Nevertheless, it is important to ask your health insurance company for a statement which proves that your medical expenses in the Netherlands will be covered. For more information we refer you to international.leidenuniv.nl . Leiden is a typical university town, close to Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. It has been spared the problems of the big cities, and has remained an attractive place to live. In Leiden, a beautiful old town with a population of about 115,000, the numerous university buildings, the nearly 5,000 university staff members and the over 14,000 students have a strong impact on the town's daily life and appearance.
Student associations flourish in Leiden.
There is a great variety in student clubs and societies. Approximately one third of all students are a member of one of the six general student associations. Their activities range from dinner dances, beer evenings, film festivals, cabaret, theatre, courses and forum discussions to mountain climbing and gliding. Students also get together for sports activities, which are encouraged and supported inside and outside the university sports centre. The abundant possibilities for water sports have led to the development of numerous clubs based on these activities.