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Erasmus Kit
Netherlands

Erasmus in Leiden

The official links people use most when they arrive in Leiden. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.

To start with

Universities

International offices for exchange students.

  • Leiden University: study abroad and exchangeUniversiteit Leiden

    Portal for exchange students: study options, student life in Leiden and The Hague and support services.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • Leiden UAS: exchange programmeHogeschool Leiden (Leiden UAS)

    Every semester it welcomes students from partner institutions; credits are set in the learning agreement signed before arrival.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

When you arrive

Student associations and welcome services.

  • Leiden International CentreLeiden International Centre

    Non-profit organisation for newcomers: BSN appointments, free information events and a helpdesk. Booking directly with the municipality is free; the centre charges for some services.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • Student life in Leiden: orientation week and ISNUniversiteit Leiden

    Introduces the city, the orientation week for international students and the International Student Network (ISN) with its weekly meet-ups.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

Erasmus associations

ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.

  • Leiden University: student associationsUniversiteit Leiden

    Official list including ESN Leiden, Leiden United, AEGEE-Leiden and ESN The Hague for students at the Hague campus.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • ESN Leiden: official entry in the ESN directoryESN Leiden

    Section details: address at Kaiserstraat 13 and board email. Its own website was under maintenance on 24 October 2026; the university links to its Instagram.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

Parties and events

Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.

Trips and excursions

Trips and excursions for Erasmus students. Before paying, check who organises the trip and pay only on their official website.

  • AEGEE-Leiden: student travel associationAEGEE-Leiden

    Part of the European AEGEE network: trips across Europe and a Tuesday borrel. The site is in Dutch; you can email to come and try it out.

    Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch

Paperwork

What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.

  • Registering with the municipality and getting a BSNGemeente Leiden

    If you move from abroad and will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register in person; book an appointment within 5 days of moving.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • When to register in the Personal Records Database (BRP)Government.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)

    If you will live in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, register with your municipality within 5 days of arrival and you will get a BSN. For shorter stays you can register as a non-resident (RNI).

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • Dutch health insurance: when it is compulsoryGovernment.nl (Gobierno de los Países Bajos)

    If you only study, your home insurance usually covers you; if you also work, you may have to take out Dutch basic health insurance. The page refers to Study in NL to check your case.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

Transport

Public transport, passes and bikes.

  • Leiden area buses: paying with OVpayQbuzz (Zuid-Holland Noord)

    Qbuzz runs the buses in the Leiden area. You can check in with a bank card, credit card or phone without registering first. Website in Dutch.

    Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in Dutch

  • NS trains: travel with your bank card or phoneNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)

    You can check in and out on the train with a contactless debit or credit card or your phone, with no prior registration. Handy if you take the train now and then.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • OV-fiets: rental bikes at stationsNS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)

    Rented per 24 hours at almost 300 locations and returned to the same place. You need a personal OV-chipkaart with the free NS Flex Basis subscription.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

Health and emergencies

European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.

  • Healthcare and insurance for international studentsNuffic (Study in NL)

    Explains when the European Health Insurance Card is enough, when you need Dutch insurance (for example, if you work) and that your first stop is the GP (huisarts). In an emergency, call 112.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Comisión Europea

    It is free and gives you access to necessary state healthcare on the same terms as people insured in the country. Apply for it in your home country before you travel.

    Checked on 24 October 2026

Student discounts

Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.

Culture and city life

Official tourism, events and libraries.

Offers for students in your city

Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Leiden: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.

Offers come from local businesses, and they do not pay to appear.

Controller: Domenico Di Siena. Purpose: sending you your city's newsletter, with your consent. Data: email, city, language and arrival and departure months. Deleted when you unsubscribe or a month after you leave. Emails are sent with Resend. To exercise your rights, write to hello@erasmuskit.com.

Other cities in Netherlands

These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.

Site language

We take you to this same page in the language you choose.

More

To prepare your Erasmus+

For organisations

Language

ESENITFR