Are you looking for a study buddy or would you like to get in touch with another student for a good conversation, to play sports or for other social activities? You can be put in contact with another student via the Student Buddy Service. Just indicate in which areas of interest you would like to be matched with a fellow student. Maybe you want to meet another dog owner, or someone else who is learning Finnish, or a student who is also interested in sustainable investing? Sign up to be put in touch with another student who best matches your interests.

As a student of Leiden University, you can join a Student Support Group to build your social connections and learn more about yourself. Student Support Groups offer a safe and confidential environment in which you can come into contact with fellow students and share your experiences. Groups consist of up to 7 students and PhD candidates under the guidance of a student-trainer. Take part and contribute to the discussion on the basis of your own experiences. Take at look at the programme and register.

Via the Uni-Life app (for Leiden and The Hague) and Studar app (for The Hague) you can stay up to date on all the latest social activities for students of Leiden University. Uni-Life also offers the option to get to know new people via online communities. Read more about Uni-Life and Studar.

Do you ever feel lonely or would like to have a little fun and meet new people? Why not sign up for Student Schuift Aan (meet and eat)? Via this initiative, the Present Foundation brings together people who could use some company. Both students and residents of Leiden and Oegstgeest. Together, you will form duos and arrange to cook and eat at your place or theirs. Sounds like fun? Sign up via the Present Foundation website. You can state your preferred days when registering.

Would you like to talk to someone about issues related to race and ethnicity? Space to Talk about Race is an intersectional community that organises a range of activities related to this topic as well as safe(r) space meetings. The Afro Student Association (ASA) and Middle East and North Africa student association (MENA) also organise events and offer a community. Or contact the Diversity and Inclusion Expertise Office if you have questions related to diversity and inclusion as well as safety on campus, either by mailing diversiteit@leidenuniv.nl or using the contact form.

As well as being fun, associations can offer you a social network and a range of worthwhile activities. Many students find that association membership enriches their student days and contributes to their enjoyment of their studies. A study association is a good way to combine study-related activities with having fun. There are also many student associations in which students from various disciplines and with various interests come together for fun, sports and cultural activities.

Looking for a cozy place to relax or get creative? Come to the Living Room on the ground floor of Plexus Student Centre. Here you can also find a Well-being Desk with a welcoming host who can answer your questions, provide information on well-being services, offer a listening ear, and assist in organising activities with you or for you.

Would you like to volunteer as a host at the Well-Being Desk? Send a mail to: studentwellbeing@sea.leidenuniv.nl with ‘host in the title.

Leiden University wants to emphasise the importance of having a good chat. Whether you want to get things off your chest, validate your feelings, or talk about ways to work on your well-being. Via Frisse Gedachtes (which translates as Fresh Thoughts), you can chat anonymously with a buddy. If your buddy is not online when you send a message, they will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also plan a day and time for your chat in advance. Or arrange to get together with other students for fun activities via their Connects tool. Create an account for free via the Frisse Gedachtes website and start a conversation.