Embarking on a PhD trajectory and perhaps moving countries in order to do so is a big thing, and it can be hard to find the information you need. The info below ranges from formal rules to practical matters such as the need to look for housing.

• The association of universities in the Netherlands offers a quick-start guide for (international) PhD candidates (scroll down).
• This portal on studying for a PhD outlines the basics of the PhD trajectory at Leiden University and points you to the university’s PhD regulations and an associated set of guidelines. It also includes reader-friendly visual impressions of the PhD journey and rules for supervision.
• The Service Centre International Staff offers advice and services for internationals, including PhD candidates.
• The Leids Promovendi Overleg (LEO) advances the representation of PhD students in the university community, and their “Resources” page has useful information on matters such as moving to Leiden, PhD associations, PhD rights, mental health, problems in the workplace, and personal development & well-being.