Student account (ULCN)
As a student of Leiden University you are provided with a student account (ULCN account) that allows you to access a variety of systems such as uMail, uSis, Brightspace and library catalogues, as well as the physical workstations within the university.
New log-in procedures university systems
When logging into many university systems, you will now be directed to the Microsoft log-in screen. Here you must enter: a lower case letter s, followed by your student number + @vuw.leidenuniv.nl. So, for example: s123456@vuw.leidenuniv.nl
For further information see New log-in procedures university systems
Receiving your account details
Within two or three days of registering in Studielink or via the student administration department, you will receive your username by email.
No account details received? Get in touch with the Student Affairs Front Office. Also check that your contact details are correct in Studielink. If not, update them right away to ensure you receive all future correspondence.
Note that you will only be able to use your account after (re)setting your password via Account Services:
- If you have received a temporary password - first reset your password
- If you haven’t received a password - first activate your account
In addition, set up password recovery right away via Account Services so you can re-set your password at a later date in case of loss or expiry. You also have the option of entering your mobile phone number so you can receive a new password by text message.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
To log into the majority of university systems, you need to use Multi-factor authentication (MFA) from Microsoft. This means that as well as entering your username and password, you also need to confirm your identity via an additional method.
Set up MFA in time
Be aware that it takes around 15 minutes to set up MFA, so don’t wait till just before you need to log in.
Forgotten or expired password?
If you forget your password or it expires, there are two ways of resetting it:
- Go to Account Services and reset your password yourself. Note: you can only use this option if you already set up password recovery in Account Services.
- Get in touch with a Helpdesk. You can then receive your password via one the following methods:
- By post: first check your address is correct in Account Services. If not, update it via studielink or via the Student Affairs Front Office.
- By text message: this is only possible if you previously entered a mobile phone number in Account Services.
- In person at the Helpdesk: remember to take your LU-Card or another valid ID along with you!
Changing your password
If you need to change your password, you will receive a reminder to do so by email. You can change your password in Account Services.
If log in for password change fails
If you cannot log into the Account Services page to change your password, then you can often solve this by using a different browser (Chrome, Firefox of Internet Explorer). If that doesn't work, then clearing your browser’s cache might help.
Other log-in problems?
If you’re having trouble logging-in take a look in our FAQs for log-in tips.
Code of conduct and house rules
The use of your account and the university’s ICT facilities is governed by a code of conduct. By logging into the university’s ICT facilities with your account you agree to abide by this code of conduct. Measures will be taken in the event of misuse. You must also abide by the house rules of the building in which you find yourself.