IncLUsion
IncLUsion is a student initiative that enables refugees who are not (yet) able to register on a regular study programme to follow courses at Leiden University. But studying is more than just attending classes, which is why IncLUsion also offers a buddy system. Buddies are Leiden University students who help refugees to integrate and find their way at the university.
On this page you can find:
- Information for newly-admitted IncLUsion students, to help you get your studies off to a good start.
- Information on how to become an IncLUsion student buddy or language buddy and the kind of assistance you will give.
Newly-admitted IncLUsion students
As an IncLUsion student, you will be confronted with a lot of new information at the start of your studies. The list below contains many of the facilities and topics you will encounter. Read the information carefully and make sure you are well-prepared for your studies.
As a student of Leiden University you’ll receive a student account (ULCN account). This gives you access to the university’s systems and work stations. You'll first need to activate your ULCN account.
Your LU card is your university ID card. It gives you access to a range of facilities. Make sure to request your LU card before starting your studies.
As a student of Leiden University you will be issued with a university email address: uMail. All correspondence from the university will be sent to this address. You can set up your uMail account so that all mails will be forwarded to your own email address.
All the details of your studies are recorded in uSis. From your first registration as a student until your graduation.
Brightspace is Leiden University’s online learning environment.
The indispensable app for Leiden University students. Here you can find all your personal study information in one place. Log in once and access your schedule, results, available computers and university news anytime and anyplace.
Make sure you know where you have to be and when on your first day.
During your time as a student you will probably face a variety of challenges. Both in terms of studying and personal development, you might need a little help from time to time. Find out how you can boost your wellbeing and who you can turn to for support. Read more about wellbeing
Questions?
Still have questions after reading the information above? Send an email to inclusionstudents@sea.leidenuniv.nl. Note: we are unable to reply to Yahoo email addresses.
IncLUsion buddies
Are you a sociable and helpful student who enjoys meeting new people? Do you want to contribute to equal educational opportunities? Then sign up to be an IncLUsion student buddy or language buddy (or both). IncLUsion offers you the unique opportunity to meet people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and actively contribute to diversity and inclusivity at Leiden University.
Student buddies
As a student buddy, you will have four main tasks:
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Practical: you will help refugee students to integrate into student life by assisting them with practical study-related matters, such as explaining Brightspace and uSis. IncLUsion students will be able to reach out to you with their questions.
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Problem spotting: whilst supporting IncLUsion students, you'll be in an ideal position to notice if they are experiencing problems, whether these are study related or well-being related.
- Referring: this task follows directly on from the previous one. If you spot any problems, you can refer the IncLUsion student to the student coordinator or other sources of help.
- Social: as a buddy, you will play a valuable social role. This goes beyond online contact and check-ins. You will interact with IncLUsion students in person at a kick-off event, certificate award ceremony, and a range of other social events. You will also organise activities and study sessions within your own buddy group. It is very important that buddies actively attend social activities to help create a sense of community. You will be expected to keep activity dates free in your agenda whenever possible.
How many hours?
As a student buddy you will spend 2 to 3 hours per week on IncLUsion activities.
Sign up to be an IncLUsion student buddy via this form.
IncLUsion kick-off event 29 August 2025
The kick-off event for IncLUsion buddies and students will take place on 29 August 2025. It is very important that you can attend. When signing up to be a student buddy, please keep this date free in your agenda. If you cannot attend due to circumstances beyond your control, an online session will be given in mid September.
Want to know more? Send an email to inclusionstudents@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Accept the invitation
After signing up, you will receive an invitation to become an IncLUsion student buddy. Once you accept the invitation, the buddy coordinator will link you to an IncLUsion student, taking into account your academic background. You will then be placed in a buddy group with one other student buddy and two or three IncLUsion students.
If a lot of students sign up to be buddies, we may not be able to make use of your services. If this is the case, we will let you know and invite you to volunteer again next semester.
Kick-off event
Before the start of the semester, you will attend a kick-off event with IncLUsion students and other buddies. Your presence is very important as it helps to break the ice and create a welcoming environment. During the event we will also provide IncLUsion buddy training.
Language buddies
As a language buddy, you will help IncLUsion students to improve their Dutch through informal, interactive sessions at our Language Café. This in turn will help them integrate into Dutch student life. You will meet up with students and other language buddies every 2 to 3 weeks, helping to create a relaxed and friendly environment in which students can practice their Dutch. In your application you can indicate which days and times would suit you best.
Proficiency in Dutch is required.
Sign up to be an IncLUsion language buddy via this form.
Want to know more? Send an email to inclusionstudents@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
After signing up, you will receive an invitation to become an IncLUsion language buddy. Once you accept the invitation, the community coordinator will contact you to make practical arrangements and put you in touch with other language buddies and IncLUsion students.
If a lot of students sign up to be language buddies, we may not be able to make use of your services. If this is the case, we will let you know and invite you to volunteer again next semester.
Further information
Want to know more about the IncLUsion programme? Looking for information for applicants? Visit the IncLUsion website.