Experience in Leiden, Netherlands by Renate

What is it like to live in Leiden? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

As a student, the best place to live is in a student house. These vary in size, from studio to 20 persons in one house. Everyone has his/her own room, so no shared bedrooms. It is however common to have a shared bathroom and kitchen. I would surely recommend a house with only Dutch students, as they like no other can show you what it's like to be a student at Leiden University. They now what places to go to, how to find things fastest, where to apply for things, and they can of course help you with all the administrative stuff you have to do for university life.

The city is quite small, especially to foreign standards. All historical Dutch cities have a small, old centre, built around a market place, usually with canals amongst them for transport. Leiden has a few small parks as well, but don't expect too much of it, as the Netherlands are way too crowded to have enormous areas filled with green.

I definitely enjoy living in Leiden, as it is a cosy city with lots of students. It can be noisy sometimes, but you get so much back! In summertime there's many street art, like music and theatre. There are also quite a few museums, exhibitions, and monumental buildings. So if you enjoy culture, Leiden is a good choice!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Leiden?

Most students are member of a student society. There are quite some cafés and pubs in the centre, but those are mainly visited by tourists and regulars. On the student societies however, there's a lot of activity going on. Regular meetings, drinks at the bar, outdoor activities and many friends are always there to welcome you.

How much does it cost to live in Leiden?

The average rent for a student room is around €300 a month. This usually includes electricity, but not necessarily. Food costs about €100-200 a month, and a normal drink at the bar is about €2. 50.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Leiden? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, it is. There are many students, and not so many rooms. The easiest way to find a room is to join a student society and get to know people. They might find you a room in the house of friends.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The Netherlands are known for the great variety of food that is offered. The typical Dutch food contains potatoes, vegetables, and meat, but there are many other common dishes. As the Netherlands have a multicultural society, there is multicultural food as well. Leiden has restaurants from all over the world, and every supermarket offers a great variety of foods from every continent. So choose your favourite, as it will certainly be available. There are even a Russian and a Chinese supermarket in Leiden!

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What places would you recommend visiting in Leiden?

The museum of Folk culture (Volkenkunde). It offers permanent and temporal exhibitions about folks, cultures, and cultural objects. You should also definitely visit the market on Wednesday and Saturday, as it's the best place to find fresh foods and meet people. A boat tour on the canals also surely is something you should have done once if you live in Leiden.

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Is it good to eat out in Leiden? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are many restaurants in Leiden, offering almost every food imaginable. Most of them are normally priced, to Dutch standards.

Is the nightlife good in Leiden? Where is good to go?

There are many cafés and pubs, but there is only one club where you can dance. The student societies are the places to offer you a great nightlife.

What advice would you give future students heading to Leiden?

Join a student society, as it will boost your social life. It will also help you find a place to live, and the drinks are much cheaper than in a regular pub.