Studying with a chronic illness
A chronic illness is a long-term and persistent health condition that can impact your learning at Leiden University.
The symptoms of a chronic illness vary with the illness - for some, this includes chronic pain, fatigue, experiencing side effects of medication, or mental health concerns. This means that studying with a chronic illness may require additional time and effort. Many students study successfully and accomplish many things despite their diagnosis. Leiden University has a range of study adjustments available to support you throughout your studies.
Adaptations can be made to the ways in which you follow classes and take exams. Special arrangements and facilities offered by Leiden University for students with a chronic illness are for example:
- Additional time for exams (10 minutes per hour extra)
- Taking examinations in a separate room with fewer students (when possible)
- Partial exemptions from tutorial attendance requirements
- Extensions to assignment deadlines
- Alternative study plan with a reduced workload
- Text-to-speech software, that reads your study materials aloud whilst highlighting the text
- Taking personal circumstances into consideration for your BSA (Binding Study Advice)
- Use of laptop for examinations
The adaptations available to you depend on your specific situation. You can discuss this with Fenestra staff.
Request adaptations
Make an appointment
To arrange special adaptations for your studies, please make an appointment with Fenestra Disability Centre, Leiden University’s information centre for students with a disability.
Exception: additional time for exams
If you only require additional exam time and have an official diagnosis, you can submit a request as follows:
- Make a digital copy of your diagnosis, i.e. a letter issued by a doctor or clinic. This can be either in Dutch or English. If you need to have your diagnosis translated from a different language, mention this when completing the contact form – see next step.
- Complete and submit the contact form (select ‘Additional time for exams’)
After submitting your request
- Within two weeks, one of our staff members will be in touch with you.
- Fenestra will notify your faculty of the requested adaptation. Your faculty will then arrange your additional exam time. If you have questions about this, you can contact your study adviser.
- For most faculties, these adjustments will automatically continue for all your exams. However, at some faculties you must arrange additional time for each exam individually. Not sure how it works at your faculty? Talk to your study adviser.
Inform your study adviser
Make sure to let your study adviser know that you have requested advice from Fenestra.
For students with motor impairments, Fenestra offers advice on how to apply for barrier-free housing or financial support for students with a disability.
If you need support in everyday life, for example with doing groceries, laundry or other physical tasks, your local municipality may be able to offer social care support. Be aware that this can be difficult to request and the options available can vary.
Also take a look at the general information about housing and financial support for students with a disability.
Guidance & advisors
Fenestra Disability Centre provides advice on all disability-related matters. If you need support in other areas, there are other advisers available.
See all advisers and guidance services
Financial support
Students with a disability can incur additional expenses both during their studies and in daily life. There are a number of regulations, funds and special allowances in place that can help to ease the financial burden.
Read more about financial support
Workshops & courses
Leiden University organises workshops and courses that can help you to improve your study skills.
Take a look at the workshops and courses
Study tips
Leiden University offers study tips that can help you to study more efficiently despite any obstacles brought about by your disability.
Take a look at the study tips
Healthcare and home care
In some circumstances you might need additional healthcare or home care facilities or support.
Read more about healthcare and home care
Housing
Additional facilities in the home might be both needed and welcome if you have a disability.
Read more about housing
Legal protection
According to the Act on the Equal Treatment of the Disabled and Chronically Ill, it is strictly forbidden to discriminate on the grounds of disability and chronic illness when providing employment, accommodation, goods and services.
Read more about legal protection
Social support
Staying in contact with other students might not always be easy but it is very important. Find out about the different ways in which you can meet other students.