Student associations again offer a warm place during the Winter Weeks to combat loneliness
Not all students spend the holiday season with family or friends. That is why the university is organising the fifth edition of the Winter Weeks this year. The goal remains unchanged: to offer both international and Dutch students who stay in Leiden or The Hague during the Christmas break a warm and welcoming place to meet others.
Research shows that feelings of loneliness are common among students, especially during the dark winter months. The Winter Weeks programme can make a meaningful difference, providing moments to relax, step away from study stress and connect with others.
Joining forces with student associations
During the Winter Weeks, everything revolves around connection, relaxation and meeting new people. Students can take part in a wide range of free activities, from ice skating and game afternoons to creative workshops and a Christmas lunch.
Four student associations are once again organising their own activities this year. Student well-being is high on their agenda. Why is this so important to them?
Priyank Agarwal, Partnership Manager, ESN Leiden
‘At ESN Leiden, we help international students feel at home in Leiden. Moving abroad means leaving not only your house, but also your routines and the familiar people around you. Through social activities and a close-knit community, we offer a place where students can find support and thrive. During the quieter winter months, when many international students remain in Leiden, we want to give them a reason to go outside and meet others. International friendships are formed, and students eventually stop feeling like outsiders. That’s what we do it for.’
Activity: Gingerbread House Workshop & 2026 Bingo
Mike Huijben, External Assessor, V.S.L. Catena
‘At V.S.L. Catena, connection between students is central, and this is essential for student well-being. We want to share the close-knit and safe atmosphere our members experience with other students as well. During the holiday season, many students feel extra pressure or loneliness, which is why we see the Winter Weeks as a fantastic opportunity to open our doors. We offer an accessible, welcoming place where students can relax, meet new people, and not feel alone for a while.’
Activity: Movie Night & Game Café
Saartje van Gemert, External Board Member, A.L.S.V. Quintus
‘At Quintus, we offer our members a social network, opportunities for personal development, and an accessible point of contact for support. In this way, we create a positive environment in which students can grow, both academically and personally. We aim to be a safe haven where there is room for relaxation and friendship, as well as a place for support when things are not going so well. The Winter Weeks give us the opportunity to open our association to all students and to offer them a warm, cosy, and welcoming place to unwind around Christmas.’
Activity: Christmas Music Bingo, with hot chocolate
Nina Bakker, Vice President of the Association, L.V.V.S. Augustinus
‘As an association, we believe having fun is important, but it is just as important that students feel safe and comfortable, both at the association and at home. In recent years, we have launched various initiatives to raise awareness of mental health, and we are keen to continue this commitment. We want students to always have a place they can turn to when they are not feeling their best, whether that is personally or academically. As an association, we offer many low-threshold ways to talk to someone, and during the holiday season this can be especially important. That is why we are taking part in the Winter Weeks again this year.’
Activity: The Oliebollen Walk
Want to know more about the Winter Weeks?
View the full Winter Weeks programme online. You can still register!
