Of course there are far too many associations and clubs in Leiden and The Hague to mention on this page. For more extensive information please visit the websites of the municipalities of Leiden and The Hague, search on the internet, or speak to other people who share your interests and background.  You can also find information on clubs and associations aimed at expats in the Netherlands on the expatica website.

Interest groups

Photography clubs

Amateur photographers of all levels and ages are welcome at Images English-speaking photography club in The Hague. As well as holding monthly meetings, Images also organises excursions, workshops and social events. In Leiden, the Leidse Amateur Fotografen Vereniging (website in Dutch) has a club evening every Monday during which members can take along their own work and request feedback and advise.

Music associations

Both Leiden and The Hague have English-speaking choirs. For more information see the websites of the Leiden English Choir and Cecilia International Choir. Or how about joining Otis music group (website in Dutch) and taking part in their yearly musical spectacular in Leiden.

Theatre groups

Do you feel like getting up on stage, or perhaps helping out backstage? If so, the Anglo-American theatre Group might be for you.

LGBT+

Leiden Pride

Leiden Pride represents LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) students, employees and alumni of Leiden University. Everyone is welcome to join Leiden Pride and visit its events, which vary from lectures and workshops to drinks and movie nights. Leiden Pride provides a safe and inclusive space for all individuals interested in the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of their background, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and religion.

COC

COC Netherlands is an organisation that advocates the rights of lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders. It organises socially relevant events and is active in areas such as youth & schools, safety, culture, religion and international issues. There are 21 local COC associations, including COC Leiden and COC Haaglanden (The Hague).

De Kringen

De Kringen is a social organisation  for LGBT people (aged 16 and older). Are you, or do you think you might be, a lesbian women, gay man, bisexual or transgender? Would you like to get to know other LGBT people in an informal setting? Have you just arrived in a new place and don’t know many people? If so De Kringen is there for you. The organisation also offers support, someone to talk to, and the opportunity to make friends whilst you are coming out and also long afterwards.

Philautia

The Hague now has its first LGBT+ student association. The name Philautia is derived from an ancient Greek concept denoting self-acceptance and self-love. In that spirit, HGSV Philautia offers a fun and safe space for everyone to meet new people or to just come and hang out. But more importantly, Philautia offers a place where you can just be yourself. There is something for everyone. From pub crawls to game nights, from speed-dating to lectures, and from dinners to movie nights. Philautia likes to keep things diverse.

Associations for other nationalities and cultures

PPI Leiden (Indonesian students association)

PPI Leiden is a branch of Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesian student association. It provides guidance and advice to Indonesian students studying in Leiden and organises social events and activities.

Association of Chinese Students and Scholars in the Netherlands

ACSSNL is a national association for Chinese students and researchers. It also has a branch in Leiden. The association is supported by the Chinese embassy in The Hague.

Leiden Science China

Leiden Science China is an association for Chinese students and PhD researchers. It is supported by the Faculty of Science but is also open to students from other faculties. The association organises activities such as career and sports events, and aims to help Chinese students integrate into Leiden life. You can also find them on Facebook.

South African Club in the Netherlands

The SA Club is a meeting place for South Africans living and working in the Netherlands. They organise social events such as braai weekends and camping trips.

Persian-Dutch Network

The Persian-Dutch Network is an independent socio-cultural network that aims to bring Dutch and Persian people closer together and encourage an understanding of Persian (Iranian) culture. 

Leiden United

Leiden United is an organisation that aims to bring students of all cultures and nationalities together in Leiden and the Hague. It organises dinners, excursion and social events that unite Dutch and international students and help create friendships for life.

Other associations

There are also a number of other associations that don’t have a website, namely:

• Eritrean association in Leiden: Condorhorst 19, Leiden.
• Parsi association - Iranian social association: Molenstraat 6, Leiden.
• Sudanese cultural & sociale association: Hoflaan 169, Leiden.
• Stichting Surinamers Leiden (Ssl): Eksterpad 6, Leiden.