Flatshare in Leiden

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Leiden

Here are some of the most outstanding aspects of living in shared flats in this Dutch city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Leiden

• Some spare rooms come with a private bathroom. While this increases the price, it can be worth it if having your own bathroom is important to you.
• You’ll have more options to live in convenient neighbourhoods for students like the city centre, Station, or Fortuinwijk. If you want to be close to Leiden University, consider Pieterswijk, Vreewijk, or Pancras-West.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Leiden

• If you wait until the last minute to start your search, finding a shared flat that fits your needs will be tough. Start your search well in advance!
• Some shared accommodations might not be the cleanest or in the best condition when you move in.

Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Leiden

There are various apps for Erasmus+ students that can make planning your exchange more enjoyable and simple. These apps provide plenty of information for your stay in Leiden, covering procedures, paperwork, and tips to enjoy the city to the fullest. One key tip: rent or buy a bicycle upon arrival. It’s the best way to explore the canals and streets of Leiden.

How to meet people in Leiden

Besides getting to know your flatmates, there are plenty of ways to meet people in Leiden:

Student associations in Leiden

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the best associations for international students. It offers support with procedures and exchange-related issues, and also organises fun activities and events to help you meet other young people. You can join theme parties, photography outings, yoga classes, city clean-up events, cooking classes, movie or quiz nights, and more.

Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Leiden

On Facebook, you'll find several groups to join, such as those run by ESN Leiden, Universiteit Leiden, and others divided by academic year. These groups are great for connecting with other young people and getting help with any questions you may have when you arrive in the city.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Leiden

Both ESN and some Facebook groups create WhatsApp or Telegram groups to help students stay connected easily. This makes it easy to introduce yourself and find other young people to share activities and interests with.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Leiden

Keep in mind these tips when living in a shared flat in Leiden:

• Some shared flats only accept people of the same sex, especially for women. Make sure to check the description of the listing carefully to see if this is the case.
• If you're in Leiden on April 27, don’t miss King's Day (Koningsdag)! The entire city celebrates the king's birthday with festivals, parties, markets, and everyone dresses in orange.
• There aren't many student residences available in Leiden, so if this is your preferred option, consider looking for one in The Hague. It's just a 20-minute train ride from The Hague to Leiden.

Frequently Asked Questions about sharing a flat in Leiden