Welcome to Leiden University
Will you soon be joining Leiden University? Here you can find all the information you need to get your studies off to a good start.
Joining a bachelor's or master's programme?
Find out what you need to know and arrange by clicking on your faculty or study programme tab.
Joining an exchange or study-abroad programme?
Find out all you need to know for your semester at Leiden University on the website for international exchange and study abroad students.
Welcome to the Leiden University Medical Center. We hope you are excited to start with the master’s Biomedical Sciences! Here’s an overview of preparations to ensure you get off to a flying start!
Introduction programme
On Monday 4 September at 13.00, the programme will kick off with an introduction on campus.
Schedule
The schedules are available via the scheduling website.
Books and study materials
Study material will be available in the electronic learning environment: Brightspace.
A laptop is required. You will need it to access study materials during (online) lectures, workgroups and seminars. We recommend a laptop with the following specifications:
Operating system: Windows 10/11 (up to date)
Browser: Chrome (up to date)
At least a dual core processor
At least 8GB RAM
A LAN networkcable (for a stable internet connection)
A minimal upload/download speed of 4Mbps
It is possible to buy your hardware and software at reduced cost via Surfspot using your ULCN-account.
During your studies, you should have access to the complete Office software package. You can download the Office package for free through the University:
- Go to the Office portal on your device (portal.office.com)
- Log in with your ULCN credentials: ULCNstudentID@vuw.leidenuniv.nl or ULCNusername@vuw.leidenuniv.nl and your ULCN password
- Click “Install Office” > “Office 365 apps” and follow the instructions
Leiden University offers you software discounts, such as Adobe or Microsoft products. You can get these at Surfspot by logging in with your ULCN account. Please know that the LUMC uses the UK-varieties of software as a standard. You will receive your ULCN credentials before starting your studies in September.
Students of Leiden University have access to the Eduroam network. Login with your ULCN account one time, and after that it will connect automatically (at all universities in Europe).
Get started here.
In addition to your LU-card, you will need a LUMC badge. To receive it, fill out the badge request form you received by mail (0nly for students new to the LUMC).
For identification purposes, it is mandatory for all LUMC students and employees to wear their LUMC badge visibly. You will also need your LUMC badge for other purposes, such as accessing entrance doors and printing.
Code of conduct and confidentiality agreement
As a LUMC student you will be in contact with patients and/or have access to patient records and hospital facilities. This is private data, which is why we require you to sign the confidentiality agreement (all students)
You can read more about confidentiality in the protocols mentioned in the agreement.
In addition to the confidentiality agreement, it is important to take note of our house regulations. The most important rules are listed below:
The University and the LUMC regard fraud and plagiarism as serious offences. Albeit it intentional or unintentional, it is forbidden to present someone else’s work or ideas as your own without full acknowledgement. Examples include: cheating at exams, copying passages from books/articles into your work without referencing, or using a report written by a fellow student. The Board of Examiners is entitled to withdraw your right to take exams for a year, or even remove you from the Master’s programme. Participation in fraud or plagiarism can also lead to sanctions.
The best way to avoid fraud and plagiarism is to learn and employ the principles of good academic practice. These principles are taught in our academic skills courses and you can consult our library staff, who can help you with your questions on plagiarism and how to avoid it.
Your rights and obligations as a Biomedical Sciences student are stated in the Course and Examination Regulation, as well as the Rules and Regulations, so make sure to read them here.
Please refer to the Student Affairs website for information on obtaining housing. We advise you to start looking for housing as soon as you can.
Get to know important study facilities
Do you have any questions about your studies? You can always contact one of our study advisor. She can also help you if you have a disability or are entitled to certain exemptions.
Reach out to our study advisor if you need help with your study planning, organization and study skills. You can also reach out to our study advisor in case of exceptional (personal) circumstances, such as a disability, top-level sport, board membership, or a PhD-track. Our Studyadvisor can help you in different ways:
- Extra supervision;
- Study delay registration;
- Referrals (to e.g. student counsellors, student psychologists);
- Mediation for extra facilities (e.g. additional time for examinations, examination papers in a larger font)
What you discuss with your study advisor is confidential to the Study Advice team. Data is stored and handled securely, and records can only be viewed by the study advice team. We will not disclose any information about you to anyone without your consent. Do not hesitate to contact the study advisor.
You can always schedule an appointment with the study advisor yourself, via this link.
If you want to change the requirements set by the study programme, as you have already acquired the knowledge taught during one of the courses, then you can petition for an exemption. Your petition has to be supported with substantial evidence.
Please note that the exemption procedure can take up to eight weeks. If your exemption request concerns a course taught early in the academic year, then be sure to fill in the exemption form as soon as possible.
We offer a wide range of disability support to assist you through your studies. This can include physical or sensory disabilities, long term medical conditions, specific learning conditions (e.g. dyslexia, ADD) as well as developmental conditions (e.g. autistic spectrum disorder, Asperger’s syndrome). We can support you in a variety of ways, but we need to discuss how your disability affects you in order to make appropriate adjustments. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible, preferably before starting with your studies, by filling out the form ‘Request for extra facilities’.
Fenestra Disability Centre
You can read more on Leiden University’s Fenestra Disability Centre website, which provides information (and advice) on various aspects concerning your disability. Fenestra assesses the impact of your disability on your studies and assists in requests for extra facilities. You can contact the Fenestra Disability Centre ahead of your arrival at university.
Student mentoring will be offered to each student as part of the programme. During the beginning of the first year, a student mentor will have several meetings with the mentor group.
Enjoy student life to the fullest
Studying is important, but it is also very important to join in fun and educational activities with your fellow students. The Medische Faculteit der Leidse Studenten (M.F.L.S.), translated as ‘The Medical Faculty of Leiden Students’, represents all LUMC students and they organize educational and fun activities.
Being a student at the LUMC means that you are automatically a member of the M.F.L.S., this is free of charge and without any obligations. Being a member of the M.F.L.S. offers you a variety of advantages:
- Discount on books and instruments bought through the M.F.L.S. web shop;
- Access to member-only activities: M.F.L.S. parties, gala, or study and ski trips;
- Our own bar ‘HePatho’ with a wide selection of beverages, food, and activities.
You can follow us here:
Not interested in being a M.F.L.S. member? Let us know by sending an e-mail to secretaris@mfls.nl. Do you want to remain a member but not recieve the newsletter? Let us know via this link.
The JVT is formed by a group of five to seven Master students. The JVT is the link between students, teachers and staff of Biomedical Sciences. By representing the Master’s students in important educational committees, the JVT helps to evaluate and improve the programme of master BMS .
The JVT also organizes activities such as drinks, parties and symposia. Preferably, at least one of the members of the JVT is an international student. If you would like to be part of the JVT, or if you would like to receive more information, please contact lidBW@mfls.nl