10 August 2026

The new academic year is just around the corner and Leiden University is already welcoming students with a range of orientation activities. These are a great way for new students to get to know the university, their fellow students, and in some cases, a new country.

Orientation weeks

• El CID: 10-14 August 2026
  The EL CID is already underway. This is the introduction week for new Dutch-Speaking students of Leiden University and Leiden University of Applied Sciences who are going to study predominantly in Leiden. Events and activities are in Dutch.
   
• HOP Week (The Hague Orientation Programme) 17-21 August 2026
  The HOP is the orientation week for new Dutch and international students of Leiden University who are going to study predominantly in The Hague. Events and activities are in English.
   
• OWL (Orientation Week Leiden) 24 August-28 August 2026
  The OWL is the orientation week for new international students of Leiden University who are going to study predominantly in Leiden. Events and activities are in English.

Opening ceremony

Opening of the academic year: 31 August 2026
For the first time in our history, we are celebrating the start of the academic year in The Hague, our second home for 25 years. The theme of this year’s opening of the academic year is AI and the future of our university.

Faculty and study programme activities

Are you a new student? Do you want to find out about activities and preparations for your study programme? Visit the Welcome to Leiden University page on the student website. Make sure to select your study programme when accessing the site for the first time.