On this page you will find information about the university buildings, a workspace at the faculty and other facilities such as a LU-card and access to the university libraries as well as on who to inform in case of illness.

Opening hours

The opening hours of the Van Steenis building are Monday to Friday from 8.00-18.00, and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

LU-Card

All PhD candidates need to apply for a LU-Card (Leiden University Card): a personal card for Leiden University staff that gives you access to specific buildings and car parks among other things. The LU-Card also serves as a University ID. You can apply for a LU-Card after activating your ULCN account. More information on the LU-card can be found here.

Workspace (office, IT service, printer)

According to the Leiden University PhD Guidelines, employed and contract PhD candidates are entitled to a desk in the faculty, provided by the institute. For external PhD candidates an office can sometimes be arranged at the institute, depending on the available workspace. Institutes can ask for a (monthly) fee for using the office and printing facilities.

All offices are supplied with desks, PCs and telephones. The PCs are installed with standard software. If you want to install new software for research-related purposes, or have other requests concerning your PC, your network, your telephone, etc., you can contact the ICT Shared Service Centre (ISSC). This central ISSC helpdesk can be reached from 8.30-17.30 hours at 071 527 8888 and via helpdesk@issc.leidenuniv.nl.

For printing, scanning and copying, PhD candidates need a LU-card. Detailed copying and printing instructions can be found here.

Information about a safe and healthy workplace (preventing RSI/CANS) and adjusting your workplace can be found here.

Stationary

Employed and contract PhD candidates are not charged for printing and stationary costs (pens, pencils, envelopes etc.). These are covered by their institute. You are urged to economise on printing and to use double-sided printing where possible.

Library

The LU-card is needed to access the university libraries, its computer spaces and study areas.

Illness

If you are ill, inform your supervisor in the morning by phone or email. They will inform the personnel department because, among other reasons, in the event of prolonged absence through illness the lost time can be added at the end of your contract. Also inform your supervisor when you have recovered, preferably by email. 

Child care

Employed PhD candidates can apply for a place for their children at De Kattekop childcare centre. For more information, see their website.

Dutch language courses

International PhD candidates are encouraged to take Dutch classes. For more information, contact the Academic Language Centre. Some Institutes partially cover costs of employed PhD candidates (only after prior consultation).