Humanities Buddy Programme
Moving to Leiden or The Hague for your (Pre-)Master’s at Leiden University? Feeling a little nervous? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back! The Humanities Buddy Programme is here to help you settle in, make friends, and explore your new home with ease. Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or just want to connect with fellow students, this programme is for you.
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Buddy Groups
You’ll be matched with a group of 12 to 15 new international and Dutch Master’s students from a variety of study programmes. Each group is guided by two experienced students—either Dutch or international—who will act as your mentors, helping you settle in and navigate your first months at Leiden University.
The programme is open to Master's and Pre-master's students.
Monthly events - always free!
The programme coordinator organizes two fun events each month, open to all buddy groups. These events are a great way to meet students from across the faculty, make new friends, and enjoy Dutch culture.
Some of our past activities include:
- Boat tour in Leiden
- Painting workshops
- Karaoke nights
- Ice skating
- Museum visits
- Potluck dinners
Come join the fun and make the most of your student life in Leiden or The Hague!
Find out more in the Welcome Guide
Join the programme
New to Leiden University?
Sign up through our form to be matched with a buddy and start your adventure at Leiden University! Make friends, explore the city, and feel right at home from day one.
Become a mentor (buddy)
Already a Master’s student at Leiden University?
Join the programme as a mentor! Meet students from around the world, share your experiences, and make the most of your student life. Fill out the form, and our Buddy Programme Coordinator will be in touch with more information.
Any questions? Want to know more?
Please contact the coordinator of the Buddy Programme!
Send an email
Nicola and Nikos
Italy, Linguistics & Greece, Linguistics
The Humanities Buddy Programme is a great opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and make new friends!
Nicola (Italy, Linguistics): ‘The Humanities Buddy Programme is a great opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and make new friends! I signed up after hearing about it in the OWL week presentation, and it has given me the opportunity to attend very nice activities which break my routine and allow me to explore new things. My favourite memory so far is the visit to The Hague!’
Nikos (Greece, Linguistics): ‘I found out about the programme through the website. I signed up immediately because I like spontaneous activities. I also have come to really enjoy the support offered by my buddy and get to know so many new people. Much like Nicola, I really enjoyed the visit to The Hague, but my favourite memory would have to be the Book Swap, since I found new books I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise!’
Vivian Ng
International Relations
The Humanities Buddy Programme is definitely my favorite memory of my time in Leiden, as it brought so much laughter and color to my life here.
As an international student, this was the perfect way for me to get to know new friends and Leiden as a city. In the first semester, I took part in the programme as a participant. I was paired with a buddy who assisted me in integrating into Leiden and the University. During the second semester, I was chosen to be the Humanities Buddy Programme Coordinator. I organized plenty of events, such as a bike tour around local tulip fields, museum visits and social events, all for the participants. It was tremendous fun and I highly recommend this programme to everyone, especially international students!'