South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
Student life
Study association SIITAA
SIITAA is the study association specifically for students of South and Southeast Asian Studies at Leiden! In SITAA you get to combine activities focused on SSEAS with fun, a great way to meet up with other students outside of the classroom. SIITAA organises activities such as lectures, trips and excusions; and as a member you get a discount on textbooks. SIITAA also helps you get oriented in the job market with lectures, symposia and company visits. Do you want more information? Check out our website or send an email to siitaa.leiden@gmail.com.
Shanté Neese
Student
"I am from the most southern province of The Netherlands. It takes four hours to travel to the faculty from my parental home. That’s why I wanted to get a room in Leiden. I really like the city: it’s not as big as Amsterdam, for example. It can be quite overwhelming to move to a big city, especially if you’re from the countryside, which is why I like that Leiden is a smaller city. It’s also very Dutch, with all its canals and townhouses. I always enjoy going for a stroll after I finish my classes."
Mies Overtoom
Student
"I work at the Red Cross. I was very busy with this during COVID-19, especially after I finished my exams. I also volunteer as a tutor for children whose parents struggle financially. Apart from that, I am part of the study committee of SSEAS. I thus do quite a lot of things, but I have no problem combining it with my study!"
Leiden student city
Leiden is a lively university city that’s brimming with history and with a ubiquitous student culture. Leiden University is renowned for its many student associations, organised around sports, music and social clubs, as well as cultural associations. These associations will also give you access to a sizeable network, which will be very useful if you’re looking for accommodation or if you want to make new friends. A compact and manageable city, it’s never more than a short bike ride from your accommodation to the University.
The Leiden experience
International student Anna made a video about her Leiden experience.