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.

Read more about ULCN accounts

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.

Read more about the LU card

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.

Read more about uMail

All the details of your studies are recorded in uSis. From your first registration as a student until your graduation.

Read more about uSis

Brightspace is Leiden University’s online learning environment.

Read more about Brightspace

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.

Download the app

Make sure you know where you have to be and when on your first day.

Take a look at your timetable

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

As a student buddy, you will spend 2 to 3 hours per week on four main tasks:  

• Practical: you will help refugee students with practical study-related matters, such as explaining Brightspace and uSis. IncLUsion students will be able to reach out to you with their questions. 

• Problem spotting: you will notice if they are experiencing problems, whether these are study related or well-being related.

• Referring: If you spot any problems, you will refer the IncLUsion student to the student coordinators or other sources of help.
• Social: you will interact with IncLUsion students in person at social events, such as kick-off events and the  certificate award ceremony. You will also organise activities and study sessions within your own buddy group. It is very important that buddies attend social activities to help create a sense of community. You will be expected to keep activity dates free in your agenda whenever possible.

Apply now to be an IncLUsion student buddy in the semester starting September 2026.

Want to know more? Send an email to inclusionstudents@sea.leidenuniv.nl.

Accept the invitation

After signing up, you will receive an e-mail welcoming you to the IncLUsion community.

Once applications for student buddies have closed, the buddy coordinator will assign you to a buddy group. Each group includes a few IncLUsion students and a fellow buddy. Assignments are made with your faculty in mind.

When the groups are finalised, you will receive:

• a link to your buddy WhatsApp group;
• an invitation to the buddy training;
• an invitation to the kick-off event.

Kick-off event

Before the start of the semester, you will attend a kick-off event with IncLUsion students and other buddies. It's very important to attend. This is the moment where we get to know each other and create a welcoming environment. During the event, you will also receive IncLUsion buddy training.

At the kick-off, you will have the opportunity to meet your buddy group before the semester begins.

As a language buddy, you will spend about 2 hours a week helping on four main tasks:

• Practical: you will help IncLUsion students improve their Dutch by practicing conversation and doing simple language exercises. Students can also ask you questions about the language.
• Problem spotting: while supporting IncLUsion students, you are in an ideal position to notice if they are experiencing problems related to their studies or their well-being.
• Referring: if you spot any concerns, you can refer the IncLUsion student to the student coordinators or other helpful services.
• Social: you play an important role in creating a safe and encouraging environment for language practice. You help organize informal conversations, study moments, and group activities where students can practice Dutch in a relaxed way. You’ll also take part in events like the kick-off, certificate ceremony, and other social activities that bring the community together.

The Language Café is held weekly and rotates between Leiden and The Hague. When you apply, you can indicate which days and times would suit you best.

Proficiency in Dutch is required.

Apply now to be an IncLUsion language buddy in the semester starting September 2026.

Want to know more? Send an email to inclusionstudents@sea.leidenuniv.nl.

After signing up, you will receive an email welcoming you to the IncLUsion community.

Once applications close, the language café coordinator(s) will contact you 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.

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.