205 reviews
3.85 / 5 based on 205 reviews
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lirdal
Housing
Type of housing: Student dorm
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Normally it's cheaper and since you live with Dutch students you have the opportunity to know the country and practice its language.
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Personal comments
SLS, the accomodation agency officially attached to the university, is not enough to handle the demand in a town as little as Leiden. Though it's not an easy one for foreigners, the best option is to find a room through the so called "hospiteravonds".
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lirdal
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
The most popular cafes for international students are "Odessa" on Mondays and "Einstein" on Wednesdays. However, it's better to try pubs where Dutch students usually meet and party. In order to do so, the best option is to try to join a students association.
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lirdal
Expenses
Main source of funding:
A private grant
Other sources of funding:
Family
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
The standard of living in The Netherlands is much higher than in Spain.
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Telephone, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Food:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Not all the banks are non Dutch speaking-friendly.
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lirdal
Academic
Course recommendations
It's harder than other places I've tried, such as Belgium. However, there shouldn't be problems with a good distribution of your time.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I would suggest more contact with Dutch students.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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0
lirdal
Overall
I wish I had known...
How difficult it is to find accomodation in Leiden.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
The good reputation of this university is mainly due to its friendly and professional academic staff, so it's easy to take the most of its expertise.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Arrange your accomodation much before you arrive, try to leave or have contact with Dutch students (it's difficult, but really worth it) and take profit of the Dutch railway system to travel all around the Benelux!
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lirdal
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
In The Netherlands almost everybody speaks English and is polite enough to use it with non Dutch speaking foreigners. However, Dutch should be given a try, since people are nice enough to let you practice on them.
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Français