Give your physical and mental health a boost during Student Well-being Week
- Date
- Monday 24 November 2025 - Friday 28 November 2025
- Address
- Leiden and The Hague
From 24 till 28 November, Leiden University is organising the Student Well-being Week. A week full of activities intended to help you relax, develop yourself personally, and meet fellow students.
Join one of the many free workshops and events. Get creative during a painting workshop or make your own sustainable soap. Unwind with a Mindful Morning, or discover how to deal better with procrastination or learn how to improve your sleep. Feeling active? Join yoga, bootcamp, salsa, or the Well-being Run. Or enjoy some fun and connection at one of our game nights, Mario Kart tournaments, the Potluck Dinner, or the Pub Quiz Night. Whether you want to relax, get moving, learn something new, or simply have fun; there’s something for everyone during the Student Well-being Week.
Registration for the activities will open on 10th of November. You can register via this page from that date.
We support you whole year round
Did you know that we are also here to support you the whole year round? Whether you want to speak to a student psychologist, join a support group, improve your career prospects with the help of the careers services, or get to work with online self-help modules. With our broad range of services and tools, we are happy to help. Visit the website to view all the options available.
Monday 24 November
10:00 - 12:00 | Boost your self-esteem (EN)
Want to give your self-esteem a boost? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore what self-esteem and self-image are and how they influence each other. You’ll practice recognizing your strengths, improving your body language, and setting achievable personal goals. There is also space to share experiences and try out these new skills.
By the end of the session, you’ll have practical tools to build your self-confidence and put them into practice in your everyday life.
Location: Wijnhaven 2.60
A collaboration with: Indigo Preventie Haaglanden
11:00 - 12:30 | Money&Me: Create your vision (EN/NL)
In this session we will be talking about money and everything that comes with that. Money plays a role in all areas of life. From being able to pay your school fees to finding a social club you want to join. During this session you will be creating an individual mood board as we share our insights, talk about the costs of living, and any other questions or concerns you may have when it comes to money. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with practical tips to better manage your finances.
Location: Sterrewacht C0.02
A collaboration with: SHout!
11:00 - 12:30 | Exhibition Opening: HEAR ME NOW (EN/NL)
The opening of HEAR ME NOW promises an inspiring morning with personal stories, a chance to connect with others, and a visit to the exhibition. Twelve women and two men share their experiences of sexual boundary violations. Their life-sized portraits invite conversation and help break taboos. Refreshments will be provided, and everyone interested is welcome. Mariëlle Vavier, Councillor for Poverty, Inclusion, Care, and International Affairs, will officially open the project.
14:00 - 16:00 | How to find a job that suits me? (NL)
This workshop will be in Dutch, please see the Dutch description.
15:00 - 17:30 | Game café (EN/NL)
Looking for a fun afternoon of games? Join the boardgames afternoon hosted by Social Creators Leiden! We’ll have a selection of games ready for you, but feel free to bring your own favorites too. We’ll be offering free hot chocolate and cookies, the perfect treat for a cozy gaming afternoon! You’re also welcome at the monthly Boardgames Night, every second Thursday of the month at BOP, Herenstraat 61.
Location: Plexus Living Room
A collaboration with: Social Creators Leiden
15:30 - 17:30 | Rap & Record: build a song together (NL/EN)
Ever wanted to create a rap track? During this workshop, provided by Stichting Niet Alleen and @ease Leiden, you will write and record a song from the ground up. No musical skills are required, come as you are and discover what happens when words, rhythm, and your own story come together!
Location: Living Room @Ease, Hooigracht 14, Leiden
A collaboration with: @ease and Stichting Niet Alleen
16:30 - 17:30 | Pilates (EN/NL)
Bring your body and mind into balance in this Pilates session. Strengthen your core muscles in a controlled way, improve your posture, and increase body awareness. Suitable for both beginners and experienced participants.
Location: Round dance room in the Beehive, Turfmarkt 104 The Hague
17:30 - 19:30 | Low sensory event: bring your own hobbies (EN/NL)
ASP invites you to a relaxed and cozy evening where you can bring your own hobbies. Whether you like reading, crocheting, drawing, journaling, or playing board games, everything is welcome and nothing is required. Come to unwind, socialise, or a bit of both. We’ll provide snacks, drinks, chill background music, and a calm atmosphere. Everyone is welcome!
If you have any requests regarding accessibility, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram @aspleiden.
Location: Humanities Living Room @Huizinga 0.16 & 0.18A
A collaboration with: ASP
19:00 - 21:00 | Messy hands, happy hearts - clay workshop (EN)
Join us in this fun and relaxing workshop where you can create your own clay pieces. No experience is necessary- we will teach you the basic principles of working with clay and guide you in bringing your ideas to life. Whether you create a work of art or just enjoy the process, it's all about discovery, fun, and self-expression. Messy hands possible, fun guaranteed!
Location: Plexus Living Room
Tuesday 25 November
11:00 - 12:00 | Alcohol and substance use: how to help yourself and others (EN)
Want to know more about alcohol, drugs, smoking, or behaviors like gaming, social media use, or gambling?
In this workshop we’ll discuss questions like:
- When is use or behavior a cause for concern?
- How can you recognize warning signs in yourself or others?
There’s space to ask questions or share experiences. After the session, you can have a voluntary one-on-one conversation with the prevention expert.
Location: Sterrewacht C0.02
A collaboration with: Brijder Preventie
12:00 - 13:00 | Walk-in hour alcohol and substance use (EN/NL)
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else regarding issues such as alcohol or drug use, smoking, or topics like social media, gaming, or gambling, you can visit the free and anonymous walk-in hour of Brijder (in Leiden) or Indigo (in The Hague).
Did you know that a specialist from Brijder is regularly available in Plexus? The conversation is free, anonymous, and without judgment.
Feel free to drop in on:
- Monday 17:00–18:00: Nov 3, Dec 1
- Wednesday 11:00–12:00: Nov 19, Dec 17
- Prefer to make an appointment? Email plexus@brijder.nl
- More information
Location: Leiden: Sterrewacht C0.02 The Hague: Sting - Beehive
A collaboration with: Brijder Preventie + Indigo Preventie Haaglanden
15:00 - 17:00 | Workshop study skills: tips and tricks (EN)
To make life easier at university, knowing how to study can be a big help in avoiding stress and getting overwhelmed by deadlines and exams. Join this workshop of the POPcorner The Hague for practical tips and tricks that will save you time, energy and support you in getting the results you want!
Location: Apiary (0.10) - Beehive
15:00 - 17:00 | Mario Kart tournament (round1) (EN)
Join us for the ultimate Mario Kart Tournament at ESN! Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned racer, this is your chance to show off your skills, customize your favorite character, and battle it out on the big screen. Thrilling rounds, loads of fun, and prizes for the winners await you!
We’ll provide a fun atmosphere with drinks and cheering. Spots are limited, so sign up now and secure your place at the starting line!
Location: ESN Leiden
A collaboration with: ESN Leiden
16:30 - 17:30 | Outdoor Bootcamp (EN/NL)
Join this energetic full body workout! During the Outdoor Bootcamp, powerful movements like push-ups, squats, burpees, and planking alternate with short breaks. A great way to get fit and move your body.
Location: Inner Garden of Plexus, Leiden
18:00 - 21:00 | Potluck Dinner - Food for Thought (EN/NL)
Bring something tasty to share, meet fellow students, and chat about what friendship and belonging mean to you. Enjoy good food and great conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Rapenburg100
A collaboration with: Rapenburg100
18:30 - 19:30 | Well-being Run (EN/NL)
Join a relaxing social run through The Hague, about 45 minutes long, open to all levels. Meet new people, take a break from university stress, and get moving. Snacks and a chance to chat will be available afterwards.
A collaboration with: Wijnhavenrunners
19:00 - 21:00 | Mario Kart tournament (round 2) (EN)
Join us for the second round of the ultimate Mario Kart Tournament at ESN! Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned racer, this is your chance to show off your skills, customize your favorite character, and battle it out on the big screen. Thrilling rounds, loads of fun, and prizes for the winners await you!
We’ll provide a fun atmosphere with drinks and cheering. Spots are limited, so sign up now and secure your place at the starting line!
Location: ESN Leiden
A collaboration with: ESN Leiden
Wednesday 26 November
10:00 - 12:00 | Procrastination Workshop (NL)
This workshop will be in Dutch, please see the Dutch description.
10:00 - 11:00 | Yoga (EN/NL)
In this session, you’ll practice postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation to unwind, find balance, and clear your mind. A great way to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Location: USC Leiden, Einsteinweg 6 in Leiden
11:00 - 12:00 | How can I be there for others? (EN/NL)
During this workshop provided by @ease Leiden, you will learn how to check-in with your friends and people around you, to see if they are doing well. You’ll get practical tips and tools to support someone going through a tough time and connect with them in a meaningful way.
Location: FSW -> PdlC - 1A 49
A collaboration with: @ease Leiden
15:00 - 17:00 | Building Bridges: How to address sensitive topics in a productive way (EN)
The wars in Gaza and Ukraine; the ties to fossil industry; the ongoing legacies of colonialism: many of us experience how these and other conversation topics incidentally lead to hostile situations in society and sometimes even on campus.
In this workshop, you will learn how to engage with sensitive topics on a profound level. You will learn to present arguments for your own position and ask constructive questions and hence learn how to build bridges to others.
Feel free to stay for the Community Dinner afterwards to put those skills to the test!
Location: Common Room Beehive
15:30 - 16:30 | Self Defense (EN/NL)
This class helps you feel safer by learning how to respond effectively to threatening situations. You’ll practice both physical and mental techniques, including setting boundaries, saying no, escape techniques, using vulnerable points, body posture, presence, and voice.
The training boosts your confidence, so you’re less likely to panic and better able to respond in challenging situations, mentally and if necessary, physically.
16:00 - 17:00 | Guided tour Hortus Botanicus (EN/NL)
Take a break and join us for a tour of the Leiden Hortus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Discover this season’s special plants, hear fun facts about the collection’s highlights, and learn about the garden’s history. Spending time outside among plants helps reduce stress and clear your mind. And the best part? Students always have free access!
Location: Hortus (entrance)
17:00 - 21:00 | Community Dinner: Food for Thought (EN/NL)
Join our community dinner and engage in conversations about building a stronger, more inclusive community at Campus the Hague. During this free dinner, prepared by students for students, participate in small-group dialogues on creating connections and bridges in a polarized world.
Location: Common Room, Beehive
19:00 - 21:00 | Pool café (EN/NL)
Join us for a relaxed evening at the Pool Café the Church. A unique spot in a former church in the heart of Leiden. Whether you’ve played before or are trying pool for the first time, everyone is welcome. Play a game, grab a drink, and meet new people in a friendly, laid-back setting.
Location: Pool café The Church
Thursday 27 November
10:30 - 12:30 | Hear Me Now workshop (EN)
In this interactive workshop on sexually transgressive behaviour, we explore themes such as sexual boundaries, gender roles, power dynamics, and masculinity. Through play, dialogue and reflection, participants gain awareness of social dynamics and their own role within them. The workshop begins with the powerful exhibition at Wijnhaven and invites conversation, insight and action. Emancipators’ experienced trainers create a safe and open atmosphere. Sign up and help create an inclusive and safe learning environment.
Location: Wijnhaven 2.60
11:00 - 12:30 | Make your own sustainable soap (EN/NL)
Join LUGO (Leiden University Green Office) for a workshop in which we’ll make our own sustainable soap! The soap is made of natural ingredients that are 100% biodegradable - and smell great too. Let's combine mental health and sustainability in a relaxing session of DIY soap making. Please bring your own container to take your soap home, and we'll take care of the rest. See you there!
Location: Common Room, Beehive
A collaboration with: LUGO
13:00 - 14:30 | Cats & Crochet: A Purrfect Pause (round1) (EN/NL)
Join us at the cat café for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by our friendly feline residents as you learn (or practice) the art of crochet. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crocheter, this is the purrfect opportunity to slow down, de-stress, and enjoy mindful creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We’ll provide yarn, hooks, and guidance — all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a few head scratches for our furry hosts.
Location: CoffeeCats, Weimarstraat 137, The Hague
13:00 - 15:00 | Time Management - How to make a realistic weekly schedule (EN)
In this workshop you learn how to make a realistic weekly schedule and how you can stick to it. In preparation for the workshop, you keep a time log for a week. The aim is for you to keep track of how you spend your time on an hour-to-hour basis. When you participate in this workshop, have your diary and an overview of all your study tasks for the coming period at hand.
Location: Apiary (0.10) - Beehive
14:30 - 16:00 | Cats & Crochet: A Purrfect Pause (round 2) (EN/NL)
Join us at the cat café for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by our friendly feline residents as you learn (or practice) the art of crochet. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crocheter, this is the purrfect opportunity to slow down, de-stress, and enjoy mindful creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We’ll provide yarn, hooks, and guidance — all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a few head scratches for our furry hosts.
Location: CoffeeCats, Weimarstraat 137, The Hague
15:00 - 16:30 | Sip, snack & create your own self-care jar (EN/NL)
We all have times when we are not feeling our best. In moments like these, it is hard to think of what makes you feel good. In order to be better prepared for those times, we will create a “self-care jar”. Think about what has helped you in the past to lift you up. Was it a walk outside? A drink with friends? Or watch your comfort show with a treat? At the end of this session, you will leave with a jar of ideas to help your future self and lighten the load when you feel down. Drinks and snacks are provided!
Location: Apiary (0.10) - Beehive
A collaboration with: JIP & Love Your Mind
16:00 - 17:00 | Jumping Fitness (EN/NL)
Burn some energy in Jumping Fitness on special trampolines! Dance, jump, and move to the music in a fun and effective workout that improves balance, coordination, and fitness.
Location: Hall A, USC, Einsteinweg 6 in Leiden
17:00 - 21:00 | Food & Film – Dare To Dream (EN)
Meeting Point and ESN Leiden would like to invite you to join us for a movie night filled with fun, delicious food, and a great documentary. Afterward, we'll discuss the themes explored in the film. Everyone is welcome! Simply register using the registration form.
Location: MeetingPoint
Friday 28 November
10:00 - 11:00 | Mindful Morning (EN/NL)
Start your day with a calm and open mind. Join us for a gentle morning of mindfulness, reflection, and simple practices to ground yourself before the day begins. A quiet space to breathe, recharge, and connect.
A collaboration with: Rapenburg100
10:00 - 12:00 | Improve your sleep (NL)
This workshop is in Dutch, but everyone is welcome.
Did you sleep poorly? Do you have trouble concentrating, do you keep worrying, or do you wake up frequently during the night? Then this workshop by Indigo Prevention is for you!
You will learn:
- what healthy sleep means and why it is important;
- how to recognise your own sleep pattern;
- practical tips and exercises for a better night's sleep;
- why sleeping pills and alcohol are not the solution.
Discover how to sleep better and start your day feeling rested!
Location: Wijnhaven 3.54
A collaboration with: Indigo Preventie Haaglanden
11:00 - 12:30 | Poetry on prescription (NL)
This workshop is in Dutch, .
13:00 - 14:00 | Guided Tour Hortus Botanicus (EN/NL)
Take a break and join us for a tour of the Leiden Hortus, the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Discover this season’s special plants, hear fun facts about the collection’s highlights, and learn about the garden’s history. Spending time outside among plants helps reduce stress and clear your mind. And the best part? Students always have free access!
15:30 - 17:30 | Paint & Pause (EN/NL)
Join this creative workshop where you’ll have the time, space, and tools to create your own painting under the guidance of an experienced artist. Be creative - paint your emotions, your thoughts, or whatever inspires you!
Location: Living Room @Ease, Hooigracht 14, Leiden
A collaboration with: @ease Leiden + Chaos Atelier
15:45 - 17:00 | Bouldering (EN/NL)
Curious about bouldering? Come to Boulderhal Krachtstof and give it a try! After a quick introduction, you’ll get to climb independently while experienced trainers are on hand to share tips and tricks. No experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm and have fun!
Location: Krachtstof Leiden
19:00 - 20:00 | Salsa (EN/NL)
Looking for a fun way to unwind after a long day of studying? Come dance! Salsa is not only a great workout but also a perfect way to meet new people in a creative and social setting. During the lessons, you’ll dance both solo and in pairs while lively Latin music fills the room. You’ll improve your posture, coordination, and rhythm — and most importantly, have a great time!
Location: Round dance room in the Beehive, Turfmarkt 104 The Hague
19:00 - 21:00 | Pub Quiz: Dutch decoded (EN/NL)
We organise an exciting quiz night where you can test your knowledge on various topics. The questions will be asked in Dutch, with a translation into English. If you don’t understand something, ask your team! We use simple Dutch and ensure that there is at least one native speaker per team to help with the language. There are great prizes to be won for the winning teams! So give it your best shot and have a chance to win nice rewards.
A collaboration with: Dutch Language Café
All week available
GezondeBoel Well-being Challenge
Take charge of your mental well-being during the Student Well-being Week!
Join a free, online programme via GezondeBoel and explore over 100 modules on topics such as stress, balance, motivation, and resilience.
Challenge: send a screenshot of a completed module to wellbeingweek@sea.leidenuniv.nl and get a chance to win a goodiebag filled with well-being items!
Zen Garden
Step into the Wijnhaven Zen Garden: a peaceful spot to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. Here you’ll find space to slow down, clear your mind, and recharge. Both students and staff are welcome to relax in silence and unwind. Enjoy a cup of tea, sit back in a massage chair, listen to nature through the meditation headphones, or engage your hands with a coloring page, puzzle, or hand massage.
Location: The Wijnhaven courtyard. Don’t worry, the garden is heated!
Hear me Now exhibition
Visit the opening of the exhibition HEAR ME NOW at Wijnhaven. Twelve women and two men share their personal stories about sexual boundary violations. Their life-sized portraits and stories invite conversation and help break the taboo. On view from 24 November to 12 December.
Mind your money online challenge
Do you sometimes wonder where your money goes? Would you like to gain more insight into your finances? You’re definitely not the only one who struggles with this from time to time. That’s why you should join the daily Mind Your Money challenge! For five days (24–28 November), you’ll receive an email around 9 a.m. with exercises, tools, assignments, and tips to help you better understand your own finances.
Stress Less online challenge
Do you often experience (study) stress? You’re definitely not alone. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it! Join the Stress Less Challenge this week. This week, you’ll receive daily email with exercises, tools, assignments, and tips to help you manage stress better and start your day off right.