Public Relations
2 days ago
3 min read

Are you planning on studying in Leiden and are thinking of joining one of their Student Associations? Here is everything you need to know.

Leiden University students sitting in front of Hortus Botanikus https://brochures.leidenuniv.nl/ul-master-brochure-2022-2023/student-support/

What You Should Know

Leiden is not only full of affordable student neighborhoods but it’s also home to a long tradition of student associations, which you can think of as the Dutch version of fraternities and sororities. These associations play a big role in student life, offering social events, sports, networking opportunities, and in some cases even affordable housing.

What Student Associations can you find in Leiden?

L.S.V. Minerva – The oldest and most traditional association in Leiden. Very active in student life and known for its strong community.

Augustinus (A.L.S.V. Augustinus) – A close-knit student association with a mix of social and cultural activities.

SSR-Leiden – More modern, open-minded, and welcoming to international students.

Catena – Creative, relaxed, and student-run with a less formal atmosphere.

ESN Leiden – Specifically geared toward international students (not a fraternity/sorority, but great for meeting people).

In addition, there are smaller associations linked to sports, arts, or specific academic interests.

These groups host regular activities, themed parties, dinners, and events, contributing to Leiden’s strong student culture. However, is joining one worth it? That depends on what you want out of your student experience. The main reasons students join is to get an instant social circle and try to join one of their student housing which would be much cheaper than finding a private room to rent in Leiden. These associations can help you network and quickly integrate into student life but may be harder to get into and may need you to follow a routine.

What to consider:

Some associations, especially traditional ones, require more time and participation.
Dutch is the main language in several associations.
Housing is competitive and usually offered to active members first.
If you want a more immersive Dutch experience, it can be a great choice. If you prefer a quieter lifestyle or more independence, you may decide to skip it.

Can International Students Join?

Absolutely! International students are welcome in most associations. However for some associations it may be more difficult as an international student for example SSR, Catena, and ESN are very accessible for non-Dutch speakers, while Minerva and Augustinus are more traditional and Dutch-focused, but still possible to join if you’re motivated and open to learning the culture. Attending events during EL CID Week (Leiden’s introduction week) is the best way to get to know them.

Do They Offer Student Housing?

Some of them, yes. These are shared student homes where every resident is a member of the same association. Rent is usually cheaper for example around €300–€500per month but housing quality varies. You may also have to pay membership fees (usually €100–€300 per year depending on the association). Availability is also very limited and most of the open spots usually go to already active members. Living there usually includes shared dinners, house meetings, and a strong social routine.

If your goal is cheaper housing and a tight-knit student community, this can be a big advantage.

However it may be very difficult to get a place for their housing.

Final thoughts:

Student associations can be an amazing way to build your social circle, join activities, and even secure more affordable housing in Leiden, but they’re not the only option. If getting a room through an association doesn’t work out, or if you want something more flexible and less competitive, you still have plenty of choices.

And that’s where we come in.

With RentSwap, you can find verified student housing in Leiden without scams, fake listings, or endless application stress. We can help you find available rooms and help you take over someone’s contract the moment they move out.

Moving out soon? You can help another student take over your room and earn €200 for the swap!

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