Student associations

If you are new to Leiden, it might be a good idea to join one of its many student associations. You’ll quickly get to know people and build up a network that will continue to prove its worth long after you’ve graduated from your master’s.

Student associations

There’s a lot more to student associations than partying and drinking. Being a member of a student association will enable you to quickly meet new people, make new friends and feel right at home in Leiden. Furthermore, they regularly organise conferences and seminars, with the participation of the business community. If you go for a meal at a student association that has its own restaurant, you can take a look in the kitchen as it were, both literally and figuratively.

Types of student associations

Leiden has all types of student associations. If you’re not sure which one you should join, during the OWL introduction week you can simply drop by them all, talk to existing members and visit their parties. Or, to get a better picture, check them out online first.

For more information about student associations in Leiden, visit the website of the local Chamber of Associations

Student associations for international students

At Leiden University you can also join student associations that are specifically for international students, for example: Erasmus Student Network Leiden and Leiden United. By organising and holding cultural, social and informative events, they ease international students’ integration into the environment in which they will be studying. Typically, they bridge the gap between Dutch students and students from outside the Netherlands.

Study associations

In addition to student associations, Leiden University also has countless study associations. These bring together students who are following the same programme and they organise all manner of study-related activities, such as trips and readings, as well as social events like drinks and parties. Useful and great fun!