Welcome service and travel plans

When should you plan to arrive in the Netherlands? Find out what you should take into consideration when making your travel plans. Also learn about Leiden University's welcome service for newly-arriving international students.

Warm welcome service

In the same period as the HOP and OWL introduction weeks, Leiden University organises a Warm Welcome Service for newly-arriving international students. Helpful staff will be on hand to give advice on the formalities you need to take care of after arrival.

When and where?

The Hague: Wijnhaven building (first floor)

Admissions Office team, for questions about admission and residence permits:
- 23 August: 09:00 – 13:00 hr
- 25 August 09:00 – 13:00 hr
Exchange team, for questions from newly-arriving exchange students:
- 25 August: 09:00-13:00 hr
Student Affairs Front Office, for questions about student registration, LU-cards, ULCN accounts etc:
- See Front office opening hours in The Hague

Leiden: Plexus Student Centre (service desk)

Admissions Office team, for questions about admission and residence permits:
- 30 August: 11:00 - 16:00 hr
- 1 September: 09:00 – 13:00 hr
- 4 September: 11:00 - 16:00 hr
- 5 September: 11:00 - 16:00 hr
Exchange team, for questions from newly-arriving exchange students:
- 30 August: 11:00-15:00 hr
Student Affairs Front Office, for questions about student registration, LU-cards, ULCN account etc:
- See Front office opening hours in Leiden

Other travel plan considerations

Before planning your journey, you should also take the following into consider:

The dates of your introduction week
Your housing contract dates and key collection arrangements
Any orientation activities organised by your study programme
The dates of any necessary appointments, for example:
- Town hall registration appointment
- Dutch bank account appointment
- Biometric data appointment (students who requested a residence permit only)
Always await the approval of your student visa (if applicable) before booking a non-changeable/non-refundable ticket!

Travel information

For useful information to help you find your way from the airport and around Leiden and The Hague, take a look at the following websites

Travel pass

To use public transport in the Netherlands you will need a travel pass, known as an OV-chipkaart. For information on the types of card available and how to purchase them, visit the OV-chipkaart site. Note that you can buy a single-use OV-chipkaart from ticket machines at Dutch train stations.