique little shops.

One visit to Leiden will show just how special it is. To add to its uniqueness, there are 35 groups of almshouses right in the middle of the very modern city of Leiden. These idyllic places give the perception that time just stood still. People still actually live in some of these houses, but you are free to look around, just as long as you don’t disturb anyone.

Did you know we also have a city info page? Check out this link to learn more about the exciting neighborhoods that Leiden has to offer.

Common housing practices

Locating housing in Leiden can be tricky. Even though it considered a student city, that high demand even adds to the difficulties in finding a room or an apartment. So, we’d love to offer a few ideas to help you with your search.

• Start looking on time, especially during peak seasons when others may also be checking out the same neighborhoods. Always begin your search at least 2-3 months before you need to relocate, as that you need to keep ahead of the last-minute students trying to find housing. This will ensure that you have enough time to see what’s available, reducing the stress that can accompany the frustration of the prime housing not being available. Find accommodation in Leiden for international students on HousingAnywhere.

• Always contact several people advertising rooms, rather than hope it all works out with just one. Unfortunately, students rarely rent their first pick. So, keep in mind that the more advertisers you contact, the better your chances are of acceptance.

• Housing Anywhere is an easy service that allows you to book your room, even without the need of a viewing. If you find that the room is not as advertised, then you will have a full 48 hours to let us know, and we will promptly issue a refund. However, this rarely happens. We have excellent working relationships with our landlords, and we place our highest trust in them!

• BASIS (Bachelor Students of International Studies) is an organization that is based in The Hague at the Wijnhaven building at Turfmarkt 99, 2511 DP Den Haag.

• ISN (International Student Network Leiden) is based in Leiden at the Breimer Common Room, Plexus, Kaiserstraat 25, 2311 GN Leiden.

A popular non-profit international organization, Erasmus Student Network (ESN) has a large presence at the university. Their overall mission is to help facilitate the integration of international students, providing a myriad of opportunities, ranging between cultural understanding and self-development. They also utilize the idea of Students Helping Students.

• AEGEE (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe) is located at the Plexus Building, International House, 1st floor, Kaiserstraat 13, 2311 GN Leiden.

AEGEE is known throughout Europe as striving toward a diverse and borderless continent with no political dependency. Due to its lack of ties, it is open to all students, regardless of the faculties or disciplines that they are a part of.

While it was Founded in Paris in 1985, the organization has now proudly grown to include over 13,000 friends, with a presence in over 200 cities in 40 different European countries. They organize a host of activities and events, providing empowerment and a cultural foundation to students and young people throughout Europe. They encourage students to take an open role in society, as well as be a part of a variety of learning experiences that are offered. AEGEE strengthens the bond and level of understanding between European students, bringing them closer together. Check out their events.

• Leiden United at Kaiserstraat 25, 2311 GN Leiden

This international student association works to bridge the gap between local and international students at the university. If a student is interested in meeting new people from new cultures, this is the organization for them, offering opportunities to get to know people from across the globe! Founded in 2013, the program boasts well over 600 participants from more than 60 nationalities! You can learn more here.

Even though there is a myriad of activities at the university, be sure to check out our guide and learn more about the events that Leiden has to offer!