African Studies (BA)

Student life

Study association L.S.A Mugusa

L.S.A (Leiden Study Association) Mugusa is the study association for the BA, MA, and ResMA African Studies, as well as for any other student in the Netherlands who is interested in African Studies. It is the only English-speaking study association for Africa in mainland Europe, which makes it a unique community of students from all over Europe, as well as Africa.

Mugusa organises an annual introduction weekend for all new members. Furthermore, the association organises monthly activities like lectures, educational visits, film nights, debates, workshops, parties, study trips, and more, related to the African continent and its diaspora.

If you want to join Mugusa, visit this link for more information. We are excited to welcome you into the community! 

For general information, please visit our website or Instagram, or email us.

Diane Ouillon

First year student

“Living in Leiden is really nice. It is not a very big city, which I like. Everything you need is quite close around you, and it is also a pretty place to walk around in or to have a drink on one of the many terraces. Within African Studies, we are in a small group, which means you easily connect with everybody, including the teachers. Additionally, I am a member of the study association, L.S.A. Mugusa, where it is very easy to be part of the community. Mugusa organises many events where you meet senior students or students from other programmes, such as movie nights, symposiums, presentations and trips abroad. This year we travelled to Lisbon, where we focused on Portugal's colonial past.”

Leiden student city

Leiden is a lively university city that’s brimming with history and has a vibrant student culture. The city is renowned for its many study and student associations, ranging from sports and music to social and cultural activities. These associations give you access to a sizeable network, which can be very useful for finding accommodation or making new friends. Leiden is a compact and manageable city, so no matter where you live, the university is always just a short bike ride away. 

The Leiden experience

International student Anna made a video about her Leiden experience.