Astronomy Research (MSc)
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
Life in Leiden
Quaint, picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is an idyllic place to spend your university days. You will soon become familiar with the dozens of cafes, shops and bars that line the leafy canals, as well as its year-round line-up of cultural events. For visits 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.
Within the university’s student community, 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.
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 to meet other students.
Follow Christine around the city and see what it is like to live in Leiden
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Leidsch Astronomisch Dispuut F. Kaiser is the Astronomy study association. It is part of De Leidsche Flesch, the study association for students of the Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics and Computer Science programmes. Kaiser fosters the integration between Astronomy students and other members of the Leiden Observatory community by organising social activities and events, including guided tours and public events at the Leiden historical observatory Oude Sterrewacht. Study association De Leidsche Flesch arranges the book sale for the Astronomy programme, through which members can easily order their books with a discount.
Science Buddy Programme
The Science master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Science to help all international students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. Through the programme you will learn everything you need to know about the university, the student community, and the practical side of life in Leiden. Your buddy is your first connection in the Netherlands and can help you to find your way around. A few weeks before the start of your studies, you will get an invitation for the programme. After signing up, you will be matched to a student preferably from your own study programme.