The Hague through the eyes of our students
What is it like to study in The Hague? Who better to tell you than our students themselves?
In the series ‘The Hague through the eyes of...’, students share their favourite places, memorable experiences and personal stories about student life in the city.
The Hague through the eyes of... Piet
Piet is studying for a master’s in Public Administration and is also a student mentor.
‘I chose to study in The Hague because I wanted to experience a new environment. The Hague is the centre of democracy in the Netherlands, which is a perfect fit with my degree programme. It’s also a very diverse city and I love the sea.’
Read more about Piet
Student life in The Hague
No two weeks are the same for Piet. Alongside his studies, he is a student mentor, organises activities for new students and combines studying with work and a busy social life.
‘Studying in The Hague has given me lots of opportunities to explore different fields and career options. I’ve also met inspiring professionals.’
Favourite place in the city
Piet doesn’t hesitate: the Hofvijver. ‘It may be a cliché, but I love coming here, preferably with an ice cream from IJskabinet.’
Piet's tip
Piet has a clear message for students who are still considering whether to study in The Hague: ‘There’s so much to discover, both in the city and in terms of career opportunities. Make use of all the support the University offers too, such as the study adviser, POPcorner and career services.’
The Hague through the eyes of... Taman
Taman studies Security Studies in The Hague. He is also an active member of study association LSA Custodia.
‘I chose to study Security Studies in The Hague because the programme combines politics, international relations and global security in a unique way.’
For Taman, The Hague is the ideal place to experience these themes in practice. ‘As the international city of peace and justice, The Hague shows how global diplomacy and everyday life come together.’
Read more about Taman
Student life in The Hague
A typical weekday for Taman involves lectures, tutorials and independent study, often at the public library or at home. At weekends, he likes to explore the city, visiting vintage shops, discovering colourful streets and experiencing different European cultures.
Studying in The Hague has not only made him more independent and confident but has also broadened his view of the world. ‘I’ve gained a greater appreciation of international cooperation and learned to think critically about global issues.’
Favourite place in the city
Taman’s favourite place is the Spui, particularly in the evening. He appreciates The Hague’s cultural diversity, art, international organisations and lively atmosphere. ‘There’s always something going on here.’
Taman’s tip
Taman has one piece of advice for students who are still considering whether to study in The Hague: ‘Come and see the city for yourself. It’s safe, welcoming and inspiring. You’ll grow here not only academically but also as a person.’
The Hague through the eyes of... Stella
Stella studies Economics and Society, one of Leiden University’s newest degree programmes. She is also chair of ESV Pareto, the study association founded especially for students on this programme.
‘I was already interested in politics, and I enjoy economics. This programme in The Hague combines the two perfectly.’ Stella is originally from Hoorn. Compared with her home town, she finds The Hague much busier, but that is also part of what makes the city so enjoyable. ‘There’s always something new to discover, and there are lots of great cafés.’
Read more about Stella
Student life in The Hague
Alongside lectures and independent study, Stella devotes a large part of her week to ESV Pareto. As chair, she is helping to build up the new study association.
‘We organise all kinds of activities. We’ve had a talk by a Member of Parliament, for example, as well as a Christmas dinner together.’
Before starting at Leiden University, Stella studied in Delft, where she was a member of a large study association. ‘That’s exactly why I wanted to help set up a new association here. I think a study association is an essential part of student life. And now I can contribute my own ideas and listen to what other students think is important.’
Favourite place in the city
Stella loves matcha, so her favourite place in The Hague is Hug the Tea, where she likes to stop by for a good matcha and the welcoming atmosphere.
Stella’s tip
Stella recommends that prospective students attend an Open Day. ‘It took me a while to find a programme that really suited me too. So come and have a look, ask questions and find out what suits you. And of course, I can wholeheartedly recommend the bachelor’s programme in Economics and Society!’
The Hague through the eyes of.... Chris
Chris is studying for a master's in International Relations and Diplomacy and is treasurer of study association IRSA.
Before starting his master’s, Chris travelled through several European countries. He ultimately chose The Hague because of its international organisations, public sector and international community.
‘The Hague has both a sophisticated cultural scene and a real student culture. You can listen to live jazz, go clubbing or head to the beach. And Leiden and Amsterdam are only a short train ride away.’
Read more about Chris
Student life in The Hague
Alongside lectures and independent study, Chris is actively involved in IRSA. Among other things, he helps organise a gala for 200 students and a full day of academic panel discussions.
He also took part in POPcorner The Hague’s Campus Covey Programme, where he supported new students and organised activities such as a filmmaking workshop, a boat trip and beach volleyball.
Chris believes The Hague offers plenty of opportunities to develop outside your studies. ‘There are lots of events, networking opportunities and meetings organised by international organisations, universities and civil society organisations. They give you a good idea of what working in the field is really like.’
Favourite place in the city
Chris’s favourite place in The Hague is the Trekweg. ‘It’s a quiet cycle path along the water, with lots of benches, views of the skyline and always people out on boats.’ He regularly cycles along it and likes to go there to unwind.
Chris’s tip
Chris ends with a wink: ‘Not looking for an international environment, a lively city or a great student experience? Then definitely don’t come to The Hague.’
The Hague through the eyes of... Fijanne
Fijanne studies the bachelor’s programme in International Relations and Organisations (IRO).
Alongside her studies, she is an active member of HSRV Pelargos rowing club and can be found out on the water several times a week.
Fijanne chose IRO because she wanted to learn more about relations between countries. ‘Why do countries go to war? Why do they cooperate?’ For her, The Hague is the ideal place to study these questions. Politics, diplomacy and international organisations are right on your doorstep.
‘Because you study alongside so many international students, you’re constantly exposed to different perspectives. It makes you reflect on your own ideas and way of looking at things.’
Read more about Fijanne
Student life in The Hague
Fijanne has classes three days a week and rows with Pelargos five times a week. She also has dinner with her club every week and works at a cat café. Her weeks are therefore a combination of studying, sport, work and spending time with friends.
Sport plays an important role in her student life. ‘At Pelargos, you can row at any level. Some of my friends row once a month, while others row as often as ten times a week.’
Favourite place in the city
Although Fijanne does not spend much time in the city centre, she loves The Hague’s smaller neighbourhoods. ‘They give the city a village-like feel, with welcoming squares and great cafés. And the beach is just a short distance away.’
Fijanne’s tip
‘Just go for it!’ is Fijanne’s advice to prospective students. ‘There’s always something to do here, whether through a study association, something related to politics or elsewhere in the city. So much happens outside your studies – you just have to go out and find it.’
The Hague through the eyes of... Alek
Alek also studies International Relations and Organisations (IRO). Naast zijn studie is hij dj onder de naam Spezz en medeoprichter van de Nordic Association for Students Abroad (NASA).
Alongside his studies, he DJs under the name Spezz and is co-founder of the Nordic Association for Students Abroad (NASA).
Alek was looking for a place where he could combine a strong academic programme with an active student life. He found that combination in The Hague.
‘What I really like about The Hague is how driven people are. Both Dutch and international students take the initiative to set things up themselves, whether that’s a study association or even their own business.’
Alek also believes the city offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of diplomacy and international politics up close. ‘You can visit embassies or even meet people you’d normally only see on television.’
Read more about Alek
Student life in The Hague
A typical day for Alek starts at the Wijnhaven building, where he has breakfast before going to class. Depending on whether exams are approaching, he may study in the library afterwards. Thursday and Friday evenings are often reserved for going out or attending music events.
Music is an important part of his life alongside his studies. He discovered DJing during his time in The Hague. His first performance was at The Grey Space, and it has since developed into a serious hobby and part-time job.
He also founded the Nordic Association for Students Abroad with friends, bringing Scandinavian students in The Hague together.
Favourite place in the city
For a quiet afternoon, Alek likes to visit the area around Lange Voorhout and the Buitenhof. ‘There are often markets there at weekends, and in winter there’s a lovely Christmas market.’
Alek’s tip
‘Take the initiative: join an association, attend academic or professional events and explore the city. And if you fancy a change of scene, Leiden and other cities in the Randstad are only a short journey from The Hague.’
The Hague through the eyes of... Emma
Emma is from the Westland region and completed the bachelor’s programme in Public Administration
at Leiden University in The Hague. During her studies, she was a board member of study association BIL. She is now completing a master’s in Rotterdam, but The Hague still plays a major role in her student life. She is also chair of StOP Leiden, the umbrella organisation for study associations at Leiden University and Leiden University of Applied Sciences.
Emma chose Public Administration because it is a broad programme that offers plenty of scope to explore different societal issues. She was also immediately drawn to the atmosphere in The Hague. ‘The Hague is different from a typical student city. Its international character and the many organisations based here mean you easily come into contact with current societal issues. That also leads to interesting conversations with fellow students.’
Read more about Emma
Student life in The Hague
Although Emma now studies in Rotterdam, she still spends a lot of time in The Hague. She comes to study, meet friends or visit study association BIL.
For her, spending a year on the BIL board was one of the most valuable experiences of her studies. ‘It was intense, but I learned an incredible amount. I stepped outside my comfort zone, became more sociable and developed skills such as networking and acquisition.’
In her current role as chair of StOP Leiden, she remains involved in student life in Leiden and The Hague. She supports study associations and helps organise interfaculty activities, which gives her the chance to meet students from all kinds of degree programmes.
Favourite place in the city
Emma likes studying at the Central Library in The Hague. Van Beek is another regular meeting place, where she often meets friends from study association BIL.
Emma’s tip
Emma recommends that prospective students come and experience the atmosphere for themselves. ‘Visit an Open Day or take part in a Student for a Day activity. That’s the best way to find out whether a degree programme and the city are right for you.’
She has one additional tip for prospective Public Administration students: contact study association BIL for an informal introduction to the programme and student life.
The Hague through the eyes of... Carolina
Carolina is studying for a master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy in The Hague. She is also team leader of the Leiden branch of Energy for Refugees, a student initiative that works on sustainable energy projects for refugee communities.
After completing her bachelor’s, during which she specialised in environmental politics, Carolina wanted to deepen her knowledge of international relations. The master’s appealed to her because of its close collaboration with the Clingendael Institute and its strong links with professional practice.
‘Lecturers with experience at organisations such as the International Criminal Court and Clingendael really bring the theory to life.’
Although she was already studying in the Netherlands, she deliberately chose The Hague. ‘With organisations such as the International Criminal Court right on your doorstep, this is a fascinating place to study international politics.’
Read more about Carolina
Student life in The Hague
Her weeks consist of interactive classes, lots of discussion and independent study. She often studies in University buildings, at Filmhuis Den Haag or in the library.
Alongside her studies, Carolina is involved with Energy for Refugees. She is working on a project to provide a hospital in the Dominican Republic with sustainable and reliable energy.
‘What I really like about this project is that you can see very clearly the impact you can make by working together.’
Favourite place in the city
Depending on the weather, Carolina’s favourite places are Filmhuis Den Haag and Clingendael Park.
Carolina’s tip
Carolina advises prospective students to explore the opportunities The Hague has to offer.
‘Get in touch with students or degree programmes, do your research and have a look at social media too. It often gives you a much better idea of student life and everything The Hague has to offer outside your studies.’