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How is life in Leiden for an international student?

Hello!
Does anyone study in Leiden and are you an international student?
I've been given a place to study my masters there and I'll probably join in September.
I speak no Dutch whatsoever so I'm quite worried about that.
How is it for non Dutch speakers living in the Netherlands?
Are people friendly? Does the university have a friendly atmosphere?
Thanks :smile:
Hey!

I'm a brit studying for a master's at Leiden :smile:

Not speaking Dutch is not a problem whatsoever, trust me. Nearly everyone speaks excellent English, especially students, and you don't need to feel guilty about 'forcing' people to adapt to English - most take great pride in their language skills and relish the opportunity to use them. The only related problem is that some people complain it's too hard to learn the language when everyone speaks such perfect English. Having said all that, if you're really keen to learn something before you come over, I recommend you check out Duolingo or the Hoi Holland app.

People are friendly and the university has a friendly atmosphere. Lots of people comment on how direct the Dutch are, but I think people make more of that than is necessary. If you're worried about making friends or whatever then there's a great event called OWL (Orientation Week Leiden): http://orientationweek.org/. I took part in it last semester and met a couple of people who are now my closest pals. Once OWL's over there are still plenty of social activities to take part in, for example ISN Leiden and Leiden United.

Hope that helps :smile:
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 2
Avatar for Bigdig
Bigdig
5
Do you know if there are many American BA students?
Original post by Bigdig
Do you know if there are many American BA students?


I don't know the exact numbers but there definitely are. Off the top of my head I can think of a few I know personally.
Reply 4
Avatar for rjump
rjump
3
Hi,
I am hoping to do a masters in Leiden next September. Just a few questions, what universities in England did you guys study your undergrad at? And how is it you are paying for accommodation/living.. Do you have jobs in the Netherlands?
Thanks
Original post by rjump
Hi,
I am hoping to do a masters in Leiden next September. Just a few questions, what universities in England did you guys study your undergrad at? And how is it you are paying for accommodation/living.. Do you have jobs in the Netherlands?
Thanks


Hey,

I studied at Winchester. I pay for my living costs through a mix of savings, allowance from parents, and working at my university. However, it is possible to do the whole thing just on savings. I have a friend who managed to save up enough to cover all of her costs (including tuition) after just one year of work.
Reply 6
Avatar for rjump
rjump
3
Original post by JamesHerbert
Hey,

I studied at Winchester. I pay for my living costs through a mix of savings, allowance from parents, and working at my university. However, it is possible to do the whole thing just on savings. I have a friend who managed to save up enough to cover all of her costs (including tuition) after just one year of work.


Ah sounds good! Thank you so much for the reply :smile:
Reply 7
Avatar for rjump
rjump
3
Original post by JamesHerbert
Hey,

I studied at Winchester. I pay for my living costs through a mix of savings, allowance from parents, and working at my university. However, it is possible to do the whole thing just on savings. I have a friend who managed to save up enough to cover all of her costs (including tuition) after just one year of work.


Also, what masters course do you study?
Original post by rjump
Also, what masters course do you study?


Philosophy, specialising in PPE.
Reply 9
Avatar for SalmaYS
SalmaYS
OP
Original post by JamesHerbert
Hey!

I'm a brit studying for a master's at Leiden :smile:

Not speaking Dutch is not a problem whatsoever, trust me. Nearly everyone speaks excellent English, especially students, and you don't need to feel guilty about 'forcing' people to adapt to English - most take great pride in their language skills and relish the opportunity to use them. The only related problem is that some people complain it's too hard to learn the language when everyone speaks such perfect English. Having said all that, if you're really keen to learn something before you come over, I recommend you check out Duolingo or the Hoi Holland app.

People are friendly and the university has a friendly atmosphere. Lots of people comment on how direct the Dutch are, but I think people make more of that than is necessary. If you're worried about making friends or whatever then there's a great event called OWL (Orientation Week Leiden): http://orientationweek.org/. I took part in it last semester and met a couple of people who are now my closest pals. Once OWL's over there are still plenty of social activities to take part in, for example ISN Leiden and Leiden United.

Hope that helps :smile:


Thank you so much for your reply and so sorry for my terribly late reply! Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to Leiden but I really appreciate your reply.
Reply 10
Avatar for Jadouya
Jadouya
Hey guys !

Sorry to jump in the conversation, your comments were so useful :-) I have been accepted to Leiden, and will begin next September. I just had one question related to accommodation: How did you find your accommodation ?

I wonder if I should find mine through the University (they have a dedicated Housing Office) ? Or is there any other (and cheaper) option ? Thank you in advance for your answers :-)

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