African Studies (MA)

Student Life

Study association L.S.A Mugusa

L.S.A (Leiden Study Association) Mugusa is the study association for the BA, MA, and ResMA African Studies, as well for any other student in The Netherlands who is interested in the study of Africa. It is the only English speaking study association for Africa on mainland Europe, which makes it a unique community of students from all over Europe, as well as Africa.

Activities

Mugusa organises a yearly introduction weekend for all new members. Furthermore, the association organises monthly activities like lectures, educational visits, film nights, debates, workshops, parties, study trips, and more, related to the African continent and its diaspora.

Join L.S.A Mugusa!

If you want to join Mugusa, please follow this link for more information. We are excited to welcome you into the community! 

For general information, please visit our website or Instagram, or send us an email.

International Student Associations

Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:

Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN)
ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.

AEGEE Leiden
AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures. 

For an overview of all of our student associations, please visit our Student associations page.

Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme

The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.

For more information about the Buddy Programme, please visit the Humanities Buddy Programme page.

Welcome and orientation programme

In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.

Life in Leiden

Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.

Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.