Other associations
As well as study associations, Leiden University also has a number of other associations through which you can develop your skills and gain experience that will come in useful in your later professional life.
Leiden Debating Union
The Leiden Debating Union is an English-speaking international student association. Members meet twice a week to debate, mostly in the British parliamentary style. LDU has an excellent reputation and many members remain with the association even after graduation. This means that LDU benefits from a great network of knowledge and experience.
LSBo
The Leidse Studenten Belangenorganisatie (LSBo), which translates as the organisation for the interests of Leiden students, represents students of Leiden University, Leiden University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool Leiden) and Webster University. It focuses on key issues through its rental team, cycle plan, student insurances and student political activities. LSBo is always looking for (part-time) board members, which means you too could represent the interests of your fellow students in matter such as accommodation, insurances, training and politics.
Leiden MUN
The goal of the Leiden Model United Nations Foundation (Leiden MUN) is to guide students towards becoming successful representatives at MUN conferences, during which they will be directly involved in the world of international relations and diplomacy. The foundation offers a platform and networking opportunities for ambitious and talented students.
Join the Humanities Buddy Programme!
Are you a new master's student at Leiden University? Join the Humanities Buddy Programme! 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. Already a master's student at Leiden University? Join us and become a buddy instead.
Interested? Read more about the Humanities Buddy programme on the website.
The Angler
The Angler is the magazine of English Language and Culture in Leiden and is the platform for students who are interested in writing articles on topics that interest them. The Angler is published three to four times per year. Every issue contains articles on the main subjects of the Bachelor program: Philology, Literature, Language Acquisition, and Linguistics.
However, we try to include all subjects a student of English would be interested to read about: interviews with people from the department, interviews with alumni, articles on studying abroad, articles on culture, articles by people involved with LEF, articles by people involved with Albion, reviews on film, theatre, literature or television series, and creative writing.
You can find more information on the magazine and download all previous issues on our website. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and events.
We are always looking for people who would like to contribute to the magazine. If you are interested in writing or drawing for us, either as a one-off thing or on a more regular basis, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Leiden English Freshers
It was set up a little over 15 years ago to introduce English freshers (first-year students) to the world of English theatre; although most of the people involved now are not freshers, most study English in Leiden. However, we also have members with some other connection to Leiden or English.
Over time we have evolved into a successful amateur theatre group, casting experienced actors and crew as well as complete beginners, and staging at least one English language play each year. Our aim is to create a high quality play while having fun. Plays vary from the inevitable Shakespeare to more modern plays, such as J. M. Barrie's Dear Brutus, and George Bernard Shaw'sPygmalion.
We are convinced – but can’t prove – LEF members tend to graduate with higher marks, better stories and at least a few Shakespearean soliloquies to impress the family.
There is more to LEF than rehearsals. We often have a drink together afterwards, and regularly organize parties. Every production also has a Rehearsal Weekend, usually on location somewhere in the Netherlands. At the beginning of each academic year we organize acting workshops, and we usually perform a short play during the El Cid week.
We are always looking for new talent. Experience is welcome, but not necessary; enthusiasm is, however, very vital! Many of our members are students from the English Department, but anyone is welcome to join.
If you are less fond of the lime-light, there are also ample opportunities to work backstage as we have jobs for Stage Managers, Costume Designers, Make-up Artists and people to show their skills on Props or Set.
Contact Leiden English Freshers
For more information, check out our website or contact us via email. You can also find us on Facebook and Youtube.