Erasmus Experience in Leiden, Netherlands by Kian

Why did you choose to go to Leiden, Netherlands?

I chose to come here as I am half Dutch, and so I have a lot of family here and I can also speak the language which makes it easier. I have always loved the relaxed culture as well. I was also intrigued by how prestigious Leiden University is.

And of course, the weed.

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

I am here for one academic year; September 2018 to June 2019.

I receive two grant installments, one I received in October which was 1750 euro. The other I will receive in June 2019, which will be around 600 euro.

What is the student lifestyle like in Leiden?

For Erasmus students, the lifestyle is quite relaxed as I do not have get as many credits here as I do at my home university. The city is also quite accommodating to students, with many bars and student run services.

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

I would highly recommend the university for students as there is always a great atmosphere here. Regarding the city, however, it is great, but the problem of finding accommodation, especially for international students, is a real burden.

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What is the food like?

The food is of very good quality in supermarkets like Jumbo. I never eat out as I am on a tight budget so I wouldn't know in regard to that.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Leiden?

The cost was immense. I started looking for accommodation in April/May, but by my arrival here at the end of August I still had not found anything. I was living in a hostel in The Hague for three weeks before I finally got to move in somewhere. It is incredibly hard, especially for international students, to find accommodation here. The university does not offer adequate assistance in finding accommodation, and on all of the housing websites on which people post rooms for rent, nearly all I encountered (which numbered in the hundreds) said that they would not accept international students.

How much does it cost to live in Leiden?

I pay 550 euro a month. I should be paying 875 a month, but the apartment that myself and another Irish girl from my home university found is only supposed to be for two people. We sublet one room, under the landlords nose, to someone else. I share a room with the Irish girl. We had to do this because we simply could not afford it.

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

I already speak Dutch so the language was not a problem for me.

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

By plane and then by train. I come from Ireland.

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

There is a student bar run by students, which I cannot remember the name of, which is a lot of fun. The drinks there are very cheap as well, 3.50 for a pint. Einsteins in the centre of the city is good as well.

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

I never eat out.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city itself is a cultural site, and is lovely to walk/cycle around in. I have not gone to see any cultural sites really.

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

Start looking for accommodation in January/February if you start in September!