Leiden is one of the best known student cities in the Netherlands. It is a good place if you want a historic city, a strong academic name, and easy travel by train. This guide gives you the main options, common costs, and practical steps so you can plan with less stress.
Which universities and colleges are in Leiden?
The main university in Leiden is Leiden University, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. It is known for academic research, many international programmes, and subjects like law, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences.
Leiden is also close to The Hague, so some students study in Leiden and live or travel across the wider region. You may also find applied sciences options nearby through institutions in the Randstad area. Always check the official programme page to see where the classes are actually taught.
- Leiden University - research university with many bachelor's and master's programmes
- Nearby universities in the wider region - useful if you are open to commuting
- Applied sciences schools - these are usually more practical and career focused
If you are choosing between universities, look at the teaching style, entry requirements, and whether the degree is research based or practice based. The university admissions page is the best place to check this.
Can you study in English?
Yes, many programmes in Leiden and the nearby region are taught in English, especially at master's level. At bachelor's level, there are also English-taught options, but not every subject is available in English.
Entry usually depends on your previous education and your English level. Universities normally ask for proof such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test. Some programmes may accept other proof, but the exact rules are always on the programme page.
- Check if the full degree is in English, not only some courses
- Look for the required language score on the university site
- Read the country-specific admission rules if you studied outside the EU/EEA
If you are still in school, also check whether your diploma gives access to Dutch higher education. The admissions office or the university's international office can explain this.
What do rent and living costs look like?
Leiden is not the cheapest city in the Netherlands, but it is often a little easier than Amsterdam. Rent can still be high, especially for student rooms, and it is smart to start looking early. Prices change every year, so treat all figures as rough ranges and compare current listings.
For many students, monthly costs can include rent, food, health insurance, transport, phone, books, and personal spending. Your real budget depends on your room type, how much you cook, and how often you travel.
- Room in shared housing - often cheaper than a studio
- Studio or private apartment - usually more expensive and harder to find
- Food and daily life - similar to other Dutch student cities, sometimes slightly high
- Transport - lower if you cycle and use trains or buses only when needed
Compared with the rest of the Netherlands, Leiden is usually in the mid to higher range for student housing. Amsterdam is often worse for rent, while some smaller Dutch cities are cheaper. Check current student housing platforms and the university housing advice page before you make a plan.
How does student housing work?
Housing is one of the hardest parts of moving to the Netherlands. Many students look for a room through the university, private listings, student housing sites, or local groups. Some universities help international students with a limited number of rooms, but this is never guaranteed.
If the university offers housing support, read the deadline and the rules very carefully. In many cases, you must apply early and accept the first suitable room you get. If you wait too long, you may need to find housing on your own.
- Start early - rooms can be taken months before arrival
- Check if the university has reserved housing for internationals
- Watch for scams - never pay before you verify the landlord or platform
- Think about commuting by bike or train if your room is outside the centre
Always use official university housing pages and trusted student housing providers. If you are unsure, ask the housing office before you send money or sign a contract.
Transport, part-time work, and student life
Leiden is a very bike-friendly city. Many students cycle to class, shops, and the station. Trains also make it easy to travel to The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and other Dutch cities.
As an international student, you may be allowed to work part-time, but the rules depend on your nationality and permit status. If you are from outside the EU/EEA, check the national immigration authority and your employer's duties before you accept any job. The rules can change, and work hours may be limited.
- Bicycle - the main way many students move around
- Train - good for day trips and commuting in the region
- Bus and tram - useful in the wider area, especially toward The Hague
- Part-time work - check immigration rules, tax, and insurance first
Student life in Leiden is active and international. You will find study groups, sports clubs, cultural events, and student associations. The city is smaller than Amsterdam, so it can feel calmer, but it still has a strong student atmosphere.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
Admissions offices are more likely to contact you when your profile is clear and complete. They want to see what you want to study, what you have already studied, and whether your language level and documents fit the programme.
If you are applying through a university portal, make your profile strong before you submit. If you are using a student register like Eduuro, the same idea applies: the clearer your profile, the easier it is for the right office to find you.
- Write your field of study clearly
- Add your current or highest education level
- Show your English level honestly
- Upload documents that are readable and complete
- Use the same spelling of your name and course details everywhere
Also check the programme page for the exact admission route. Some programmes need extra documents, such as a motivation letter, portfolio, CV, or reference letter. Sending the right documents early can save time later.
Common questions
Is Leiden a good city for international students?
Yes, if you want a respected university city with many English-taught options and easy transport. It is also smaller and calmer than some bigger Dutch cities.
Is it hard to find housing in Leiden?
It can be. Student housing in the Netherlands is often tight, so start early and use official university housing information as your first source.
Can I work while studying in Leiden?
Maybe, but the rules depend on your passport and residence status. Check the Dutch immigration authority and your university's guidance before you take a job.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level, and documents, so you are easier to find. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.