Give your physical and mental health a boost during Student Well-being Week
- Date
- Monday 23 November 2026 - Friday 27 November 2026
- Address
- Leiden and The Hague
From 23 to 27 November, Leiden University is organising Student Well-being Week. A week full of activities intended to help you work on your personal growth, meet fellow students, or just relax.
Registration opens on Monday 9 November!
Join one of the many free workshops and events. Get creative during a painting workshop or unwind with a Mindful Morning. Looking for something more active? Join a yoga, self-defense or salsa class, or take part in the Well-being Run. Or enjoy some social time at the game café, Cats & Crochet event or with the Offline Club.
And we haven't even mentioned the Mentale Wasstraat (Mental Spring Clean), a unique experience to help you recharge, unwind and strengthen your mental resilience. Whether you want to relax, get moving, learn something new or simply have fun, there's something for everyone during Student Well-being Week.
Support the whole year round
Did you know that we are also here to support you the whole year round? Whether you'd like to talk to a student psychologist, join a support group, improve your career prospects with advice from the Career Services, or work independently with our online self-help modules, our wide range of support options can help you to move forward. Explore our full range of support services on the Health and well-being pages.
Available the whole week
Online: Mind your Money (NL/EN)
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 (23–27 November), you’ll receive an email around 9 a.m. with exercises, tools, assignments, and tips to help you better understand your own finances.
Online: Stress Less challenge (NL/EN)
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. You’ll receive daily emails with exercises, tools, assignments, and tips to help you better manage stress and start your day off well.
Monday 23 November
10:00-11:00 Yoga (NL/EN)
In this session, you’ll practice postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation to help you unwind, find balance, and clear your mind. A great way to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Location: USC Leiden
A collaboration with: USC
11:00-12:00 Juggling with failure: the art of trying (NL/EN)
What if you stopped trying to avoid failure? In this active workshop, you’ll juggle, improvise and experiment with the unexpected. You’ll quickly discover that balls drop, plans don’t always go as expected, and sometimes things simply don’t work out. And that’s exactly the point. Through playful exercises, you’ll explore how to become more comfortable with mistakes and uncertainty, and how they can create space for creativity, resilience and self-confidence.
Location: Gorlaeus Building, EM1.21
11:00-12:30 LinkedIn and networking (NL/EN)
A strong LinkedIn profile can help you present yourself professionally, expand your network and discover interesting opportunities on the job market. In this practical workshop, you will learn how to use LinkedIn to support your career and how to make sure your profile clearly shows who you are, what you can do, and what you want to achieve.
Location: Wijnhaven 2.19
A collaboration with: Career Services
13:30-15:30 Workshop more confidence (NL)
This a Dutch event, please see the Dutch page for more information.
14:00-17:00 Game café XL (NL/EN)
Looking for a relaxed afternoon filled with games, fun, and connection? Come join us at Duivelsei for an extended edition of Game Café XL.
With more than 500 games to choose from, there is something for everyone. Team up for a game of The Gang, or try lying your way through the Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow. Of course, you can also simply sit back and chat with your (new) friends, or play a game of Mario Kart on our sofa.
Whether you’re here to win, discover something new, or simply relax: everyone is welcome. We’ll take care of the snacks and drinks!
Location: Duivelsei Leiden
A collaboration with: Duivelsei
15:00-17:00 Workshop self-compassion: be kinder to yourself (NL)
This is a Dutch workshop, see the Dutch page for more information.
16:00-17:00 Pilates (NL/EN)
In a busy world full of stress and deadlines, Pilates is your moment of focus and balance. This method, invented by Joseph Pilates, revolves around control and precision. No wild movements, just controlled exercises to the rhythm of your breathing. Everything starts from your 'powerhouse': your deep abdominal and back muscles.
The exercises are fluid and conscious. You learn to listen to your body, improve your posture, and let the energy flow again. It's the ultimate way to become physically stronger and mentally calm.
Location: USC Spui Building, The Hague
A collaboration with: USC
18:00-19:30 Mental health and capitalism: short film + talk (NL/EN)
Do you ever feel like you should always be doing more? Taking a break can feel almost impossible when productivity seems to be the goal. You’re not alone. Join us for a screening of the short film Garden Shed (18 min), followed by an open conversation with director Finn van den IJssel. Together, we’ll explore the pressure to perform, toxic productivity, loneliness and what it means to take care of ourselves and each other in a world that never seems to slow down.
Garden Shed, by the collective Bloeifilm, follows an overworked fashion designer who, while searching for a working sewing machine, encounters a calm but lonely philosophy student who has taken refuge in his garden shed. The film offers a playful yet thought-provoking look at how young people navigate work, expectations, loneliness and mental health.
No productivity hacks. No pressure to have the right answers. Just a short film, an honest conversation and some space to pause. We’ll take care of a free meal for you. And yes, we know you’re busy. That might be exactly why you should come.
Location: Common Room Beehive, Spui Building, The Hague
A collaboration with: Bloeifilm
18:30-21:00 Food for thought: friendship and connection (NL/EN)
Join us for Food for Thought: The Importance of Friendship. Throughout the evening, we’ll play a themed bingo game. But forget boring numbers. Your card will be filled with relatable statements, experiences, and words inspired by friendship. Mark off the ones that resonate with you or come up in conversation, and you might even win a fun prize. What do you value in friendship, and when do you feel truly connected? Come along, join the conversation, and play the game.
Location: Rapenburg 100, Leiden
A collaboration with Rapenburg100
Tuesday 24 November
10:00-11:00 Boxing (NL/EN)
Boxing is called 'The Noble Art of Self-Defense' for a reason. It is a physical chess game in which ring insight is just as important as muscle power. In this class, you'll work on rock-solid fitness, explosive punches, and lightning-fast footwork.
Whether you are a beginner or have been in the ring for years, boxing is the perfect way to blow off steam. You will train your entire body, improve your coordination, and build your self-confidence. Gloves on, chin down, and go!
Location: USC Spui building, The Hague
A collaboration with: USC
10:30-12:00 Good old-fashioned fun, boardgames with senior citizens (NL)
This is a Dutch event, see the Dutch page for more information.
11:00-12:00 Walk-in consultation: alcohol & substance use (NL/EN)
Are you concerned about yourself or someone else, in terms of issues such as alcohol or drug use, smoking, or topics like social media, gaming, or gambling? Then visit the free, anonymous walk-in hour of Brijder in Leiden and Indigo in The Hague.
Location: POPcorner The Hague
A collaboration with: Indigo Den Haag
11:30-13:30 Health Information Point (NL/EN)
Curious about your health? At the Health Information Point, you can gain insight into your physical health in an accessible and informal way. We will use a finger prick to measure your blood glucose, cholesterol and haemoglobin (Hb). We'll also measure your BMI, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. This will give you a better understanding of your current health, because knowing your numbers is the first step. Get to know your health, because your health matters!
Location: MBO Rijnland, Breestraat, Leiden, Room 0.26
A collaboration with: mboRijnland
13:00-14:30 Filter vs feelings: painting masks (NL/EN)
What do you show on the outside, and what do you keep to yourself? During this creative workshop, you will paint a mask that you can use to reflect on the difference between how you feel and how others see you.
Location: Paviljoensgracht 33, The Hague
A collaboration with: JIP/Love your mind
15:00-17:00 Get started: workshop on procrastination (EN)
Do you know that you are capable of studying yet you struggle to get started? Do you keep making plans to study but are unable to stick to them? Do you keep yourself busy with other things when you want to be studying? Or are you so busy studying that you put off fun or relaxing things? Then this workshop will be a great start for you. In the workshop 'Get Started', you will gain insight into your procrastination habit. You will learn what causes it, discover practical tools to overcome it, and leave with a concrete plan of action.
Location: Spui 3B.46, The Hague
A collaboration with: the student psychologists
15:00-17:00 Workshop taking exams & exam confidence (NL/EN)
Your first multiple-choice exams can be quite challenging, especially if you are also dealing with stress. In this workshop, you will learn how to boost your confidence when taking multiple-choice exams and how to manage that stress. We will also provide tips on the best ways to prepare for various types of exams, ensuring you head into your next exam week well-prepared.
Location: POPcorner The Hague
A collaboration with: POPcorner The Hague
19:30-21:00 Friends for life? (NL)
This is a Dutch event, see the Dutch page for more information.
19:00-22:00 Mentale Wasstraat (mental spring clean) (NL/EN)
Always switched on but when do you turn off?
Your mind never really stops. University, work, social media, messages, expectations... Even when you are taking a break, it can be hard to truly switch off. But what would happen if you managed to disconnect from all these stimuli for a while?
This is what you will discover during the Mentale Wasstraat (mental spring clean). Not by talking about it but by really experiencing it. Together with fellow students you'll take on a variety of different challenges such as:
- Breathing exercises
- Ice baths or standing on a bed of nails
- Physical challenges
- Moments of peace and connection
What to expect?
Step by step you will experience how it feels to escape your thoughts and reconnect with yourself. The Mentale Wasstraat isn't just a workshop. It's an immersive experience that will challenge you to leave your comfort zone and discover what it's really like to be switched off for a moment.
Want to know more? Visit the Mentale Wasstraat website.
Location: Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden
A collaboration with: De Mentale Wasstraat
There are a limited places available. Use LUSTUDENTS2026 for free access!
In the personal number, fill in your personal number from your LU-card.
Wednesday 25 November
9:00-11:00 Working in the Netherlands for non-EU students (NL/EN)
Are you are a non-EU student or graduate? And are you thinking of starting or continuing a career in the Netherlands, either during your studies or after graduation? You probably have a lot of questions about the official rules and regulations, or about the habits and do’s and don’ts in the Dutch working environment. During this session we will provide you with the most important information regarding legal aspects for non-EU students/graduates, as well as the specific cultural challenges of working in the Netherlands.
Location: Spui 1B.12
A collaboration with: Career Services
10:00-12:30 Plants & pencils: botanical drawing workshop (NL/EN)
Have you ever looked carefully at a plant? What shape does a leaf have? And what is the texture of a flower? In this botanical drawing workshop, you will learn to observe and draw plants, flowers and natural forms, under the guidance of two experienced artists and teachers. If you feel like spending an afternoon dreaming away and drawing, surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden, sign up soon.
The meeting point is at the LAK studio (studio 1.44 - first floor) in the Lipsius building. Here you will receive the necessary materials after which you go to the Hortus together with the teachers.
Location: LAK Atelier, studio 1.44, Leiden
A collaboration with: LAK
11:00-12:00 Mindful morning (NL/EN)
Looking to slow down and be more present? Take an hour for yourself and discover mindfulness. Learn more about the four foundations of mindfulness and explore how you can use your attention to be more present in the moment.
Location: Rapenburg 100, Leiden
A collaboration with: Rapenburg100
14:00-17:00 Roman cooking workshop (NL/EN)
What do Leiden, the Roman Empire and today’s kitchens have in common? Find out during this fun and relaxed cooking workshop. Together with other students and young refugees from different cultural backgrounds, you’ll explore Roman recipes, herbs and cooking traditions. Cook, taste and discover how food and cooking can bring different cultures together. An afternoon full of flavours, stories and connection.
Location: Faculty of Archaeology (Einsteinweg 2, Leiden)
14:00-16:00 Cyanotype workshop: an artwork about city and nature (NL/EN)
Living in a city can sometimes make us feel disconnected from nature. This workshop invites you to explore the city in a different way by creating your own cyanotype. You’ll create an abstract artwork by placing natural materials and other objects on light-sensitive paper. When exposed to light, the materials leave silhouettes in different shades of blue. In this way, you’ll bring nature, people and technology together in a single image.
No previous experience with cyanotypes is needed to take part.
Location: Spui 3B.38, The Hague
A collaboration with: LUGO
15:00-16:30 Clean streets, clear minds (NL/EN)
Join municipality staff and fellow students for an active community clean-up during the Student Well-being Week. Together, we’ll get moving, make a positive difference in our neighborhood, and reflect on how a clean living environment influences our well-being. Doing something concrete and simple for our community can give us a sense of connection, purpose, and satisfaction. It’s also a chance to meet municipality staff and learn about their work as policy advisors.
Location: Buurtontmoetingsplek Lammenschans (Omegaplantsoen 284) Leiden
A collaboration with: Gemeente Leiden & LUGO
15:00-17:00 Creatively navigating the difficulties of studying: badge making workshop (NL/EN)
Studying isn’t always easy. This workshop offers space to reflect on the challenges you face as a student and share experiences with others. Together, you’ll explore how we deal with these challenges and what might help. Afterwards, you’ll get creative and make your own badges using magazines, craft paper and other materials. You can use them to express what studying means to you, share a message that others might recognise, or represent your own experience. No creative experience needed. We’ll provide all the materials, snacks and drinks.
Location: Plexus Living Room, Leiden
A collaboration with: MeetingPoint
15:00-17:00 Workshop building bridges (NL/EN)
The wars in Gaza, Ukraine and the Middle East; everyday and institutionalised racism; the ongoing legacies of colonialism. Many of us have experienced how these and other conversation topics can lead to polarisation in society and sometimes even on campus. In this workshop, you will learn how to address sensitive topics and bring the conversation to a more profound level by learning how to ask constructive questions.
Location: Common Room Beehive Spui, The Hague
A collaboration with: POPcorner The Hague
17:00-18:00 Self-defense (NL/EN)
Safety starts with presence. In this self-defence class, you won't only learn how to react physically but also, more importantly, how to stand mentally stronger. The goal? To increase your sense of safety so you know what to do in any situation.
You will practice with realistic scenarios. You'll learn to set boundaries, clearly say 'no', and – if really necessary – use effective physical techniques. From escape techniques to using your voice, you'll build a toolkit that will help you to panic less and stay in control.
Location: USC Leiden
A collaboration with: USC
17:00-21:00 Food for thought community dinner (NL/EN)
Do you want to step out of your bubble, meet other students from various backgrounds, and contribute to an inclusive campus community? Please join us for a free dinner prepared by the student ambassadors of POPcorner The Hague.
Location: Common Room Beehive Spui, The Hague
A collaboration with: POPcorner The Hague
18:30-21:00 Film & Food: Echte mannen huilen niet (NL)
This is a Dutch event, see the Dutch page for more information.
Thursday 26 November
11:00-12:00 Walk-in consultation: financial support (NL/EN)
Drop by this walk-in consultation hour if you have questions about your finances. For example, questions about student finance (DUO), taxes, rent, insurance, benefits or managing your budget as a student. Staff from SHout! are available to think along with you and provide practical information and advice. No appointment is needed, and you are welcome even if you are not sure where to start.
Location: Living Room Huizinga 0.18a
A collaboration with: SHout!
11:00-12:30 How to cope with the first week of your first job? (NL)
This is a Dutch workshop, see the Dutch page for more information.
11:00-12:30 Cats & crochet (shift 1) (NL/EN)
Join us at the cat café for a relaxing afternoon as you learn, or practice, the art of crochet. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crocheter, this is the purrrfect opportunity to slow down, de-stress, and enjoy mindful creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll provide yarn, hooks, and guidance.
Location: Coffee Cats, The Hague
A collaboration with: Art Club
12:30-14:00 Cats & Crochet (shift 2) (NL/EN)
Join us at the cat café for a relaxing afternoon as you learn, or practice, the art of crochet. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned crocheter, this is the purrrfect opportunity to slow down, de-stress, and enjoy mindful creativity in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll provide yarn, hooks, and guidance.
Location: Coffee Cats, The Hague
A collaboration with: Art Club
15:00-16:00: Workshop sign language (NL)
This is a Dutch workshop, see the Dutch page for more information.
15:00-17:00 Workshop tips & tricks study skills (NL/EN)
Do you sometimes find it difficult to stay organised, study efficiently or manage your time? In this workshop, you’ll get practical tips to help you study more effectively and with less stress.
We’ll discuss challenges that many students face, and you’ll have the opportunity to raise your own questions and situations. You’ll discover what might work for you, and get practical tools to help you improve your approach to studying, save time and study with greater ease.
Location: Wijnhaven, Student Pavilion (ground floor), The Hague
A collaboration with: POPcorner The Hague
16:00-17:00 Salsa (NL/EN)
Salsa literally means 'sauce', and that covers it perfectly. It is a spicy mix of Cuban rhythms, Caribbean styles, and pure joy of life. Salsa is all about passion, fun, and connection with the music. The hips get loose and sitting still is not an option.
Whether you dance individually ('shines') or turn and swirl with a partner: the classes are a party. You will work on your posture, sense of rhythm, and coordination while enjoying the wonderful Latin beats.
Location: USC Spui building, The Hague
A collaboration with: USC
18:30-20:00 Well-being run (NL/EN)
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. Afterwards, there'll be snacks and the opportunity to have a chat.
Location: Spanish Steps Wijnhaven, The Hague
A collaboration with: Wijnhaven Runners
19:00-220:00 Men’s gathering: brotherhood (NL/EN)
Join us for a men’s gathering in which we will dive into the subject of loneliness and a potential antidote: brotherhood.
Experience the power of sharing and find strength in supporting each other. As well as sharing, we'll also do some physical exercises related to this theme.
Just bring yourself, and we’ll take care of the food, drinks and an open atmosphere. We look forward to meeting and welcoming you.
Location: Spectrumzaal, Plexus, Leiden
A collaboration with: Reuzehulp Coaching
19:30-21:30 Disney and meaning (NL/EN)
Disney films may seem simple, but they often explore deeper questions about life and meaning. During this gathering, we will watch The Jungle Book and reflect on the themes of friendship and freedom. What makes a friendship meaningful? How does friendship influence the choices we make? And what does it mean to be truly free? Together, we will explore these questions through Mowgli’s story and connect them to our own lives, relationships, choices, and ideas about what makes life meaningful.
Location: De Kloosterkerk, Lange Voorhout 4, The Hague
A collaboration with: Haags studentenpastoraat
Friday 27 November
10:00-11:00 Jumping Fitness (NL/EN)
Forget boring cardio. Jumping Fitness is the ultimate combination of fun, fat burning, and muscle building. To the rhythm of uplifting beats – from Latin to the Top 40 – you'll work on your fitness on a special trampoline. It's intense and challenging, but thanks to the bouncy surface, your joints will be minimally stressed.
During this class, you will use more than 400 muscles simultaneously. You'll work on your balance, coordination and core stability, while breaking into a sweat. Whether you come for the endorphin kick or tight abs, after an hour of jumping, you are guaranteed to walk out with a smile (and trembling legs).
Location: USC Leiden
A collaboration with: USC
10:30-12:30 Workshop origami (NL/EN)
Origami (折り紙) is the Japanese art of paper folding. However, origami is not just an artform or recreational activity. Science has shown that it boosts cognitive functions as well as mental well-being.
This workshop aims to give you a thorough introduction to this rewarding, creative hobby. No prior experience is required. Beginners and experienced origami enthusiasts are welcome. Paper and materials will be provided.
Location: FWN, Gorlaeus DM1.15
11:00-12:00 Workshop alcohol & substance use: what if you are worried about someone else? (NL)
This is a Dutch event, see the Dutch page for more information.
12:00-13:00 Walk-in consultation alcohol and substance use (NL/EN)
Are you concerned about yourself or someone else, in terms of issues such as alcohol or drug use, smoking, or topics like social media, gaming, or gambling? Then visit the free, anonymous walk-in hour of Brijder in Leiden.
Did you know that a specialist from Brijder is regularly available in Plexus, Leiden? Conversations are free, anonymous, and without judgment. More information can be found on the website page Support for your mental well-being.
Location: Lipsius 0.01, Leiden
A collaboration with: Brijder Preventie
12:00-16:00 Offline club: well-being mood board (NL/EN)
Do you ever feel like your screen is taking up more space than you’d like? Welcome to The Offline Club by POPcorner The Hague, a cozy space to put your phone away, reconnect with your thoughts, and spend intentional time with yourself and others.
Come and join us for a session of making your personal well-being mood board. We will use different materials like old magazines, coloured paper, tape, and paint to create a personal mood board which will inspire you for the upcoming year.
Location: Wijnhaven, Student Paviljon (ground floor), The Hague
A collaboration with: Offline Club – POPcorner The Hague
13:00-14:00 Perfectionism: break the cycle of never good enough (NL/EN)
Do you aim for perfection and demand a lot from yourself, but sometimes feel like nothing you do is ever good enough? Perfectionism can help you achieve great things, but it can also negatively impact your life. In this workshop, you’ll learn more about your perfectionism and learn practical ways to manage it.
Location: Huizinga 0.06, Leiden
A collaboration with: Moodlift
15:00-16:00 Guided tour Hortus Botanicus (NL/EN)
Take a break and join us for a tour of the Leiden Hortus Botanicus, 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 with their LU-card!
Location: Hortus Botanicus, Leiden
A collaboration with: Hortus Botanicus Leiden
15:00-18:00 Parallel play: bring your own hobby to a cozy movie screening (NL/EN)
Fancy a relaxed afternoon with others, without having to do something together all the time? Come along for a cosy film screening with hot drinks and bring along your own quiet hobby. Think drawing, crocheting, knitting, doing a puzzle or reading. Watch the film or simply do your own thing: whatever works for you. You’re welcome just as you are.
Location: Auditorium Schouwburgstraat, The Hague
A collaboration with: ASP
16:00-18:00 Painting Workshop (NL/EN)
What would your feelings look like if you painted them? In this workshop by Het Chaos Atelier, you'll explore the theme of mental well-being together with fellow students, using paint and brushes instead of words. In a relaxed, informal atmosphere, there's room to experiment, get messy and meet new people. No painting experience needed.
Location: @ease, Hooigracht 14, Leiden
A collaboration with: @ease Leiden & Chaos Atelier
19:30-21:30 Language Café (NL/EN)
Want to practise a language you're learning (or want to learn) with a native speaker? Or would you love to help someone learn your language? At the Well-being Week Language Café, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds through games, conversation prompts, activities, or just good old small talk. Whatever your level, come along and have a chat! And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a language buddy!
Location: Living Room Plexus, Leiden