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

At the start of the academic year, 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? 

Exact dates and locations to be announced this summer.

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

• Dutch railways (NS) journey planner
• Public transport journey planner
• Leiden Tourist Information Centre
• The Hague Info Store

Paying for public transport

You can pay for public transport in the Netherlands via: 

• OVpay - with your contactless debit or credit card, or your smartphone.
• OV-chipkaart - a travel pass available as: 
  • Single-use card - purchase from ticket machines at stations.
  • Anonymous card - purchase at stations, stores or online and top up with credit. 
  • Personal card - purchase online and add credit and travel subscriptions.
• Student travel product: discounted travel card only for students who are eligible for Dutch student finance.