About the City – Why Students Love to Study in Leiden
Thinking about studying in the Netherlands? Then study in Leiden, the city that combines centuries of academic tradition with a modern student lifestyle.
Leiden is a picturesque university town in the South Holland province, just 35 minutes from Amsterdam and 15 from The Hague. It’s known for its cobbled streets, charming canals, and museums at nearly every turn. But it’s not just a pretty face. This city is a knowledge capital, home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University, founded in 1575.
Despite its rich history, Leiden moves at a youthful pace. Over 30,000 students call this compact city home, making up a significant part of the population. The vibe is international, social, and cycle-friendly, there’s a reason bikes outnumber people here.
And the best part? You get that big-university energy without the chaos of a massive capital. Studying in Leiden means focused academics with a side of relaxed canal-side living. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Why International Students Choose to Study in Leiden
For international students, Leiden hits every mark.
1. Academic Reputation That Speaks Volumes
Home to Leiden University, one of the top 100 universities globally, this city is an academic powerhouse. It offers more than 200 English-taught programs, from law and medicine to international relations and natural sciences.
The city also houses campuses and programs affiliated with TU Delft, Erasmus University, and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), adding to its academic muscle.
2. Diverse and English-Friendly
About 12–15% of Leiden’s student population is international, and virtually everyone speaks English. Signs, websites, and even local shopkeepers cater to English speakers. It makes adjusting much easier.
3. Compact, Safe, and Student-Centric
Leiden is small enough to walk or bike everywhere, yet big enough to offer weekend entertainment, festivals, museum nights, and street food markets. It’s also considered among the Netherlands’ safest university cities.
4. Cultural Charm and Career Connections
Study in Leiden and you’ll learn in a setting where Rembrandt was born, Einstein once lectured, and Nobel winners walked your path. It’s inspiring and highly respected in international research circles, particularly in law, governance, and science.
You’re never far from embassies, NGOs, or government connections in nearby The Hague. Networking matters, and Leiden delivers.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Leiden
Academic options in Leiden are robust. Here’s your go-to list:
1. Leiden University
Ranked Top 100 globally (QS World Rankings). Known for law, international studies, medicine, political science, and public administration. Its Humanities and Social Sciences departments are especially strong.
2. Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC)
World-renowned for medical innovation, biomedical sciences, and clinical research. Busy, brilliant, and backed by top facilities.
3. Webster University Leiden
An American-style private university offering bachelor’s and master’s in business, psychology, and international relations. Known for flexibility and small class sizes.
4. Hogeschool Leiden (Leiden University of Applied Sciences)
Practice-oriented programs in life sciences, healthcare, education, and management. Offers applied bachelor’s degrees and growing English course availability.
5. The Hague University of Applied Sciences – Leiden Campus
Specialised programs focused on security, law, and health, all designed with real-world application and employability in mind.
6. International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
A global research centre located within Leiden University, ideal for postgrads and researchers focused on Asian cultures and development.
7. International Leiden Leadership Programme (ILLP)
Not a full university, but a top-tier honors course offered to master’s students focused on leadership training and soft skill development.
8. Grotius Academy (Law Postgraduate)
Leiden Law School’s training center for continuing legal education and professional studies in Dutch and EU law.
9. KITLV (Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies)
Specialised institute linked with Leiden Uni and perfect for international historians, anthropologists, and social researchers.
10. ROC Mondriaan – Leiden Branch
Vocational institution with entry-level Dutch-medium training in travel and business, less common for internationals, but still relevant.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Leiden
Looking for a room with more than just a bed and WiFi? Check these out:
- DUWO Leiden (Multiple Buildings)
- The Hive Leiden
- SSH Leiden Housing
- StudentStay Leiden Noord
- Kamerverhuur Leiden
- Frans Halsstraat Studios
- Pierre Bayle Building (Leiden Law Housing)
- Morsweg Student Apartments
- Slaaghwijk Complex
- LivingHouse Leiden
Many of these offer all-inclusive rent, furnished rooms, laundry facilities, and common chill areas. Locations are often within cycling distance, or walking distance from campus.
Top 10 Student Areas in Leiden – Where to Live & Learn
Where you live shapes your experience. Choose wisely. Fortunately, whether you like quiet canals or buzzing student life, Leiden has a neighborhood for you.
1. Leiden Centrum (City Centre)
- Nearby: Leiden Uni faculties
- Properties: DUWO, Kamerverhuur Leiden
Historic, lively, and charming. Ghost tours one night, group projects at a canal-side café the next. Prices can be a bit higher.
2. Stevenshof
- Nearby: LUMC and Science Park
- Properties: DUWO Stevenshof Studios
Family-friendly and quiet. Great for master’s or PhD students. Also, well connected by bus and train.
3. Leiden Noord (North)
- Nearby: Faculty of Humanities
- Properties: StudentStay, Frans Halsstraat
More residential, affordable, and spacious. A favorite for international students looking for group flats.
4. Morskwartier
- Nearby: Arts and Law campuses
- Properties: Morsweg housing
A mix of students and locals. Lots of cozy cafés and bakeries. Central and surprisingly affordable.
5. Houtkwartier
- Nearby: University Buildings, city centre
- Properties: SSH rooms
Tree-lined streets, amazing architecture, and super walkable. Quiet but central.
6. Boerhaavedistrict
- Nearby: LUMC
- Properties: DUWO Pierre Bayle
Close to medicine and science faculties. Ideal for clinical students needing late-night library access.
7. Slaaghwijk
- Nearby: Bus/tram stations
- Properties: Slaaghwijk Complex
Student-heavy and more budget-friendly. A bit outside the city, bike or bus recommended.
8. Station District
- Nearby: All faculties via train station
- Properties: Central housing options
Perfect for commuters or weekend travelers. Also good if you study part-time in Leiden and part-time in The Hague.
9. Professorenwijk
- Nearby: Leiden Law, Business programs
- Properties: Private and shared apartments
Leafy, intellectual, and chill. You’re likely to bump into professors heading to class!
10. Roomburg
- Nearby: Suburban routes to Science Park
- Properties: DUWO, smaller shared spaces
Modern housing with fewer tourists. If you want quiet green areas and reliable bus lines, this is it.
Cost of Living in Leiden – Budget Breakdown
Life in Leiden is manageable with some smart choices. Compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht, it’s 20–30% cheaper overall.
Here’s what your monthly expenses could look like:
| Category | Average Cost (EUR/month) |
|---|---|
| Housing (incl. bills) | €450–€800 |
| Groceries/Food | €150–€250 |
| Insurance (mandatory) | €100–€120 |
| Transportation | €15–€40 |
| Phone/WiFi | €30–€40 |
| Social/Fun Extras | €75–€150 |
👉 Estimated Total: €850–€1,300/month
Tips to save:
- Rent with roommates.
- Get a bike and skip the OV/bus fares.
- Shop at Aldi, Lidl, and local Turkish stores.
- Apply for healthcare subsidies (Zorgtoeslag) if eligible.
Local Transport – How Students Get Around in Leiden
1. Bike First, Everything Else Later
Seriously. Cycling is king here. You’ll get from campus to the beach in under 30 minutes. There are bike lanes everywhere, secure lock spots, and even covered bike garages.
2. Walking
Leiden is compact, especially the city centre. Most university buildings are within a 10–15 minute walk of one another.
3. Buses
Buses run efficiently, and trip cards like the OV-chipkaart offer student discounts. Handy if you’re living farther out in places like Slaaghwijk or Stevenshof.
4. Trains
Leiden Centraal is a major station. Go from class to Amsterdam in 35 minutes. Plus, student rail discounts are available if you’re under 30 and eligible for Dutch student benefits.
5. Apps and Scooter Rentals
Services like Felyx and GO Sharing offer pay-per-minute e-scooters. Not super cheap, but fun and convenient.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Leiden
To study in Leiden is to live in a rare pocket of the world where historic academia meets youthful, international energy.
You’ll walk the same streets as Nobel Prize winners, study at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities, and still have time for museum nights, beach trips, and stroopwafel Fridays.
It’s small but world-class. Simple but never boring. Quiet when you want, bustling when you need it.
Whether you’re chasing a degree, research ambitions, or just a taste of international life, Leiden gives you all the right reasons to stay a little longer.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Leiden
1. Is Leiden a safe city for international students?
Yes. It’s one of the safest cities in the Netherlands, especially around the campuses and student areas.
2. Are classes in Leiden University taught in English?
Over 200 bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught entirely in English.
3. How much does student housing cost in Leiden?
Shared housing ranges from €450 to €700/month. Studios can reach up to €800+.
4. Can international students work in Leiden while studying?
Yes. EU students can work freely. Non-EU students can work up to 16 hours per week during term with a work permit.
5. Is it hard to find student accommodation in Leiden?
It can be. Start your search at least 4–6 months before arrival, especially for fall semesters.
6. Is it easy to travel from Leiden to other Dutch cities?
Very! Trains from Leiden Centraal connect to The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in under an hour.
7. What kind of visa do I need to study in Leiden?
Most non-EU students need a residence permit (MVV) and long-stay visa. Your school helps you apply.
8. Do I need to learn Dutch to live in Leiden?
Not necessary, but it helps. Most courses and daily tasks can be handled in English.
9. Are there student discounts on transport and food?
Yes. With a student ID or OV Chipkaart, you can access discounts on travel, fitness centers, events, and more.
10. What makes Leiden different from bigger Dutch cities?
Leiden has a tight-knit student vibe, less tourism, richer academic history, and a calmer lifestyle overall.
