Warm welcome for new students during El CID
On a sunny Lammermarkt, thousands of new students have gathered to kick off their student life in Leiden. The 56th edition of EL CID promises to be a lively introduction week for first-year students from the university, the university of applied sciences and senior secondary vocational education.
University historian Pieter Slaman welcomes the students to ‘the city of eternal youth’: ‘A city where everything is constantly changing, yet one thing remains the same each year: for the 450th time, Leiden is breathing in new life – that’s you.’ He encourages them to make the most of their Leiden years: ‘Discover, try, stumble, celebrate, work, persevere, enjoy, succeed and above all love.’
Making his EL CID debut, Mayor Peter Heijkoop addresses the students: ‘As a “second-year” in Leiden myself, I know how important it is to get to know the city. Visit the museums, the oldest theatre in the Netherlands and don’t forget the pubs. Roll that Leiden “R”. But above all: enjoy this fantastic city and have a wonderful time studying here.’
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University historian Pieter Slaman welcomes students to Leiden -
Mayor Peter Heijkoop addresses the new students
Leiden on Track
Anniek, secretary of the EL CID board, explains this year’s theme: ‘“Leiden on Track” stands for the new students finding their way in student life. The goal is for them to feel on track by the end of the week.’ Having completed her Bachelor’s in Biology volunteered at EL CID for years, she adds: ‘I thought: how amazing would it be to be able to help organise this? Six of us have been working full-time on it since September, and now it’s finally starting. It’s feels surreal.’
3,500 new students
Mentors hold up decorated signs to help all 3,500 students find their group. But who are these new students and what are they expecting from their time in Leiden?
Experienced mentors Sid and Olivia, who also trained new mentors this year, want their group to see as much of Leiden as possible. ‘The main aim is for everyone to have found their way by the end of the week – whether that’s in an association, on their degree programme or somewhere else in town’, says Sid. With a heatwave forecast, they are also helping students keep cool with plenty of ice lollies, shade and sunscreen. Olivia and Sid’s sign is hard to ignore. ‘Our theme had to be glitter. We saw this dolphin and thought it was the perfect combo. Hopefully he’ll stick with us all week’, Sid jokes.
Sophie previously studied chemistry but was looking for more of a challenge. She’s came to Leiden from Rotterdam to study Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences. ‘I’m glad I can do this degree in Leiden because it looks to be a small, cosy and friendly city.’ She’s has no particular expectations of EL CID and prefers to see what each day brings. ‘I’m curious about the student associations though, because I’ll probably join one.’ She’s staying at an association house, which is giving her a glimpse of association life. ‘It’s great to have somewhere to sleep, but I hope I’ll find my own room soon.’
Luc from Lisserbroek is about to start Academische Pabo, a combination of teacher training and Education and Child Studies. ‘I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Having done a lot of research during open days, I realised that primary school teaching suits me best. As I’ve got a VWO diploma, I wanted to make the most of that. This programme is a perfect fit.’ Luc lives close to Leiden, so he has already seen some familiar faces. ‘Even though I know some people, I’m still hoping to meet lots of new people from my classmates. And I’m really looking forward to Friday’s party. That’ll be fun.’
Jennifer is also starting Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences: ‘It wasn’t hard for me to choose where to study because Leiden’s the only place that offers this programme.’ She’s staying at her sister’s boyfriend’s studio during EL CID. ‘Hopefully I’ll find my own studio soon. I’m open to a student house, but coming from Arnhem makes it tricky to travel back and forth for room interviews.’ Jennifer is excited about the week ahead: ‘Lots of fun and new friends: that’s what I’m hoping for and judging by the look of things, that should be possible.’
In the afternoon, the new students had the opportunity to visit the information fair on Nieuwe Rijn, where over 100 study, sport and student associations were ready to show them all that Leiden has to offer. An incident occurred at the fair, when a bucket of soil was emptied in front of the stand of the Groot-Nederlandse Studentenvereniging (GNSV). Over the past few days, various commentators in the media and on social media have expressed concern at the association’s presence at the fair, given its beliefs. The university has also received emails raising the same concerns. The university and EL CID previously explained that, following a screening process, no grounds were found to exclude the association from participating in the information fair.
Joining the LUF
On the first EL CID day, the new students are also introduced to the Leiden University Fund (LUF) in the garden of the Oude UB. Donations to this fund support both innovative research and a vibrant student life. For five euros per year, students can join the LUF, with the money going directly to the student association of their choice.
‘If their whole group signs up, they don’t just get a tasty apple pie – they also learn about all the other membership benefits, like discounts on sports and cultural activities in Leiden and The Hague’, says Merel Rem, a LUF communication specialist.
What’s next?
EL CID runs until 15 August and wraps up with the Ontmaskerd! party on Friday. After that students in The Hague will take part in HOPweek (18-22 August), followed by Orientation Week Leiden (OWL) for international students (25-29 August).