Humanities Buddy Programme

Are you about to move to Leiden or The Hague to study at one of Leiden University’s master programmes? It is not unusual to be a bit anxious. We want to help! The Humanities Buddy Programme has been set up to help you along the way.

To welcome you and help you get used to student life at Leiden University, The Humanities Faculty has set up the Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme. When you join the Buddy Programme you will be matched with an experienced student and be able to attend fun monthly activities. In the Humanities Buddy Programme you will be introduced to the university, student life and Dutch society. 

Read more about the Humanities Buddy programme in our online flyer

Activities

The Humanities Buddy Programme organizes activities that are either cultural or social. This way you will be able to experience all Leiden and the Hague have to offer and will be able to make friends with other new students in the programme. You can expect activities such as a boat tour, a museum visit, celebrating Dutch and local holidays and of course social drinks. Many of the activities are free.

Get a Buddy

When you join the Humanities Buddy Programme you will be assigned a buddy and added to a buddy group with other new students. Your buddy will help you out with any practical or academic questions you may have and will be there to support you. You will be given a buddy and buddy group before the semester starts to help you get settled. To get yourself a buddy please fill out this form.

Become a Buddy

Already a student at Leiden University? You can still join! As a buddy you will be able to meet people from all over the world! Sign up via this link and the Buddy Programme Coordinator will get in touch with you.

Testimonials

Nicola (Italy, Linguistics): ‘The Humanities Buddy Programme is a great opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and make new friends! I signed up after hearing about it in the OWL week presentation, and it has given me the opportunity to attend very nice activities which break my routine and allow me to explore new things. My favourite memory so far is the visit to The Hague!’

Nikos (Greece, Linguistics): ‘I found out about the programme through the website. I signed up immediately because I like spontaneous activities. I also have come to really enjoy the support offered by my buddy and get to know so many new people. Much like Nicola, I really enjoyed the visit to The Hague, but my favourite memory would have to be the Book Swap, since I found new books I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise!’

Vivian Ng (International Relations): 'The Humanities Buddy Programme is definitely my favorite memory of my time in Leiden, as it brought so much laughter and color to my life here. As an international student, this was the perfect way for me to get to know new friends and Leiden as a city. In the first semester, I took part in the programme as a participant. I was paired with a buddy who assisted me in integrating into Leiden and the University. During the second semester, I was chosen to be the Humanities Buddy Programme Coordinator. I organized plenty of events, such as a bike tour around local tulip fields, museum visits and social events, all for the participants. It was tremendous fun and I highly recommend this programme to everyone, especially international students!'