English Language and Culture (BA)
Student life
Leiden is a winning combination of being small and fun, yet big in character as a student city. It’s also conveniently close to cities like Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, which can all be reached by train in just 30 minutes.
Study associations
There are plenty of ways to socialise with your fellow students outside the classrooms.
The study association called Albion, for example, organises lectures, social drinks and study trips, as well as crash courses to help you study. They can be found on Instagram and on their website.
LET, meanwhile, is the name of the programme’s dramatic society. It’s open to anyone who enjoys being on the stage or helping out behind the scenes.
Then there’s The Angler, a magazine made for and by students and packed with relevant self-written articles and interviews, and with space for your own contributions too.
Anouk Spronk
Student
"Leiden is a fantastic city, which feels like one large campus. I didn't know anyone here when I started my studies, and now I feel truly at home. There are plenty of cozy spots everywhere where you can grab a coffee or have lunch, which is really nice about this city. I am also a member of the study association, but since I don't live in Leiden, I mainly attend events that are organised during the day, such as joint brunches."
Tatum Meijer
Student
"I study a lot with fellow students at the faculty or the Library; for example, we prepare workgroups together. I enjoy living in Leiden: you can go everywhere by bike, and we have everything that a student needs for an amazing and interesting student life."
Nina Ramaswamy
Student
“I love the personal contact that comes within our programme. You get to know your fellow students well, later through the programme itself, but at first through the El Cid introduction week. I was with English-speaking students during El Cid and we are still in touch.”
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.