Sun, sea, city and campus: 850 first-years get to know The Hague
From chilling on the beach to a speech by the mayor. HOPweek is a speedy way for hundreds of ‘Leiden’ students who are going to be studying in The Hague to get to know each other. Many of them come from abroad. ‘I actually dare to cycle here.’
Walkie-talkie in hand, HOPweek chair Ola is answering a flurry of last-minute organisational questions just before large numbers of first-years arrive at the elegant Lange Voorhout. ‘It’s a tense moment’, she says on this Monday morning, as the sun breaks through the clouds. Behind her is the stage where Mayor Jan van Zanen will address the students later that day. But before that, the new students will have time to get to know each other in mentor groups. They’ll be speaking English because at least half of them come from abroad, Ola explains.
Programmes in The Hague
Leiden University offers a range of programmes in The Hague including Urban Studies, Public Administration and Security Studies. Most students have signed up for International Studies, and International Relations and Organisations. We speak to a few first-years just before they disappear into the depths of The Hague.
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Speech by Mayor Jan van Zanen -
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Leiden-on-sea
Iman from Paris wanted to go to a university that was abroad but still in Europe. She deliberately chose International Relations and Organisations. ‘The programme here focuses a lot on research and statistics, which is exactly what I want.’ She hesitated briefly between Amsterdam and The Hague. But Leiden University’s seaside location sealed the deal for her. Her first impressions compared with Paris? ‘All the friendly faces here and the open streets without such tall buildings.’
Room wanted
François is one of those friendly faces that Iman has just seen. This tall Luxembourger’s keen interest in international politics is whey he decided to study in The Hague, with its international courts and NGOs. He has just found his mentor group and is quickly trying to remember the names of his fellow students. ‘This week is a great opportunity to get to know lots of people.’ And François has another important mission. ‘I’m staying in a hotel at the moment and hope to find a room soon.’
Role of mentors
HOPweek wouldn’t be HOPweek without the enthusiastic mentors who ensure the first-years soon make friends. Mentors like Clemence and Martina, both International Studies students. They share a few tips before their group arrives. Martina: ‘This week is super important for make sure your studies and student life get off to a good start. We try to break the ice with games and jokes. My advice is: be open to as many people as possible. That’s how I got to know my friends.’ Clemence: ‘I myself was a first-year at HOPweek two years ago. I was nervous but the week helped us form a community, which is extra important for students from abroad.’
From Delhi to The Hague
Jayesh from India is a real adventurer. He is almost 18 and couldn’t wait to go abroad. He has chosen International Relations and Organisations for the mix of history and politics. He has already found a room in The Hague through Facebook. ‘The biggest difference from Delhi? The air is cleaner here and I actually dare to cycle on the roads here. I hadn’t done that at home for four years.’ He rubs his arms in the shade of the trees. ‘I do have to get used to the lower temperatures here.’
Luckily for Jayesh, his group starts moving and they are soon walking in the sunshine by the Hofvijver lake. Today they will explore The Hague, tomorrow’s menu includes the faculty and Wednesday’s exertions include relaxing on the beach. The week will end with a big party in Paard, the pop temple in The Hague.
Text: Linda van Putten
Photos: Wilke Geurds