Welcome to Leiden University
Will you soon be joining Leiden University? Here you can find all the information you need to get your studies off to a good start.
Joining a bachelor's or master's programme?
Find out what you need to know and arrange by clicking on your faculty or study programme tab.
Following exchange or study-abroad courses?
Find out what you need to know and arrange by clicking on your exchange faculty tab.
Following courses at more than one faculty? For course-specific information, select the relevant exchange faculty (top of the page). For general information, select any of your exchange faculties.
Welcome at the Faculty of Humanities. All information you will need to start with your studies, you will find on the programme's tab from 15 August 2024 onwards.
Is there no information yet, or did you not find an answer to your question? Please contact the co-ordinator of studies.
On Academic Freedom
You are now a part of our academic community. Here at Leiden University, we pride ourselves on our motto Praesidium Libertatis – bastion of freedom – and cherish the tradition of academic freedom.
What do we expect of you?
A vital component of academic freedom is an open culture in which we can disagree with one another yet still feel safe, a culture that gets us thinking and could even cause us to change our views. This benefits us. And you too have a part to play.
Soon you will start your student life at Leiden University. Read more about what you need to prepare and do to quickly find your way.
Before your studies begin
Join the HOP!
What is The HOP?
The HOP (The Hague Orientation Programme) is the official introduction week for new Leiden University students studying in The Hague. During a five-day, festive and varied programme you’ll be able to get acquainted with the city and the student life that awaits you.
How do I sign up for the HOP?
Once you have accepted your offer of admission to a degree, exchange or study abroad programme in The Hague, you will receive an email inviting you to sign up for the HOP. Haven't yet received your invitation? Send a mail to participants@hop.leidenuniv.nl.
Want to know more about The HOP?
Do you have any questions or would you like more information?
As a student of Leiden University you’ll receive a student account (ULCN account). This gives you access to the university’s systems and work stations. You'll first need to activate your ULCN account.
Your LU card is your university ID card. It gives you access to a range of facilities. Make sure to request your LU card before starting your studies.
All Humanities students are required to register for all lectures, tutorials, and exams. You can do this via MyStudymap. This applies to both the compulsory components as well as the study activities that you choose to complete as part of the elective programme (minor). The only exceptions to this rule are the final bachelor’s paper and the master’s thesis; you do not need to register for these.
First-year, full-time bachelor’s students are usually registered by their department for courses starting in September. They should however check that they are registered correctly. For the lectures that start in February, they will need to register for courses themselves.
To find out what books you will need for next year, you can visit the Prospectus. Here you will find the course descriptions of the courses you will be taking next year, with the required literature.
Every year, BASIS organizes the Book Deal to provide its members with the best possible prices for study books! The Book Deal is included with the BASIS membership, so once you sign up, you will automatically have access to the Book Deal. More information can be found on the BASIS website.
For the literature list, see the course descriptions in the course catalogue in the Prospectus. Readers and syllabi can be purchased at readeronline.leidenuniv.nl, some study associations also hold a book sale.
Start of your studies
The introduction programme for first-year students will take place on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 August (entire days) . You will receive more information when you have filled out the registration form (which you will receive) or per mail from your Study Adviser
Please check this page for the academic calendar and this page for the schedules.
You can use MyTimetable to view all timetables of the Faculty of Humanities and create your own personal timetable.
Did you enroll for a course in uSis? Then this will automatically be displayed in MyTimetable. You can also sync MyTimetable with your calendar apps on your smartphone and any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar; or set up an email notification instead.
Questions?
Watch the video instruction or read the detailed instructions.
There are translations of the Dutch phrases commonly used in the timetable documents available.
Study advice and support services
For all questions related to your programme for which you cannot find an answer on the website contact your Coordinator of Studies / Study Advisor. They can also advise you on the planning of your studies and help you if problems occur which may jeopardize your progress.
You can find your Coordinator of Studies / Study adviser at the right side of this page on your desktop and at the bottom of this page on your mobile phone. Make sure you have selected your study programme at the top!
As its name indicates, the Education Administration Offices is tasked with the administrative support of the educational process. They can help you to register for lectures, seminars and exams and administer the results of the exams and final examinations. They can provide you with a transcript of your results, if needed, and produce your diploma when you successfully finish your programme. Even after your graduation, they are the first to contact if you need anything.
There is a mentor system in place for new student. This will help new students by finding their way in their studies and help with studying methods. Your mentor will give you advice about your studies and you can reach out to them when you have difficulties with your studies or if there are personal circumstances in play, they can refer you to other people and organisations that will help you further.
During your time as a student you will probably face a variety of challenges. Both in terms of studying and personal development, you might need a little help from time to time. Find out how you can boost your wellbeing and who you can turn to for support. Read more about wellbeing
Key facilities
Here, on the student website, you can find a wide range of practical information about your studies.
Select your study programme or exchange faculty
When you first visit the website, you will be asked to select your study programme or exchange faculty to continue.
- By selecting your study programme or exchange faculty, you can access information that is specific to your particular programme and faculty.
- By visiting the site as a guest, you can only access general, university-wide information.
The website will remember your selection. This means you won’t have to make a selection next time you log in from the same device.
Tabs: from general to specific
If you have selected your study programme or exchange faculty, you will sometimes see more than one tab on a page:
- The tab on the left contains general information.
- The tab in the middle contains information from your faculty.
- The tab on the right contains information for students on your study programme, or for exchange students at this faculty.
Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. The student card is a digital card and can be found in the University Leiden app after activation.
As a student of Leiden University you will be issued with a university email address: uMail. All correspondence from the university will be sent to this address. You can set up your uMail account so that all mails will be forwarded to your own email address.
All the details of your studies are recorded in uSis. From your first registration as a student until your graduation.
Brightspace is Leiden University’s online learning environment.
The indispensable app for Leiden University students. Here you can find all your personal study information in one place. Log in once and access your schedule, results, available computers and university news anytime and anyplace.
Make the most of your student life
Join the Humanities Buddy Programme!
Are you a new master's student at Leiden University? Join the Humanities Buddy Programme! You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world. Already a master's student at Leiden University? Join us and become a buddy instead.
Interested? Read more about the Humanities Buddy programme on the website.
B.A.S.I.S. is the official study association of the BA International Studies, more information about the association an activities can be found on their website.
By joining an association you'll meet lots of people and get more out of student life. As well as student and study associations, there are also a range of social associations in Leiden and The Hague, for example sports, religious or cultural associations.
As a student of Leiden University, you have access to a wide range of affordable sports via the University Sport Centre (USC) in Leiden and The Hague.
Is my registration complete?
After your enrolment in Studielink and your enrolment at Leiden University have been forwarded to your study programme, at the start of July you will receive an email requesting you to fill in a registration form. The deadline for completing the form is 15 August 2020.
If the Admissions Office sent you a conditional decision upon admission, please make sure that all documents are handed in before 1 September. To complete your registration for course enrolment with International Studies, you will receive an e-mail with further instructions.
Which courses am I taking and when?
Information about the study programme can be found in the Prospectus. Please select your specialisation to view all courses on offer. You can find the schedule and academic calendar on the programme tab of this page.
How do I register for lectures and seminars?
In your first year in the first semester you do not need to register yourself for courses, we will do this for you, for the second semester you register for lectures and tutorials using uSis. For exams you will be automatically registered as long as you are correctly enrolled for the lecture/tutorial in uSis.
During most lectures, we use the digital learning environment Brightspace. You do not need to register separately for this, by registering in uSis you are automatically registered for the course in Brightspace.
What do I need in order to be able to attend online classes?
In order to attend classes, you need at least the following: a laptop (or computer) with microphone and camera, and an internet connection.
Does the study programme have an introduction programme?
Yes, we will organise compulsory Introduction Days for the BA programme International Studies in The Hague on Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 September.
Where and when is my first lecture?
Your first lecture will take place on Thursday 9 September in The Hague. Please note that the programme’s administration office will register all first year students for the first semester courses in uSis, the registration system of Leiden University.
What will the first semester look like?
Below you will find an overview of important dates in the first semester.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 September | Introducation programme |
| Thursday 9 September | First semester: start lectures |
| Monday 13 September | First semester: start tutorials |
| Monday 25 October until Friday 29 October | Midterm |
| Friday 29 October | Area Fair |
| Monday 20 December until Thursday 23 December | Final Exam week |
| Monday 24 January until Friday 28 January | Exams and resits |
| Monday 7 February | Start second semester |
Mentors
All first year students will be divided in tutorial groups of around 12 students, this is also your mentor group. Each group will have peer mentor, a second or a third year student, whom will guide you through the introduction days and the first semester.
Where can I buy my study books and study material?
To find out what books you will need for next year, you can visit the Prospectus. Here you will find the course descriptions of the courses you will be taking next year, with the required literature.
The International Studies study association B.A.S.I.S. offers a bookdeal. More information follows by e-mail. You can also visit studieboekenkorting.nl. This online bookstore provides the possibility to order all required books for this programme at once
Does the study association have an introduction programme?
B.A.S.I.S. is the official study association of the BA International Studies, more information about the association an activities can be found on their website.
What is Humanities Lab?
Humanities Lab is the Honours programme of the Faculy of Humanities. The Honours programme challenges motivated students, who can handle a higher study load besides their regular bachelor programme. By choosing a honours traject that suits your interests, you will optimally develop your talents! If you’re performing well in the first semester, you can start to take Honours courses from the second semester of your first year onwards.
Where do I go for any further information I may need?
A lot of information can be found online. Maybe the answer to your question can also be found here? First, try paying a visit to one of these pages:
- General information about studying at Leiden University (general tab)
- Starting your studies: what will it look like in times of corona?
- Student website
Do you have any questions about your registration at Leiden University? For example about paying your tuiton? Try the Student Affairs Front Office.
For further information please visit our programme website, check the Guide to International Studies, or contact the coordinators of studies via bais.stuco@hum.leidenuniv.nl.