First-Year students
Studying is already a lot of work, so on this page you'll find the most sought-after information for first-year students. Do you feel something important is missing? Let us know via the feedback button, and we'll improve it for the next student.
Essential Matters
Is your student life at Leiden University about to begin? Here you'll find all the information you need to start your studies off right, such as what you need to arrange before your studies begin, information about the start of the academic year, and the most important facilities.
As a student at Leiden University, you will receive a Binding Study Advice (BSA). This means that in the first year of your bachelor's program, you must earn enough credits to continue to the next year of your studies. Some programs also have additional requirements.
BSA Requirements:
Full-time students: 45 EC
Part-time students: 30 EC
At Leiden University, we monitor your academic progress with a personal study plan, which is created after your first year of study. This plan helps you to thoughtfully continue your studies and achieve your goals. In May/June, first- and second-year students create a study plan for their next academic year, in which they outline their planned study components and exam dates.
The study plan is an essential tool to ensure you complete your studies successfully within the set three years. Together with your study advisor, you will track your progress and adjust the plan as needed, allowing you to perform optimally and timely address any delays.
At the university, you can use various study buildings and libraries spread across the city, such as the University Library and the Lipsius building. Printing facilities are available in almost all libraries and buildings. For individual study, quiet spaces are ideal, while group workspaces and collaboration areas are perfect for projects and joint study. Discover your ideal study spot and make the most of the available facilities!
To view your schedule, you can use MyTimetable, where you can create your personal timetable. If you are enrolled in any courses through uSis, they will also be shown there.
Curious about your days off and holidays? Check the faculty calendar to plan your well-deserved breaks.
The literature you need for each course can be found in the course catalog. Your study association often organizes book sales where you can purchase your books at a discount.
For most humanities programs, you can also order readers through the Leiden University ordering site. Readeronline is a web store where students can safely order and pay for readers. After payment, you can pick up your order with a printout of the payment confirmation and your student card at the service point you selected.
Additional costs: if you choose to have the order delivered to your home, a delivery fee of €4.90 per order will be charged.
As a first-year bachelor’s student, you will be enrolled in courses and exams for the first semester by your program. For the second semester, you will need to enroll yourself via MyStudymap. Make sure to do this on time, as some second- or third-year courses fill up quickly.
Solutions
If you encounter challenges during your studies or have personal circumstances affecting your well-being or academic progress, contact your study adviser.
The university also has student psychologists who can help with both study-related and personal issues. During the first appointment, you will discuss the best next steps together.
Student psychologists do not diagnose or treat serious psychological/psychiatric issues. If you need specialized or long-term help, contact your general practitioner for a referral.
Everything about student well-being
Studying with a disability can require extra time and effort. A significant number of students have some form of physical or mental limitation. We are happy to assist you with support that suits your needs, such as extra time or enlarged font during exams.
It's helpful to arrange this support quickly. You can do this through an intake at Fenestra. They handle the intake for students with a disability or chronic illness and provide advice on all matters related to your limitation. They issue a statement that grants you access to additional facilities or support.
Sometimes circumstances can cause you to fall behind in your studies. This happens to more students than you might think. It is important to seek help immediately to minimize the impact. In exceptional circumstances, you may qualify for additional support or funding. Your study adviser can assist you with this.
No matter what your problem is, we're here to help. The university has various support offices:
| Type of Problem | Office |
|---|---|
| Academic issues | Study adviser |
| Mental health issues | Student psychologist |
| Disability-related issues | Fenestra |
| Unwanted behavior | Confidential councillor |
| Unfair treatment | Ombuds officer |
Naast je studie
Are you curious about other fields and want to broaden your knowledge beyond your bachelor’s degree? Then the Honours College might be for you!
The Honours College is an additional program of 30 ECTS for ambitious, curious bachelor’s students seeking challenges alongside their regular studies. You can follow a track within your own faculty or another faculty.
The student life at Leiden University is known for its student associations. These associations in Leiden and The Hague are a great way to quickly meet many people. Moreover, they often host parties, and you can take advantage of their offerings in sports and culture. In addition to the well-known general associations, there are also numerous associations focused on specific activities or interests.
Through your study association, you can sometimes buy your study books at a discount and meet other first-year students in your program. It’s a good way to combine activities in your field with social events, as almost every program has a study association.
Participation bodies represent the interests of students and staff by critically monitoring university policies and their implementation. They play an advisory and co-decision-making role. Each faculty has its own council, and there is a central university council. There are annual elections in May for the student representatives, in which every student can participate. You can also join your program's educational committee.
Looking ahead
A minor is a coherent set of courses. Most minors consist of 15 to 30 EC, so you can take them within your elective space. The level is suitable for third-year bachelor’s students.
With a minor, you can explore beyond the boundaries of your program and broaden your knowledge and skills, or further specialize in your field, for example, to prepare for a master’s degree.
Every March, there is a minors fair where you can explore practically all the minors offered by the university.