Welcome to Leeuwarden
As a new student in Leeuwarden, you are part of a vibrant and bustling student community. This city, situated in the heart of Friesland, has so much to offer, both academically and culturally, as well as in terms of recreational activities. This information page is designed specifically for you, so that you can find all the essential information you need to navigate your way around this beautiful city.
On this page, you will find useful links to important resources such as the university, colleges, student associations, and other helpful institutions. You can also find information about housing, transportation, recreational opportunities, events, and much more. We have done our best to ensure that this page includes everything you need to have a smooth start in Leeuwarden.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy café to unwind after a long day of studying or want to know where to find sports facilities, we have the information you’re seeking. Furthermore, we aim to assist you in getting acquainted with student life and introduce you to the diverse cultural and historical highlights of Leeuwarden.
Our mission is to support and inform you as a new student, so that you can quickly feel at home in this wonderful city. Use the convenient links and information on this page to discover Leeuwarden and make your student experience here unforgettable.
Welcome to Leeuwarden and best of luck with your studies!
Oldehove:
The Oldehove has been standing since 1529, and leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! You can explore both the inside and outside of this monument: in 2011 a lift was installed to bring all visitors to the first floor. Take the spiral stairs to go up!
You can climb this iconic tower for €2,50 with your student card.
Fries museum:
With a focus on the region’s history, culture, and craftsmanship, the museum offers a rich tapestry of insights into Friesland’s past and present. It serves as a vibrant hub for locals and visitors seeking to explore the essence of the unique province Frisland.
You can visit the Fries Museum for €7,50 with your student card.
Blokhuispoort:
The Blokhuispoort is a cultural business-centre in the lively centre of Leeuwarden. Housed in a former prison, businesses, and pop-up shops- as well as eateries, a hostel, and a brand-new library has setteled in the old prison.
Aqua Zoo:
Aqua Zoo is a zoo at the border of Leeuwarden. In Aqua Zoo you discover the special animals together, such as Nile crocodiles, polar bears, ring-tailed lemurs and flamingos.
You can visit the Aqua Zoo for €19,50
The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics in Leeuwarden, is a historic palace turned museum dedicated to ceramic art. It houses a diverse collection of ceramics spanning cultures and centuries.
You can visit the Princessehof for €7,50 with your student card.
Student Stay: This organization specializes in providing student accommodation near NHLStenden in Leeuwarden. They offer a range of apartments. Feel free to visit their website to register and explore the available options.
House-rent: House-rent is another organisation for finding accommodation in Leeuwarden. They provide a variety of housing options suitable for students. You can visit their website to browse listings and get more details on available rentals.
Kamernet: Kamernet is an online platform that offers rooms, studios, and apartments in Leeuwarden and other student cities. You can set filters based on your preferences and directly contact landlords.
Facebook Groups: There are several Facebook groups specifically for finding housing in Leeuwarden. Look for groups like “Room wanted in Leeuwarden” or “Homes for rent in Leeuwarden” and request to join. These groups are often a good source of current rental listings and potential roommates.
Housing Associations in Leeuwarden: There are various housing associations that offer rental homes in Leeuwarden. Some well-known housing associations are WoonFriesland, Elkien, and Carex Fryslân. On their websites, you can find more information about renting a home and any registration procedures.
Please note that for WoonFriesland and Elkien, it’s important to be aware that you generally need to have been registered for a considerable period of time, approximately around 3 years, in order to be eligible for their housing offerings.
It’s important to start searching for housing in advance, as demand can be high at the beginning of the academic year.
Leeuwarden is home to several universities where you can have a diverse selection of studies.
NHL Stenden: NHL Stenden is an international university offering a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs. On their website, you will find detailed information about the study offerings, enrollment procedures, and contact details.
Van Hall Larenstein: Van Hall Larenstein specializes in applied sciences in the fields of agribusiness, nature conservation, food technology, and veterinary. Visit their website for more information about study programs.
Campus Fryslân – University of Groningen: The Campus Fryslân of the University of Groningen offers innovative interdisciplinary programs in various fields.
Minerva Academy for Pop Culture – Hanze University of Applied Sciences: The Minerva Academy offers a specialized program in pop culture within the realm of arts and design. It’s a part of Hanze University Groningen. To learn more about their study, you can visit their website.
Additionally, Leeuwarden hosts various other educational institutions and academies, making it an ideal place for students. For more information you can visit the website of Leeuwarden Student City.
In leeuwarden there are a various facilities in the city that can make your student life more convenient and enjoyable. Here are some important things you should know about Leeuwarden, along with useful links for more information:
Supermarkets: Leeuwarden offers a wide range of supermarkets where you can do your daily grocery shopping. Well-known supermarket chains like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Lidl and Aldi. They have locations in the city. The links provide information about the locations and opening hours of these supermarkets. Most supermarkets are within 5 min walking.
Hospitals: It’s helpful to know the nearest hospitals in case you need medical assistance. In Leeuwarden, there is one major hospital that is 24/7 open: Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden. Visit their website for more information.
Pharmacies: If you require medications, there are several pharmacies in the city where you can go. On the website of the Apotheek you can find information about pharmacy locations and opening hours.
Sports: Leeuwarden offers a diverse range of sport and fitness activities.
For students who want to stay active and maintain their fitness, there are various gyms and fitness centers in Leeuwarden.
Each of these fitness centra provides different facilities.
If you’re interested in playing football, there are several football clubs in Leeuwarden where you can participate. These are popular football clubs that have a long history in Leeuwarden
Libraries: If you’re searching for study materials, quiet study spots, or simply a good book, there is a big library in Leeuwarden where you can go, it is called DBieb. It offers a collection of (e)books and digital resources.
It’s important to know that the mentioned facilities are just a selection, and there’s much more to discover in Leeuwarden see the website Visit Leeuwarden or Leeuwarden Student City for more information.
Leeuwarden, the capital of the province of Friesland in the Netherlands, offers various transportation options for students to explore the city and its surroundings. Public Transportation: The local bus service, provided by Arriva, offers convenient routes connecting different parts of the city. The train station, located in the city center, provides connections to major cities in the Netherlands.
Biking: Leeuwarden is a bike-friendly city. Cycling is a popular transportation for locals and students. The city has well-maintained bike lanes and bike surveillanced parking facilities in the city centre.
As you settle into your student life, getting your living space comfortably furnished is essential. Luckily, there are several options in town to help you deck out your place. Here are some great spots to consider:
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Action: Looking for a one-stop shop? Look no further than Action. This store is a treasure trove of essentials and everyday items at budget-friendly prices. From kitchenware to bedding, you’ll find almost everything you need to make your place cozy and functional.
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Blokker: When it comes to kitchen tools and gadgets, Blokker is your go-to destination. You’ll discover a range of quality kitchen supplies to whip up delicious meals in your new abode.
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Leen Bakker and Kwantum: Need furniture to transform your space into a comfortable living area? Leen Bakker and Kwantum have got you covered. These stores offer a wide selection of furniture, from sofas to beds and everything in between, ensuring you can create a stylish and relaxing environment.
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Secondhand Options: Embrace sustainability and hunt for unique finds by exploring secondhand options. Facebook Marketplace is a great platform to discover items being sold by locals. Additionally, you can check out groups like “Verkoop Leeuwarden”, ”Marktplaats Leeuwarden” or even the Dutch equivalent of eBay, “Marktplaats,” for more secondhand treasures.
Having a Dutch bank account as a student in the Netherlands is highly beneficial due to limited credit card acceptance. Dutch debit cards are widely used for payments, including groceries and subscriptions, with cash rarely used.
General requirements for opening a Dutch bank account. There are generally three requirements for opening a Dutch bank account:
- You must have valid identification
- You must have a Dutch address where you will live during your stay
- You need a proof of enrolment at the university
Banks will ask for your ‘BSN’ number. This is a unique identification number assigned by the Dutch government, which you obtain when you register with the city. Banks generally will not open an account for you if you have do not have a BSN yet. Banks usually only open a bank account if you stay in the Netherlands longer than one full semester.
There are several banks that offer the opportunity to open a Dutch bank account to international students. The following bank offices are situated at central locations in the city center of Leeuwarden:
Rabobank – Zaailand 108 Leeuwarden
ING Bank – Zuiderplein 6 Leeuwarden
SNS Bank – Schrans 67 Leeuwarden
ABN Amro – Willemskade 10 Leeuwarden
Regio Bank – Spanjaardslaan 141 Leeuwarden