Overseas university spotlight: Leiden University (Netherlands)
Picture a charming Dutch city with windmills, canals and tulips; Leiden is all that and more.
It's also remarkably historic, as the birthplace of Rembrandt, a place where Pilgrims worshipped prior to sailing to the U.S. and the site of a major victory by William of Orange against the Spanish siege in 1574.
Following this military win, residents of the city were told they could have free taxation for a couple of years, or a university -- and thus was born Leiden University, the first university in the Netherlands.
Here are some of the highlights from my visit!
Leiden city
The first thing you'll notice about Leiden is just how close it is to everywhere else in the Netherlands; in fact, from the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, it was an easy 30-minute train ride directly into town.
A 5-minute walk from the station, and you already come across a windmill over a canal.
It's also a quick bus ride to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a tulip-lovers paradise.
Here, around 7 million bulbs are planted by hand every fall.
They then bloom from March to May, an absolute must-see.
Leiden has around 150,000 residents, many of whom are affiliated with the Bio Science Park, the largest cluster of life sciences in the Netherlands and one of the most successful in Europe.
In fact, there are many research spinoffs from Leiden University here.
It's also not far from the European Space Agency.
Taking a boat tour is a great way to get to know the place, but walking around on foot, you'll easily stumble across the many poems aesthetically painted on buildings.
There are around 150 in total, written in a variety of languages.
Another thing you'll notice is just how flat the country is, so it was a bit surprising to come across a mound in the middle of the city.
On top of the mound, however, are the ruins of a strategically-placed castle, which is nowadays a popular hangout and park.
When the sun comes out, so do the people, and there are plenty of nice places to grab a bite or drink on or around the canals.
Campus and academics
Founded in 1575, Leiden University started with three main faculties: theology, law and medicine.
By the end of the 16th century, the university included four important institutions that attracted students and scientists from all over Europe: an impressive library, the botanical gardens, a fencing school and an anatomical theatre.
Throughout history, many important figures have attended, including Rembrandt (though he dropped out), John Quincy Adams and members of the Dutch royal family (Queens Juliana and Beatrix and King Willem-Alexander).
Nowadays, it is made up of 34,000 students and 6,000 international students split across its two campuses in Leiden and The Hague.
It's currently ranked in the top 100 in the world (77th in the Times Higher Ed World Rankings, 2024 - similarly to UNC and USC) and is focused on making a societal impact.
In fact, it was once the site of protests from staff members when their Jewish colleagues were no longer allowed to teach during World War II.
There are various monuments to this cause around the city.
This history has had a lasting impact, as freedom of speech and being able to voice opinions have remained important to the university, which is always hosting lectures and various debates from all viewpoints (sometimes controversial ones, too) on campus.
Leiden's campus culture is that of a social university; although academics are important, the social student experience is very important, too.
It offers 16 English-taught bachelor's degrees, all of which have the flexibility to add a minor or a study abroad experience.
It's the only Dutch university with a full faculty of archaeology and also offers unique programs in African Studies, International Studies and Security and Urban Studies.
The two most competitive programs that have a limited number of spots (Numerus Fixus), however, are International Relations and Psychology.
And for students who are particularly skilled in the arts, they can add electives or a practicum experience at the Royal Conservatoire or Royal Academy of Art via Leiden's Academy for Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA).
In addition, Leiden happens to be home to possibly my favorite study space I've ever seen, a secret spot housed within the Arsenaal building.
Finally, like most Dutch cities, finding housing in Leiden can be really challenging, but they do have 300 rooms in Leiden and 300 in The Hague, available on a first-come, first-served basis -- so it's important to apply for your course early.
One way to avoid the housing crisis is to look at the Dutch university colleges, which are small, selective honors colleges housed within research universities like Leiden.
Leiden University College is located in The Hague, and students live on campus for the first two years.
Its liberal arts degrees focus on the global challenges of Peace and Justice, Sustainability, Prosperity and Diversity.
Summary: Leiden University
Leiden is no doubt one of my favorite universities and cities in the Netherlands.
I loved soaking up the history as I walked through the streets, checking out the nearby Keukenhof Gardens, navigating the low bridges whilst onboard a canal cruise, reading the various poems painted on sides of buildings -- and more.
It's very much a student city, but it's also super close to Amsterdam for those wanting a big city experience on occasion.
And throughout its nearly 450 years of history, the university continues to do a great job equipping students with the skills and knowledge to improve the societies of today.
