Guide to BSc and MSc Political Science 2023

Guide to BSc and MSc Political Science

Word of welcome

Dear students,

Your journey of studying Political Science at Leiden University has begun. Soon, you will discover a new city and make new friends. Maybe you moved to another country, and you might learn a new language. These changes are inspiring and beautiful. But some aspects, like getting used to a new way of life and maybe even more independent studying, can be challenging.

To make the transition as smooth as possible, your faculty’s staff and the close-knit student community are here to help you. This booklet once made it easier for me when I started studying Political Science. And just like it helped me, it will help you find practical information about this support and various facilities that Campus The Hague has to offer.

We are very happy to welcome you as part of an open-hearted and talented group of students. We wish you all the best in your studies and hope you will have a wonderful time in The Hague!

Eva Fritz Student ambassador

Programme overview

BSc Political Science: International Relations

Structure Academic Year

and Organisations (IRO)

The Academic Year runs from early September to July and consists of two semesters, each divided into two blocks. A block covers 8 weeks, with 7 weeks of teaching and one exam week. At the university, we use the European Credits Transfer System (ECTS) to represent the workload of courses. Each year of the three-year programme consists of 60 EC. One EC stands for 28 hours of studying. All lectures, workgroup and exams are on campus.

1st Year: Basics of Political Science and International Politics

During the first year of the programme, you acquaint yourself with the basics of the political science discipline and international politics. Furthermore, you will study related subjects, such as economics and history. Political Science: IRO is a Bachelor of Science, which means that an important part of the programme is reserved for academic skills courses, where you practice text analysis, debating, and academic writing. You attend lectures with all IRO students from the same year. The work groups (Academic Skills and Statistics 1 in the first year) consist of about 24 students, and during the work group sessions you actively work with your fellow students on deepening and processing the knowledge you have gained from the lectures and your reading.

Studying International Relations and Organisations is a full-time job. It will take you, on average, 40 hours a week. Attending lectures, tutorials, and work group sessions will take about 16 hours; these are the contact hours. The rest of the time you will study independently or with your fellow students preparing for the lectures and work group sessions, writing assignments and essays, and reading.

2nd Year: Indulge yourself in IR

The second year of the programme offers you more in-depth courses. The focus will shift from introductionary to international with topics like Global Justice / International development / International security / International political economy / International law and human rights.

3rd Year: Choose your own path

The third year consists out of 3 elements: the elective space, the bachelor seminar, and bachelor project (including the final thesis).

Elective space

You are free to choose from several options to fill your elective space:

E Choose a minor or take electives at any faculty of Leiden or another Dutch University

E Study abroad at one of our partner universities

E Do a research internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad

 Prospectus Political Science: International Relations and Organisations

Please contact your study adviser for more details

MSc Political Science: International Organisation

Specialisation: International Organisation

This specialisation focuses on the interplay of international rules and institutions, non-governmental organisations, and national governments in light of today’s security issues.

Do you want to deepen your knowledge of international relations and global governance? Are you interested in the dynamics of inter-governmental cooperation and institution building? Do contemporary security issues such as the spread of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and the emergence of new great powers draw your attention? Then this programme is designed for you: it combines substantive courses in political science and international politics with skills-oriented courses on policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation. Your lecturers are scholars from many different countries with expertise in all important areas of international politics. Several staff members have practical experience in foreign policy formation, diplomacy, and international organisations. You will be based in The Hague, the political capital of The Netherlands and seat of many important international organisations, including European Union and United Nations agencies, treaty organisations and prominent non-governmental organisations.

Internship option

Students are given the opportunity to do an internship with an NGO, interest group, government or international organisation, political party or media organisation (see Course Information on Brightspace). Students are responsible for finding an internship position. It is important that the organisation is willing to allow and facilitate the student to implement a research project relevant to the organisation or its activities. The internship is followed by a three month internship project seminar. During the internship seminar the student will write his or her thesis on the research project. This research paper takes the form of an academic paper. It invokes theory to help answer a clearly formulated question (or hypothesis) on the basis of systematically collected data. Both the internship, and the internship project seminar count for 15 EC (in all: 15 + 15 = 30 EC).

Thesis

Students apply theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills to a theme related to conflict and international cooperation. The thesis seminar is open to students writing their theses on Political Science topics, preferably but not limited to the subfields of international relations, political behavior and political theory. It is strongly recommended that students start thinking about the topic of their thesis before the start of the classes. Attendance is compulsory for all classes of the thesis seminar. Detailed information about the study material and the writing process can be found on Brightspace.

Leiden University Study System

At Leiden University, we employ a study system designed to help you choose the right programme and provide additional support during your studies. Results show that, with this system, Leiden University students not only study quicker, but also with greater success.

BSc: Binding Study Advice (BSA)

As a student of Leiden University you are entitled to good education and academic guidance. In return you are expected to meet certain academic requirements: the so-called BSA requirements. A full-time student is required to have completed a minimum of 45 study credits (out of 60) by the end of his or her first year of enrolment. This means that at the end of the first year of BSc study, you receive an advice as to whether you should continue your studies. In the course of the first year, students will be given regular feedback on progress by your study advisers. In formulating the BSA, any relevant circumstances, such as illness or other personal factors will, of course, be taken into account. Should you receive a negative BSA, you will not be allowed to enrol for the same study programme at Leiden University for a period of four years, you will be able to apply for another study programma at Leiden University.

Support

During your first year you will have weekly workgroups. During these workgroups you will practice academic skills that are essential to social scientific study and research: These skills will form the foundation of your study throughout the bachelor in Political Science: International Relations and Organisations (IRO). The instructor of the Academic Skills workgroup

will help you to acquire important academic skills (from searching for and correctly referring to literature, to writing an academic essay).

The study advisers are there to help you with other study related questions (study planning, study delay, study challenges and techniques, rules & regulations or personal circumstances). The study advisers will keep track of your study results during the first academic year because of the Binding Study Advice.

Communication

All students will receive an uMail university email (ULCN) account.

Note that your uMail is your university email box to which all official emails will be sent. Once your programme has started, we will only send messages to your uMail address, not to any other account. Frequently check your uMail account, and/or activate the automatic forwarding service to forward your uMail messages to your private email address. Missing an umail email is never an excuse.

 ULCN email forward manual

Leiden University app

Download the Leiden University app. In this app, you can find all your personal study information in one place. Log in once and access your timetable, grades, PC availability and the latest news, anytime and anywhere.

 Leiden University iOS app

 Leiden Uiversity Android app

uSis

As a student you will get access to uSis, the online administration system. Students have to register themselves for lectures, workgroups / tutorials and exams. USis also shows your personal information and grades. Please note: You will be enrolled by the administration for the tutorials and lectures for the first semester of the first year, but you will need to enroll yourself for mid-terms and exams. Course and exam registration will take place via MyStudymap.

 MyStudymap

 FAQs

Brightspace

Brightspace is the digital learning environment of Leiden University. The courses at the faculty are supported by Brightspace, a web-based tool used by our lecturers to support the lectures and tutorials. For enrolment Brightspace you will first need to enroll for the courses through MyStudymap. Please check the link below for more information.

 Brightspace

Schedules

Study programmes publish their schedules on Brightspace, MyTimetable, uSis, the prospectus or via this page of the students’ website:

 Year calendar 2023-2024

Examination

In the first year, the examinations are given in a multiple choice format. If you are not used to taking such examinations, please contact your study adviser for some tips. The timetable and location for the exams are available online in uSis. Students are not allowed to enter the room where the exam is taken if they arrive more than 45 minutes after the start of the exam. The first 45 minutes of the exam students are not allowed to leave or use the bathroom. According to Dutch legislation the university is not allowed to return exams or papers. If you wish to inspect your exam script, this must take place within 30 days of the announcement of the results.

Examination re-sits

If you did not pass an examination it is possible to re-sit that examination. The resit period for block 1 and 2 is in January and the resit period for block 3 and 4 is in June. You need to register for the resits. Students are allowed to take a re-sit for a partial grade only if the grade received is lower than a 5.5. It is not possible to improve passing grades by taking a re-sit.

Registration

Students themselves are responsible for registering for exams. You can register via MyStudymap from 100 up to (and including) 11 days before the exam date. After this deadline, registration is no longer possible. Please note that you need to confirm you exam participation after the registration.

 More information

Questions about course and exam registration can be addressed to the Student Services Centre (SSC): ssc@leiden.edu.

ID during exams

All students must present a valid ID and their Leiden University student card (LU-Card) at any examination. Examination papers that do not contain the student’s ID card number are invalid and will not be graded.

Duration

The duration of a written examination is normally two or three hours. An oral exam will in general take a minimum of thirty minutes.

Results

Examination results are published via uSis. It is not possible to deviate from the set schedule for examinations and/or re-sits. Students should take the examination dates (including the resits) into account when planning their journey back home. Note that examinations can be held even on the last day before a holiday.

Grading system

Within the Dutch grading system, courses are graded on a scale from 1 to 10. The formal designation of the grades is as follows:

E 10: Excellent (flawless; 100%)

E 9: Very good

E 8: Good

E 7: Satisfactory

E 6: Pass

E 5 (or lower): Fail

The lowest pass grade is 6, while grades 9 and 10 are rarely given. It is good to know that in the Dutch system teachers never give grades on the basis of a normative curve and competition plays little or no role.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is strictly forbidden at Leiden University and is understood as presenting, intentionally or otherwise, someone else’s words, thoughts, analyses, argumentations, pictures, techniques, computer programmes, etc., as your own work. Re-submitting your own work, for which you have already received credits, is also considered plagiarism.

If plagiarism is proven, the relevant Board of Examiners will impose penalties. Their severity will depend on the seriousness of the offence, and may be influenced by previous infringements. The heaviest penalty that may be imposed is exclusion from all examinations for one full year. That might mean that you would have to wait for a year for your thesis to be marked; as a consequence, you cannot graduate during that year.

Course and Examination Regulations (OER)

The Course and Examination Regulations describes the content of your programme and the specialisations within the programme. They also define the achievement levels of your programme. Furthermore, they contain regulations on examinations and the order in which courses should be taken. You can also derive certain rights from these regulations. You can find the regulations here:

 Course and Examination Regulations (OER)

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is applied by Leiden University in the context of providing a safe and non-discriminatory work and study environment. The Code of Conduct applies to all contact between lecturers and students of Leiden university, both the contact which takes place in context of professional activities or study activities, and that which takes place outside these contexts.

It is key, for lecturers and students alike, to demonstrate proper behaviour and treat one another in a respectful manner at all times. Be respectful of differences relating to ethnic or national origins, religious convictions, gender, sexual preferences and handicaps. Lecturers and students will also refrain from any undesirable behaviour, in particular (sexual) harassment, aggression, violence and discrimination. Inappropriate behaviour will be disciplined accordingly.

If you are experiencing undesirable behaviour, such as the above mentioned, you can turn to Ramon Kuipers and Portia van Dorp.

 Confidential advisers

Or call the general number of Winston & Partners: 071-513 2493, and ask for Leiden University’s confidential adviser.

Ombuds officer for students

The ombuds officer is a confidential and independent officer of Leiden University who deals with complaints from students. Most complaints relate to the service provided by staff of faculties or central services. Generally this concerns a matter of inadequate information, communication or unsatisfactory treatment in the relation between students and employees of the Leiden University.

Eugène van der Heijden – Ombuds Officer

 ombudsfunctionaris@leidenuniv.nl

Phone: 071-527 3657/8026

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)

ECTS, the European Credit Transfer System, was developed by the European Commission in order to guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. European credits are a value allocated to course units to describe the workload required to complete a course. They reflect the quantity of work each course requires in relation to the total quantity of work required to complete a full year of academic study: lectures, practical work, seminars, individual study time and examinations or other assessment activities.

The workload of one year of study is 60 credits; 1 credit reflects 28 hours of study. Credits are awarded only when the course and all required examinations have been completed successfully.

Modes of instruction

There are two important ways in which course material is presented: via lectures, and via seminars or tutorials. Particularly in tutorials and seminars, active participation is expected from all students. In addition to the ‘contact hours’, you are expected to spend time on self-study (reading books and articles; writing papers and preparing oral presentations). You are expected to spend 40 hours per week on your study (contact hours + self-study)

Course Level Indication

Courses at Leiden University have been categorised in such a way that each category indicates the level of the course. For each subsequent year of a particular programme, course levels are increased to ensure students achieve

the progress they need in order to reach the academic standards required for graduation. The course levels are indicated in the e-prospectus.

Descriptions of course levels

E Level 100 First year bachelor’s course: general introduction

E Level 200 First or second year bachelor’s course with an introductory character

E Level 300 Second or third year bachelor’s course: intended for advanced students

E Level 400 Third year bachelor’s or first year master’s course: specialised course

E Level 500 Master level: theoretically oriented course

E Level 600 Master level: very advanced academic/theoretical course

Student Support

Study advisers

Your study adviser can help you with questions concerning:

E The content and scheduling of your programme

E Your academic and study skills

E Special arrangements for students with learning disabilities or other personal circumstances

E The rules regarding study delay

E Binding Study Advice (BSA)

E Complaints

Nynke Heegstra

Study adviser for the bachelor Political Science: International Relations & Organisations (IRO). For students with surnames starting with A - G

 studyadvisers.iro@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Ester Blom

Study adviser for the bachelor Political Science: International Relations & Organisations (IRO). For students with surnames starting with P - Z

 studyadvisers.iro@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Study adviser for the Political Science Master specialisation: International Organisation

 e.j.m.blom@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Ian Lau

Study adviser for the bachelor Political Science: International Relations & Organisations (IRO). For students with surnames starting with H - O

 studyadvisers.iro@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Student counsellors

Student counsellors can answer questions and provide guidance in situations involving regulations and legal provisions. All meetings with student counsellors are strictly confidential. You can turn to a student counsellor with any questions or problems you might have concerning:

E Exceptional circumstances

E Combining studying with top-level sport

E Studying with a (learning) disability

E Studying and pregnancy / studying with children

E Academic delay (please first contact your study adviser in cases of complaints and conflict)

E Finances / obtaining funding

E Financial support for student board members

 Student counsellors

Student well-being

As a student, combining your social life, studies, work and exercise can be quite a challenge. That makes it extra important to be aware of your mental state and to take good care of yourself. Your university wants to help you with this.

 Student well-being

Student psychologists

The services of the student psychologists are intended for current registered students of Leiden University. During your first consultation with the student psychologist, you will be given the opportunity to talk about your situation and discuss the best course of action. In some cases, you might find that one consultation is sufficient. The psychologist may be able to offer advice or provide information that helps you to resolve your difficulties.

You may, for example, be advised to follow a workshop or training course in study skills or personal development. In other cases, the psychologist may offer you short-term individual guidance.

You can make an appointment for a consultation in Leiden or The Hague by using the online appointment system.

 Online appointment system student psychologists

 psychologen@sea.leidenuniv.nl

Personal Development: Honours education & Career service

Honours College

Are you a first year’s bachelor student, and are you looking for extra opportunities besides your regular bachelor’s studies? The Honours College offers small-scale teaching to motivated students, with ample attention for personal development. There is a wide variety of options to choose from. You might start your own research project, do an internship or work on solutions for societal issues such as migration, climate change or the boundaries of health care.

You will receive more information about the options during the Academic Support sessions and there will be information sessions about the different Honours Programmes in December. You can choose the Honours track of your own faculty of Social Sciences (the track Science and Society) but are also allowed to choose an Honours track of another faculty at Leiden University. There are two possible starting dates for the Honours College track: in the second semester of your first academic year or at the start of your second academic year.

 Honours College

 honourscollege@ha.leidenuniv.nl

 071-527 2084

Leiden Leadership Programme (ILLP)

This programme is a honours programme (worth 5 EC) for master’s students at Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. The 5 EC programme takes place from January through June. You will be taught in a small interdisciplinary class of international students and you will receive feedback and guidance from an experienced coach. The ILLP has a focus on leadership skills and personal development.

 ILLP

Career Service FSW & Community Engagement Service FSW

You will face many choices and options during your study and career. The choices you make as a student – the courses you follow, the (research) assignments you carry out, the questions you ask yourself – all help to steer your future career in a particular direction. In the Job Market Preparation module, you can discover your own strengths, wishes and options.

The Leiden University Career Service can offer advice regarding your study choice, internship preparation and career planning, by offering:

E Workshops on career orientation and finding a job

E Individual study/career advice

E Information about the Dutch job market

E Help with writing your CV and letters of motivation

 Career Service

 Leiden University Career Zone

 Community Engagement Service FSW

 slsfsw@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

The Institute of Political Science

The Institute of Political Science is a vibrant department with nearly 70 academic staff. Established in 1963, it builds on a tradition of the study of institutions at a national and international level. Committed to high academic standards in both teaching and research, the Institute consistently ranks among the top political science departments in Europe.

Institute Board

The Institute of Political Science is managed by the Institute Board, which consists of a scientific director (appointed from within the professors of the institute) and at most two other members (appointed by the faculty). They are appointed for three years. The Board manages the workflow of the employees of the Institute of Political Science and stimulates the connection between education and research in the field of Political Science.

Regulations, the course calendar and teaching evaluations. At the same time, ad hoc advice is appreciated. As a student, you can always contact your Programme Committee with ideas or proposals to further improve the quality of our programmes.

For more information about the composition and contact:

 Programme Committee Bachelor’s and Master’s

Board of Examiners

The Board of Examiners is an independent committee responsible for the effective organisation of the tests and examinations. An important task is also to ensure the quality of the exams.

Students need to contact the board in case of (e.g.):

E Exemptions

Programme Committees: advice in education matters

The Programme Committees advise the institute and faculty councils about everything that concerns education. Furthermore, the Programme Committees actively contribute to quality assurance of the Institute’s bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Both staff and students are represented in the Programme Committees. They maintain close contact with their constituencies, for whom they serve as a point of contact.

Suggestions for improvement?

How students see their programmes is an important indicator for the quality of education. The Programme Committees make sure that students are being heard, for example, during the annual of the Course and Examination

E Approval of discretionary space

E Adapted programmes

E Transfer of credits

E Extension of deadlines

For information:

 Institute’s examination board

 examencommpol@fsw.leidenuniv.nl

Study association and student association

SPIL

SPIL is the study association for students of Political Science (BSc and MSc) in Leiden and The Hague. SPIL was founded in 1981 and has since grown to be one of the university’s largest study associations, with more than a thousand members. SPIL offers its members a wide range of benefits. The association organises a large variety of activities and events with both a social and an academic character. Formal activities, such as lectures, excursions and debates are complemented by informal activities, such as movie nights and parties.

SPIL also organises visits to foreign countries on study trips, to acquaint members with political systems abroad. These activities and trips are organised by the association board and various committees, in which students can take part to acquire and strengthen their professional skills. Finally, SPIL is connected with several political science student platforms on both a national (PvP) and international level (IAPSS).

SPIL members can purchase study books with substantial discount. See  SPIL: book-sale

Joining SPIL is a great way to get the most out of your time in The Hague and have a great time!

 SPIL

CIROS

CIROS (the Community for International Relations and Organisations Students) is a student association for Leiden University’s IRO students. CIROS was founded in March 2018 as a student initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion within the IRO student community through a range of academic and non-academic events.

CIROS prides itself on being an inclusive community for students of all stripes to come together. Since 2018, they have grown to become a registered Student Association within Leiden University. They currently have eight committees and several ongoing projects, and are composed of students from over 25 different nationalities.

Members of CIROS have organised Mental Health Week, Sustainability Week, International Fusion Week, sports matches, debates and more.

The mission of CIROS is to build a community that every IRO student can feel a part of.

 CIROS

Wijnhaven Building

Facilities

The BSc in Political Science: International Relations and Organisations programme is offered at the Wijnhaven Campus in The Hague. The Institute of Political Sciences can be found at the 6th floor of the Wijnhaven building.

Opening hours Wijnhaven:

Mon-Fri: 08.00-00.00

Sat-Sun: 10.00-23.00

 Wijnhaven Building

Opening hours café:

Mon-Thu: 08.00-19.00

Fri: 08.00-15.00

Opening hours restaurant:

Mon-Thu: 11.30-16.00

Fri: 11.30-15.00

Library

The Wijnhaven library is accessible for university staff and students. It has 40 desktop workstations and 100 study places. It has a permanent collection and a reference collection (only for use in the library) which comprises all study books of subjects taught in the study programmes in Wijnhaven.

Books ordered from the library collection in Leiden before 16.00 will arrive the next day in the afternoon (after 14.00). Ask at the library desk for details.

In order to get a library subscription and to borrow books, you will need a student ID card (LU-Card).

Opening hours library

Mon-Fri: 09.00-22.00

 Leiden University Libraries

Lockers

On the ground floor, the second and third floors of the building you will find lockers for use by staff and students with a LU-Card. Please note that the lockers will be unlocked and emptied every day at 24.00. If your LUCard does not work, please contact a LU-card Help Desk.

 Help Desks LU-Card

 servicedeskDH@ufb.leidenuniv.nl

Bike Park

The entrance to the Wijnhaven bike park is situated on the “Lage Zand” street side of the building. It can be accessed by presenting your LUcard. If your LU-card does not work, please contact a LU-card Help Desk. Please note: if you park your bike around the building, do bear in mind that the municipality has a very strict parking enforcement policy. Use the designated bike parks or your bike will be removed by the municipality and you will have to pay a fine!

 Help Desks LU-Card

 servicedeskDH@ufb.leidenuniv.nl

Silent study areas and contemplation room

The silent study areas can be found on the second floor, in the library and on the third floor. The third floor also has a contemplation room where staff members and students can retreat for a moment of silent reflection, meditation or prayer. The room is available for everyone; please ask at the reception desk to make use of it.

Access for persons with reduced mobility

Please report at the reception desk for assistance. The reception desk staff will be able to offer help and guidance.

Some house rules

Leiden University has a non-smoking policy. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the lecture and tutorial rooms, the library, the silent study areas and other designated places. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; there are lockers that can be used by staff and students.

Leiden University ID Card: LU-Card

All students enroled at Leiden University are required to have a Leiden University student ID card (called ‘LU-Card’), which will give access to all university facilities, including all university libraries and printers. Students must present their LU-Card at all examinations. How do I get a LU-Card? Visit:

 Leiden University LU-Card

Student card

Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. You can request a student card at the Student Affairs Front Office in Plexus Student Centre. Here you can also request documentary proof of student registration or tuition fee payment.

Your student card is digital and can be found in the Leiden University app.

Student Services Centre (SSC/OSC)

You can contact the Student Services Centre (SSC/OSC) with regard to practical questions about your studies. The SSC can help you with the following:

E Registration for courses and exams

E Transcripts, timetables and grades requests

E Questions about petitions

E Questions about your course history and credit transfer in uSis

E Information on diplomas and graduation

E Other questions – the SSC is the front office for students, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re not sure where to go.

Location: Wijnhaven Building, 2nd Floor

Opening hours: Tuesday 10.00-12.00

 070-800 9098 (Mon/Wed/Thu: 10.00-12.00)

Beehive Student Centre

Leiden University and the city of The Hague are committed to creating a better student environment in The Hague. Situated opposite Wijnhaven Building, you can find the Beehive Student Centre which acts as a Student Centre. There are advanced sports facilities for students and staff, and office facilities for student organisations and study associations. Students can go there for the services provided by Student Support Services, and the POPcorner where students can follow trainings to enhance their study skills. Beehive Student Centre is accessible to Leiden University’s students and staff, in posession of a valid LU-Card.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri: 08.00-22.00

Sat-Sun: 10.00-18.00

 Beehive Student Centre

 POPcorner

Student Affairs Front Office

If you have a general question about studying at Leiden University, the staff of the Student Affairs Front Office can help you. They can provide information on a wide range of subjects, not related to the content of your study programme. The student affairs front office is accessible for all Leiden University students.

Opening hours:

Tue: 14.00-16.30

Thu: 09.30-12.00

Phone: 071-527 8011

 Student Affairs Front Office

Housing

Student housing procedures and norms vary greatly from country to country. In the Netherlands most universities do not have their own dormitories and students generally arrange their own accommodation. Find out how you can arrange your student housing. Make sure to start early! Affordable rooms are in short supply.

 Housing Service Desk

For questions relating to your LU-Card and other services and facilities in the Wijnhaven building (e.g., photocopiers, reservations of meeting rooms, technical support), please contact the Service Desk.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri: 08.30-17.00

 Support

 servicedeskDH@ufb.leidenuniv.nl

Phone: 071-527 8704

Different University buildings

Leiden University’s buildings are spread throughout the city of The Hague. Some of your classes might take place outside your faculty building. Check out this map if you need help finding your way to one of them:

 Leiden University buildings The Hague

ICT (ISSC) helpdesk

The ISSC helpdesk provides help with ULCN-accounts and problems with hardware and/or software in the computer rooms.

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri: 08.30-17.30

 Support

 helpdesk@issc.leidenuniv.nl

Phone: 071-527 8888

Wifi

Leiden University offers two networks to choose from:

E Leiden University Wireless Network (LUWA). This is best suited for a temporary connection. Access via your Leiden University account (called ‘ULCN-account’).

E Eduroam. Eduroam is more secure and offers more features than LUWA. Once you have installed Eduroam, your devices will be able to automatically connect whenever you are in a Leiden University building. Before you can use Eduroam on your laptop, you will need to install software. On your phone, you will need to download a so called ‘Config File’. For more information, check out:

 ICT Services

To enable access to the wireless network, laptops must be equipped with an up-to-date virus scanner.

Health care

All students are obliged to have health insurance to cover any medical costs incurred during their stay. This is a legal requirement for all temporary and permanent residents in The Netherlands.

We strongly advise you to register with a GP (‘huisarts’ in Dutch) in Leiden or The Hague while you are studying here. GPs can only see you for a consultation if you are registered with them. You also need a GP for a referral to a hospital or specialist. You can only go to a hospital without a referral from a GP in emergency situations. If you are registered at a GP and have either an AON or EHIC insurance, you do not have to pay for your health care in advance.

 Registering with a doctor

Leiden

We recommend the GP practice below; they accept new patients and have experience with international students.

Huisartsenpraktijk Boshuizen

A. Noordewierlaan 58

2324 KT Leiden

071 531 0047

 info@praktijkboshuizen.nl

The Hague

We recommend the GP practices below for students living in the centre of The Hague and near railway station The Hague Centraal or Hollands Spoor. They accept new patients and have experience with international students. You can register as a patient via their website or in person.

Biking+Doctors

Babylon Hotel

Bezuidenhoutseweg 53, 2594 AC The Hague

070 808 0300

 biking+doctors

 info@bikingdoctors.nl

Praktijk Shams

Stationsweg 107 2h, 2515 BL The Hague

070 380 0661

 Praktijk Shams

The hospitals in The Hague are:

E HMC Westeinde (in city centre): Lijnbaan 21, The Hague

E HagaZiekenhuis Leyweg: Leyweg 275, The Hague

E HMC Bronovo: Bronovolaan 5, The Hague

Emergency

The emergency telephone number in the Netherlands (ambulance, police, fire service) is 112. If you need to contact the police but it is not an emergency you can call 0900-8844.

If there is an urgent situation outside office hours and you require immediate assistance from a doctor you can contact the ‘out-of-hours doctor’s post’ (in Dutch called “Huisartsenpost”). By ‘urgent situation’ is meant serious medical complaints, illness or injury for which treatment cannot be delayed. Out-of-hours doctor’s post in The Hague: 070-346 96 69.

Have fun in The Hague and Leiden

Of course student life isn’t just about studying. Find out where you can grab a sandwich or enjoy a good meal after lectures. How about a workout at the University Sports Centre in Leiden to recharge your batteries? And take the time to enjoy the cultural activities on offer. For more information see:

 Recreation

 Study in The Hague

You can subscribe to The Hague Newsletter, which will keep you up to date on all the historical, musical and artistic events happening throughout the year. You can subscribe at this website:

 The Hague Newsletter

If you would like to like find out more about the city of Leiden, the events that are taking place and what to see and do, please visit the website:

 Visit Leiden

Dag, doei

Goodbye (friendly)

Hallo, hoi

Hello

Prima! Alright! Let’s do it!

Ja Yes

Gezondheid

Bless you (when sneezing or coughing)

Proost

Cheers Gefeliciteerd

Congratulations

Veel succes

Good luck!

Dank je wel, Bedankt

Thank you

Lekker

Yummy, tasty, delicious, nice, used to describe food, weather

Beterschap

Hope you get well soon

Mooi

Pretty, good

Nee No

Tot ziens

Goodbye (formal)

Patat met

Chips/fries with… (mayonnaise, ketchup etc.)

Gezellig

Fun, nice, cosy; used to describe a good time with good company in nice surroundings

Leuk

Nice, like óh’nice!’

Fijn

Nice, good

Alsjeblieft

Please, and also here you are

Some Dutch words and phrases to help you make your way around