Leiden University

Services & Facilities

Students in Leiden can rely on personal attention and guidance in both their academic and their personal life. The University provides a wide range of services including student advice and counselling, information services, sports and cultural activities.
The University has one central library, and many faculties and departments also have their own dedicated libraries. Computer rooms are available at the faculties, the University Library and Plexus Student Centre. Students can also bring their own laptop to university throughout which wireless internet is available. Furthermore, the University offers a sports centre, a language centre, a student careers centre, and many other amenities.

As a student of Leiden University, you will also have access to various support services specially designed to assist students. Some of these services, such as the International Student Adviser, offer support particularly aimed at international students. At the faculties, you can, for example, receive support from co-ordinators and study advisers. Special assistance is also offered for students with a disability.

Student Life

Life in Leiden is greatly influenced by the relatively large number of students, as most of them both live and study in the historic city of Leiden. Leiden University does not have a campus, but the city is it’s campus. You will almost always run into someone you know when you go shopping or when you go out at night. Since Leiden is a small city, all the university buildings are within walking or cycling distance. Given the city's safe environment and friendly atmosphere, students generally feel at home here very quickly.

In addition, the wide range of student associations and organisations all enrich the vibrant student culture of both the university and the city. Regardless of whether you’re looking to enrich your study experience, to participate in competitive sports or to simply have a good time, you’ll have no trouble finding a student association that suits you. You will be introduced to everything that the university and the city have to offer during the introduction programme for new international students, organised by the University prior to the first and second semester. The programme consists of a general introduction to the University and the faculties, the city of Leiden and the student organisations.

Leiden is not only a true university town, but also a beautiful and historic city with many 17th century buildings; its picturesque city centre is criss-crossed with boat-lined canals, bordered by red brick streets. At the same time, it is also a modern cultural and business centre offering all the amenities you need to make your stay here both enjoyable and memorable. The city has twelve museums, a wide range of shops, delightful cafés and international restaurants, several cinemas and much more.

Furthermore Leiden is located only eight miles inland from the North Sea coast, within easy distance of the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The Hague can be reached by train in 12 minutes, Schiphol Airport in 20 minutes and Amsterdam in 45 minutes. Cities such as Brussels, Paris, London and Berlin are just a couple of hours away.

Accreditation

Leiden University strongly believes that the education it provides benefits directly from the high quality research that is carried out within the University itself. The most recent academic insights are immediately integrated into the courses. The quality of our research and education is independently acknowledged by several external organizations.

Ministry of Education, Culture and Science

All bachelor's and master’s programmes at Leiden University have been recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. All programmes have also been approved for government funding with the exception of the four Master of Law Advanced Studies Programmes, the MSc International Relations and Diplomacy and the MSc Vitality and Ageing.

Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders

The NVAO (the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders), has accredited all degree programmes. The NVAO is an independent accreditation organisation that ensures the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders by means of thorough and continuous programme assessment. Apart from its task to guarantee the quality of higher education, NVAO contributes to the advancement of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders.

Code of Conduct

Leiden University subscribes to the Code of Conduct for Dutch Institutions. This Code sets out standards for Dutch higher education institutions in their dealings with international students. By signing the Code of Conduct, Leiden is offering its international students a guarantee of the quality of its programmes, student recruitment, selection and counselling procedures.

International Student Barometer

It is the firm conviction of Leiden University that the quality of research and education is greatly enhanced by the presence of talented international students and scientific staff with international experience. The International Student Barometer (ISB) proves us right. The results from Summer 2011 show that Leiden scores overall first in the Netherlands. Leiden has consistently been rated world class on academic aspects such as the quality of our education, our course content and our teachers.