Erasmus Experience in Leiden, Netherlands by Alasdair

Why did you choose to go to Leiden, Netherlands?

There was an easy access to work and an interesting job.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

It is a 9 month internship, I got around 2, 000 euros.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Leiden?

It has a strong student presence and a lot of funny people.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Leiden to other students?

The city is nice and there is a lot to do when you settle in.

What is the food like?

Food is amazing.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leiden?

It took a long time, the hardest part of moving here by far.

How much does it cost to live in Leiden?

It can be very expensive but it is possible to get away with paying a low rate.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Most people speak English well, but the basics of dutch are very simple to grasp.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Leiden from your city?

Obtain an OV-chipkaart, just top it up and travel on the majority of transport methods. Other than that, a bike is easily the most economical way of travelling in the Netherlands - you can even travel between cities.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Leiden?

There are many bars but I haven't been out yet. I have heard the Duke of Oz is a good bar for English speakers and in general.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Leiden?

Broodje Falafel is so good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Leiden has a lot, I'm sure, but I haven't been to any yet.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Leiden in the future?

Make sure to get accommodation sorted as soon as possible. It can be very difficult to obtain a place at a reasonable price if you don't speak the language.